The MEND Fly Fishing Podcast
Episodes
Episode 101 - Muddy Water Blues w/ Shop Manager Bob
28 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The river’s running high after heavy runoff and full reservoirs, forcing guides and anglers to find alternative fisheries. The hosts discuss current...
Episode 100 - Adventures You Need to Know About with Jon Covich
20 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode the MEND podcast welcomes world traveler and guide Jon Covich to discuss his 35-year career in the fishing industry, recent gear highl...
Episode 99 - Backyard Fisheries with Josh Potter // Tuesday's Tippets
17 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Joe Rotter and longtime pal Josh Potter reenact a classic spring-creek trip, sharing tactics for tightline nymphing, streamer work, and using New Zeal...
Episode 98 - 3 Weeks of Fishing in Christmas Island and a Tough Trout Creek
13 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Eric Nickum, Bob Miller, and Joe Rotter sit down after each spending a full week fishing Christmas Island—but on different sc...
Episode 97 - George Cook. Spey Revolutions, Sage Rod Lore & Alaska Kings
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Host Joe Rotter is joined by George Cook, longtime industry pro and guru of all things fly. Roger Shearer of Red's Fly Shop joins Joe and George and t...
Episode 96 - Subway to Super Spey. Deschutes, Carp, & More w/ Jeremiah Houle
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Jeremiah Houle joins the MEND podcast to share his 21‑year fly‑fishing journey from shop floor to guide to industry rep, plus event dates and insi...
Episode 95 - Coached by "The General" Jason Randall // Was I Even Nymphing?
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the MEND Podcast recorded at Red’s Fly Shop, hosts and guests (notably Jason Randall and TFO’s Nick Conklin) share a fu...
Episode 94 - ESB, Crooked Island, Shark Bites, and (6) Red's Guides Talking Salt Trips
04 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Joe Rotter, Steve Joyce, Curtis Frisbie, Skyler Lancaster, Max Karns, and Eric Nickum recap recent saltwater trips to Crooked Island and Espiritu Sant...
Episode 93 - Patagonia to the Bahamas and Things that Make Joe Sick
26 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the Mend Podcast with Joe Rotter, Eric Nickum and Jason Harwood. They recap trips to Patagonia (Estancia del Zorro and Cinco Rios) and Croo...
Episode 92 - Patagonia, Marital Advice, and Stripping Pat's Stones
20 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The hosts open with Red's Fly Shop news — upcoming shows, sold‑out Texas redfish dates and a local saltwater rendezvous — then recount a...
Episode 91 - Fly Lines Matter with Chris Walker of RIO
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Joe Rotter talks with Chris Walker from RIO Products about matching fly lines to rods and fishing situations, how fly lines are manufa...
Episode 90 - Lonestar Redfish. Eric and Joe on a 2 Day Banzai Trip
30 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hosts Joe and Eric describe a quick, highly productive Redfish weekend at Bay Flats Lodge, sharing travel logistics, guide-led tips, and on-the-water ...
Episode 89 - Company Outing - Steelhead, Poker, Chukar Hunt, and Fiddle Playin'
11 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A group of Reds Fly Shop staff and industry friends head to the Snake River and Grand Ronde for steelhead swinging, Hell’s Canyon chucker huntin...
Episode 88: 48 Tales. One Man’s Quest to Catch Fish in ALL Lower 48 States.
29 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
High school teacher Ryan Burch describes a year‑long solo journey to catch a fish in each of the lower 48 states, four months in and 10,000 miles tr...
Episode 87 - Tightline Transformation: From Garage Casting to Competition Beats
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Casual group podcast. Joe Rotter and Jason Harwood host Chris Waddle to discuss tightline nymphing, competitive angling, and the learning curve from b...
Episode 86 - Tying Flies Morning of My Guide Trip. Jig, Drift, Hook: Yarn Indicators, Mop Flies, and Practical Fly Tips
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Joe Rotter ties a simple, fast nymph and walks through why he ties flies on short notice—how pattern choice supports fishing style, materials to...
