This podcast was originally published on December 28th, 2016.

In this podcast Stefan Woodruff, Orvis-endorsed guide with Ellensburg Anglers in Washington State, reveals (some of) his secrets to catching steelhead, plus an overview of ths steelhead opportunities in his state. Trout anglers will also enjoy his tips on fishing the Yakima River, tips that should work anywhere.

In The Fly Box we range from tying gel-spun backing to fly line, how to fish with a friend and really fish together, what to do if you get snagged on a small stream, hooking fish on fiberglass rods, identifying jumping fish, what materials to save for fly tying from hunting trips, how to avoid drag when fishing to fish in a slow pocket on the other side of fast current. I also decline to give marital advice to one listener.

This week my guest is—me [34:55]. I asked Reid Bryant of the Orvis Wingshooting Podcast to interview me because I have worked at Orvis for 49 of those 50 years and lived through the various stages of Orvis rods, plus I just spent the past two months writing a history of the Orvis graphite rods. You'll learn about some interesting things that went on during those times that have never before been published. Some of them are quite surprising.

In the Fly Box this week, I answer these questions and more:
What hatch makes large brown trout leap fully out of the water?
Is there a hook sizing standard for fly-tying hooks?
How can I hide the final whip finish on my bead head nymphs?
What characteristics make for a good prospecting dry fly?
What do you recommend for a fly-tying light?
Can I use heaver hooks on my small nymphs? My lighter hooks keep getting straightened by large trout.
Is there a database for fly fishing locations around the world? I travel a lot and like to fish various places.
What rod should I travel with if I have no idea what I will fish for?
What flies should I carry that will work anywhere in the world?
What type of fly line should I put on older fiberglass and bamboo rods?

• Is there a single weight rod I can take to Belize to fish for bonefish, permit, and tarpon?
• What were your personal experiences with the old Power Matrix rod, and which one in the current Orvis lineup is most similar?
• I inherited some 1980s-era fly lines in new condition. Are they still good, and how do the tapers compare to modern lines?
• Can you explain the terms "skating a fly" and "swinging a fly" and explain briefly how to do them?
• Is there any schedule for your tie-offs with Tim Flagler and Cheech?
• I love my Ultralight Waders but I worry they won't last as long as other waders.
• What is the proper way to store fly lines for an extended time period?
• I am a steelheader that wants to fish for trout. Can you skate flies for trout? And when fishing streamers should I swing them or strip them?
• What is the origin of the term "gin clear"
• Why can't I find a fast-sinking clear line?