This week, continuing with my small stream double features programs, I interview Todd Fuchigami of the Ellensburg Angler in Washington [@ 45:48], plus Mel Hayner of Driftless Fly Fishing Company in Minnesota [@1:24:51]. It's been fascinating for me to learn about the similarities, and the differences in small stream techniques throughout the country. Regardless of where you fish, you'll pick up great small stream tips from these two.

In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions and comments:

What is your preferred wet-wading outfit, or do you even wade wet at all during the summer?

If I need a longer dropper on my dry/dropper rig, should I add the extra length with another section of tippet added to the existing one or should I tie on a whole new dropper?

A listener takes me to task and says I should "spend more time on crowded public waters to better answer the fly box questions"

What is the best way to fish small streams when they get turbid from a summer rainstorm?

A couple book recommendations from a listener on small streams and alpine lakes

I normally take both my fly rod and a spinning rod with worms when trout fishing. What do you think of this method?

Are "bait chuckers" seen throughout the country or is it just my local fishing culture in Iowa? And what are some ways to help them see the beauty in fly fishing?

I have a bunch of old fly lines and rods. How do I figure out what line sizes I have?

What really matters when I stare into my fly box? What attributes do you look for and how do you rank them?

How often before you decide to switch flies?

How do I gauge the size of my hen hackles when tying soft hackles?

[Rachel Therkildsen interview 36:25]
[Brett Damm interview 1:04:52]

I have been interviewing guides across the country on their techniques for small-stream trout fishing and I want to get these out sooner rather than later, at the peak of small stream trout season.  So this week, we have a special double feature on small trout streams East and West.  We have Rachel Therkildsen on fishing high altitude streams (and lakes) in Colorado, and then we move East to hear about small stream brook trout fishing in the Rangeley region of Maine with Brett Damm of Rangeley Region Fly Shop.
 
In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions:
I use mostly streamers in high mountain lakes.  Should I be using nymphs and dries?

Is there a good resource for organizing my fly boxes?

Are there any podcast episodes on panfish?

A suggestion from a listener on wearing a wetsuit when fly fishing.

Do you have any tips on how to fish difficult waters?

I think carp are eating blueback herring spawn on my local river.  Do you have any suggestions on how to catch them?

Can I fish emergers upstream?

If I take my new Mission rod to Florida to fish deep channels, when should I use a Scandi line and when should I use a Skagit line?

Is it OK to carry two rods with different rigs to maximize fishing time?

Is it OK to leave my wading boots wet for a day or two.  I always dry them but do I need to do it every day?

If I plan to use my Euro nymphing rod for more conventional fishing, should I overline the rod?

[Interview starts at 41:18]

• Further warnings on UV cure epoxy vapors
• How do I keep my fly tying organized in a small apartment with a wife, dog, and cat?
• Can I use steelhead swinging techniques for skating a caddis when trout fishing?
• How do I learn Euro nymphing?
• How can I find and catch bigger trout than the 12-inchers I usually catch?
• Are there any advanced courses to improve my skills in fly fishing?
• More tips from a fishing guide about how to improve a client's experience
• Will a very hot car in Texas damage any of my fly-fishing gear?
• I lose trout when they jump.  What can I do to prevent this?
• Why didn't you mention Strike Putty in your TV show on using indicators?
• I caught a trout and got slime on my fly, then the fly didn't work afterward.  Does slime on a fly scare off trout?