The Land of Big: Fly Fishing the Upper Columbia River with Kelly Laatsch

Our destination is the massive Upper Columbia River in southeastern British Columbia, with football-field-sized back eddies, hydraulics that'll flip drift boats, and rainbow trout that'll bend your rod like a bonefish.   Joining me is veteran guide, Kelly Laatsch, general manager of St. Mary's Angler, Cranbrook, BC, who's spent three decades mastering these waters. Today, Kelly opens his playbook, sharing secrets on fly fishing extreme hydraulics, why a single-fly rigs is a good strategy, and pointers on guiding men vs women.  We'll also touch on BC's legendary Elk, St. Mary, and Skookumchuck rivers, plus Argentina's trout paradise. Stick around for a wild story of 400-pound sturgeon—and an unforgettable first date. With host Steve Haigh Be the first to know about new episodes.  Become a subscriber  Destination Angler on YouTube Contact Kelly:      https://www.stmaryangler.com/    Instagram @stmaryanglerflyshop  Facebook @StMaryAnglerBC Destination Angler Podcast:   Website YouTube Instagram & Facebook  @DestinationAnglerPodcast  Please check out our Sponsors: TroutRoutes  Podcast listeners can try one month of TroutRoutes PRO for FREE by clicking the link in the episode description. Explore your water with TroutRoutes today.   Get 1 Month Free   Facebook @troutinsights Instagram @TroutRoutes    Adamsbuilt Fishing  THE trusted source for quality fly fishing gear, built to last at an affordable price. Waders, Nets, Outerwear.  Facebook & Instagram @Adamsbuilt 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 Comments & Suggestions:  host, Steve Haigh, email [email protected] Available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Recorded July 10, 2025