The Portland Fly Shop Podcast

Fall rain, coastal rivers, and aggressive trout willing to chase a fly—let’s talk sea-run cutthroat.

In this episode of The Portland Fly Shop Podcast, Jason Osborn and Nick Wheeler break down fly fishing for sea-run cutthroat in Oregon Coast and Southwest Washington rivers. We focus on accessible, walk-and-wade fishing, sharing practical advice on when to go, where to look, and how to get these fish chasing your fly.

We cover:
• How fall rain, river levels, and migration affect your timing
• Sea-run versus resident cutthroat and realistic size expectations
• Rod choices, floating lines, and simple leader setups
• Favorite flies, including Muddlers, Red Humpies, Micro Chubbies, and Hippie Stompers
• Skating dry flies, swinging wet flies, and stripping streamers
• Finding fish in deep pools, riffles, and runs
• Why covering water and keeping your fly moving can make all the difference

Jason likes natural colors. Nick reaches for bright flies. Both agree that movement matters—and watching a cutthroat chase down a skating dry fly is hard to beat.

Whether you’re targeting your first sea-run or looking to improve your fall fishing, this episode will help you put together a plan.

#SeaRunCutthroat #FlyFishing #PortlandFlyShop

In this episode of the Portland Fly Shop Podcast, we break down everything you need to know about fly fishing for Coho salmon throughout the Pacific Northwest.

We cover where to find Coho, how to read the water, the best times and conditions to fish, and the tactics that consistently put fish in front of the fly. We also dive into rods, reels, lines, sink tips, leaders, and the fly patterns and colors we rely on throughout the season.

Topics include:

• Where to find Coho in rivers
• How Coho behavior changes throughout the season
• Stripping, swinging, and retrieving techniques
• Choosing the right fly line and sink tip
• Rod and reel setups
• Leader and tippet recommendations
• Productive Coho fly patterns, colors, and sizes
• Water clarity, river levels, tides, and weather
• How to locate traveling and holding fish
• Common mistakes that cost anglers fish
• PNW rivers and areas worth exploring
• Tips for both new and experienced Coho anglers

Whether you're chasing Oregon and Washington Coho for the first time or looking to improve your success, this episode is designed to be a complete starting point for putting more salmon on the fly.

Presented by The Portland Fly Shop Podcast.

Planning a DIY fly fishing trip to West Yellowstone? This episode of The Portland Fly Shop Podcast is a complete guide to one of the most legendary trout fishing regions in the country.

Jason and Nick sit down with special guest Miles Marquez to break down the rivers, waters, tactics, and trip-planning details every DIY angler should know before heading to West Yellowstone. We cover the Madison River, Gallatin River, Henry’s Fork, and the iconic waters inside Yellowstone National Park.

From where to focus your time, what kind of water to look for, seasonal timing, fly selection, access, pressure, and realistic expectations, this episode is built for anglers who want to explore the area on their own and make the most of their trip.

In this episode we cover:

Madison River fly fishing
Gallatin River tactics and access
Henry’s Fork overview
Yellowstone National Park waters
DIY trip planning for West Yellowstone
Fly selection, hatches, and seasonal timing
How to approach new water with confidence

Whether you’re planning your first trip to West Yellowstone or looking to better understand the region, this podcast will help you build a game plan before you go.

Subscribe to The Portland Fly Shop Podcast for more real-world fly fishing conversations, destination breakdowns, gear talk, and Northwest fishing knowledge.

#FlyFishing #WestYellowstone #MadisonRiver #GallatinRiver #HenrysFork #YellowstoneNationalPark #DIYFlyFishing #TroutFishing #ThePortlandFlyShop

Sink tips are one of the most misunderstood—and most important—parts of a spey system. In this technical episode, we break down sink tips for spey rods and explain how to fish them more efficiently.

We cover the key differences between “T” material tips and traditional “Type” tips, how sink rates change with different tip lengths, and why faster sinking doesn’t always mean better depth or presentation. We also talk through the tips we personally prefer, when we choose them, and how those choices lead to more consistent, efficient fishing.

This episode is geared toward anglers who want to understand why their system works—not just copy a setup.

In this episode:

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T tips vs Type tips: density, construction, and performance

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Sink rates explained (IPS vs real-world depth)

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How tip length affects swing speed and fly depth

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Matching sink tips to water type, flow, and rod

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Our go-to sink tips and why we fish them

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Common mistakes that kill efficiency

Whether you’re dialing winter steelhead water or refining your overall spey approach, this episode will help you fish deeper, cleaner, and with more control.

