Cast West Radio

In this episode, we cover the basic system of setting up a fly rod from start to finish. We discuss the components of the fly setup, their functions, and how they all fit together to create a connected system. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding the basic chain of the fly setup and the confidence it brings to new anglers.TakeawaysUnderstanding the basic chain of the fly setup is crucial for new anglers.Setting up a fly rod is a confidence-building step for beginners in fly fishing.Chapters00:00 Understanding the Basic System07:09 Threading the Line14:14 Common Mistakes and Tips

Episode 2 of the Cast West Radio Beginner Series is all about gear—what you actually need to start fly fishing, what can wait, and how to keep it simple. We break down rods, reels, fly lines, leaders, tippet, waders, boots, nets, packs, and the small essentials that make a big difference on the water.This episode is built for the new fly angler who wants clear, practical advice without the confusion or pressure to buy everything at once. The goal is to help you understand what each piece of gear does, how it works together, and where to spend your money first.If you have ever walked into a fly shop and felt overwhelmed, this one is for you. Simple, useful, and made to help you get rigged up and ready to fish.Cast West Radio. Live Free.

Episode 1: Beginner Fly Fishing Series | Where to StartWelcome to Episode 1 of the Cast West beginner fly fishing series. This episode is built for the brand new angler who wants to learn fly fishing without feeling overwhelmed. We break down the basics of what fly fishing is, why it matters, and how to start with confidence. If you are new to fly fishing and looking for a simple, honest introduction, this episode is the perfect place to begin.

Runoff changes everything on the Madison River — from water clarity to trout positioning and fly selection. In this episode of Cast West Radio, we break down how to read rising flows, find productive water, and adjust your approach to stay successful during spring runoff.Whether you're floating or wading, this practical guide covers early-season tactics, proven flies, and real-world strategy to help you fish the Madison with confidence.Cast West. Live Free.I am a Montana fly fishing guide, not a licensed outfitter. Under Mont. Code Ann. § 37-47-101(7), a guide is a person employed by or independently contracted with a licensed outfitter, and under Mont. Code Ann. § 37-47-404(3), guide services may not be offered unless those services are obtained through an endorsing outfitter. I do not offer or book outfitting services directly. Any guided trip or guide service must be arranged through a licensed Montana outfitter. Further, under Mont. Code Ann. § 37-47-301(1), no person may represent themselves to the public as a guide or outfitter without the appropriate license. All podcasts, videos, posts, and related content are provided solely for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes and are not intended as advertising or solicitation for guide services. Any lawful booking for guide services must be made through a licensed Montana outfitter.

In this episode of Cast West Radio, we break down pre-runoff fishing on the Gallatin River in Montana and what anglers should expect before spring flows begin to rise. We cover how the Gallatin River fishes in the weeks leading up to runoff, where trout tend to hold, what water to focus on, and how changing conditions can affect your approach. You’ll also hear about productive pre-runoff fly patterns, seasonal strategy, and common mistakes anglers make when targeting the Gallatin this time of year. If you’re looking for practical insight on fly fishing the Gallatin River before runoff, this episode will help you fish with more confidence this spring.https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/USGS-06043500/#dataTypeId=daily-00010-0&period=P1Y&showFieldMeasurements=trueTalked about items in the show:https://i0.wp.com/blog.vailvalleyanglers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/tippet-rings-why-and-how-to-use-them-1.jpg?w=720&ssl=1These guys have a great photo of the entire setup

In this episode of Cast West Radio, I break down an important topic for anyone following along with Montana fly fishing content: the legal distinction between a licensed guide and a licensed outfitter in Montana. I cover what Montana law says, why guided trips must be arranged through a licensed outfitter, and how that applies to the content shared on this page and through this podcast.This episode is meant to provide clarity and transparency around how guide services are structured in Montana. I also explain why Cast West Radio is intended for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only—not as direct advertising or solicitation for guide services. If you have ever wondered how guiding, outfitting, and media content intersect in Montana, this episode lays it out clearly.I am a Montana fly fishing guide, not a licensed outfitter. Under Mont. Code Ann. § 37-47-101(7), a guide is a person employed by or independently contracted with a licensed outfitter, and under Mont. Code Ann. § 37-47-404(3), guide services may not be offered unless those services are obtained through an endorsing outfitter. I do not offer or book outfitting services directly. Any guided trip or guide service must be arranged through a licensed Montana outfitter. Further, under Mont. Code Ann. § 37-47-301(1), no person may represent themselves to the public as a guide or outfitter without the appropriate license. All podcasts, videos, posts, and related content are provided solely for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes and are not intended as advertising or solicitation for guide services. Any lawful booking for guide services must be made through a licensed Montana outfitter. 

In this episode of Cast West Radio, we break down what anglers need to know before runoff hits the Yellowstone. We cover current river conditions, how fish are behaving, where to focus your efforts, productive flies for this window, and how to make the most of one of the best early-season opportunities in Montana. Whether you’re a local or planning a trip, this episode will help you fish the Yellowstone with more confidence before the water starts to rise.

Welcome to Cast West Radio.This short trailer introduces the show and what you can expect from future episodes.Cast West Radio is the truck ride to the river — a place for anglers who want clear, practical insight into fly fishing the rivers of Montana and the West. Each episode focuses on helping anglers understand river conditions, seasonal strategy, common mistakes, and the small adjustments that often make the biggest difference on the water.You’ll hear tactical breakdowns, guide perspective, and occasional stories from days on the river — all with the goal of putting anglers in position to catch better fish.New episodes drop every week, along with short weekly river updates to keep you dialed in.If you enjoy practical fly fishing knowledge without the noise, you’re in the right place.Cast West. Live Free.