Episode 169 of the Destination Angler Fly Fishing Podcast – April 23, 2026

Our destination is the legendary spring creeks of the Driftless Area—where miles and miles clear cold water, aggressive trout, and an open to the public culture make this truly a one-of-a-kind destination. Author and expert fly anglers, John van Vliet and Catherine Smith break it all down—where to look, what to throw, when to go, and one unforgettable story from the Mount St. Helens eruption.

With host Steve Haigh.

Key Topics:

• Why the Driftless feels like a secret mountain fishery hiding in the Midwest
• Crystal-clear spring creeks—and trout that see everything you do
• The art (and agony) of fooling ultra-picky fish on dry flies
• Stalking rising trout like a bowhunter, not a caster
• Hopper eats, ant falls, and those explosive summer takes
• A wild detour—the Mount St. Helens eruption story you didn't see coming
• How 20-inch trout disappear into water you can step across
• Timing it right—when the river suddenly turns "on"
• Outsmarting crowds and finding your own water
• Easy access, endless creeks, and the ultimate DIY road trip
• A comeback story—how these streams were brought back to life

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Contact John and Catherine: https://www.troutrunpress.com/ | john@troutrunpress.com | Instagram @TroutRunPress

Destination Angler Podcast:

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Please check out our Sponsors:

TroutRoutes

The #1 Mapping Resource for Trout Anglers. Podcast listeners can try one month of TroutRoutes PRO for FREE by clicking the link in the episode description. Explore 50,000 trout streams with TroutRoutes today. Get 1 Month Free

Facebook @troutinsights Instagram @TroutRoutes

Got Fishing

Crafting world-class fly-fishing adventures specially designed to your level of experience and budget.

Facebook @GotFishingAdventures Instagram @GotFishing

High N Dry Fishing

Where science and performance meet. Check out the full lineup of floatants, line dressings, and sighter waxes at www.highndryfishingproducts.com

Facebook @highndryfishingproducts Instagram @highndryfishing

Redd's Flies

Premium flies, tied with purpose. Redd's is a family-run company built around premium, hand-tied flies that actually hold up and flat-out catch fish, delivered to your doorstep in days, not weeks. A portion of every order goes directly to organizations protecting trout habitat and restoring rivers.

Facebook @ReddsFlies Instagram @ReddsFlies

Comments & Suggestions: host, Steve Haigh, email shaigh@DestinationAnglerPodcast.com

Available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Recorded Mar 19, 2026

Episode 168 of the Destination Angler Fly Fishing Podcast – April 9, 2026

In Part 2 of our two-part episode, our destination is Yellowstone Country with angling legend Craig Mathews. We dive into his new book, Pheasant Tail Simplicity, and why fewer flies might make you a better angler. Plus, winter tactics, the story behind the Sparkle Dun, and stories involving Keith Richards, Tom Broaw, Yvon Chouinard, and the origins of 1% for the Planet.

This one just might just change the way you think about fly fishing. With host Steve Haigh.

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Contact Craig: https://www.craigmathewsyellowstone.com/ Instagram: @CraigMatthewsYellowstone

Craig's latest book: Pheasant Tail Simplicity | Instagram @patagoniabooks | @patagonia_flyfish

Destination Angler Podcast:

• Website | YouTube | Instagram & Facebook @DestinationAnglerPodcast

Please check out our Sponsors:

Redd's Flies

Premium flies, tied with purpose. Redd's is a family-run company built around premium, hand-tied flies that actually hold up and flat-out catch fish, delivered to your doorstep in days, not weeks. A portion of every order goes directly to organizations protecting trout habitat and restoring rivers.

Use discount Code DESTINATION for a good deal on your next order

Facebook @ReddsFlies Instagram @ReddsFlies

TroutRoutes

The #1 Mapping Resource for Trout Anglers. Podcast listeners can try one month of TroutRoutes PRO for FREE by clicking the link in the episode description. Explore 50,000 trout streams with TroutRoutes today. Get 1 Month Free

Facebook @troutinsights Instagram @TroutRoutes

Got Fishing

Crafting world-class fly-fishing adventures specially designed to your level of experience and budget.

Facebook @GotFishingAdventures Instagram @GotFishing

High N Dry Fishing

Where science and performance meet. Check out the full lineup of floatants, line dressings, and sighter waxes at www.highndryfishingproducts.com

Facebook @highndryfishingproducts Instagram @highndryfishing

Comments & Suggestions: host, Steve Haigh, email shaigh@DestinationAnglerPodcast.com

Available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Recorded Mar 5, 2026

Episode 167 of the Destination Angler Fly Fishing Podcast – March 26, 2026

In Part 1 of a two-part episode, our destination is Yellowstone National Park's Firehole River—a strange world of geysers and fumaroles, grizzlies and bison, and trout, along with the Gibbon and the Upper Madison. With angler, fly designer, author, and 1% for the Planet Co-Founder, Craig Matthews who shares expert fly fishing techniques, along with stories of grizzly bear charges, his life as West Yellowstone Police Chief, and the surprising origins of his iconic fly shop, Blue Ribbon Flies. Stick around to the end for great story of a trout that took 19 days to catch.

With host Steve Haigh.

Be the first to know about new episodes. Become a subscriber

Contact Craig: https://www.craigmathewsyellowstone.com/ Instagram: @CraigMatthewsYellowstone

Craig's latest book : Pheasant Tail Simplicity @patagoniabooks | @patagonia_flyfish

Destination Angler Podcast:

• Website | YouTube | Instagram & Facebook @DestinationAnglerPodcast

Please check out our Sponsors:

High N Dry Fishing

Where science and performance meet. Check out the full lineup of floatants, line dressings, and sighter waxes at www.highndryfishingproducts.com

Facebook @highndryfishingproducts Instagram @highndryfishing

Redd's Flies

Premium flies, tied with purpose. Redd's is a family-run company built around premium, hand-tied flies that actually hold up and flat-out catch fish, delivered to your doorstep in days, not weeks. A portion of every order goes directly to organizations protecting trout habitat and restoring rivers.

Facebook @ReddsFlies Instagram @ReddsFlies

TroutRoutes

The #1 Mapping Resource for Trout Anglers. Podcast listeners can try one month of TroutRoutes PRO for FREE by clicking the link in the episode description. Explore 50,000 trout streams with TroutRoutes today. Get 1 Month Free

Facebook @troutinsights Instagram @TroutRoutes

Got Fishing

Crafting world-class fly-fishing adventures specially designed to your level of experience and budget.

Facebook @GotFishingAdventures Instagram @GotFishing

Comments & Suggestions: shaigh@DestinationAnglerPodcast.com

Available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Recorded Mar 5, 2026