Episode 85 - Blue-Winged Olive Bonanza: Small-Flies, Big Fish
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Joe Rotter goes solo and covers a week of fishing highlights: a long-running blue-winged olive hatch, precise small-dry fly tactics with ultralight ro...
Episode 84 - Tuesday's Tippets with Greasy Bugs Hayden
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Joe Rotter and Hayden Williams chat riverside about fishing this week and focus on the technical aspects of fishing the BWO hatch this past week. Ti...
Episode 83 - Tuesday’s Tippets w/ Eric Nickum Fresh Off the Water
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Joe and Eric trade hunting stories, river reports and tactics after a big cold snap brought bigger trout and lively blue-winged olive hatches. They co...
Episode 82 - Tuesday's Tippets with Shop Manager Bob
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Joe and Shop Manager Bob deliver short, practical fall fishing advice for DIY anglers: observe the river and other fishermen, favor small BWO patterns...
Episode 81 - Russ Miller. The Guy That Showed Me How to Nymph Fish
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Joe Rotter hosts Russ Miller, 12-time Team USA Fly Fishing Competitor and currently working for Umpqua Feather Merchants. Years ago Russ politely humb...
Episode 80 - Tuesday's Tippets - Back to the OG NZ, 6X Bug Testing, and Fat Octobers
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Joe Rotter hosts a solo episode unpacking a recent guided day on the low, clear Yakima River and previewing the October caddis hatch. He talks through...
Episode 79 - Why Do I Tie Flies? w/ Patrick Kilby of RIO
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Joe Rotter and Patrick Kilby chat about how and why to tie your own flies. They share some history, stories, and some really good tips for someone dus...
Episode 78 - Deschutes River Skills with Tom Larimer
12 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Joe Rotter interviews guide Tom Larimer about fishing the Deschutes: his background guiding Alaska to the Deschutes, why the river is unique (wade-onl...
Episode 77 - Bowhunting Meets Fly Fishing with Brian Barney of Eastman's Elevated
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hosted a longtime bowhunter and new friend, Brian Barney of Eastman's Elevated on the Pod today. Brian is well known as a bowhunter, writer, and conte...
Episode 76 - Trout Scouting with OnX and TroutRoutes // How to Find NEW Water!
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Find NEW water! Joe Rotter and Erik Johnsen of TroutRoutes and OnX maps chat about how to use this awesome app to find new water and use your time mor...
Episode 75 - Tuesday's Tippets with Steve Burns // Golden Trout, Steelhead, and Old Waders
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Joe Rotter chats with guide Steve Burns about transitioning to fall fishing: dealing with smoky skies, adjusting tippet and flies for clearer, cooler ...
Episode 74 - Tactical Mends and Reading Water: Skyler’s Guide to Catching More Trout
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Joe Rotter and guide Skyler Lancaster break down practical, easy-to-use tips for fall trout fishing: managing slack and mends, choosing indicator dept...
Episode 73 - Tuesday's Tippets - Swing Addiction: Hayden Williams
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Joe Rotter sits riverside with Hayden Williams for a wide-ranging Tuesday's Tippets: a salmon trip full of pinks, smoking fish, and a near-Chinook hoo...
Episode 72 - Tuesday's Tippets with Steve Joyce // Skating Cranes and Chuckin' Spey
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Joe Rotter and guide Steve Joyce break down practical, easy-to-use fishing tips for the fall transition — from skateable crane-fly techniques an...
Episode 71 - Tuesday's Tippets with Joe Rotter and Leif Kvinsland
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the MEND podcast! Dive into a sponsor-free, ad-free fishing experience as we continue with our series, Tuesday's Tippets. In this episode, ...
Episode 70 - Tuesday's Tippets with Joe and Eric
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join host Joe Rotter for a new edition of the MEND podcast from Red's Fly Shop, where the only promise is uninterrupted, ad-free discussions. This epi...
Episode 69 - Hitchiking, Mentors, and Mom is a Bad Ass
16 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join Joe Rotter from Red's Fly Shop as he takes you on a journey through his fishing escapades of the spring and summer. In this episode of the MEND p...
Episode 68 - Fly Design and Function with Patrick Kilby of RIO Flies
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with Patrick Kilby of RIO Flies to dive into the art and science of fly design. Patrick shares his approach to creati...
