This week, since we have not had any hard-core fishing podcasts in awhile, I thought I would give you all some tips on winter fly fishing with Chip Swanson [40:09] of Breckenridge Outfitters in Colorado. Chip won the Orvis-Endorsed Freshwater Guide of the Year in 2019 for good reason. He's fun, patient, superbly knowledgeable, and a terrific teacher. He also does a lot of fishing and guiding throughout the winter, no matter what the weather. He has some great tips on staying warm, techniques to use, and what conditions are best for winter fly fishing.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some especially helpful tips from listeners as well as some questions that will be helpful to many fly fishers, including:

Is using a scented fly for sturgeon not fly fishing? And do you have any tips for catching these giants on a fly rod?

I am having trouble casting a double nymph rig plus split shot and an indicator. What casting advice do you have?

When is water too cold to try a dry dropper rig?

Some good advice from a listener on kneeling instead of sitting in a canoe for easier casting

A fly shop owner told me not to fish a local river because the flows were too low. Why is this bad in the winter when oxygen levels are higher?

How can I use online product reviews to inform my tackle purchases?

Which ones are the most reliable? What should I look for in a pedestal for my vise?

What are Tom's top 10 fly tying materials for fresh and salt water? What is Tom tying right now?

Great advice from a listener on kayak fishing and first aid kits for fishing trips

How long will it take my local river to recover after severe wildfires last year?

What can I use to hold those tippet scraps I want to dispose of?

This week, my guest is Tom Kiernan [38:50], President and CEO of American Rivers, an organization Orvis supports and endorses highly for the world-class work they do to protect our rivers. I wanted to explore the ins and outs of the Clean Water Act, one of the most important pieces of legislation of the 20th century. I think it's important that anyone who enjoys time on the water understands just what it has done for us, and what it can do in the future.

In the Fly Box this week, as usual we have some thought-provoking questions, including:

What kind of personal watercraft do you recommend for lakes and slow-moving rivers?

Is the abdomen of a natural insect the only important thing to imitate?

What do you prefer when fishing, a rain jacket or a wading jacket?

If I can't use weighted flies because of regulations, how can I sink my nymph?

What's the difference between a nail knot and a loop-to-loop connection?

Is there a time when one is better than another?

How do I keep the bodies on my big foam flies from twisting around the hook?

What do you do with your rod when landing a fish?

What is a Bimini twist used for?

When do you know that a fish is too much for the rod you are using?

A great tip from a listener on how to teach kids to tie flies without using a sharp hook.

If there are people swimming in a small mountain brook, how far away will the fish be spooked?

This week my guest is award-winning investigative journalist Robert O'Harrow [44:45], who has been with the Washington Post for over 30 years. Last fall he wrote an extensive article on the threats to mayfly populations worldwide and is continuing to research this issue, so I thought it would be interesting to share his findings. Bob is also a lifelong fly fisher who admits he didn't know a lot about the plight of mayflies in the past, so he gives us a great perspective.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and phone calls, including:

What is a good net for wade fishing when pursuing multiple species?

I recently caught a bunch of large trout in a river but no small ones. Where do the small ones go?

Can a "working fly box" apply to non-competition anglers as well?

What does Tim Flagler use to cut his thread on his videos?

I am a beginning fly fisher and the trout in the larger rivers in my area are difficult to catch. Should I first concentrate on small streams, ponds, or reservoirs?

What is the best way to give a fish line when it's running without giving it too much slack?

Is it a good idea to put UV resin over my nail knots?

How do you determine how deep the water is so you can set the indicator at 1 ½ times the water depth?

I keep getting crowded by other anglers on Colorado rivers. Should I try to educate them?

I lost a big fish by following it downstream.

My buddy says I should have stood my ground and not followed the fish. What do you think?

Do you think it's a bad idea to use beard trimmings in my dubbing to imitate hare's ear?

This week, my guest is Orvis product developer Jesse Haller [43:48], who besides being responsible for products like nets, wading shoes, and fishing packs and vests spent many years as a fishing guide. Jesse discusses how to pick the right net, some cool tips and carrying a net, how to plan your netting before you get a fish close to you, how to get the fish in the net with a minimum of fuss—and some great tips on releasing the fish you've caught.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some fascinating questions and some helpful tips from listeners, including:

Do you think it's a good idea to blacken your tippet close to the fly with a sharpie?

What conditions decide whether you should fish a large or a small streamer for bass?

A listener has a conundrum about booking a guide who used to work for another outfitter.

Some great tips from a listener about safety when bluelining in the Smokies.

What advice do you have for fishing out of a canoe? I have trouble finding trout in larger rivers, coming from a small stream background. What should I do?

Where can I find trout in winter?

What should I do about families with kids throwing rocks in the water when I am fishing?

How can I fish small midge emergers just under the surface?

During a heavy hatch, is it better to look for an individual fish or prospect a likely seam or run?

A great tip on a device for letting people know where you are when fishing the back country.

If I am running multiple midge nymphs, should I use a light or heavy tippet?

What is the best beginner outfit for saltwater fly fishing?