Portland Fly Shop Podcast: Swinging vs Nymphing for Steelhead

In this episode, we dive into the art of steelhead fly fishing and break down two essential techniques: swinging vs nymphing. Whether you’re new to the river or looking to refine your approach, we cover:

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What nymphing is and how it works

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The techniques for both nymphing and swinging

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Key differences between the two styles

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How to control depth and presentation for maximum results

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Tips for reading the river and choosing the right approach

Whether you’re chasing fresh steelhead or just love talking flies, this episode is packed with insights from the Portland Fly Shop team to help you fish smarter and enjoy the river more.

Subscribe for more steelhead tips, fly selection advice, and all things fly fishing in the Pacific Northwest!

In this episode of our Spey for Steelhead series, we dive deep into one of the most important parts of successful steelheading: understanding depth control. We break down casting angles, fly selection, sink-tip choices, and the key techniques that help you achieve and maintain the right depth in a variety of water types.

Part 1:
• How casting angle changes depth and swing speed
• Matching flies to conditions
• Sink-tip selection for different situations
• Techniques for fishing high, mid, and low columns effectively

Part 2:
We shift into river conditions—how to read them, understand them, and use them to your advantage.
• How to interpret river gauges
• Understanding flows, trends, and water clarity
• Identifying productive steelhead water in changing conditions

If you’re looking to become more confident and intentional with your spey presentation—and catch more steelhead—this episode has you covered.

Welcome back to The Portland Fly Shop Podcast! In this episode, we dive into two core elements of successful steelheading with a spey rod: sink tips and fly selection. We start with a breakdown of sink tips—how they work, why we use them, and how to choose the right one for changing river conditions. Whether you’re new to spey casting or dialing in your winter setup, we’ll help simplify the process so you can fish more confidently and effectively.

In the second half, we shift into fly selection for steelhead. We talk size, profile, color, movement, and how to pair the right fly with water type and season. From traditional patterns to modern intruders. If you’re looking to improve your steelhead game and make better decisions on the water, this episode is packed with helpful insight.

Topics Covered

How sink tips work & why they matter

Matching sink tips to water speed and depth Seasonal considerations

Selecting steelhead flies by water type Profiles, colors & confidence patterns

If you enjoy the episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment! Visit us at The Portland Fly Shop For gear, guided trips, and more education—stop in and say hello!

In this episode of our Pacific Northwest steelhead fly fishing podcast, we break down two of the most important topics for new and seasoned anglers alike:

Part 1: Spey Gear Selection – rods, reels, lines, tips, and how to balance your setup for success.
Part 2: Your First Day on the River – reading water, understanding steelhead holding lies, basic swing techniques, and how to approach a run with confidence.

Whether you’re just starting your steelhead journey or looking to fine-tune your setup and approach, this episode will help you hit the water prepared.

Don’t forget to subscribe for more steelhead tactics, stories, and tips from lifelong guides Jason Osborn and Nick Wheeler.

#Steelhead #FlyFishing #SpeyCasting #PNW

Description:
Welcome to the first episode of our Pacific Northwest Steelhead Fly Fishing series!

Join hosts Jason Osborn and Nick Wheeler—each with over 20 years of guiding experience and deep roots in the fly fishing industry—as we kick things off with:

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Our background, guiding history, and time on legendary PNW rivers.

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What makes steelhead so unique (and addictive).

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Steelhead lore, culture, and the passion that drives this community.

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A few behind-the-scenes guide stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

Whether you’re new to steelheading or a seasoned swung-fly addict, this series will dive deep into tactics, river systems, gear, timing, and the culture that surrounds the greatest gamefish of the Pacific Northwest.

Subscribe so you don’t miss the next episodes in the series!

#Steelhead #FlyFishing #PacificNorthwest #SpeyCasting #SwingTheFly #Steelhea

Join us for a deep dive into one of Oregon’s most iconic trout fisheries — the McKenzie River. In this episode, we sit down with veteran guide Jim Sens to break down everything you need to know before hitting the water. From prime bank access points, to the major seasonal hatches and go-to fly patterns, we cover it all in technical detail. Whether you're floating or walking in, this episode is packed with tips that will help you fish the McKenzie smarter.

🎣 Topics covered:
• Best flies by season
• Reading water from the bank
• Key public access points
• October Caddis, March Browns & other major hatches
• Gear setups for success

Hit subscribe and get ready to level up your McKenzie River game.

#FlyFishing #McKenzieRiver #OregonFishing #FlyTying #TroutFishing

Looking to master lake fly fishing near Mt. Hood and Southwest Washington? This podcast episode covers everything you need to succeed on the water—from choosing the best lake flies and reading stillwater to understanding fish behavior, selecting the right fly lines, and dialing in your presentation techniques.

