The Backcountry Fly Fishing Podcast

Finding fishable water has never been the hard part. Finding the right water—and knowing how to access it—is where things get complicated.In this episode, Ross sits down with Erik Johnsen of TroutRoutes to talk about the evolution of digital mapping for fly anglers, the challenges of building a trout-specific navigation tool, and how better information can open the door to more exploration and more confidence on the water. The conversation covers everything from the unique trout culture of Wisconsin’s Driftless region to the broader challenge of helping anglers understand public access, stream classifications, species data, river miles, and backcountry navigation. Ross and Erik also dive into one of fly fishing’s most divisive topics: spot burning, gatekeeping, and the balance between protecting special places and helping anglers discover the incredible public water available across the country. This is a conversation about maps—but it’s really about opportunity, access, and the work it still takes to earn fish, even when the information is right in front of you.-----If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/

What makes outdoor gear actually good? And what happens when the people designing it are the same people out there beating it up in wild places?In this episode, Ross sits down with Eric Bender, lead equipment designer at Kifaru International, to talk about what goes into building gear for serious backcountry use and why so much of the fly fishing world still misses the mark. From packs, shelters, and load systems to chest rigs, sidearm carry, and the importance of durability over gimmicks, this is a deep dive into the intersection of design, function, and wilderness use. Eric shares the story behind Kifaru, how his own life in the outdoors shaped his approach to product design, and why truly good gear should disappear into the background and simply do its job when things get hard. The conversation also explores the growing overlap between hunting, backpacking, and backcountry fly fishing and why more companies are beginning to recognize that serious anglers need equipment built for more than just standing next to the road. If you’ve ever cursed a zipper, broken a pack, or wondered why outdoor gear so often feels like it was designed by people who don’t actually use it, this one’s for you.Because in the backcountry, gear isn’t just gear. It’s part of whether the whole thing works.-----If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/

Recorded from a tent somewhere in the Colorado backcountry, this first installment of Field Notes is an experiment in bringing the podcast out of the studio and into the places that inspire it. After a day spent exploring a rugged mountain creek full of small brook trout, deadfall, steep canyon walls, and hard-earned water, Ross reflects on why we return to wild places in the first place. This episode explores the idea that backcountry fly fishing is about more than checking boxes, collecting destinations, or adding new waters to a list. Instead, it's about building relationships with landscapes—learning their character, understanding their challenges, and allowing them to become part of our personal stories. From memory and meaning to connection and place, this is a quieter, more reflective conversation about why some streams stay with us long after we've left them behind.Because we're not just collecting places. We're building relationships with them.-----If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/

Backpacking opens the door to some of the most rewarding experiences in fly fishing, but it also requires a different level of preparation, self-reliance, and planning than a simple day trip.In this episode, Ross breaks down the backpacking system he uses for overnight and multi-day backcountry fly fishing trips. From shelters, sleep systems, food, water, and camp gear to safety equipment, fishing tackle, and wildlife considerations, this is a practical look at how to pack efficiently while still remaining comfortable, prepared, and safe in remote environments. The conversation also explores why backpacking is about more than simply reaching remote water. Whether you're accessing places that can't be reached in a day or choosing to spend the night for the deeper connection that comes with living in a landscape rather than merely visiting it, backpacking changes the way you experience wild places. This episode isn't about ultralight gear lists or shaving ounces. It's about building a system that works, understanding the tradeoffs between weight and preparedness, and carrying what you need to move confidently through the backcountry.Because when you're miles from the trailhead, everything you need is on your back—and that's part of what makes it meaningful. -----If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/

