Untangled: Fly Fishing For Everyone | Ventures Fly Co.

What information do you ACTUALLY need to know if you're getting started in fly fishing? What's going to help you improve, and what's just going to add to the noise? Well, there are a lot of opinions on this topic. This week on Untangled, Spencer Durrant shares the 5 things he wishes he knew when he started fly fishing, A LONG time ago.  You'll also learn about:  Why and when you need to fish really small flies Why you should focus more on presentation than fly selection What wet flies are and how they're used Some tips on fishing streamers in runoff Why you shouldn't overthink technique LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT PODCAST - Wet Flies Explained - WATCH IT NOW

When the wind picks up and you suddenly can't land your flies right where you want them anymore, what do you do? If you're anything like me, you probably make a few classic mistakes that are actively harming your ability to fly cast in the wind. Today on Untangled, you'll learn about the 3 big mistakes to avoid, and the things you should do instead, to battle the wind when it inevitably shows up.  LINKS FROM THE SHOW   Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT Get the FREE Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT GEAR - Shop the VFC Fly Collections - CHECK THEM OUT

I used to HATE fishing with nymphs. What bugged me the most was dealing with split shot - taking it off, or putting it on my rig. You've gotta get those tiny slits in the shot lined up with your tippet, then crimp it down, and NOT drop it all in the river. It's not fun to cast with, either.  The biggest problem is how much split shot actually effects your ability to feel what your flies are doing, and how they're drifting. By ditching split shot, you gain a TON of feedback and control over your rig. That means more fish in the net. Today on Untangled, you'll learn how to get your flies down deep without split shot, and why it's actively harming your nymphing game.  You'll also learn about:  Why you should put your own spin on fly patterns, if you tie your own flies Why a 6-weight rod is ideal for sink-tip lines and streamers How to spot the bugs when fish are rising, so you can accurately match the hatch  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Pocket Nymphing Guide - CHECK IT OUT

Get your dry fly rod ready, because May means some of the best hatches you'll see all year! In this month's fly fishing report, you'll leran all about the bugs that will hatch in May, the flies we recommend for imitating them, and a couple of pro tips for making the most of fishing before runoff hits.  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT Get the FREE Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT GEAR - Shop the VFC Fly Collections - CHECK THEM OUT Recommended Fly Patterns  Parachute Adams Parachute Purple Haze Blue Dun, Green Drake Parachute Trusty Rusty Parachute PMD Parachute BWO Sparkle Dun Klinkhammer Last Chance Cripple Hare's Ear Frenchies Gunslinger Crackback Puff caddis Elk hair caddis Missing link Foam caddis Pheasant tail CDA caddis Peeping caddis Griffiths Gnat Matt's Midge Zebra Midge WD40 Demon Midges Royal Flush Golden Stone 20-incher stone Pat's Rubberlegs     

The caddis hatch sometimes get overlooked in all our excitement over mayflies and stoneflies, especially early in the season.  But caddis hatches stay consistent throughout the summer, and they only become more important for trout as the season stretches on. Plus, the first big caddis hatch of the year can be an absolute blast if you hit it right.  This week on Untangled, we'll take a detailed look at the caddis hatch: when these bugs start getting active, their lifecycle and behavior, and the flies we recommend for a successful day out on the water. LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT Shop The VFC 3-Packs - CHECK THEM OUT

If you really want to grow as an angler, sometimes that means you'll need to make some hard choices. You'll need to push yourself to try stuff you may not want to, or you'll have to find a way to power through the days on the water that, frankly, make you want to give up. On the other side of those hard times is the great fishing we always hear stories about. And in today's episode of Fly Fishing Stories, Spencer Durrant shares the tale of the day when he did just that - pushed through the bad weather and questionable conditions, and came out on the other side with an unforgettable day.  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT

Ice-off is a magical time: it's when some of the biggest trout in any body of water come within easy casting distance of shore. That means it's one of the best times of year for you to tie into what could be your new personal best trout on a fly rod! So, to take advantage of this great fishing, this week's episode of Untangled is a deep-dive into all things ice-off fly fishing: why it's so productive, tactics to find and hook fish, as well as advice on gear and flies.  You'll also learn about:  How to find new places to fly fish The value of fishing water that gets a lot of pressure How and why the tips we talk about on Untangled apply to other regions of the country, not just the Rockies The best use cases for a 7wt rod How to effectively fish nymphs in lakes and rivers LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Rigs & Knots Pocket Guide - CHECK IT OUT

Alright, let's be honest for a sec — how often do you feel like you're catching fish more out of luck than skill?  I remember feeling that way all the time when I started fly fishing. Honestly, that feeling didn't stop until I learned this one valuable lesson: if you pay attention to WHERE you catch fish, and not just what fly they ate, finding and catching fish really starts to click. It feels like something you're doing more on purpose, and less by good luck.  Today on Untangled, I'll explain why paying attention to WHERE you catch fish is so important, and how it can help you have more predictable, repeatable success on the water. LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT Get the FREE VFC Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT  

How much does the pattern you pick matter for your success on the water? Is there an EXACT PERFECT FLY that'll work amazing in one situation, and if you don't pick it, you won't have as much success as you could've?  Probably. But here's the thing - fly selection doesn't really matter that much. HOW you present that fly is what makes the most difference. To put this theory to the test, we spent an entire day fishing for four different trout species (browns, rainbows, cutthroat, and brookies) but we could only use 2 flies the whole day. No changing sizes, colors, or anything like that. We were locked in to the patterns we picked that morning.  What we learned was just how much presentation matters to your success on the water. Today, Alex Stulce and Spencer Durrantn share the lessons they learned from this challenge, and how it can help you succeed on the water as well.  You'll also learn about:  Oversizing and undersizing the line on your fly reel How many state annual licenses Spencer and Alex have The one fly in Spencer and Alex's boxes that they consistently underutilize Some tips for teaching new anglers so they can find success on the water How to spot rising trout without spooking them How long Spencer and Alex like to fish certain stretches of river before moving on The merits of various knots  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - Watch the Grand Slam How We Fish - CHECK IT OUT

Have you ever fished in a hatch that feels like the stories we hear, usually from the old-timers, about the days when fish ate from a never-ending buffet of bugs? Where, if you're in the right place at the right time, you can catch fish until your arms fall off? I've had that opportunity once - and this is the story of the greatest mayfly hatch I've ever seen.  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT

There's about a million different ways to rig up a nymph rig. From indicators and drop-shot styles, to tight-lining it, or throwing a dry-dropper, how do you know which method is the best? Well, that depends on your situation, BUT - indicator nymphing is BY FAR the most versatile way to put flies in front of fish, and make them look real. So, today on Untangled, we're looking at the pros and cons of this style of fishing, and how you can better utilize it to help you put more fish in the net.  You'll also learn about:  Recommended rod & reel combos for fly fishing on lakes and ponds How to pack and travel with your fly fishing gear on an airplane Different setup options for fishing streamers  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Nymphing Pocket Guide - CHECK IT OUT

Say you're shopping for a new fly rod. You've probably heard them all described in different ways, but one common phrase you've seen is "this rod's action is fast" or "this has a sweet, soft action."  What the heck does action mean? And how does it impact the way a rod performs on the water? Well, it's pretty simple! So in this Tip of the Week, we're breaking down what fly rod action is, how it impacts a rod's performance on the water, and how you can use this information to pick the right rod for any fly fishing job you might run into.  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT  

What's the real reason fish aren't eating your fly? Is it beause you didn't pick the PERFECT fly? There's a better one in your box, so you oughta spend 10-15 minutes looking for it, right? No. Not very often will that be the case. Instead, you're most likely not catching fish becasue your fly doesn't look real. Remember, your job is to put flies in front of fish, and make them look real! So today on Untangled, we're taking a deep dive into why presentation matters so much, and some simple tips to improve just how much your fake fly looks like the real thing.  You'll also learn about:  Why we don't often talk about fishing wet flies and soft hackles here at VFC How to match the right leader size to the right fly size Why it's important to play fish quickly and minimize your handling time Tips for catching brood-stock trout that have been dumped into community ponds LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Finding Fish eBook - CHECK IT OUT  

