Steelhead Obsession: Oregon's North Coast with Matt Thornton

Episode 176 of the Destination Angler Fly Fishing Podcast – July 30, 2026.  Our destination is Oregon's North Coast with diehard steelhead guide Matt Thornton who covers the obsessed steelhead culture of the North Coast, why mindset is everything, and the incredible run they've had this year. Matt also shares stories of snorkeling for steelhead, teaching clients to fight steelhead with his Lab, and the long odds—and big rewards—of spey casting.   Stick around to the end to learn about Matt's conservation organization, The Wilderness Calling which is researching steelhead migration patterns…you might be surprised by what they're learning. In this episode: ·        Why Oregon's North Coast has become one of the world's premier wild steelhead destinations. ·        The unique culture of spey fishing—and why steelheaders willingly endure the "fish of a thousand casts." ·        Why mindset may be the most important skill a steelhead angler can develop. ·        Matt's unforgettable story of snorkeling a run and discovering fish where everyone thought there were none. ·        How steelhead behavior can surprise even the most experienced anglers. ·        Teaching clients to fight steelhead with his Labrador, Boomhauer. ·        This year's outstanding steelhead run and what made it so special. ·        Matt's favorite fly pattern and color. ·        The mission of The Wilderness Calling and the cutting-edge research they are doing using $5,000 tracking tracking tags.  ·        Why understanding steelhead migration could have a major impact on future conservation efforts. With host Steve Haigh | Destination Angler Podcast — THE podcast for anglers who travel. Connect with Matt:  Instagram:  @the_wilderness_calling https://www.thewildernesscalling.org/  |  [email protected] | 907.602.6759 Book a trip with Matt:  Northwest Fly Fishing Outfitters Be the first to know about new episodes.  Become a subscriber  Follow the show so you never miss a destination.  Destination Angler Podcast:   Website  |  YouTube  |  Instagram & Facebook  @DestinationAnglerPodcast  Check Out Our Sponsors: 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 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 *** Comments & Suggestions:  host, Steve Haigh, email [email protected] Available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Recorded June 5, 2026