This season’s installment of Complaint Corner takes aim at one of the most persistent—and annoying—mentalities in fly fishing: the obsession with big fish at the expense of everything else.Ross dives into the culture of the “Big Fish Bro,” the angler who treats fly fishing as a scoreboard, measures success exclusively in inches, and seems more interested in trophies, comparisons, and social media validation than the places, fish, and experiences that make the sport meaningful in the first place.The conversation explores the difference between wild fish and managed fisheries, the role of artificiality in modern trout fishing, and why some of the most rewarding experiences in fly fishing have absolutely nothing to do with the size of the fish at the end of your line.Fair warning: this one is spicy.If you think the point of fly fishing is simply catching the biggest trout possible, you may not enjoy this episode. If you think the point is something deeper, pull up a chair.Because sometimes an eight-inch trout in a wild place is worth more than a twenty-inch trout anywhere else.-----If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/

After a close encounter with a rattlesnake in a remote canyon, Ross reflects on something bigger than fishing: why we’re really drawn to wild places in the first place.This episode explores the difference between beauty and consequence—between simply enjoying nature and willingly stepping into environments that demand competence, awareness, preparation, and respect. From wilderness, risk, and mortality to self-reliance, personal growth, and the honesty that exists in places indifferent to human comfort, this is a deeper conversation about what the backcountry gives us that modern life often cannot.This isn’t an episode about catching fish. It’s about confrontation, judgment, growth, and the search for something real in a world increasingly designed to soften every edge.Because sometimes the wilderness isn’t asking whether you can catch trout. It’s asking who you are when nothing else is there to protect you from consequence.-----If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/

At some point, every serious backcountry angler runs into the same question: when does a fishing trip stop being a day trip and become an overnighter?In this episode, Ross breaks down the thought process behind deciding when it’s time to camp, backpack, or prepare to spend the night outside. From mileage, elevation gain, and fishing time to weather, navigation problems, physical limits, and unforeseen emergencies, this is a practical look at the factors that can turn a simple outing into something much bigger.This episode is also about more than logistics. It’s about what happens when you fully immerse yourself in wild places instead of just visiting them for a few hours. Camping and backpacking force a different kind of self-reliance, awareness, and connection to the outdoors—and in many cases, they’re the gateway to truly remote water and experiences that can’t be reached any other way.Ross also discusses preparedness, risk management, and why every backcountry angler should carry at least basic overnight gear, even on a “simple” day trip. Because the outdoors doesn’t care what your plans were.Sometimes the best trips become overnights by choice. Sometimes they become overnights because nature made the decision for you.-----If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/

Summer means one thing: it’s time to throw big bugs.In this episode, Ross dives deep into the world of terrestrial fly fishing—grasshoppers, beetles, ants, and the explosive eats that make them one of the most addictive ways to catch trout. From favorite patterns and simple fly design to rigging hopper-droppers and understanding where these insects actually fit into the ecosystem, this is a full breakdown of how and why terrestrials work.Ross explains why trout treat these bugs like high-calorie “steak dinners,” why the strikes are so violent, and why some of the biggest fish in the river will move for a hopper when they won’t move for anything else. The episode also covers presentation, storytelling, and the importance of putting these flies where they naturally make sense—because trout may not be rocket scientists, but they know when something feels right.Whether you tie your own foam bugs or just want an excuse to throw giant dry flies all summer, this one’s all about one of the most fun and effective ways to fish.Tie on a hopper.Things are about to get violent.-----If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/

What if the most “normal” way of fishing isn’t actually the best way?In this episode, Ross makes the case for ditching waders and embracing wet wading as the default approach for backcountry fly fishing. From the simple definition—getting in the water without a barrier between you and it—to the deeper philosophy behind it, this is a full breakdown of why wet wading changes the way you move, fish, and experience the outdoors.Waders are hot, restrictive, heavy, and clunky—especially when you’re hiking miles into the backcountry. But more than that, they create distance between you and the environment. Wet wading strips that away. It’s lighter, simpler, and far more connected.Ross walks through when it makes sense to wet wade (and when it doesn’t), how to do it safely, and the full system that makes it work—from pants and socks to boots, pack setup, and how to transition in and out of the water without turning your day into a mess. Because getting wet is the point, but staying comfortable and efficient still matters.This isn’t about being hardcore. It’s about being practical.And in the backcountry, simplicity almost always wins.-----If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/