The best blue-winged olive hatches of the year are right around the corner! And by the end of the month, you might see some Mother's Day caddis out and about as well!  What this means is that you need to be prepared for the great spring fly fishing that April offers. With Untangled's April Fly Fishing Report, you'll be ready with all the knowledge about the hatches to expect, fly patterns we recommend, and tips and tricks for tackling the tricky weather and conditions this time of year.  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT GEAR - Shop the VFC Fly Collections - CHECK THEM OUT VIDEO - Watch How We Fish in Spring - CHECK IT OUT RECOMMENDED FLIES FOR APRIL Parachute Adams 16-20 BWO 16-20 Matt's Midge 18-24 Griffiths Gnat 18-24 Sparkle Dun 16-18 RS2 16-18 WD40 16-18 Last Chance Cripple 16-18 Zebra Midge 16-20 Pheasant Tail 16-20 Hare's Ear 16-20 Fenchie 16-20 Gunslinger 16-20 Crackback 16-20 Micro May 16-20 Demon Midge 16-20 Elk Hair Caddis 12-16 CDA Caddis 16-18  

In this special episode of Untangled, Spencer and Alex are joined by Ryan Kelly, longtime guide on Utah's Green River, and one of the best fly fishing photographers currently working. You might know Ryan from Instagram (@GreenRiverFlyFisher) and you've probably seen his shots of fish rising to eat dry flies. Today, Ryan shares all that he's learned from a decade of watching fish eat through a camera's lens (as well as his two decades of guiding experience) to help you understand what trout are ACTUALLY doing during a hatch.  Why do they ignore flies? Why do they get leader shy? Why do so many anglers have trouble catching picky fish eating dry flies? Those, and many more questions, are answered in this show.  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE

When do you ACTUALLY need tippet smaller than 4x? And if you need to size your tippet down, what's the best way to do it? In this Tip of the Week, you'll learn all about why we use certain sizes of tippet, why it's important to play fish quickly, AND you'll learn all about the different situations and tactics for sizing down your leader to get picky fish to FINALLY eat your fly.  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT

There's more to small dry flies than just the bugs ON the surface. There are also other types of insects fish eat that sit just in the surface film, or even slightly below it. These bugs are called emergers, and they're still fished just like you would with a dry fly. But there's a few things to know about how, when, and where to use these flies that'll help you really get the most out of them. So, today on Untangled, you're getting a crash course in everything you need to know about emergers!  You'll also learn about:  How to size new waders and boots when buying them Some tips on how to find waders and boots that are worth spending your money on How to pick a new fly rod in a weight other than 5-weight The lines and reels Spencer uses for streamer fishing Spencer's recommendations for fly flines for those looking to start fishing streamers LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Browse the VFC 3-Packs and stock up on Emergers! - CHECK THEM OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE

When a trip goes pear-shaped right from the start, what do you do? Do you pack up early, head home, and get back to work? Or is it worth pushing through high water, iced-over lakes, muddy roads, and enormous distances just for the hope of finding water that might be fishable? In this latest Fly Fishing Story, Spencer Durrant takes you on a journey across the Pacific Northwest as he and his friend Ryan McCullough try to find fishable water during spring runoff. What they ended up finding just might surprise you.  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT

It sure would be awesome if fish always ate a big ol' grasshopper! But they spend A TON of time eating small flies. In particular, they'll eat tiny dry flies a lot during spring and fall. So, how do you take advantage of the big fish that you see rising to eat what looks like tiny specks out there on the water?  Well, a lot of anglers mistakenly write off using tiny flies, because they seem like they're too much work. You need angel-hair thin tippet to tie them on, you need a magnifying glass to find them in your box, and you have next to no hope of seeing them while they float, right? They've gotta be more trouble than they're worth? Well, not really. Once you understand how to fish small dry flies, you open up a new world of fish you can catch — including some giants.  So, in this first part of a two-part episode, we're taking a deep dive into fishing small dry flies. You'll learn how to rig them up, how to pick the right one, and other tricks of the trade to make these microscopic hooks work in your favor.  You'll also learn about:  Why you should upgrade your fly rod when you can, and what features to look for How to tell if you have a good, drag-free drift on nymphs when fishing directly upstream Why fish refuse dry flies that are too large for what's currently hatching LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Browse the VFC 3-Packs and stock up on Cripples! - CHECK THEM OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE

Have you ever been in an amazing hatch, with bugs going off EVERYWHERE and fish eating with reckless abandon, only to leave the river empty-handed? The fish didn't just not eat your flies, they flat-out IGNORED you. What's up with that? Aren't these hatches supposed to be the stuff of legend that fly fishing is all about?  Well, yes, they are. But if the hatch is TOO good (too many flies on the water at once) it's tough for your fake one to stand out. If the fish can't see it, how are they supposed to eat it?  That's where this little cheat code comes in: it's called unmatching the hatch, and it can be the difference between putting fish in the net, and going home skunked.  Today on Untangled, you'll learn all about unmatching the hatch, including when and how to use this tactic as dry fly season gets underway.  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT  

Picking the right fly is one of those things in fly fishing that's made out to be A LOT harder than it actually is. You don't need a degree in entomology, you don't need to have every aquatic insect memorized, and you certainly don't need to be some sort of expert to pick the best fly for a given fishing situation. Instead, you just need to rely on two simple tips that'll help you move forward in your fly selection process, even while you continue to learn more about what fish eat.  In this week's show, you'll also learn about:  How to join in on VFC's live events, including our Tying Nights How to fish rivers that see a ton of pressure Where to find fish during winter, and why they're often in that type of water The biggest stumbling block Spencer sees most anglers struggling with  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Right Fly Ebook Here - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - The FREE Fly Selection Master Class - CHECK IT OUT  

What bugs are hatching this month? What flies should you have in your box? And what can you expect from the weather? You'll get the complete rundown of what to expect from March fly fishing in this monthly fly fishing report from Untangled. With detailed descriptions of upcoming hatches, fly patterns you should tie or buy, and a few pro tips on ways to catch more fish this month, this is a can't-miss episode of Untangled.  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT GEAR - Shop the VFC Fly Collections - CHECK THEM OUT

Winter is almost over (if it ever started where you live) which means that spring dry fly fishing is right around the corner! Some of the best fishing you'll have all year long ain't that far off. That means RIGHT NOW is a great time to prep for these hatches, which is the goal of today's episode. You're going to learn all about the timing of spring hatches (including Hendricksons, Quill Gordons, Blue-Winged Olives, and Skwalas), as well as the principles behind rigging your flies, so you can successfully fish any hatch you run into this spring.  You'll also learn about:  Why small flies seems to be recommended so much in the fly fishing world these days The best way to approach other anglers on the river when you want to chat with them Tips on how to make your flies more visible in the water LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE GEAR - VFC Fly Collections - CHECK THEM OUT

Is there a right and wrong way to organize your fly boxes? If you put your flies in a specific order, will it give you a tactical advantage on the water? Not really. BUT - it can help you find the right fly you need, when you need it. The trick is to not overthink your fly box organization, and to keep it simple. In this episode of Untangled, you'll learn how Spencer organizes his boxes, along with the princples he uses, so you can apply them to your own situation.  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT GEAR - Browse the VFC Fly Collections - CHECK THEM OUT  

We spend A TON of time talking about the right flies to use during winter, and for good reason. Flies matter a lot. But you know what makes an even bigger difference? HOW you present that fly! Presentation matters almost more than fly selection sometimes!  So, today on Untangled, we're going to tell you about a recent trip we took, the rigs we used, and HOW those rigs made a difference for us on the water.  You'll also learn about:  How to rig up and fish streamers  Whether a 9' 6-weight is better for nymphing than a 9' 5-weight How to tie knots that don't break Whether you can, or should, jump tippet sizes when building new rigs How to get better at nymphing LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE

How much of an influence has your home water had on your life as an angler? Has it shaped how you approach the water? The kind of fly fishing you love the most? What else has it taught you that you still remember, all these years later? In the second episode of the Fly Fishing Stories series here at Untangled, Spencer Durrant weaves multiple stories of growing up on his home river, and how it shaped the angler he is today. 

