Hopelessly Addicted to Native Trout with Steve Vedra and Matt Perkins

Episode 175 of the Destination Angler Fly Fishing Podcast – July 16, 2026.  Our destination is the American West with Steve Vedra and Matt Perkins, two Indiana fly anglers who have become hopelessly addicted to chasing native trout. Join us as they share incredible stories of 33-mile backpacking trips, remote floatplane drop-offs, torn ACLs, massive blowdowns, and the relentless pursuit of some of North America's rarest fish.  From California to Alaska, Oregon to Arizona, Matt and Steve prove that the greatest rewards often lie far beyond the trailhead. In this episode: Why two Indiana anglers became hopelessly addicted to chasing native trout. The 33-mile backpacking trip for one of the rarest trout in North America. What happened when a floatplane left them alone in the Alaskan wilderness.   Surviving torn ACLs, massive blowdowns, and torrential rain in pursuit of wild fish. How they research and plan ambitious DIY fly fishing expeditions across the American West. Lessons learned from years of exploring remote rivers few anglers ever see. Tips for anglers interested in taking on the Western Native Trout Challenge. Why the greatest adventures often begin where the trail ends. With host Steve Haigh | Destination Angler Podcast — THE podcast for anglers who travel. Connect with Matt:  Facebook & Instagram:  @Mperkins03 Connect with Steve:  Facebook & Instagram:  @SteveVedra Be the first to know about new episodes.  Become a subscriber  Destination Angler Podcast:   Website  |  YouTube  |  Instagram & Facebook  @DestinationAnglerPodcast  Check Out Our Sponsors: High N Dry Fishing Where science and performance meet.  Check out the full lineup of floatants, line dressings, and sighter waxes at www.highndryfishingproducts.com    Facebook @highndryfishingproducts  Instagram @highndryfishing Redd's Flies Premium flies, tied with purpose. Redd's is a family-run company built around premium hand-tied flies — including exclusive patterns you'll only find at Redd's Flies. Delivered to your doorstep in days, not weeks. A portion of every order goes directly to organizations protecting trout habitat and restoring rivers. Use this link and discount code DESTINATION to save on your next order.  Facebook: @ReddsFlies Instagram: @ReddsFlies TroutRoutes  The #1 Mapping Resource for Trout Anglers.  Podcast listeners can try one month of TroutRoutes PRO for FREE by clicking the link in the episode description. Explore 50,000 trout streams with TroutRoutes today.   Get 1 Month Free   Facebook @troutinsights Instagram @TroutRoutes    Frontiers Travel THE one-stop outdoor travel company that's been helping anglers experience the world's greatest fisheries for more than 55 years.   Your Experts in Fly Fishing & Wing Shooting.  [email protected] | 1-800-245-1950 | [email protected] | +44 (0)1285 700 940 Facebook | Instagram | Vimeo   *** Comments & Suggestions:  host, Steve Haigh, email [email protected] Available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Recorded Jan 3, 2026