Untangled: Fly Fishing For Everyone | Ventures Fly Co.

Episodi

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  Back From The Brink — Catching A Fish That Almost Disappeared | Fly Fishing Stories #11 14.09.2026 18min

  We almost lost one of the most iconic trout species in the world. From the 1970s to 2005, roughly 3.5 million of these fish were eaten by a predator illegally introduced into their ecosystem. It was only through hard work - and a bit of luck - that the fish managed to survive at all. But how did this happen? Why does it matter if some fish go extinct? And where did this all take place? Well, that's what we'll explain in today's episode of Untangled.  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
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  How To Catch Fish On The World's Smallest Mayfly | Ep. 196 09.09.2026 45min

  There's one mayfly that, when it hatches, brings EVERY fish up to the surface - including the big ones. These bugs, once they start, come off like clockwork. The fish dutifully follow.  So, what's the catch? Because if there's one true thing about fly fishing, it's that nothing is THIS simple.  Well, these mayflies are tiny. Microscopic. And the fish get EXTREMELY picky about which ones they're eating. Some times, they want the male mayflies. Other times, they're only eating the females. Throw the wrong one, and your chances of catching fish are as good as Spencer's at quitting Diet Coke.  This week on Untangled, you'll learn everything you need to know to take advantage of this tiny mayfly.  You'll also learn about:  How to fight fish more effectively The techniques used for fishing with barbless hooks How much time you should expect to struggle when you start fly fishing How to handle days when rivers are blown out from rain LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get TroutRoutes PRO Free For One Month - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
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  Get Up And Go Explore | Tip of the Week #17 07.09.2026 22min

  The best thing you could do right now is to turn off this podcast, get your gear together, and go fishing.  If you can't just drop everything and head to the river right now - maybe you're at work, or any good fishing is a long drive away - then I suppose you could keep listening to today's show. But the message at the end will be the same as it is now: get up and go fishing.  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
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  What It Really Takes To Get Good At Fly Fishing — From A Guy Who Fishes 200 Days A Year | Ep. 195 02.09.2026 1h 7min

  The second installment in our Everyday Angler series features Hyrum Weaver, a longtime friend of Spencer's, and one of the fishiest guys he knows. Hyrum is a truly great fisherman who claims he hasn't been skunked in the 21st century. He's also one of the best people you could ever hope to learn from - whether it's figuring out lakes, learning to tie better flies, or simply the key things to look at on rivers to find more fish, Hyrum is a wealth of information, and he's sure to help you level up your game as an angler.  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
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  Untangled Fly Fishing Report | September 2026 31.08.2026 23min

  As the weather finally starts to cool off, that means small mayflies are back on the menu! But they're not the only thing to think about as you hit the water in September. Terrestrial fishing can be excellent this month as well, and will continue to be great until the first hard freeze fo the year. Today on Untangled, you'll get a refresher course on all things fall mayflies, as well as some tips and tricks for troubleshooting those moments when the fish refuse your flies.  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT VFC 3-Packs  - Get The Fall Flies - CHECK THEM OUT
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  Why Biologists Want You To Kill Brook Trout, And When You Shouldn't | Ep. 194 26.08.2026 47min

  Brookies are the favorite of tons of anglers. They're gorgeous, and the big ones can be extremely frustrating AND rewarding to catch. But they're also one of the biggest threats to the long-term survival of native fish like  cutthroat trout. Brookies are more aggressive than cutties, so in places where the two fish live side-by-side, brookies outcompete cutthroat for food. Eventually, the cutthroat just can't persist on the landscape, and they disappear. So, to help cutthroat and other native fish like gila and apache trout, sometimes fisheries managers ASK for you to kill brook trout. Does killing a few brookies REALLY help cutthroat? And is this a sound practice, or do fish biologists in the West just have it out for brookies? Today on Untangled, we'll dive into all of this and explain what really goes into conserving and protecting our native fish. You'll also learn about:  What stomach pumps are, and why Spencer thinks they're unethical  Camp traditions and recipes for fishing trips How to get the most out of backpacking trips to go fly fishing How to tell if you've spooked fish from a given fun LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
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  Will Fish Really Eat Pink and Purple Flies? | Tip of the Week #16 24.08.2026 21min

  Why are so many of the flies we tie, use, and sell, all brightly colored, when most of the real-life bugs trout eat are drab and dull? Why do our fly boxes look like they'd be more at home at a middle-school craft fair, or a tea party, than on the river? Well, it all boils down to how trout perceive color. Understanding this key detail of trout biology can help you better understand how and why trout react so well to certain fly patterns.  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - How Trout See Color - CHECK IT OUT
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  Fly Fishing With Hoppers: Strategies You Don't Hear Enough About | Ep. 193 19.08.2026 1h 41min

  ALEX STULCE RETURNS! And as he joins Spencer on today's episode, the two talk about the hopper fishing strategies that too often get ignored. Things like adding drag on purpose to make the hopper look like it's alive, to fishing them in shallow, nervous water. These are the little things that WILL make a difference in your fishing this summer, but that most folks don't ever discuss.  You'll also hear about:  Everything going on behind-the-scenes at VFC, including updates on products, live events, and new releases Tips for fishing etiquette when you're brand-new How to guesstimate the depth of a river when setting up a nymph rig How to tell if you're getting a bite, or just ticking the bottom The great knot debate between the Clinch and Loop knots LINKS FROM THE SHOW DONATE - Amber Kelly GoFundMe - VIEW HERE Get TroutRoutes PRO Free For One Month - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
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  The Bass I Never Thought I'd Catch | Fly Fishing Stories #10 17.08.2026 16min

  The days when you catch something unexpected — your new personal best, for instance — seem to come out of nowhere, like letters from the IRS. And not unlike mail from the tax man, I think every angler has at least SOME level of fear that they won't be prepared to meet those memorable fish when they decide to show up.  Of course, not every unforgettable fish has to be huge — it can be a particularly gorgeous brookie, or a wild rainbow trout that's shaped like a football, or a brown all colored up for pumpkin spice season.  But those big ones? That show up out of nowhere, when you're fishing the farm pond, that tiny creek near your house, or the stretch of river you've always skipped, because it just didn't look fishy?  Those are the fish that make your palms sweaty, get the butterflies swarming in your stomach, and put you right back in that dark, loud gym on the night of your first school dance. That feeling never goes away, no matter how long you've been fishing; or at least, it hasn't for me. LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
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  I Was Wrong About Fly Fishing Apps — Here's What Changed My Mind | Ep. 192 12.08.2026 41min

  Fly fishing apps are for those lazy anglers who just want someone to tell them where to go, what flies to use, and how to fish. They're for people who prefer automatic transmissions, boneless chicken wings, and Downton Abbey.  Right?  Well, not exactly. That was my attitude for a LONG time, until this year. I started using one app, and it honestly made me change my tune. These apps can be really helpful, for anglers of all skill levels.  Today on Untangled, you'll learn why I changed my mind about fly fishing apps, the ones we recommend here at VFC, and how to get the most out of these tools.  You'll also learn about:  Tips for correcting a cast that always seem to land to the left or the right The gear Spencer recommends for backcountry fly fishing trips Etiquette for fishing with a larger group of anglers LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get TroutRoutes PRO Free For One Month - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
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  When And Why You Need A Double-Taper Fly Line | Tip of the Week #15 10.08.2026 17min

  There are two main types of fly lines - weight-forward and doube-taper. But what do those words mean? And when would you want to use one versus the other? Today on Untangled, we'll tackle everything to know about the differences between these lines, as well as getting into when and why you might want to use them. We'll also talk about the importance of matching your fly line to your rod, and what makes a fly line "good" or "bad."  LINKS FROM THE SHOW FLIES - Get the VFC 3-Packs - CHECK THEM OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
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  Dry Fly Fishing Is Hard, But No One Tells You Why | Ep. 191 05.08.2026 52min

  This is the first episode of our new Everday Angler series, where we sit down with anglers who are at every stage of the learning curve. Yes, guides, outfitters, and industry experts have a lot to add to the conversation, but how often is their advice actualyl tailored to the situation you're in right now?  And since one of the best ways to learn is by chatting with other anglers in your exact situation, that's what we decided to do. Our first guest is Riley Bayles, an angler from Utah who's been fly fishing for abot 2 years. Alex and I had the chance to fish with Riley this summer, and we were impressed by his approach to the sport and his willingness to learn. Riley has some fantastic insight as someone who's in the thick of figuring it out, and his advice will absolutley help you become a better angler.  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
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  Untangled Fly Fishing Report | August 2026 03.08.2026 21min

  August can feel like one of the tougher months for fly fishing, and in many ways, it is. BUT - with the right approach, you can still have a great time on the water this month. Depending on where you live, your best option might be fishing early in the morning, or chasing non-trout species. If you have easy access to the high country nearby, this is a great time to go out and explore all the less-visited places where the fishing is still fast and furious.  LINKS FROM THE SHOW FLIES - Get the VFC 3-Packs - CHECK THEM OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
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  The 68-Degree Rule: When Water Gets Too Warm To Fish For Trout | Ep. 190 29.07.2026 53min

  When the air temps warm up, we're not the only ones having a hard time of it. Trout don't react well when the water gets too warm, and knowing both HOW and WHY they act differently in warm water, can be an easy way to ensure you're taking care of the fish we love so much. On today's episode on Untangled, you'll learn why it's important to monitor water temps, when you should stop fishing, and other quick tips you can use to ensure the fish stay happy and healthy for years to come.  You'll also learn about:  The best method for changing out tippet to match your flies as they change sizes throughout the day Tips for spotting your dry flies on the water Spencer's thoughts on tippet rings, micro swivels, and yarn strike indicators  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT ARTICLE - Science-Backed Info on Trout And Warm Water - CHECK IT OUT
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  Chasing Gold | Fly Fishing Stories #9 27.07.2026 16min

  Golden trout are among the prettiest, rarest, and most sought-after trout in the West. They live in hard-to-reach places, and the ones that grow to enormous sizes seem like they're harder to find than clear pictures of Bigfoot. But putting in the work and effort to look for these fish - even if you strike out - usually results in memories you'll never forget.  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
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  I've Been Fishing Caddis Wrong My Whole Life | Ep. 189 22.07.2026 45min

  Caddisflies are one of the most abundant aquatic insects on the PLANET! But they're largely misunderstood by anglers - inclulding myself. In fact, I just had an experience on the water that made me realize I've been fishing these flies completely wrong for 20 years!  Don't make the same mistakes I did. Listen to this week's episode and learn all about how caddisflies should be fished, and how this can help you put more trout in the net.  You'll also learn about:  The differences between headwaters and tailwaters Tips for fishing with kids, and getting them interested in fly fishing Why trout really eat streamers LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
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  The Ultimate Wet Wading Gear Setup | Tip of the week #14 20.07.2026 13min

  Waders are great and all -- but by the time summer rolls around, they get HOT! They're not all that comfortable to wear, either. So, if you wanna ditch the waders, what's the best way to go? We prefer using a fully dedicated wet wading setup. You get all the benefits of the stability of wading boots, without the bulk and added heat of waders. Today on Untangled, we'll dish on all the things we love about wet wading, the gear we recommend, and WHY we've made these choices.  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Wet Wading Gear Guide - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE
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  Nymphs, Streamers, or Dry Flies — You Don't Need to Master All Three | Ep. 188 15.07.2026 47min

  Starting out in fly fishing is overwhelming. You're told you've got to master all sorts of techniques and tactics, and the second you open Instagram, or read any online content, you're bombarded with new things to try! It feels like, if you're not at least dipping your toe in everything, you're quickly falling behind as an angler.  Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, that mindset is damaging for new anglers. So in today's episode of Untangled, you're going to learn why this isn't the best way to approach things, and some tips for actually leveling up that don't require new gear, or trips to exotic locations.  You'll also learn about:  Tips for fishing for grass carp, and carp behavior in general Fly selection for carp Tips on casting with indicators, split shot, or other heavy rigs Tips on tying flies and fishing for stocked trout vs wild trout LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
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  The World's Biggest Cutthroat Trout | Fly Fishing Stories #8 13.07.2026 21min

  The largest cutthroat trout ever officially caught was a 41-pounder back in 1925. Rumors persisted of fish in excess of 60 pounds, but like any good fish, those ones got away before they could be weighed... These giant cutthroat were once thought to be lost forever. By the 1940s, they were gone from the landscape, and our chance to fish for giant, prehistoric fish was basically gone.  But that's where this story really starts, and gets all sorts of interesting. In this episode of Untangled's Fly Fishing Stories, you'll learn all about the world's largest cutthroat trout -- how they evolved, how they vanished, and how they made one of the world's most shocking comebacks.  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
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  The Summer Dry Flies Trout Love — But Most Anglers Overlook | Ep. 187 08.07.2026 47min

  Summer is the time for throwing big foam bugs and large droppers, right?  Well, yes - but there are a couple of dry flies that get chronically overlooked by anglers - myself included. So today on Untangled, you're going to learn what these flies are, why you should add them to your box, and tips for getting the most out of them when you tie one on.  You'll also learn about:  How to adjust your rigs for fishing in lower water Tips for getting back into the game with fishing dry flies Why some rods roll cast better with heavier lines LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT ARTICLE - Fishing Ants - CHECK IT OUT Browse 3-Packs and Tying Kits - CHECK THEM OUT