How often do you set up your nymph rig, ready to hit the water, only to realize that your flies are moving WAY faster than you wanted. You didn't think the water would be that fast, or that deep!  The fix is simple, right? Just put on some split shot, increase the distance between your bobber and your flies, and you'll be in business.  Well, that all depends on how much split shot you use, how fast the water's moving, and how heavy your flies are. Too much split shot, and you'll be losing your flies - and all your patience - in every snag.  So, today on Untangled, you'll learn the foundational principles, and our favorite rig, for nymphign faster water WITHOUT losing flies!  You'll also learn about:  How to know what flies to use throughout an entire day on the water The rigs Spencer uses and recommends for fly fishing in lakes How to effectively fish a streamer on a 5-weight instead of a 6-weight How to set the right depth to keep your nymphs in the strike zone LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Bounce Rig Diagram - CHECK IT OUT Get the FREE Pocket Nymphing Guide - CHECK IT OUT Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT

How much time do you spend worrying about your fly choice when you're setting up your nymph rig? If you're like most anglers, it's probably A LOT! But how much time and energy do you put into making sure your flies are drifitng at the right depth, before making a fly change? Probably not as much as you should.  Today on Untangled, you'll learn about why depth matters more than fly choice when throwing nymphs, and how this tiny change can elevate your fly fishing game to new heights.  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Pocket Nymphing Guide - CHECK IT OUT Get the FREE Rigs & Knots Guide - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT

Fly rods are really important -- they're what we use to put flies in front of fish, and they help us make those flies look real, after all. But how much do you REALLY know about fly rods? Can you explain what the core features are that separate good ones from not-so-great ones? Today on Untangled, Spencer Durrant walks you through the key features he's found most anglers either don't know about, or misunderstand, and why they influence how your fly rod performs.  You'll also learn about:  How to learn about the different aquatic insects that trout eat How to build confidence in your skills out on the water Tips for casting more effectively when throwing an indicator and nymphs or streamers on your fly rod LINKS FROM THE SHOW Watch the Fly Selection Master Class - CHECK IT OUT How to Roll Cast and Water Load - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE

It's February! That means things are changing a bit on the fly fishing front, and we've got you covered. With this month's Untangled Fly Fishing Report, you'll learn about what bugs are most active in February, the best flies to match those hatches, and some tips and tricks for the different conditions you'll run into this time of year.  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Browse VFC's February Flies - CHECK THEM OUT

Have you ever wondered just how effective fly fishing from a drift boat is? Are float trips worth the money? Do you ACTUALLY catch more fish from a boat, or do you only catch them in front of wading anglers who rarely, if ever, get to float the river?  All those questions - and more - will be answered on this episode of Untangled. Alex Stulce joins Spencer Durrant to talk about the pros and cons of wade fishing vs fishing from a boat, and a bunch of stories are shared just for good measure. You'll end the show with a firm idea of what style of fishing best matches your goals out on the water.  You'll also learn about:  How light and temperature impact fish How Spencer and Alex would rig up for and fish a small pond with off-color water How to fly fish rivers with restrictions on your tackle  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - How We Fish: Nymphing - CHECK IT OUT

Do you need to tie picture-perfect flies in order to catch fish? Or should you focus on tying them to be a bit "buggy" (which is fly-fisher for "messy)?  Today on Untangled, Spencer Durrant walks you through why most fly tiers are too hard on themselves - especially beginners - and the few things fish actually care about when deciding to eat your fly.  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT

Is fly tying worth the cost and the hassle? Sure, you can tie up specific, custom flies, but wouldn't it just be cheaper to buy flies instead? Well, maybe, but we shouldn't really worry about economics here, because if fly fishing were based on good financial decisions, none of us would be doing it.  Instead, you shoudl think about the on-the-water benefits you'll get from tying your own flies. You WILL become a better angler by tying. The question utlimately comes down to how much you want to improve. This week on Untangled, you'll learn how and why fly tying can improve your skills.  You'll also learn about:  How to tell if a new fly rod is the right one for you The different characertistics to look for when buying fly rods The value of swinging flies at the end of your drift, and the role soft hackles have in fly fishing Why Spencer never uses split shot on dry-dropper rigs, and avoids it as much as possible anywhere else LINKS FROM THE SHOW Browse the VFC Tying Packs - CHECK THEM OUT VIDEO - Beginner Fly Tying Masterclass - WATCH IT NOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE

There's one thing that brings anglers of every stripe together - a good fish story. This is the first in a new series of podcasts from Untangled that'll tell stories every angler, from the saltwater fanatic to the panfish lover, will relate with and appreciate.  This week's story is about a little cutthroat creek, tucked high in the mountains, that suddenly vanished. Along the way, you'll learn about the area's storied history with fish stocking, hear about a cutthroat eating a mouse fly, and why it's worth it to explore and look for new-to-you fisheries. 

Midges are a go-to fly in the winter, but how do you know which of the 8 billion midge patterns to pick? There's so many to choose from, and it feels like they're always dropping new ones, too!  Well, I took the time to simplify my own midge selection down to just a handful of patterns. Doing that helped me fish what I rig up with more confidently, but it also made choosing a fly A LOT eaiser. I spend less time worrying about my fly choice, and more time fishing. So, this week on Untangled, you'll learn what those 7 midges patterns are, and why they're the ones I so highly recommend.  You'll also learn about:  How to control your hookset so you don't end up tangled in trees and bushes How to set the hook properly so you lose fewer fish The basic skills a fly angler needs to learn in order to progress quickly The one skill every fly angler needs to posses How to tell if small rivers and streams have fish in them LINKS FROM THE SHOW Browse Our Fly Collections - CHECK THEM OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - How to Cast A Fly Rod - WATCH IT NOW VIDEO - How to Make A Roll Cast - WATCH IT NOW

If you want to make 2026 the year you take some giant leaps in your fly fishing abilities, then you should seriously consider keeping a fly fishing journal. Writing down what happens on the water, what flies you used, the weather, the water conditions -- it will all help you understand the interplay between various factors on the water, and it'll help you learn from both your successes and your failures. Today on Untangled, Spencer will walk you through the key details to write down, and how you can use this simple tool to help improve your experience on the water.  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join our FREE Fly Fishing Group - CHECK IT OUT  

There's more to trout fishing than rainbows, browns, cutthroats, and brookies. There's all sorts of interesting trout out there, just waiting for you! But when you get the chance to fish for these lesser-known trout, you'll probably get hung up on one thing: what flies do you need? Are there top-secret patterns that only work for these fish, but locals won't tell you about unless you buy 'em the right 12-pack? This week on Untangled, you'll learn about some of the rare trout species on the planet, and the flies we use to catch them.  You'll also learn about:  Pros and cons of having multiple reels and spools with different line options on them Why your fly line sometimes gets stuck in your rod guides, and how to fix that with the nail knot Does hook gap size matter when fishing with streamers? Why you should let your streamers "die" when they initially get tagged by a trout What a short-strike is  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE

This is the first-ever bonus episode of Untangled! Starting in 2026, we're dropping two episodes of your favorite fly fishing podcast every week! And this first episode is a new format we'd love some feedback on. At the start of each month, we're going to do a monthly fly fishing report. You'll learn what bugs are active, how to fish that month, tips and tricks for dealing with water conditions, and the fly patterns we recommend.  Not every episode of our extra show will follow this format. Some weeks will be interviews, others will be deep-dives into one topic, and others will be story-driven. But we'd like the first episode each month to be full of actionable information that'll help y'all out on the water. So if you like this format, and want to hear more of it, please let us know!  Finally -- this bonus episode of Untangled is ONLY available in audio format. You won't find this content on YouTube, Instagram, or any other social media.  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Browse our 3-Pack Fly Collections - CHECK THEM OUT 

