The Portland Fly Shop Podcast

Steelhead Showdown: Swinging vs Nymphing Explained

Portland Fly Shop Podcast: Swinging vs Nymphing for Steelhead
In this episode, we dive into the art of steelhead fly fishing and break down two essential techniques: swinging vs nymphing. Whether you’re new to the river or looking to refine your approach, we cover:
What nymphing is and how it works
The techniques for both nymphing and swinging
Key differences between the two styles
How to control depth and presentation for maximum results
Tips for reading the river and choosing the right approach
Whether you’re chasing fresh steelhead or just love talking flies, this episode is packed with insights from the Portland Fly Shop team to help you fish smarter and enjoy the river more.
Subscribe for more steelhead tips, fly selection advice, and all things fly fishing in the Pacific Northwest!

Fly Fishing Spey for Steelhead — Depth Control & River Conditions

In this episode of our Spey for Steelhead series, we dive deep into one of the most important parts of successful steelheading: understanding depth control. We break down casting angles, fly selection, sink-tip choices, and the key techniques that help you achieve and maintain the right depth in a variety of water types.
Part 1:• How casting angle changes depth and swing speed• Matching flies to conditions• Sink-tip selection for different situations• Techniques for fishing high, mid, and low columns effectively
Part 2:We shift into river conditions—how to read them, understand them, and use them to your advantage.• How to interpret river gauges• Understanding flows, trends, and water clarity• Identifying productive steelhead water in changing conditions
If you’re looking to become more confident and intentional with your spey presentation—and catch more steelhead—this episode has you covered.

Dialing In Your Steelhead Season: Sink Tips + Flies Explained

Welcome back to The Portland Fly Shop Podcast! In this episode, we dive into two core elements of successful steelheading with a spey rod: sink tips and fly selection. We start with a breakdown of sink tips—how they work, why we use them, and how to choose the right one for changing river conditions. Whether you’re new to spey casting or dialing in your winter setup, we’ll help simplify the process so you can fish more confidently and effectively.
In the second half, we shift into fly selection for steelhead. We talk size, profile, color, movement, and how to pair the right fly with water type and season. From traditional patterns to modern intruders. If you’re looking to improve your steelhead game and make better decisions on the water, this episode is packed with helpful insight.
Topics Covered
How sink tips work & why they matter
Matching sink tips to water speed and depth Seasonal considerations
Selecting steelhead flies by water type Profiles, colors & confidence patterns
If you enjoy the episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment! Visit us at The Portland Fly Shop For gear, guided trips, and more education—stop in and say hello!

Steelhead on the Fly | Spey Gear Essentials + First Day on the Water

In this episode of our Pacific Northwest steelhead fly fishing podcast, we break down two of the most important topics for new and seasoned anglers alike:
Part 1: Spey Gear Selection – rods, reels, lines, tips, and how to balance your setup for success.Part 2: Your First Day on the River – reading water, understanding steelhead holding lies, basic swing techniques, and how to approach a run with confidence.
Whether you’re just starting your steelhead journey or looking to fine-tune your setup and approach, this episode will help you hit the water prepared.
Don’t forget to subscribe for more steelhead tactics, stories, and tips from lifelong guides Jason Osborn and Nick Wheeler.
#Steelhead #FlyFishing #SpeyCasting #PNW

Pacific NW Steelhead Fly Fishing – Meet Your Guides | Jason Osborn & Nick Wheeler Series Kickoff

Description:Welcome to the first episode of our Pacific Northwest Steelhead Fly Fishing series! 
Join hosts Jason Osborn and Nick Wheeler—each with over 20 years of guiding experience and deep roots in the fly fishing industry—as we kick things off with:
Our background, guiding history, and time on legendary PNW rivers.
What makes steelhead so unique (and addictive).
Steelhead lore, culture, and the passion that drives this community.
A few behind-the-scenes guide stories you won’t hear anywhere else.
Whether you’re new to steelheading or a seasoned swung-fly addict, this series will dive deep into tactics, river systems, gear, timing, and the culture that surrounds the greatest gamefish of the Pacific Northwest.
Subscribe so you don’t miss the next episodes in the series!
#Steelhead #FlyFishing #PacificNorthwest #SpeyCasting #SwingTheFly #Steelhea

