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

In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we recap a recent trip to Upper East Tennessee with the Liars and Tyers. The trip included clear water, low flows, long leaders, dry-dropper rigs, and plenty of stories from more than two decades of fishing together.

We also look at the leader setup that became our go-to system for the trip. It was not the easiest rig to cast, but it helped us make delicate presentations without putting fly line over wary fish.

This trip was a reminder that good fishing does not always require complicated flies. Sometimes a simple midge, a long leader, and a precise drift are all it takes.

Key Highlights:

• We stop at Buc-ee’s, suffer through a bad Wendy’s meal, and navigate Knoxville traffic.
• A long mono leader helps us avoid spooking fish in clear water.
• Simple red midges produce most of the action.
• Clean, drag-free drifts outperform complicated fly patterns.
• Riffles and color changes consistently hold fish.
• Accurate casts and delicate presentations are essential.
• We share a reminder to respect other anglers and their water.
• We revisit a productive spot named more than 20 years ago.
• Low flows make rowing challenging, but the river becomes easier to read.

Resources:

• Visit southeasternfly.com
• Sign up for our newsletter

Produced by NOVA