The best days on the water don’t start at the river—they start at home.In this episode, Ross breaks down the power of building systems and routines that make your fishing simpler, more efficient, and far less prone to failure. From preseason prep to dialing in your gear, pack, and process, this is about removing friction before it ever has a chance to show up on the water.Because missed opportunities, wasted time, and avoidable mistakes usually aren’t bad luck—they’re the result of weak systems.This episode is a practical look at how to streamline your approach, reduce decision fatigue, and maximize the time that actually matters: your time on the water.The goal isn’t perfection. It’s consistency—and the kind of preparation that lets you fish with confidence when it counts.-----If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/

Season 6 of the BCFF Podcast begins with a reminder: you don’t have to go far to find something wild.In this episode, Ross explores the idea of frontier water—those overlooked stretches of river and hidden pockets of backcountry that exist just beyond the edges of well-known fisheries, and sometimes even just outside of town. These are places that don’t give themselves up easily. They require effort, curiosity, and a willingness to step off the path—but for those who do, the reward is solitude, beauty, and fish that feel earned.This episode also reflects on what makes The Backcountry Fly Fishing Podcast different. It’s not just about tactics or numbers. It’s about connection to nature. About real experiences in real places. About the kind of time outside that strips things down and gives something back.Frontier water isn’t a location.It’s a mindset.And it’s closer than you think.-----If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/

Season 5 of The Backcountry Fly Fishing Podcast comes to a close with a look at how far the show has come—and where it’s headed next.In this final episode of the season, Ross reflects on the growth of the podcast, the wide range of topics covered throughout Season 5, and the community that’s formed around thoughtful conversations about fly fishing, wilderness, stewardship, and outdoor life. It’s also a candid discussion about what’s changing behind the scenes, including potential shifts in season structure, the addition of video content, and how the show can continue to evolve without losing what makes it grounded and authentic.Looking forward, Ross lays out a roadmap for the future: a deeper focus on outdoor skills beyond fishing—like backpacking, camping, and time spent living well in wild places—along with the possibility of ethical, transparent partnerships with gear brands he personally uses and trusts. There’s also a discussion of potential hosted trips and other ways to bring the community together off the screen and out into the field.Season 5 may be ending, but this is very much a beginning. We’ll be back in early April with Season 6.Thank you for listening—and for being part of what this has become.-----If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/

When disaster hits, the damage doesn’t stop at roads and homes—it tears through rivers, streams, and the communities that depend on them.In this episode, Ross sits down with Jared Dubin and Miguel Huerta of The Beacon Network, a small, community-based nonprofit doing critical recovery work along the South Toe River in North Carolina following the devastation of Hurricane Helene.The conversation explores what recovery actually looks like on the ground—navigating a complicated political environment, coordinating volunteers and resources, and staying focused on long-term watershed health rather than quick fixes. Jared and Miguel share why restoring damaged streams matters, not just for fish and ecosystems, but for the people who live alongside them.This episode is also a call to service. It’s about how anglers and outdoor communities can show up when the waters they love are damaged—and why stewardship doesn’t end when the storm passes.If you care about rivers, resilience, and being useful when it matters most, this is an episode worth listening to.-----If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/

Some places change you—not because they’re comfortable or accessible, but because they demand something from you. Deep in Mongolia’s backcountry, far from roads, towns, and certainty, those places still exist.In this episode, Ross sits down with Peter Fong, head guide with Mongolia River Outfitters, the team that made Ross's life-altering expedition into one of the wildest landscapes on Earth possible. Driving deep into the steppe and living on the land in one of the most remote (and cold) places on the planet, this was a trip that reshaped how Ross thinks about wilderness, risk, and what it means to truly earn an experience.Peter shares what it takes to guide in this incredible place, the history and spirituality of Mongolia's ancient taimen rivers, and the importance of protecting places like these for coming generations. The conversation explores humility, preparation, cultural respect, and the responsibility that comes with bringing anglers into landscapes that are still largely untouched.This episode isn’t just about fishing—it’s about transformation, perspective, and the rare privilege of stepping into places that still play by their own rules.-----If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/