Fly Fishing Oregon’s McKenzie River: Hatches, Flies & Bank Access with Guide Jim Sens

Join us for a deep dive into one of Oregon’s most iconic trout fisheries — the McKenzie River. In this episode, we sit down with veteran guide Jim Sens to break down everything you need to know before hitting the water. From prime bank access points, to the major seasonal hatches and go-to fly patterns, we cover it all in technical detail. Whether you're floating or walking in, this episode is packed with tips that will help you fish the McKenzie smarter.
🎣 Topics covered:• Best flies by season• Reading water from the bank• Key public access points• October Caddis, March Browns & other major hatches• Gear setups for success
Hit subscribe and get ready to level up your McKenzie River game.
#FlyFishing #McKenzieRiver #OregonFishing #FlyTying #TroutFishing

Fly Fishing Mt. Hood & SW Washington Lakes | Best Flies, Tips, Techniques & Gear

Looking to master lake fly fishing near Mt. Hood and Southwest Washington? This podcast episode covers everything you need to succeed on the water—from choosing the best lake flies and reading stillwater to understanding fish behavior, selecting the right fly lines, and dialing in your presentation techniques.
We break down:
Top fly patterns for high mountain and lowland lakes
How to read lake structure and find feeding fish
Seasonal strategies
Floating, intermediate & sinking line setups
Proven retrieves, rigs, and gear recommendations
Whether you’re fishing Timothy Lake, Lost Lake, Goose Lake, or Merrill Lake, this episode will give you the tools to catch more fish and enjoy the water even more. Perfect for beginner and advanced fly anglers!
📍 Regions Covered: Mt. Hood, Hood River, Clackamas, Gifford Pinchot, and SW Washington lakes🎧 Listen, learn, and level up your stillwater fly fishing game!
🔔 Like, subscribe, and drop your favorite lake in the comments!

DIY Alaska: Fly Fishing Adventures from the Anchorage Airport with Jacob Zirkle

In this episode of the Portland Fly Shop Podcast, we sit down with seasoned guide and Alaska DIY expert Jacob Zirkle to explore how you can launch your own fly fishing trip straight from the Anchorage airport. From rental cars to gear strategy, fish timing to backcountry access—Jacob shares practical insights and local knowledge to help you plan a successful, affordable, and unforgettable Alaska fly fishing adventure.

Fly Fishing the Deschutes in Summer with Brian Silvey | Hatches, Tactics & Seasonal Tips

Join us for an in-depth conversation with legendary Deschutes River guide Brian Silvey as we break down everything you need to know about fly fishing the Deschutes during the summer months. From understanding water temps and hatch cycles to picking the right flies and fishing the best times of day, this episode is packed with knowledge for both new and seasoned anglers. We cover:
🎣 Key summer hatches (PMDs, Caddis, and more)🌞 How mid-day sun and temps affect fish behavior🕓 Best times of day to be on the water🪰 Fly patterns that consistently produce📍 River access, strategy, and gear tips

Fly Fishing for Shad on the Columbia & Willamette Rivers | Full Guide

Welcome to the podcast! In this episode, we're diving deep into the exciting world of shad fly fishing on two of the Pacific Northwest’s iconic rivers — the Columbia and Willamette. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started, this is your one-stop guide to chasing shad on the fly. We cover everything you need to know, including: 🔍 Water types shad prefer and how to read the river 🎯 Line selection: sink tips, shooting heads & more 🎣 Rod and reel setups that work best for shad 📍 Best locations to find shad on both rivers 🌊 Tide influence and how it affects your timing 🪰 Fly patterns that consistently produce strikes Grab your gear and tune in for insights, tips, and on-the-water strategies to help you hook into these hard-fighting fish. If you love fly fishing and want to expand your season, this episode is for you! 👍 Like, subscribe, and drop a comment if you’ve chased shad on the fly or have any questions.
#FlyFishing #ShadFishing #ColumbiaRiver #WillametteRiver #PNWFishing #FlyTying #FishingPodcast #ShadOnTheFly
Tide Link - https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noa...
Water Temp Columbia - https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring...
Water Temp Willamette - https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring...