116. Whose River Is It?

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 after his last appearance on Episode 89 (“Fishing Streamers”) to share updates from Upper East Tennessee and to discuss the impact of recent storms, river debris, and community efforts to clean and preserve the waters we all depend on.

Together, we dive into the shared responsibility anglers, guides, and outdoor enthusiasts have to maintain clean, healthy rivers—and how organized cleanups make a real difference.

Highlights of the Episode:

• Whose River Is It? Reflecting on how we each experience and value rivers in our own way—and what that means for stewardship.
• From Talk to Action: David shares his “one-piece rule,” while Jason explains how his team turns small actions into large-scale cleanups.
• Organizing a Cleanup: Jason outlines what it takes to plan a successful river cleanup, from picking dates to partnering with local organizations.
• Incentives and Impact: How community support, great prizes, and volunteer spirit combine to make each event a success.
• After the Storm: The crew discusses recovery efforts and massive debris fields left behind by Hurricane Helene—and why continued cleanup is vital.
• Fishing Report: Streamer season is heating up, with rainbows and browns feeding aggressively on shad through the lower stretches of the Watauga and South Holston.

Remember, keeping our rivers clean isn’t someone else’s job—it’s everyone’s. Join the conversation, mark your calendar for March, and help make a difference wherever you fish.

Resources:

• Visit FlyingSoho.com
• Instagram: @flyingsoho
• Learn more about the Blue Ridge Guides Association cleanup and events
• Sign up for the Southeastern Fly Newsletter for updates on upcoming episodes and events.

Listen, share, and go fish—and leave the river better than you found it. 🎣 

Produced by NOVA