Episode 67 - 6 Days Straight of Trout Fishing and My Thoughts on the Gear I used
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join Joe Rotter of Red's for an exciting episode of the MEND podcast, recorded from a remote location in Buenos Aires after a thrilling trout fishing ...
Episode 66 - Gear of the Year and Lessons from 2024
31 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join host Joe Rotter from Reds for a solo episode packed with fishing updates, exciting events, and tips for both seasoned and new anglers. With no ad...
Episode 65 - Snake and Ronde Steelhead Wrap up
13 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the MEND podcast, where we dive into the world of fly fishing without flashy intros or sponsorships. In this episode, join host Joe Rotter ...
Episode 64 - Fishing, Flies, and Shipping FAST w/ Bogey Bogardus
28 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for an exciting episode as we dive into the world of spey fishing with expert Steve 'Bogey' Bogardus. Discover the latest trends and technique...
Episode 63 - Women's Open House Wrap Up with Shannon and Jason
14 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We had a stellar turnout for a recent women's event, and Shannon and Jason talk about women in fly fishing, the event, and what we do at Red's oriente...
Episode 62 - Steelhead Secrets: Mastering the Art of the Swing
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the MEND podcast, where host Joe Rotter and his guests, Skyler Lancaster and Eric Nickum, dive into the world of steelhead fishing. In this...
Episode 61 - Serving Trout a 3 Course Meal This Fall: Streamers, Nymphs, and Dry Flies
01 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back to the MEND podcast, your go-to source for technical fishing insights. This episode marks a renewed commitment to delivering expert fishi...
Episode 60 - Shop Manager Bob, Dallas, and Joe // Baby Tarpon in Campeche, MX
25 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tarpon Town wrap up. We just got back from Campeche, Mexico after fishing for Baby Tarpon together. Great opportunity to listen in and see if this tri...
Episode 59 - Trout Spey and Other DIY Stuff
30 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Coming off the big Trout Spey Rendezvous, there are some things I wanted to share for DIY anglers and why Trout Spey fishing, or at least swinging fli...
Episode 58 // Misc. Q and A and Discussions on Sink Tip Lines
16 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fielded some good questions from Instagram, all on trout fishing. Good stuff. We followed up the Podcast by talking about sink tip and full sink lines...
Episode 57 // Always Learning New Trout Stuff in Patagonia
02 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I learned a lot this trip about trout fishing, gear, and have some takeaways from fishing the southern hemisphere that will be helpful for anyone and ...
Episode 56 // Trout Fishing Listener Q and A
14 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Lots of good trout fishing questions for this episode from the listeners. Really good stuff. If you have questions for the Podcast, email me at joe@re...
Episode 55 // New Year, New Gear.
04 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We talk winter fishing, nymphing, making plans for 2023, gear of the year, new gear for the year, and how to lay out realistic plans for your next fis...
Episode 54 // Winter Fishing and Moose Hunt Recap
30 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dallas Murrey joins me and we chat winter fishing and relive my Washington State Moose hunt.Â
Episode 53 // Podcast is BACK. Streamer to Nymphs Double Threat Angling
03 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, we discuss developing a two-pronged approach switching between streamers and nymphs. When, why, and how. I share a short update about...
Episode 52 // Lesson From Chilean Patagonia // Beetle Fishing and Tips for Home Water Trout
07 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Trout fishing in Chile can teach you so much! I fished my brains out for 6 days and have some tips I learned from down south that I believe can be use...
Episode 51 // Big Casts, Big Fish, Big Rods // Full Spey
03 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Link to full blog article with line selection tips and charts - https://www.redsflyshop.com/blog/post/how-to-select-spey-head/ Â Â
Episode 50 // Trout Spey Mistakes
19 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Trout Spey Tackle: https://redsflyfishing.com/collections/trout-spey-tackle Setting Up a Trout Spey Rig: https://youtu.be/pkWBI5y_Sps Beginner's Tro...