In this episode, Ross sits down with Allen Law of Western Rivers Conservancy to talk about one of the most effective—and often overlooked—approaches to protecting wild rivers in the American West.Western Rivers Conservancy works to permanently protect rivers by acquiring them and then handing them back to the public in various ways. Allen explains how this model works, why it’s so powerful, and how it differs from traditional conservation strategies that rely solely on regulation or advocacy.The conversation dives into what it really takes to keep rivers wild in the face of development pressure, fragmentation, and changing land use. From success stories to ongoing challenges, this episode offers a clear-eyed look at conservation that produces real, lasting results.If you care about wild water, public access, and the future of fly fishing in the West, this is an episode worth your time.-----If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/

Not every guide deserves the title.In this season’s installment of Complaint Corner, Ross takes aim at a growing problem in fly fishing: guides who don’t really know the craft, don’t respect the resource, and treat the river like an amusement park ride instead of a living place that deserves care and humility.This episode isn’t about ego or gatekeeping—it’s about standards. About the difference between guiding and simply putting people on fish. About what happens when profit comes before stewardship, and when wild places are reduced to content, numbers, and tips.It’s a frank conversation about responsibility, competence, and respect—both for the sport and for the landscapes that make it possible.Fair warning: this one’s spicy.-----If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/

Fly fishing doesn’t need a dozen different knots to be effective. In fact, most anglers can do everything they need on the water with just a small handful—if they actually know how and when to use them.In this episode, Ross breaks down the core knots every fly angler should have dialed, why these knots work, and where they fit into real-world backcountry fishing scenarios. This isn’t about memorizing an encyclopedia of knots—it’s about simplicity, confidence, and efficiency when it matters most.Whether you’re new to fly fishing or just tired of overthinking your rig, this episode strips things back to the essentials and helps you spend less time fumbling with line and more time fishing.Because on the river, it’s really not that complicated.Links to Knot Tutorials:Davy Knot: https://www.netknots.com/fishing_knots/davy-knotUni Knot: https://www.netknots.com/fishing_knots/uni-knotPerfection Loop:https://www.netknots.com/fishing_knots/perfection-loop Jam Knot (Reynolds): See Mastering Pike on the Fly, by Barry Reynolds-----If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/

Every angler knows the feeling—those days when the river goes quiet, the fish disappear, and nothing you do seems to change it. Slow days on the water can mess with your head if you let them, but they don’t have to break you.In this episode, Ross dives into the art of getting through the tough days: how to interpret what the river is telling you, how to manage the mental side of a slow bite, and how to stay productive even when the fishing isn’t. From reading conditions with clarity to shifting your expectations, using the time to sharpen other skills, or simply learning to appreciate the day for what it is, this episode is about finding gratitude and purpose when the fishing tests you most.Because in the backcountry, not every day is lights-out—and that’s exactly what makes the good ones matter.-----If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/

The cold isn’t just a condition—it’s a mindset.When the temps drop and the rivers turn steel-gray, most anglers call it quits. But if you know how to prepare yourself mentally, winter becomes one of the most rewarding seasons of the year.This episode dives into the mental game behind fishing through the harshest months—how to stay focused, stay sharp, and stay out there when everyone else goes home.Available now on all major podcast platforms.-----If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/

Fly fishing gives us more than fish. It gives us quiet. It gives us space. It gives us a way to breathe in a world that never stops moving. And in this Thanksgiving episode, Ross reflects on the gratitude we owe to the waters that keep us steady, the wild places that make us feel alive, and the moments of peace that only a river can provide.This isn’t a gear episode or a tactics breakdown. It’s a meditation on what this sport means.Ross also explores the responsibility that comes with gratitude—how caring for the places we love is part of loving them, and why stewardship isn’t an obligation but an expression of thanks.Whether you’re spending Thanksgiving with family, friends, or knee-deep in cold water, this episode is a reminder of what fly fishing gives us… and what we owe in return.-----If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/

