Podcast: Tim Flagler on Winter Fly Patterns and Trout Tactics



By very popular demand, this week I have Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions as my guest, and we ramble about—guess what?—fly tying. But not only tying. In fact, I think we talk as much about winter trout tactics as we do winter fly patterns. But I know after this podcast I have a half dozen new flies I want to try in the coming season.

Also, in a longer-than-usual Fly Box section this week (hopefully to make up for not having many podcasts in December), we talk about sharpening scissors, tying the Adams, hooking fish, 10 fly-fishing books I recommend, caddisfly nymphs, knots for tube flies, UK wild trout, carrying a second rod while wading, and lots more.

If you don’t see the “Play” button above, click here to listen.

8 thoughts on “Podcast: Tim Flagler on Winter Fly Patterns and Trout Tactics”

  1. Best way to fight a fish that’s all the way into your backing:
    -follow the fish, fight it while reeling in more line, side pressure helps
    -again, side pressure and work the fish towards the shore, hopefully with calmer water near the shore, you can reel in the fish easier
    -up the drag to slow down the fish and/or palm the spool and work the fish toward you and reel in. You can lose the fish if you pull too hard, the hook can bend or break or the tippet knot or tippet itself can break.
    -I don’t recommend high sticking, but in some cases to get the fish up to the surface you have to really high stick and reel it towards you. If the fish is above surface, there’s less water pulling on it making it easier to reel in.

    If the fish is downstream in a good river flow, it’ll be tough to get that fish back upstream unless you can convince the fish to swim back up. If you can’t follow the fish downstream, eventually you will lose the fish to a bent hook or broken hook, knot or tippet.

  2. I really have enjoyed listening to your podcast. I have lived on the New River in South Western Virginia for most of my life. I have fished for pan fish and small mouth, with home made popper flies and streamers, most of my. I like to fish alone or with a small group of friends. So I have never fished for trout, most due to the large crowds I see along side streams. After listening to you talk about fishing small and remote streams, I believe you have instilled and desire to pick up a new hobby; Tying and using trout flies. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom.

    Lyndell

  3. So glad to have the podcast back!! You can’t do that (so long without a podcast) to us again, Tom!
    Seriously, really looking forward to another great year with our electronic fishing guide

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