The Portland Fly Shop Podcast

Planning a DIY fly fishing trip to West Yellowstone? This episode of The Portland Fly Shop Podcast is a complete guide to one of the most legendary trout fishing regions in the country. Jason and Nick sit down with special guest Miles Marquez to break down the rivers, waters, tactics, and trip-planning details every DIY angler should know before heading to West Yellowstone. We cover the Madison Ri...

Sink tips are one of the most misunderstood—and most important—parts of a spey system. In this technical episode, we break down sink tips for spey rods and explain how to fish them more efficiently. We cover the key differences between “T” material tips and traditional “Type” tips, how sink rates change with different tip lengths, and why faster sinking doesn’t always mean better depth or presenta...

Portland Fly Shop Podcast: Swinging vs Nymphing for Steelhead In this episode, we dive into the art of steelhead fly fishing and break down two essential techniques: swinging vs nymphing. Whether you’re new to the river or looking to refine your approach, we cover: What nymphing is and how it works The techniques for both nymphing and swinging Key differences between the two styles How to control...

In this episode of our Spey for Steelhead series, we dive deep into one of the most important parts of successful steelheading: understanding depth control. We break down casting angles, fly selection, sink-tip choices, and the key techniques that help you achieve and maintain the right depth in a variety of water types. Part 1: • How casting angle changes depth and swing speed • Matching flies to...

Welcome back to The Portland Fly Shop Podcast! In this episode, we dive into two core elements of successful steelheading with a spey rod: sink tips and fly selection. We start with a breakdown of sink tips—how they work, why we use them, and how to choose the right one for changing river conditions. Whether you’re new to spey casting or dialing in your winter setup, we’ll help simplify the proces...

In this episode of our Pacific Northwest steelhead fly fishing podcast, we break down two of the most important topics for new and seasoned anglers alike: Part 1: Spey Gear Selection – rods, reels, lines, tips, and how to balance your setup for success. Part 2: Your First Day on the River – reading water, understanding steelhead holding lies, basic swing techniques, and how to approach a run with...

Description: Welcome to the first episode of our Pacific Northwest Steelhead Fly Fishing series!  Join hosts Jason Osborn and Nick Wheeler—each with over 20 years of guiding experience and deep roots in the fly fishing industry—as we kick things off with: Our background, guiding history, and time on legendary PNW rivers. What makes steelhead so unique (and addictive). Steelhead lore, culture, and...

Join us for a deep dive into one of Oregon’s most iconic trout fisheries — the McKenzie River. In this episode, we sit down with veteran guide Jim Sens to break down everything you need to know before hitting the water. From prime bank access points, to the major seasonal hatches and go-to fly patterns, we cover it all in technical detail. Whether you're floating or walking in, this episode is pac...

Looking to master lake fly fishing near Mt. Hood and Southwest Washington? This podcast episode covers everything you need to succeed on the water—from choosing the best lake flies and reading stillwater to understanding fish behavior, selecting the right fly lines, and dialing in your presentation techniques. We break down: Top fly patterns for high mountain and lowland lakes How to read lake str...

In this episode of the Portland Fly Shop Podcast, we sit down with seasoned guide and Alaska DIY expert Jacob Zirkle to explore how you can launch your own fly fishing trip straight from the Anchorage airport. From rental cars to gear strategy, fish timing to backcountry access—Jacob shares practical insights and local knowledge to help you plan a successful, affordable, and unforgettable Alaska f...

Join us for an in-depth conversation with legendary Deschutes River guide Brian Silvey as we break down everything you need to know about fly fishing the Deschutes during the summer months. From understanding water temps and hatch cycles to picking the right flies and fishing the best times of day, this episode is packed with knowledge for both new and seasoned anglers. We cover: 🎣 Key summer hat...

Welcome to the podcast! In this episode, we're diving deep into the exciting world of shad fly fishing on two of the Pacific Northwest’s iconic rivers — the Columbia and Willamette. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started, this is your one-stop guide to chasing shad on the fly. We cover everything you need to know, including: 🔍 Water types shad prefer and how to read the river 🎯...

In this episode, we explore what it truly means to build an inclusive, supportive fly fishing community—especially for new anglers and women who are stepping into the sport for the first time. Our guest Callie Freeman, shares their journey, challenges, and how creating space for connection, mentorship, and encouragement is changing the face of fly fishing. From local meetups to online forums, we t...

🎣 Unlock the Secrets to a Legendary Deschutes Salmonfly Hatch! Welcome to The Portland Fly Shop Podcast – your go-to source for expert fly fishing insights! In this episode, veteran guides Jason and Nick (with over 40 years combined experience on the Deschutes River) break down everything you need to crush the Salmonfly hatch this season. From proven techniques to overlooked tips that make all th...

🎣 Looking to fish Oregon’s rivers without going too far from Portland? In this episode, we explore the best river fishing opportunities within a 90-minute drive of Portland, Oregon. Whether you're after salmon, steelhead, trout, or smallmouth bass, we’ve got you covered with insider tips. From the Clackamas and Sandy Rivers to the Willamette and Nestucca, we break down the top spots, what to brin...