In this episode, we sit down with Jamie Hanna, Amy Snitko, Chaseline Waldrup, and Bella Orr from Knox Girls Who Fly Fish to talk about what it takes to build a fly fishing community from the ground up. In less than a year, the group has grown from a handful of women fishing together to a thriving community with regular meetups, fishing days, an active social media presence, and a growing email list.

We talk about the practical things that have helped them grow, including social media, word of mouth, local fly shop support, and creating events where people feel comfortable showing up even if they've never picked up a fly rod. We also get into fishing techniques, favorite waters, dream trips, local food stops, and a few painful stories about the fish that got away.

Key Highlights:

• Social media and word of mouth helped Knox Girls Who Fly Fish grow quickly while keeping the community personal and welcoming.
• Local fly shops have played a big part in connecting women with the group, hosting events, providing speakers, and helping spread the word.
• Meetups aren't always about fishing. Fly box nights, brewery gatherings, speakers, food, and casual conversations give new anglers an easier way to get involved.
• Creating a comfortable place to ask questions helps remove some of the intimidation that can come with learning fly fishing.
• Dry-dropper rigs are a group favorite, with plenty of discussion about changing fly size, tippet length, leader setup, and experimenting until you find what works.
• Bow-and-arrow casting, Euro nymphing, and Tenkara all make an appearance as the group shares some of the techniques they enjoy using on East Tennessee waters.
• The conversation travels from small plunge pools in the Smokies to tailwaters like the Clinch and Hiwassee, along with dream fishing destinations including New Zealand, Patagonia, Belize, Italy, and Alaska.
• We finish with local places to eat after a day on the water and stories about big trout that came painfully close to the net.
• Whether you're thinking about starting a fly fishing club, trying to breathe some new life into an existing group, or simply looking for more people to fish with, there are plenty of ideas here worth borrowing.
• Share this episode with your fishing partners and anyone interested in building a stronger fly fishing community. Be sure to follow Southeastern Fly, sign up for the newsletter, and go fish!

Resources:

• Visit southeasternfly.com
• Sign up for our newsletter

Produced by NOVA

In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we’re talking striper flies and how small design choices can affect the way a fly swims, sinks, and moves through the water. Think of this one as a striper fly primer, with a deeper technical conversation on striped bass coming in a future episode.

We break down hooks, weight placement, materials, and retrieves, with an emphasis on tying and fishing every fly with a purpose.

The biggest takeaway is to think intentionally about every part of the fly, from the hook and materials to the way you retrieve it. Build the fly for the water you’re fishing, stay connected during the retrieve, and be ready when a striper gives you a shot.

Key Highlights:

• How jig hooks and traditional J hooks create different movements in the water.
• Why weight at the front, middle, or rear of a fly changes how it sinks and swims.
• Use materials to solve a specific fishing problem rather than simply using what’s available.
• Keeping constant contact with the fly can make a major difference when fishing streamers.
• Focus on structure, rocks, stocking points, and slower water beside faster currents.

Resources:

• Visit southeasternfly.com
• Sign up for our newsletter

Produced by NOVA

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Moroney of Infinite Outdoors to talk about planning a DIY fly fishing trip through the Rocky Mountain West. Michael draws from his experience as a guide, biologist, and fisheries manager to explain how water levels, river size, seasonal conditions, and familiar fly patterns can help anglers find success in unfamiliar water.

We also explore how Infinite Outdoors connects anglers with exclusive access to private rivers and streams across the West, giving them room to slow down, study the water, and enjoy a full day without the pressure of crowded public access.

Whether you are planning your first trip west or looking for a new way to experience familiar rivers, this conversation offers practical advice for building a comfortable, productive DIY fishing trip.

Key Highlights:

• Michael explains how river flows, seasonal conditions, and water levels should shape your starting rig.
• Familiar flies like pheasant tails, hare’s ears, San Juan worms, and Parachute Adams still work well out West.
• Infinite Outdoors gives anglers exclusive access to private fishing properties, along with maps, river flows, weather, and property details.
• Large, medium, and small rivers each require a different approach, from carefully working riffles to covering water with dry flies.
• David shares a memorable day on a private Colorado stream, while Michael tells the story of a massive brown trout that got away.

Resources:

• Visit southeasternfly.com
• Sign up for our newsletter
• Infinite Outdoors

Produced by NOVA