There’s a moment every angler reaches when the flies in the shop just don’t cut it anymore. Maybe it’s a pattern that never quite works the way it should. Maybe it’s that tiny backcountry creek where trout eat everything except what’s commercially tied. Or maybe it’s just the urge to create something that’s yours.In this episode, Ross delivers a full fly-tying sermon—part philosophy, part instruction, and part hard-earned truth—on why you should be tying your own flies, what materials and tools you actually need, when to start, and how to learn (and create) patterns that consistently catch fish.This isn’t about perfection or pretty Instagram flies. It’s about building skill, sharpening observation, and closing the loop between your hands, your imagination, and the trout you chase. Whether you’re brand new to tying or decades deep at the vise, this episode will remind you that tying isn’t just another part of fly fishing—it’s the craft that holds the whole thing together.-----If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/

It might not be glamorous, but it sure as hell catches fish.In this episode, Ross takes a deep dive into indicator nymphing—the most misunderstood, underrated, and effective technique in all of fly fishing. From foam to yarn to Air Locks and beyond, he breaks down the pros and cons of different indicator types, how to rig them, and when (and when not) to use them.This episode is packed with practical insights to make you more effective on the water—and maybe help you see “bobber fishing” in a whole new light.Because in the end, it’s not about what’s on your line. It’s about what’s willing to eat it.-----If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/

The wild doesn’t stay wild on its own.In this opening episode of Season 5, Ross returns from Mongolia—where he chased the legendary taimen on some of the most remote water on Earth—and reflects on what he found there. Among endless stretches of untouched country, a massive new highway project is cutting its way through the steppe, a reminder that even the most isolated landscapes are not beyond the reach of civilization.This episode sets the stage for the season ahead, exploring not just backcountry fly fishing (although there will be plenty of that), but how the pursuit connects us to the fragile balance between wilderness and human ambition. Season 5 begins with a call to remember that the outdoors isn't just our sanctuary—it's our responsibility. And sometimes, stewardship isn't just about protecting what we have. It’s about deciding what we’re not willing to lose.-----If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/

Season 4 of The Backcountry Fly Fishing Podcast comes to a close, but the conversation doesn’t stop here. In this final episode, Ross reflects on the BCFF Podcast journey so far—and turns to one of the most important conservation issues facing our public lands today: the proposed repeal of the Roadless Rule.The Roadless Rule protects more than 58 million acres of America’s wildest country, safeguarding fish habitat, clean water, and the kind of backcountry that makes this podcast possible. Its repeal would open the door to development, fragmentation, and the loss of places that define our outdoor heritage.Ross breaks down what the rule means, why it matters to anglers and anyone who loves wild country, and how you can get involved in defending it. If you’ve ever shouldered a pack, followed a faint trail, or fished water that can only be reached on foot, this is your fight too.Thank you for being part of Season 4. Stay tuned—there’s much more to come in Season 5.You can send in a public comment on the Repeal of the Roadless Rule here. Comments are due by 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 19, 2025.------If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568210175639

As summer gives way to fall, backcountry anglers face one of the trickiest transitions of the year: turnover season. Weather gets funky, waters cool, insect activity changes, and spawning begins to influence behavior.In this episode of The Backcountry Fly Fishing Podcast, Ross unpacks how to approach this narrow edge season. He explains how (and where) to plan your trips, the extra gear you need in your backpack, what to expect from insect behavior as hatches taper off, which pattern you need in your box, and how spawning cycles begin to come into play. The goal of this episode is to provide a roadmap for anglers who want to keep catching fish when peak-season approaches no longer hold. Because really, none of us wants to stop fishing as summer comes to an end.------If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568210175639

Some places are so wild and remote they feel almost untouched. In northern British Columbia, just outside the vast Muskwa-Kechika Management Area, that kind of wilderness still exists. And it’s here that Urs and Daniel Schildnecht built Northern Rockies Adventures—a lodge and outfitting business that brings anglers and adventurers into some of the most rugged and spectacular country on the continent.In this episode, Ross sits down with Urs and Daniel after spending days flying by float plane, fishing lakes and rivers that few will ever see. They talk about the origins of their lodge, the challenges of building a life and business so far north, and the stories that come from guiding in a place where the road ends. Along the way, they share their perspective on the Muskwa-Kechika itself—its unique landscape, its wildlife, and the deep solitude it offers to those willing to venture into it.This is more than a fishing story—it’s a window into the people who call the wild north home, and the waters and mountains that define their lives.------If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568210175639

The backcountry demands more from both anglers and their equipment. When every ounce matters and every mile is earned, the right gear can make the difference between a long, grueling slog and a trip you’ll never forget.In this episode, Ross sits down with brothers Patrick and Daniel Bauman of Colter Backcountry, where two brothers with a passion for the outdoors are designing fly fishing gear built specifically for anglers who venture deep into the wild.If you’re a fly angler who hikes farther, camps deeper, and thrives on the adventure as much as the fishing, this episode will give you a look behind the curtain at the gear being built with you in mind.------If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568210175639

There’s a voice inside you that knows when something isn’t right. Sometimes it whispers. Sometimes it roars. The key is learning to listen.In this episode, Ross sits down with security expert and former FBI agent James Hamilton from Hamilton Security Group for a deep dive into the nature of intuition—what it is, where it comes from, and why it might be the most important tool you have in the backcountry and beyond.They explore how intuition works under pressure, how to sharpen your situational awareness, and why training and preparation can mean the difference between confidence and catastrophe. Whether you're deep in the wilderness or navigating everyday life, this conversation will change the way you think about what your gut is trying to tell you.------If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568210175639

Backcountry fly fishing is about mastery—learning the water, the fish, and the environment. It’s about exploration, achievement, and growth. It’s about earning your fish and your spots, not having them handed to you.In the second edition of Complaint Corner, Ross takes on the problem of spot burning—how it harms pristine places, ruins the fishing experience, and robs anglers of one of the best parts of the sport: discovering it for themselves.------If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568210175639

There’s no better way to learn what not to do than by pointing and laughing at someone else’s mistakes. Lucky for you, Ross has a whole wall full of them—and he’s not shy about handing out free lessons.In this episode, Ross pulls three stories straight from his personal Wall of Shame: times he ignored his own advice, made dumb choices in the backcountry, and came this close to earning a Darwin Award.The takeaway? Play stupid games, win stupid prizes. Or just listen to this episode and avoid the prizes altogether.------If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568210175639

We all love to get out there as often as we can. But some days, you’re just not supposed to be in the wild. Some days, the mountain says No.This episode is all about those moments—the ones where something inside you whispers, “Not today, friend.” Whether you're off physically, stuck in your own head, riding out an emotional storm, or just feeling that deep-down pull to turn back, learning to listen to that voice matters.Because the wilderness doesn’t just test you—it talks to you. And sometimes, the most seasoned move you can make is knowing when to stay home.------If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568210175639

Alright, you've picked the perfect high-alpine lake, found the perfect weather window, nailed your timing, and made the hike. What the hell do you do now?In this episode, Ross walks you through how to make it happen on high-alpine lakes, which can be among the toughest places in the world to fly fish if you're not prepared.If you're not sure what gear you need, wonder which patterns you ought to have in your box, or are looking for some tactics that might just save your day, this one's for you.  ------If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568210175639

If you love backcountry fly fishing, chances are you love hiking to high-alpine lakes. But as stunning as these remote waters are—tucked away in rugged mountain ranges—they can be unpredictable and frustrating if you don’t time your trips right.In this episode, Ross breaks down how to plan and time your next hike to a high-alpine lake, sharing practical tools, tips, and advice to help you stay safe and find success at the top of the world.Here are some resources for you to check out:Copernicus Browser (Sentinel Satellite Imaging)AllTrails (for the latest reviews and reports)National Weather Service (for the best daily forecasts)------ If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568210175639

The wild is unpredictable. That's why we love it.But when you're catching fish out in the sticks by yourself, you have to make peace with the fact that no one is coming to bail you out. That means you have to practice self-reliance, and that starts with having the stuff you need (or might need) if things go sideways. In this episode, Ross talks about the importance of being prepared for your backcountry trips and what he carries in his day pack to ensure he's as safe as he can be in the woods or on a mountaintop, no matter how rough the terrain. You can check out the full gear checklist here.------If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568210175639

Welcome back, friends. It's officially time for Season 4 of the BCFF Podcast.In this episode, published right on the cusp of prime backcountry fly fishing season, Ross breaks out his tweed jacket to talk about the philosophy of why we go to hard places to catch fish. Spoiler alert: It ain't really about the fish at all.------If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568210175639

Well, it happened. DC politics have collided with our time in the woods, and that means we've gotta talk about it (even if we'd rather not).In this special--and urgent--episode, Ross talks about a provision in the U.S. Senate GOP's budget reconciliation bill that would mandate the sale of millions of acres of federal land--the same land we use to hike, camp, and fly fish. You can read more about the proposal and find a map of the lands potentially up for sale from The Wilderness Society here. This bill is moving quickly. Now is the time to speak up for the places you love. If you'd like to contact your congresspeople, you can do so through the digital advocacy campaigns below or by looking them up yourself here. This is our national identity, our heritage. Don't sit this one out. Trout Unlimited CampaignBackcountry Hunters and Anglers CampaignThe Wilderness Society Campaign

Alright, friends, we've come to the end of Season 3. We hope you've enjoyed this season and come away with a bunch of helpful information.It's been incredible to watch the growth of the BCFF Podcast and to speak to so many of you about your own fly fishing stories. THANK YOU for listening, for taking the time to send your thoughts, and for being part of this crazy backcountry fly fishing thing we all love so very much.We'll be back in a few weeks with the start of Season 4. Until then, stay safe and fish your face off. -------If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568210175639

If you're like Ross, you could probably spend your entire life exploring the waters in your home state and still never come close to seeing them all. But we live on a big planet full of interesting fish that will eat a fly in wild places, and sometimes you want to get out and see something radically different--think float plane trips in the Northern Rockies, stalking GTs off the coast of Africa, or throwing flies at monstrous taimen in the Mongolian Steppe. In this episode, we are joined by Chris Hunt from Hatch Adventure Travel. In addition to being a hardcore fly angler and prolific author on the sport for Hatch Magazine and others, Chris and his partners help organize some of the most incredible fly fishing adventures you could ever dream of.Learn more about Hatch Adventure Travel here. Contact Hatch Adventure Travel here.Look up fish species you've never heard of here (just kidding).----------If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568210175639

We are fortunate to live in an age where technology can help support our backcountry adventures and keep us safe and connected while we're in the wild. This week we take a deep dive into safety technology with Rehan Nana, who for outdoor tech giant Garmin. Rehan walks us through Garmin's history, technological solutions, and how electronics can help keep you safe in the wilderness.If you'd like learn more about Garmin or check out their products for yourself, you can find more information here. Check out the Garmin 2024 inReach SOS Year in Review here.----------If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568210175639

Runoff has arrived, and while we have talked about the science and safety of high-water season, we have yet to talk about the other important thing: How to keep fishing during this tough season.In this episode, Ross walks you through three ways (with some extras for good measure) to keep your rod bent while you wait for the streams to settle down and the high-alpine lakes to ice off. No need to sit inside counting the days! -----If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568210175639

Higher flows, stained water, warmer weather... We all know what that means: Runoff cometh.In this episode, Brandon Forbes from the United States Geological Survey joins us to talk about the science of streamflow and runoff. USGS is an incredibly important agency that handles everything from earthquakes to volcanoes to flood prediction. And because of the thousands of stream-monitoring stations they operate around the country, their work is particularly important for backcountry anglers who need to know everything they can about the water they're hiking to before they hit the trail.If you're looking to better understand the timing and science of runoff, how to work around it, and how to stay safe on spring water, this episode is for you. Learn more about USGS here. Learn more about Brandon Forbes here.Find streamflow information in your state here.If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568210175639

