EPISODE · Nov 12, 2025 · 1H 31M
WOT 249: Smallmouth, Hard Work, and Perspective on the Kalamazoo River, with Jon Lee
from The Wadeoutthere Fly Fishing Podcast
In this episode we WadeOutThere with Jon Lee from Kalamazoo, Michigan. Jon grew up in southwest Michigan, just outside of Kalamazoo. He was introduced to fly fishing on the Pere Marquette River as a teenager, spending time with his great uncle, and slowly embracing the value of learning over catching. As a child, Jon would search through magazines depicting distant and exotic outdoor adventures that seemed out of reach, until he combined his love of fly fishing with an unapologetic work ethic and made his dreams of seeing the world a reality as a fly fishing guide. After exploring many distant outdoor experiences, Jon moved home, to Michigan, to guide the waters of his youth, on the Kalamazoo River. We discuss smallmouth bass fishing on the Kalamazoo River, the value of perspective while pursuing fly fishing, and Jon’s book, A Guide’s Day Off, about the moments in fly fishing that make it special.Learn More:IG: @kalamazoo_river_guideJon's book: A Guide's Day OffREAD: WADEOUTTHERE | The Fish Are Always Biting - MindsetREAD: WADEOUTTHERE | Small Flies, Light Takes, and Lost Fish. It's Good For YouVisit WadeOutThere.com/art for 10% off your first original painting or limited edition print from show host and artist Jason ShemchukNewsletter Sign-Up . Sign up for emails with new podcast episodes, blog articles, and updates on artwork from Jason.
What this episode covers
In this episode we WadeOutThere with Jon Lee from Kalamazoo, Michigan. Jon grew up in southwest Michigan, just outside of Kalamazoo. He was introduced to fly fishing on the Pere Marquette River as a teenager, spending time with his great uncle, and slowly embracing the value of learning over catching. As a child, Jon would search through magazines depicting distant and exotic outdoor adventures that seemed out of reach, until he combined his love of fly fishing with an una...
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WOT 249: Smallmouth, Hard Work, and Perspective on the Kalamazoo River, with Jon Lee
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