Every angler loves a good fishing story, even if we tend to stretch the truth sometimes. But those stories are good for more than just reliving old times. You can learn A TON from your best catches, including exactly where and how you can improve. So, this week on Untangled, Spencer shares some stories (from VFC team and Skool members) about the best fish of 2025, and the lessons learned along the way.  You'll also hear about: How to tell if you're setting the hook too early or too late How to improve your hook set to lose fewer fish Why super-cheap fly rod combos generally aren't worth the money How to think about sneaking up on fish How much casting angles matter to your success LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE

Have you ever had one of those days on the water where nothing seems to go right? You can't tie a decent knot, you lose all your flies, and you end up not catching fish? When it gets rough like that, what do you blame? Nature? Yourself?  Your answer to that quesiton likely exposes the kind of angler you are, and can help you learn how to become an even better one. This week on Untangled, Spencer shares stories and tips about the times his ego has gotten in the way of catching fish, and how you can avoid that same problem.  You'll also learn about:  Why certain fly lines perform better on some rods than others The reality of being a fly fishing guide How to fish narrow, deep pools in tight canyons  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE

There are a whole lot of reasons a fish won't eat your fly. Maybe you picked the wrong one, or you wore the wrong socks today. Or you forgot your semi-annual offering of used zebra midges for the river gods.  In all seriousness, there's often a much simpler reason fish aren't eating your fly: you've spooked them. This week on Untangled, you'll learn about how you end up spooking fish, even if you don't mean to, and a few tips for avoiding that.  You'll also learn about:  How certain fly rods are designed for use in certain situations, and what you can expect when buying a 10' 4-weight to replace a 9' 5-weight How to tie flies that are more durable The pros and cons of using barbless hooks, and using them to make multi-fly rigs  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE EBOOK - How to Find Fish in Rivers - CHECK IT OUT

There's no NEED to stock your fly box full of hundreds of patterns, all in dozens of different sizes. Sometimes, though, a slightly different fly from what everyone else is using is just the trick to put more -- or larger -- fish in the net. This week on Untangled, you'll learn about 7 underrated fly patterns that we turn to when we need to change things up.  You'll also learn about: How to handle long stretches of getting skunked continuously, and how to grow from that How to match a fly line to your fly rod, based on what type of fishing you're doing Whether you should still fish with flies that don't look "perfect"  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - Winter Fly Fishing Master Class - CHECK IT OUT GEAR - Fly 3-Packs - CHECK IT OUT

80% of a fish's diet is underwater, which means nymphing is a crazy effective way to put fish in the net. So, this week on Untangled, Spencer and Alex share everything they learned while filming their Nymphing Master Class. From insight on why fly pattern doesn't matter, to tips on picking the right strike indicator, you'll leave this episode ready to put all these tips into practice out on the water.  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - Nymphing Master Class - CHECK IT OUT    

What gear do you ACTUALLY need for fly fishing? And what stuff is just a waste of money? Sure, that fancy reel looks nice, and you'd probably look just like Indiana Jones in that hat. But will that stuff help you put more fish in the net? Or will it just drain your wallet?  This week on Untangled, you'll learn about the gear that Spencer thinks isn't worth the cash, AND you'll get a detailed list of the essential items for your time out on the water.  You'll also learn about:  Tips for pre-tying leader onto flies to make it easier to rig up on the water How to set up a dry-dropper rig so your flies don't have drag  Advice on fishing with streamers both on the strip and under an indicator LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE The VFC Starter Packs - CHECK THEM OUT