Episode 49 // Fly Fishing is Hard
24 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 48 // My Best Strike Indicator Rig
18 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Connect with Red's : Website: https://www.redsflyfishing.com YouTube Channel: Red's Fly Shop - YouTube Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redsflysho...
Episode 47 - Don't Forget About Your Indicator
14 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Connect with Red's : Website: https://www.redsflyfishing.com YouTube Channel: Red's Fly Shop - YouTube Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redsflysho...
Episode 46 // The Predator and The Prey
29 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 45 - Hoppers and Instagram Q and A
14 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 44 - Become an Independent Angler
05 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 43 - MORE Instagram Q & A
23 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Episode X - Instagram Q & A
22 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 42 - America’s Fish // The Largemouth Bass2
13 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Bass is said to be "America's Fish". They are abundant, resilient, and super fun to fish for. Listen to this podcast and purchase a basic gear set...
Episode 41 - Becoming a Dry Fly Ninja & Early Spring Tips
10 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Red's Rendezvous: https://www.redsflyshop.com/rendezvous/
Episode 40 - Patagonia Summary // Trout Mecca
29 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Rivers, lakes, spring creeks, small rivers, glacial rivers, glacial lakes, good wine, brown trout and ADVENTURE. This was one hell of a week, please...
Episode 39 - The Vaunted Skwala Hatch
11 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Link to Skwala Fly Patterns: https://redsflyfishing.com/collections/skwala-stoneflies  Link to Our "Skwala Special" Guided Trips https://www.redsfly...
Episode 38 - I'm On a Boat! - You Need a Boat.
28 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Anglers listen up. You don't have to buy the latest and greatest floating device to have a great time on the water and productive fishing. Start sma...
Episode 37 - The Truth About Fly Rods
14 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Learn the truth about rod weight, length, type, and style in this Podcast "The Truth About Fly Rods". Here are links to some of the rods mentioned i...
Episode 36 - What You Need to Do This Winter
29 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Get prepared for warming conditions this spring by evaluating where you are at gear wise and fly wise. You'll thank me later. Anglers should be ca...
Episode 35 - Conquering Cold Water Trout
05 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
View Tackle and Links On the Powerhour Blog:Â Â https://www.redsflyshop.com/blog/post/conquer-cold-weather-trout-podcast/ For some there is no "off se...
Episode 34 - Cold Weather Trout Spey and Euro Nymphing
26 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
As temps drop strategies must change. Here are some great tips for helping you have more success while trout spey fishing and Euro nymphing.
Episode 32 - 7X and BWO Hatches
06 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
What the hell is a BWO? Find out about this insect and how to put trout in the net on these tiny dry flies on this episode. We'll deep dive into how...
Episode 31 - Steelhead Strategies From This Past Weekend
29 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Flies -Â https://redsflyfishing.com/collections/steelhead-salmon-flies?page=1 Â Â
Episode 30 // 5 Nymphing Strategies by the Nymph Nerds
06 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
On a guide day in the winter one of our top guides and fishiest SOB on the planet, Craig Chittenden, sat down with me to talk about 5 different nymph ...
Episode 29 - Christmas Island Q and A
29 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
http://redsflyshop.com/christmas-island-hosted-fly-fishing-trips On this episode, Bob Miller and I sit down and chat about our upcoming trip to Christ...
Episode 28 - Winter Strategies for Trout
13 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Along with some general banter Joe rotter chats tips for catchin' some trout during the cold months.
Episode 27 - Fall Transitions, Trout Spey, and Tangles
10 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 26 - Advice for Fall Nymph Fishing
26 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
One of the keys to being successful in the fall is understanding "light line" nymphing. The water is usually low, clear, and the turbidity of spring...
Episode 25 - My Favorite Terrestrial Dry Flies
01 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 24 - Become a Better Dry Fly Fisherman
29 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
It seems as though dry fly fishing is becoming a lost art. No longer do anglers spend days, weeks, or even years mastering the art of a stealthy prese...
Episode 23 - World's Best Rainbow Trout Fishing Kamchatka
02 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Best. Fishing. Ever. This trip is really spectacular. We'll be personally hosting these each summer, so if you have EVER thought about doing this tr...
