#820 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/820

Presented by: Jackson Hole Fly Company, Smitty's Fly Box, Intrepid Camp Gear, Patagonia

Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors

Mike Bachkosky has spent more than fifty years on the Delaware River, watching hatches, studying rise forms, and learning every detail of this legendary fishery. As a signature fly tyer for Umpqua and a dedicated dry fly angler, Mike brings deep knowledge of sulphur hatches, rise form reading, and the history of classic patterns like the Haystack and the Unusual. In this episode, he shares his simple one-minute fly approach, why presentation often matters more than pattern, and his personal philosophy on dry fly design. We also discuss his work with the Delaware River Labradors and how dogs and trout have shaped his life on the water.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/820

#819 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/819

Presented By: Visit Idaho, Smitty's Fly Box, Drifthook Fly Fishing, Patagonia

Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors

Kelly Reaume, co-founder of Backcountry Skinz, takes us inside the story of how a garage idea turned into a company that’s reshaping how anglers wade. From breathable neoprene leggings to waterproof socks and lightweight pack-raft setups, Kelly explains why Skinz are becoming a go-to for float trips, alpine lakes, and backcountry anglers who don’t want the bulk of waders.

We hear how the first 2 mm prototype gave way to a 1.5 mm design, why guides and DIY anglers alike are using them, and how he and his brother built the brand during COVID. The episode drifts through product strategy, pack-raft stories, marketing lessons, and the pride of keeping things personal as they expand into new markets.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/819

818B Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/818B

Presented by: Togiak River Lodge

For most of us, the spark that leads to fly fishing is a fish, a mentor, or maybe a trip. For Aaron Berg, it was a fire. When his house burned down, it forced a choice: keep welding or go all-in on guiding.

In this episode, Aaron shares how that turning point led him from fixing boats at Togiak River Lodge to running them, what he’s learned chasing kings and silvers in Alaska, and how spey casting reshaped the way he fishes back home in Washington.

If you’ve ever wondered how passion turns into purpose—or how swinging a fly can shift the way you see fishing—this one’s for you.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/818B

#818 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/818

Presented By: Waters West

In today’s episode of In the Bucket podcast, we’re joined by Trevor Covich and Ed Fuhrken of Waters West Fly Fishing Outfitters. Both are long-time stewards of Pacific Northwest steelhead, guiding anglers while battling issues like habitat loss, hatchery impacts, and river access.

They talk about what it’s like behind the fly shop counter: the tension between preserving wild runs and serving a growing demand for steelhead experiences. You’ll hear stories about closures, managing stock versus wild fish, and how trout tactics don’t always translate to steelhead crisis zones. Trevor and Ed also reveal the subtle art of timing your swings, staying wet when it counts, and treating every steelhead encounter like it matters—not just for you, but for the rivers downstream.

Along the way, you’ll pick up practical advice: what fly anglers can do to reduce mortality, how to engage with managers and neighbors about river health, and why education and access matter just as much as gear. If you care about fish, fair futures for rivers, and how fly fishing can be part of the solution, this episode lands hard and hopeful.

#818 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/818

#817 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/817

Presented by: Mountain Waters Resort, San Juan Rodworks, Pescador on the Fly, Fish The Fly

Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors

Fly fishing Northern California means stepping into rivers rich with history and wild steelhead, and the Trinity River is one of the crown jewels. Tom Mahan of Swingwater Fly Fishing has built his career on these waters, chasing steelhead the classic way—on the swing. In this episode, Tom talks about why he loves transitional seasons, how grease line presentations and custom furled leaders move fish in clear water, and why the Lower Trinity feels like a “mini BC” when the fall fog sets in. If you’re curious about targeting spooky steelhead in light flows, this is a must-listen.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/817

#816 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/816

Presented By: Pescador on the Fly, Jackson Hole Fly Company, TroutRoutes, Intrepid Camp Gear

Sponsors: http://wetflyswing.com/sponsors

Cuba has long carried a sense of mystery for travelers, and when you put a fly rod in your hand, that mystery only deepens. In this episode, Jon Covich talks about chasing bonefish, tarpon, and permit on the Cuban flats, the realities of travel restrictions, and how the culture of the island is just as important as the fish.

Jon shares what it’s like to guide and host trips through World Fly LLC, why South America deserves more attention from anglers, and the practical lessons you need before booking a saltwater trip. The conversation drifts between history, people, gear, and stories that remind us why fishing new water is about far more than checking a species off a list.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/816

815 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/815

Presented by: FishHound Expeditions, Grand Teton Fly Fishing, Togiak River Lodge

Steelhead fishing on the Skeena has become a new backcountry for Riley Leboe. After years chasing podiums as a professional skier, he discovered a different rhythm on the water. One that carried the same adrenaline and spirit of exploration, but with a reward that felt deeper.

From his first chum salmon in Squamish to documenting Skeena Spey Lodge with Brian Niska, Riley has followed the pull of steelhead north. On today’s episode, we trace his journey from filming ski lines to capturing the drama of swinging flies, and why the chase for steelhead keeps calling him back.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/815

#814 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/814

Presented by: San Juan Rodworks, Intrepid Camp Gear, FishHound Expeditions, Pescador on the Fly

Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors

On this episode, we’re heading to one of the most iconic steelhead destinations in the world—the Skeena River. Brian Niska, owner of Skeena Spey Riverside Wilderness & Lodge, talks all about Skeena steelhead fishing. Brian shares what makes the Skeena so unique, how the steelhead season is shaping up this year, and why having John McMillan and Jeff Liskay at the lodge is such a big deal. We also get into tips for adjusting your approach based on river conditions and how to get the most out of your steelhead trip.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/814