Southeastern Fly

In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we talk through one of the most overlooked parts of fly fishing success on the river: leaders and tippet. What seems like a small detail can have a major effect on turnover, presentation, drift, and ultimately whether or not fish eat.

We walk through practical tips for matching leader length to water clarity, choosing stronger tippet than most anglers think they can get away with, and avoiding co...

In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we sit down with Captain Mark Richardson of Ark Anglers to talk about fishing the Arkansas River around Salida, Colorado. Mark guides this water day in and day out, and in this conversation we cover the different sections of the river, seasonal conditions, floating productive water, and what makes the Arkansas River such a special fishery.

We also revisit a day we spent on the water together and ...

In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we sit down on the banks of the Elk River in Tennessee and talk about something every fly angler eventually spends time doing during the winter months: tying flies. After spending time recently tying at Little River Outfitters and working through a few patterns at the vise, we decided to walk through some practical fly tying thoughts that can help both beginners and experienced tiers improve the...

In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we’re posted up on the banks of the Elk River, just over the hill from the Jack Daniel Distillery, swapping stories with our longtime friend Howard Brooks. Howard’s a Tennessee native, a former client turned guide, and one of those guys who somehow makes every day on the water feel richer than the last. We get into where his fishing life started, how guiding happened “purely by accident,” and wh...

In this episode, we settle in for a true wintertime river recap. Instead of a rigid outline, we walk through a couple of cold, windy days on the water and talk honestly about what worked, what didn’t, and why winter fishing can feel both slower and more rewarding at the same time. From experimenting with new streamer ideas to battling wind, current, and changing water conditions, this one is about time on the water, tinkering at th...

In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we sit down with Bryson Storie to talk about fly fishing the Texas coast, focusing on the waters around Port O'Connor. A lot of anglers assume Texas saltwater is muddy and unfishable. Bryson explains why that couldn’t be further from the truth and breaks down the clear-water flats, diverse habitats, and fish behavior that make this area so special. We also drift into flies, food sources, guiding...

In this episode, we slow things down and reflect on a question that feels simple at first but carries a lot of weight once you sit with it: what really is the best seat on the river? We take a thoughtful ride through seasons, boats, friendships, and family, looking at how our perspective changes over time and how fly fishing has a way of marking those changes if we pay attention.

This one is less about tactics and more about people...

In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we sit down with Neil Norman, a writer, lifelong angler, and Smokies regular, to talk about far more than fish. Neil’s upcoming book, Tight Lines and Tall Tale Stories of Southern Appalachian Fly Fishing, serves as a backdrop for a wide-ranging conversation about mountain history, old fishing methods, unforgettable characters, and the deep sense of place that defines fly fishing in Appalachia.

We...

What does it really mean to care for the waters we fish? In this mid-month episode of the Southeastern Fly Podcast, we tackle that question head-on—because the answer starts with each of us.

Today we welcome back Jason McReynolds, guide and owner of Flying Soho and board member of the Blue Ridge Guides Association, to explore what it means to take ownership of our rivers and give back to the places that give us so much.

Jason returns...

In this episode of the Southeastern Fly Podcast, host David Perry welcomes returning guest Rob Jeeves for a deep dive into DIY Fly Fishing North Carolina. Rob—who cut his fly-fishing teeth in the Tar Heel State before moving north—shares hard-earned insights on planning and fishing a self-guided trip through the region's freestones, headwaters, and neighboring tailwaters.

They cover everything from gear and fly selection to reading ...

In this episode, we crack open a practical primer on caddis flies—what they are, how to spot them, and simple ways to fish each stage. We recorded this one from our “satellite offices” in Florissant, Colorado, and it’s all about translating river observations into flies that work right now on Southeastern waters.

Highlights of the Episode

• Caddis 101, quick and clear: life stages from egg → larva → pupa → adult—and why that sequen...

In this episode, we dig into one of East Tennessee’s most intriguing tailwaters—the Holston (proper), below Cherokee Dam. With Knoxville guide Capt. Jeff Sharp riding shotgun, we map out the river’s fishy 52–53 miles, break down the famed caddis and sulfur programs, and share practical tactics for both trout and smallmouth—plus a few hard-earned stories (including the popper-eating smallie that still haunts Jeff).

Highlights of the ...

In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we take you along on a saltwater run to Dauphin Island. What started as a quick hit-and-run turned into a day-and-a-half of lessons on packing light, listening to your guide, and making the most of limited shots in the Gulf. From tripletail to tarpon-style waiting games, we cover what makes salt trips unique and how to set yourself up for success.

Highlights of the Episode:

• Travel light—essent...

In this episode, we sit down with Nick Conklin of TFO to demystify fly rod technology—what really makes one rod feel “better” than another, how length and taper translate on the water, and why practice beats price every time. We dig into practical choices anglers face, from building a daily driver to picking a specialized stick, and we call out a few industry realities that affect every shop and every caster.

Highlights of the Episo...

In this episode, we dig into one of our favorite summer tactics: sight fishing. From salt to fresh, we talk through how we slow down, observe, and turn “hunt mode” on—so we’re not just casting at water, we’re casting at fish. Along the way, we share a quick story about post‑storm scum lines turning on, the calm mindset that helps you make the shot, and a few simple prep habits that keep you from blowing it when a big one finally sl...

North Alabama’s smallmouth waters are legendary, and in this episode, we get the locals’ guide to making the most of them. We sit down with Captain Tony Cox, a lifelong Tennessee River angler and guide, to explore the unique mix of lakes, tailraces, and creeks that define the Shoals.

Tony breaks down his favorite approaches for each water type, why heavy tackle matters here, and how to adapt when flows or weather change your plans. ...

In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we dig into the art of “observating”—the practice of watching and learning from the river across all seasons, especially in the summer heat. We share tips for reading your water, from winter midge hatches and spring bug explosions to the challenges of fishing in triple-digit temps.

We talk about how to know what’s happening on your river by watching bug activity, fish behavior, and even birds, pl...

In this episode, we dive deep into fly line technology with Richard Nicoletti, sales director for Cortland Line Company. Richard gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how fly lines are made, breaking down the key components and explaining what makes each line perform the way it does. He clarifies the differences between weight forward and double taper lines, and shares practical advice for matching your line to the fishing condition...

Fishing dirty might sound controversial, but sometimes it’s the best way to put fish in the net—especially when conditions get tough. In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we’re joined by full-time guides Will and Eric Ezell for a no-holds-barred look at the “dirty” side of fly fishing: mop flies, worms, eggs, and the creative hybrid patterns guides turn to when the water’s high or nothing else seems to work.

We cover:

• When and wh...