Episode 22 - At a Bar in Mexico... Pardon the Language
28 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
At a the hotel bar in Mexico we chat about the happenings of the week. Excuse my language, I was excited and a had a couple of drinks. Our crew ha...
Episode 21 - Trout Tackle Talk
02 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Come explore a guide's tackle bag and listen to what secrets are inside this thing. We'll chat about flies, tools, floatant, indicators, and more. ...
Episode 20 - ESN Tackle Basics
08 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Let's make this simple. Euro Style Nymphing (dead drifting nymphs without a float/indicator) is damn effective. So much so every competitive fisherm...
Episode 19 - Wisdom of the Guides & Rendezvous IX Preview
05 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode we review a few things from the weekend's Trout Spey clinics and the fishing from the week, along with a preview of the Red's Rendezvo...
Episode 18 - Wisdom of the Guides - Gary LaFontaine
31 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
This is a great book! I just love the quotes and the amazing knowledge of these ol' fellas in this book. I'll be doing about one of these a week a...
Episode 17 - Fishing Report, Q & A, Rendezvous
19 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Today I share a local fishing report and answer lots of questions including some good ones about spring bass fishing.
Episode 16 - Switch and Spey Line Confusion
16 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 15 - Spey vs. Switch Rods - What's the diff?
12 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
There are many misconceptions about "spey vs. switch rods". What's the difference? In this Podcast I'll disect the difference between the two and ...
Episode 14 - Q and A - Listener Questions!
05 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Here I am. Q and A for the listeners and I attempted to answer everyone's questions. I'll be making another post next week and we'll get a few mor...
Episode 13 - Guide Competition and Fringe Season Fishing
29 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Today I sit riverside with Steve Joyce, one of the owners and founders of Red's, and we recap the "Red's Guide Shootout" or something like that. Not s...
Episode 12 - Trout Spey with Tom Larimer
28 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
We chat trout spey gear, strategy, lifestyle, and the new Loomis IMX PRO short spey rods with Tom Larimer and Jacob Zirkle from G Loomis. Â Trout spey...
Episode 11 - Fly Fishing Is Hunting
25 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Fly fishing and hunting are very similar sports. One compliments the other and both allow the participant to insert themselves into the cycle of life....
Episode 10 - Public Water Spring Creek Rainbows, Largemouth Bass, and Brook Trout... in ONE DAY!
16 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
We fished 3 amazing destinations yesterday all in one day. Â It was a great trip fishing for big Rainbows at Rocky Ford, Largemouth Bass, and a local ...
Episode 9 - Griswolds Go To Yellowstone!
13 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Took the whole family to Yellowstone last week.
Episode 8 - Fly Fishing Dorado in Baja
30 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Fly fishing on the Sea of Cortez is big fun, especially when you go with bunch of fun couples. Â We fish for Dorado, Roosterfish, Yellowtail, Sea Bass...
Episode 7 - Layering for Success - Gearing up with Simms Fishing Rep Troy Lichttenegger
15 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Proper layering and attire is so critical in your success as an angler. Â Get outfitted right and you'll have more fun on the water, fish longer, and ...
Episode 6 - The MEND - All About Mending with Steve Joyce
14 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
It's all about the MEND people. MEND it.
Episode 5 - Guide Banter and Ascension Bay Wrap Up
04 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Today I get together at the Back Edddy Bar, which is inside Red's Fly Shop, and chat with my good friends Shan, James, and Craig about our fly fishing...
Episode 4 - Dirty Water.... What Shall We Do?!!
17 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Spring Runoff. Yuck. Its all part of the fly fishing life and today we'll interview Steve Joyce, founder and managing owner at Red's Fly Shop on HOW ...
Episode 3 - How to PLAN a Great Fly Fishing Trip
15 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Today we interview one of our long time guides and friends, Shan Sedgwick and talk about how to plan a grea trip. Â We swap some old stories and do a ...
Episode 2 - Day 4 - Fly Fishing in Ascension Bay Mexico
12 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Day 4 summarizes lots of action for the "Bonefish Virgin" on his first trip to the flats of Ascension Bay. Â At this point we had encountered Permit, ...