We break down:

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Top fly patterns for high mountain and lowland lakes

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How to read lake structure and find feeding fish

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Seasonal strategies

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Floating, intermediate & sinking line setups

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Proven retrieves, rigs, and gear recommendations

Whether you’re fishing Timothy Lake, Lost Lake, Goose Lake, or Merrill Lake, this episode will give you the tools to catch more fish and enjoy the water even more. Perfect for beginner and advanced fly anglers!

📍 Regions Covered: Mt. Hood, Hood River, Clackamas, Gifford Pinchot, and SW Washington lakes
🎧 Listen, learn, and level up your stillwater fly fishing game!

🔔 Like, subscribe, and drop your favorite lake in the comments!

In this episode of the Portland Fly Shop Podcast, we sit down with seasoned guide and Alaska DIY expert Jacob Zirkle to explore how you can launch your own fly fishing trip straight from the Anchorage airport. From rental cars to gear strategy, fish timing to backcountry access—Jacob shares practical insights and local knowledge to help you plan a successful, affordable, and unforgettable Alaska fly fishing adventure.

Join us for an in-depth conversation with legendary Deschutes River guide Brian Silvey as we break down everything you need to know about fly fishing the Deschutes during the summer months. From understanding water temps and hatch cycles to picking the right flies and fishing the best times of day, this episode is packed with knowledge for both new and seasoned anglers. We cover:

🎣 Key summer hatches (PMDs, Caddis, and more)
🌞 How mid-day sun and temps affect fish behavior
🕓 Best times of day to be on the water
🪰 Fly patterns that consistently produce
📍 River access, strategy, and gear tips

Welcome to the podcast! In this episode, we're diving deep into the exciting world of shad fly fishing on two of the Pacific Northwest’s iconic rivers — the Columbia and Willamette. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started, this is your one-stop guide to chasing shad on the fly. We cover everything you need to know, including: 🔍 Water types shad prefer and how to read the river 🎯 Line selection: sink tips, shooting heads & more 🎣 Rod and reel setups that work best for shad 📍 Best locations to find shad on both rivers 🌊 Tide influence and how it affects your timing 🪰 Fly patterns that consistently produce strikes Grab your gear and tune in for insights, tips, and on-the-water strategies to help you hook into these hard-fighting fish. If you love fly fishing and want to expand your season, this episode is for you! 👍 Like, subscribe, and drop a comment if you’ve chased shad on the fly or have any questions.

#FlyFishing #ShadFishing #ColumbiaRiver #WillametteRiver #PNWFishing #FlyTying #FishingPodcast #ShadOnTheFly

Tide Link - https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noa...

Water Temp Columbia - https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring...

Water Temp Willamette - https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring...

In this episode, we explore what it truly means to build an inclusive, supportive fly fishing community—especially for new anglers and women who are stepping into the sport for the first time. Our guest Callie Freeman, shares their journey, challenges, and how creating space for connection, mentorship, and encouragement is changing the face of fly fishing. From local meetups to online forums, we talk about the power of showing up, asking questions, and finding your tribe on the water. Whether you're brand new to fly fishing, looking for community, or want to help others feel welcome in the sport, this episode is for you. Topics we cover: How to find or create a welcoming fly fishing group Breaking down barriers for women and beginners Why representation and mentorship matter Simple ways to connect with others on the water

https://missmayfly.com/

https://castingcarolinas.com/

https://www.stoneflymaidens.club/

👇 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with someone who’s just getting started or could use a community like this!

#FlyFishingCommunity #WomenWhoFish #NewAnglers #FlyFishingLife #OutdoorSisterhood #FishingTogether #TightLines

🎣 Unlock the Secrets to a Legendary Deschutes Salmonfly Hatch! Welcome to The Portland Fly Shop Podcast – your go-to source for expert fly fishing insights! In this episode, veteran guides Jason and Nick (with over 40 years combined experience on the Deschutes River) break down everything you need to crush the Salmonfly hatch this season. From proven techniques to overlooked tips that make all the difference, this is your insider’s guide to making this year’s hatch your most successful one yet.

✅ Pro tips

✅ Gear recommendations

✅ What works (and what doesn't)

✅ Lessons from decades on the river

🎧 Hit play and get ahead of the hatch!

www.theportlandflyshop.com

🎣 Looking to fish Oregon’s rivers without going too far from Portland? In this episode, we explore the best river fishing opportunities within a 90-minute drive of Portland, Oregon. Whether you're after salmon, steelhead, trout, or smallmouth bass, we’ve got you covered with insider tips. From the Clackamas and Sandy Rivers to the Willamette and Nestucca, we break down the top spots, what to bring, and what to expect. Perfect for beginners and seasoned anglers alike! 📍Areas Covered Coast Range Willamette Valley Cascade Range 🎧 Hit play and get ready to plan your afterwork dry fly fishing! #FishingOregon #PortlandFishing #RiverFishing #OregonOutdoors #AnglerPodcast #PNWfishing