Into the Driftless Region with John van Vliet and Catherine Smith

Episode 169 of the Destination Angler Fly Fishing Podcast – April 23, 2026 Our destination is the legendary spring creeks of the Driftless Area—where miles and miles clear cold water, aggressive trout, and an open to the public culture make this truly a one-of-a-kind destination.  Author and expert fly anglers, John van Vliet and Catherine Smith break it all down—where to look, what to throw, when to go, and one unforgettable story from the Mount St. Helens eruption.   With host Steve Haigh. Key Topics: Why the Driftless feels like a secret mountain fishery hiding in the Midwest Crystal-clear spring creeks—and trout that see everything you do The art (and agony) of fooling ultra-picky fish on dry flies Stalking rising trout like a bowhunter, not a caster Hopper eats, ant falls, and those explosive summer takes A wild detour—the Mount St. Helens eruption story you didn't see coming How 20-inch trout disappear into water you can step across Timing it right—when the river suddenly turns "on" Outsmarting crowds and finding your own water Easy access, endless creeks, and the ultimate DIY road trip A comeback story—how these streams were brought back to life Be the first to know about new episodes.  Become a subscriber  Contact John and Catherine:  https://www.troutrunpress.com/    |  [email protected] | Instagram @TroutRunPress    Destination Angler Podcast:   Website  |  YouTube  |  Instagram & Facebook  @DestinationAnglerPodcast  Please check out our Sponsors: 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    Got Fishing  Crafting world-class fly-fishing adventures specially designed to your level of experience and budget.    Facebook @GotFishingAdventures Instagram @GotFishing  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 that actually hold up and flat-out catch fish, delivered to your doorstep in days, not weeks.   A portion of every order goes directly to organizations protecting trout habitat and restoring rivers.  Use discount Code DESTINATION for a good deal on your next order Facebook @ReddsFlies      Instagram @ReddsFlies   Comments & Suggestions:  host, Steve Haigh, email [email protected] Available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Recorded Mar 19, 2026