Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

http://wetflyswing.com/965
Sponsors: Sullivan Fly Rods, On DeMark Lodge, Redds Flies
Dave shares the story of his father, Doug Stewart, who recently passed away at 87. Doug was the person who introduced Dave to fly fishing, and his influence eventually helped lead to the creation of the Wet Fly Swing Podcast.
Doug’s own fly fishing story reaches back more than 70 years.
He first started fishing the Deschutes River with his father in the early 1950s, when seeing a dozen anglers on the river could make it feel crowded. He eventually became a longtime Deschutes guide, fly shop owner, fly tyer, rod builder, writer, and teacher who introduced countless people to fly fishing.
Doug was also the creator of the Max Canyon steelhead fly. He tells the story of sitting under the trees with Steve Dorn during a brutally hot day on the Deschutes. With fishing slowed down, they started tying flies to pass the time. Doug liked orange and black, put the colors together, and eventually refined the pattern that became the Max Canyon.
We also hear about the early days of Stewart’s Custom Tackle, which later became Stewart’s Fly Shop. Doug talks about building the business through word of mouth, teaching casting and fly tying, and watching A River Runs Through It bring a surge of new anglers into fly fishing.
But this episode goes well beyond the history of a fly shop or a famous steelhead pattern.
Doug shares stories from decades on the water, including hooking and releasing 58 steelhead with Jim Teeny during an incredible day of fishing, falling into the Deschutes while fighting a steelhead, encounters with bears in Alaska, and watching the fly fishing world change around him.
Teaching runs through much of Doug’s story. Before going full-time in fly fishing, he was a seventh and eighth grade teacher. He later brought that same mindset to the fly shop, guiding, casting lessons, fly tying classes, and the many anglers he helped along the way.
Dave also reflects on what that influence looks like today. Doug taught him to fish. Dave passed some of those lessons to friends, who then taught their own kids. That ripple effect may be one of Doug’s greatest legacies.
Near the end of their original conversation, Doug is asked what he would like to be remembered for. His answer comes back to the people: running the fly shop, teaching people to cast and tie flies, learning from others, and staying connected to the fly fishing community.
This episode is ultimately about more than fly fishing.
It’s about fathers, sons, teachers, friends, and the limited amount of time we get together.
If your dad, father figure, mentor, or fishing partner is still around, give them a call. And if you still have the chance to take another fishing trip together, don’t wait too long to make it happen.

#964 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/964

Presented by: Montana Fly Fishing Lodge, AVC Rig, Fishhound Expeditions

Sponsors: https://www.wetflyswing.com/sponsors

Paul Plum entered our Scott Lake Lodge giveaway without expecting much to happen. A few weeks later, he got the call that changed his summer. Together, we traveled deep into northern Saskatchewan, where world-class fishing, incredible hospitality, and untouched wilderness created an experience neither of us will forget.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/964

963 Show Notes: https://www.wetflyswing.com/963
Presented by: Moccasin Fly Club
Big predator flies are built for explosive strikes, brutal fights, and anglers who live for the hunt.
From striped bass on Long Island to peacock bass in the Amazon, Max Rivetta has spent years tying flies for predator fish. As the in-house fly tyer and host of Moccasin Fly Club, he shares the techniques, materials, and lessons he's learned along the way.
We cover Bob Popovics' influence on modern fly design, choosing high-quality bucktail, preparing for destination trips, and why connecting with other fly tyers is one of the fastest ways to improve your skills.
Show Notes: https://www.wetflyswing.com/963

962 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/962
Presented By: Montana Fly Fishing Lodge, Togiak River Lodge, Drifthook, Blue Bonefish Lodge
Fly fishing has always been about more than catching fish; it's about building connections, sharing experiences, and protecting the waters that bring people together. In this episode, host Dave Stewart sits down with Kyle Schaefer, founder of Soulfly Co Outfitters, to discuss how his company is bringing those values to life through music, fly fishing, and conservation. Together, they explore how Soulfly Co. is creating a welcoming community that inspires both seasoned anglers and newcomers alike.
Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/962

We're officially past the halfway point of 2026, and it's been one of the biggest years yet for the Wet Fly Swing Podcast. We've expanded to four full-length interviews every week, added new shows from some of the biggest names in fly fishing, traveled to incredible destinations, and continued growing the Wet Fly Swing Pro community.
One question we get all the time is, "What episodes should I start with?"
To answer that, we pulled together the 10 most-listened-to episodes of the year so far. Whether you're interested in casting, dry-dropper fishing, Euro nymphing, steelhead, fly rod design, or planning your next destination trip, this list is a great place to dive in.
The Top 10 Episodes of 2026:
10. Jason Randall – Dry Dropper Fishing Beyond the Basics (Episode 928)
Jason Randall breaks down the divot, pivot, and twist system while sharing practical ways to improve your dry-dropper fishing beyond the basics.

9. John Hazel – Origins of Spey Casting & the Deschutes River (Episode 934)
A fascinating conversation with one of the pioneers of Spey fishing on the Deschutes River, covering the history of steelhead fishing and how the sport evolved.

8. Paul Arden – Why Anglers Stop Improving (Episode 939)
Sexyloops founder Paul Arden shares fly casting insights, explains common mistakes, and discusses why many anglers eventually plateau.

7. Jeff Liskay – The Steelhead Swing System (Episode 898)
A special presentation recorded during one of our fly fishing boot camps that gives listeners a taste of a Wet Fly Swing masterclass.

6. Larry Kenney – Inside Scott Fly Rods (Episode 906)
Scott Fly Rods founder Larry Kenney shares the company's history, innovations, and what makes Scott rods unique.

5. Connor Quigley – Inside Thomas & Thomas (Episode 948)
Connor Quigley discusses fly rod design, innovation, and the development of travel-friendly six-piece Spey rods.

4. Ed Jaworowski – The Science of a Perfect Fly Cast (Episode 897)
One of fly fishing's legendary casting instructors returns to explain the principles behind a better, more efficient cast.

3. Devin Olsen & Jack Arnett – Competitive Dry Fly Fishing (Episode 922)
Members of Team USA discuss competitive dry fly fishing and how they prepare for international competition.

2. Jordan Larson – From Filmmaker to Togiak River Lodge Owner (Episode 947)
Jordan shares the unexpected journey that took him from filmmaking into owning one of Alaska's premier fly fishing lodges.

1. Mark Melnyk – Giant Northern Pike at Scott Lake Lodge (Episode 946)
Our most popular episode of the year features Mark Melnyk of The New Fly Fisher discussing giant northern pike, lake trout, and the incredible fisheries of northern Saskatchewan. It became even more meaningful after our own trip to Scott Lake Lodge confirmed just how special the destination really is.
Looking Ahead
The second half of the year is shaping up to be just as exciting. We're planning new schools, destination trips to places like Belize and Iceland, more YouTube content, and continued growth inside the Wet Fly Swing Pro community. We'll also continue bringing on some of the best guides, anglers, and innovators in fly fishing to help you become a better angler.
If you're looking for your next episode, start with this Top 10 list. These conversations resonated with thousands of anglers this year, and there's a good chance you'll find a few new favorites of your own.