It's time for a brief intermission in Season 3 of The Backcountry Fly Fishing Podcast. And what better way could there be to use that intermission than to complain a little about the stuff that annoys us about fly fishing?This is our first Complaint Corner episode--and likely the first of many. This week's topic? The infamous, the dastardly, the downright rude, the incorrigible high-holer. If that's you, STOP IT. If it's not you, well, enjoy listening to a full, detailed explanation of why this behavior is terrible and needs to stop.If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568210175639

We all love geeking out about bugs. We started talking a bit about insects and hatches last week. This week, we're taking a deep dive into filling up your dry box for spring fly fishing--patterns, tying tips, bug nerdery, and more. Get ready to break out that vise, friends. Dry-fly season is upon us. If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568210175639

After the weird 'tweener season of March, winter is FINALLY over. April brings warmer weather, warmer water, a whole bunch of bugs, and a return to the promised land for fly anglers--especially fly anglers who have been itching to get back into the bush after a winter of being stuck on the tailwaters. In this episode, Ross walks you through fly fishing in April--getting back on the freestones we all love so much, insect hatches, fly patterns, fishing tactics, and more. It's time to get back out there, my friends, and we've got you covered. If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568210175639

Alright, we've covered hiking in tough spring conditions and how to fly fish through the early weeks of spring. But what do you need to have a safe, comfortable, successful day on the water when you get there? In this episode, Ross walks you through his wading system for the spring, including his preferred gear and tips to keep you safe and comfy in rapidly changing conditions.If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568210175639

If you think spring makes fly fishing challenging, you should see what it does to your favorite hiking trails.In this episode, Ross walks you through what you should expect on those early spring trails and how you can make sure that tough conditions don't stop you from reaching your favorite backcountry water.One note: Ross recorded this episode while fighting off a chest cold, so he sounds like Kermit the Frog. Sorry, but if being sick won't keep him from fishing, it certainly won't stop him from doing the podcast. The show must go one, or something. If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568210175639

March is the tweener season. It's kind of winter, kind of spring, and all complications all the time. In this episode, Ross walks you through how he fly fishes through the most complicated month of the year--finding water, bringing the right gear, and putting fish in the net even when conditions don't want to cooperate. We know you're itching to get back out there, but don't go unprepared!If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568210175639

We're back, baby! This is the official kickoff of Season 3 of The Backcountry Fly Fishing Podcast, which is all about fly fishing through the spring months and working our way back into the serious wilderness we all love so much.In this episode, Ross provides a taste of what to expect in Season 3 and an overview of the challenges you ought to be thinking about as you prepare to hit the water in (sometimes) warmer weather. We're excited to be back at it. Drop us a line if you have questions or thoughts!If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568210175639

Well, folks, we've reached the end of Season 2. We hope you've enjoyed this season and been able to use the information to get out on the winter water and slay some trout. We'll be back with Season 3, which will be all about spring fly fishing in the backcountry, in mid-March. Until then, don't forget to leave us a five-star review on your podcast platform of choice. And feel free to drop us a line on Facebook or Instagram--Ross loves hearing from you.Stay warm out there, friends. We'll see you back here soon!If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568210175639

We've spent the entirety of Season 2 talking about winter fly fishing. Now, as we close out the season, it's time to look forward to warmer months--and to start planning your next adventures. In this episode, Ross is joined by Ron Belak, author of Fly Fishing Colorado's Backcountry, The Fishing Guide to 800 High Lakes in Colorado, and many dozens of articles across various publications. In addition to being one of Ross's personal heroes, Ron is a well-recognized authority on backcountry fly fishing and a true expert on what it takes to prepare and plan for successful spring trips to high-alpine lakes and other destinations.We're grateful to have had Ron on the show, and we hope that his insights will help get you excited for your next season of adventures. We'll see you back here for Season 3!If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at [email protected] us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568210175639