Fish, especially trout, really don't care about your fly pattern. Alright, A FEW fish do. The pickiest ones, and every single trout in the Henry's Fork. But most fish care WAY more about how the fly is presented, than whether you picked the exact perfect fly.  This week on Untangled, you'll learn why presentation matters FAR MORE than pattern, and a few tips for perfecting how the fish see your fly.  You'll also learn about:  How to react when fish start jumping out of the water on lakes, and the rigs for fishing to them How to get your flies deep in the water without split shot How to cast nymph rigs with split shot on them How to find the right depth for nymphing, no matter what river you're fishing LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - How to Cast Indicators, Split Shot, and Double Nymph Rigs - CHECK IT OUT

The world of fly fishing with streamers is full of weird terminology, interesting tactics, and new techniques. That makes picking it up, especially as a beginner fly angler, a bit challenging. Here's the truth, though -- streamer fishing is A LOT simpler than it appears. If you can catch fish on dry flies and nymphs, you've already got most of the skills you need!  This week on Untangled, you'll get a crash course in fly fishing with streamers. From casting to setting the hook, you'll end the show ready to hit the water with confidence!  You'll also learn about:  Why you should upgrade your fly rod as quickly as you can afford to Why your flies suddenly stop catching fish on certain pieces of water Tips for successfully fighting larger fish in rivers LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE

You've picked a great fly, found some wonderful water, and made tons of good drifts through fishy-looking water. Everything is coming together -- except for the whole catching fish thing. So, what do you do on days like this, when NOTHING you do makes the fish notice your flies? When the fishing sucks, what's the play? Well, this week on Untangled, you'll learn how Spencer and Alex approach these tough days, and tips you can use the next time the river throws you a curveball.  You'll also learn about:  VFC's new 6-weight fly rod release, and other products in the pipeline Why we have so many different imitations of the same bug, and the value of using different flies How to decide which fishing technique (dries, streamers, nymphs) to use on any given day Tips for cold-weather fishing Tying your own leaders A few tips for fishing streamers in late fall and early winter  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Join the Fly Tying Mega-Kit Waitlist - JOIN NOW

Dropping the money on a guided fly fishing trip is a serious commitment - but with the right planning, you can get the most out of your time (and money) spent on the water! Getting the msot out of a guided fishing trip really comes down to communication -- both with the guide, and yourself. This week on Untangled, Spencer (a former guide and outfitter) walks you through how to have an incredible experience with your guides!  You'll also learn about:  How to effectively set up and fish a double-dry fly rig What to do when your dropper nymph is pulling your dry fly underwater, but you want a small dry fly up top in your dry-dropper rig Why you need wading boots, and what features to look for when buying them The situations when you need to keep fly line off the water completely How and when to use strike indicators  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Rigs & Knots Pocket Guide - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE

If you've spent most of your time fishing on small streams, making the jump to fishing bigger rivers can be intimidating. Where do you cast? Where are the fish holding? And do they still eat the same flies they do in small streams? This week on Untangled, we'll answer all those questions, and more, as you learn the 5 key tips for fishing big rivers.  You'll also learn about:  Why you can't use a 7 or 8-weight rod for small stream fishing with dry flies How to keep fish from getting off when you're using barbless hooks How to use woolly buggers underneath indicators to mimic crawdads, leeches, and other common fish food  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Finding Fish eBook - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE

After a long day of fishing, when the trout refused EVERY fly you threw at them, how often have you gone home and looked up some information about the best flies to use during a certain time of year? And when you've done that, have you ever thought, "Well, this is all interesting, but how much does it apply to MY local river?" Well, the short answer is, probably a lot. The longer answer is that as you learn to identify bug trends and aquatic insects, you'll dramatically level up your fly fishing skills.  So, this week on Untangled, we're breaking down fly selection into its basic parts, so you can learn how to pick the right fly the next time you're on the water.  You'll also learn about:  Why tapered leaders are the ideal choice for nymphing Why you might start out a day catching fish, only to quickly stop catching them for the rest of your time on the water The impact that cloud cover has on fly selection and fly color choices  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT