In this episode, I sit down with Mike Lawson — a legendary guide, fly tyer, educator, and one of the founding forces behind Henry’s Fork Anglers. What began in the early 1970s as a young schoolteacher tying flies at the kitchen table with his wife Sheralee eventually grew into one of the most iconic fly fishing businesses in the world.

Mike shares the story of building Henry’s Fork Anglers from the ground up — the lean early years, the friendships and mentors that shaped him, the explosion of fly fishing after A River Runs Through It, and the deep family roots behind a business that has now spanned nearly fifty years. We talk about guiding, fly tying, loyalty, legacy, and what it really means to dedicate your life to rivers, people, and the craft of fly fishing.

This conversation is thoughtful, nostalgic, and full of hard-earned wisdom from someone who helped shape modern fly fishing as we know it. 

You may have noticed me wearing Skwala fishing apparel for the past year or so, and I gotta say, I’ve been really impressed with everything I’ve tried. I love the way they design gear. They manage to strike a perfect balance between durable and functional but also comfortable and mobile. I stay warm and dry, but never feel cramped or restricted when I’m wading, casting, or rowing. I’ve enjoyed fishing in their apparel so much, I recently joined their team as an ambassador. We’ve even been working together on ways to translate their expertise with technical fly fishing apparel into gear that’s specifically designed for women, and I’m really excited about the progress we’ve made. If you haven’t already done so, go check them out at ⁠skwalafishing.com⁠ and see what they’re all about. Anchored listeners can get 10% off their first order with Skwala by using the code “anchored10” at check out.

Looking to go deeper with your learning? Come see what we’ve been working on at AnchoredOutdoors.com. We’ve built a library of 30 in-depth, sequentially organized Masterclasses taught by past guests of this podcast — and we’ve watched over 1,000 members grow their confidence and skills on the water. Want to check it out for free? No money down, no strings attached. Just head to anchoredoutdoors.com/premium-insiders/

The post Anchored Podcast Ep. 286: Mike Lawson, Fifty Years on the Henry’s Fork appeared first on Anchored Outdoors.

If you’ve ever wondered why one fly works perfectly on one stretch of river but gets ignored on another, this discussion breaks down how insect behavior, habitat, hatches, and trout feeding patterns all connect beneath the surface. 

Certain Bugs Live In Certain Parts Of The River

Not every insect can survive in every part of a river. Water speed, oxygen levels, temperature, river bottom composition, and available food all influence what species thrive in a particular stretch of water. A fast rocky riffle creates a completely different environment than a slow silty pool or a wooded stream filled with leaves and fallen timber.

That matters because aquatic insects are highly adapted to the environments they live in. Some mayflies are built to cling tightly to rocks in heavy current, while others move through gravel or burrow into soft sediment along the river bottom. Other species are stronger swimmers and spend more time moving through the water column itself.

Hatch Timing Matters

Aquatic insects follow a fairly predictable seasonal pattern each year. In much the same way that certain flowers bloom in stages throughout the spring and summer, different insects emerge at specific times depending on water temperature, weather conditions, and the progression of the season.

That consistency gives anglers an advantage because it becomes easier to anticipate what insects may be active before ever stepping into the river. While cold winters or unusual weather can shift hatch timing slightly, understanding those seasonal windows helps narrow down fly choices and makes preparing for a trip far more effective.

The Mayfly Lifecycle Changes Everything

Mayflies remain one of the most important insect groups in fly fishing, and their lifecycle explains why trout feed so selectively during hatches. Eggs hatch into nymphs, the nymphs molt repeatedly over time, and eventually swim toward the surface to emerge into adults.

That emergence stage creates some of the easiest feeding opportunities trout will see all day. Some insects become trapped in the surface film as cripples or stillborns, leaving them vulnerable and easy to eat. In many situations, trout will ignore perfect dry flies while aggressively feeding on damaged or half-submerged insects that require almost no effort to catch.

Reading Trout Rise Forms

The way a trout rises can reveal a surprising amount about what it is feeding on and where those insects are sitting in the water column. Paying attention to those small differences can help anglers choose the right fly and presentation much faster.

• A subtle bulge below the surface often means trout are feeding on nymphs or emergers underwater.
• A porpoising rise usually points to insects sitting just below the surface film.
• A gentle sip commonly signals trout feeding on spent spinners floating directly on the surface.

Drift Periods Create Prime Feeding Windows

Aquatic insects naturally drift through the current during certain times of day, especially around dawn and dusk. During these periods, trout often shift their feeding behavior because more insects suddenly become available in the water column.

Some insects drift far more than others, including Blue Winged Olives, midges, scuds, and many caddis species. Recognizing those feeding windows can help anglers decide when nymphing techniques may outperform dry fly presentations.

Stoneflies And Caddis Add Another Layer

Stoneflies and caddisflies introduce completely different behaviors into a river system, which also changes how trout feed on them. Unlike mayflies that emerge through the surface film, stoneflies often crawl toward shore before emerging along rocks, vegetation, and shallow banks. That movement makes shoreline areas especially important when fishing stonefly nymph patterns.

Caddisflies bring even more variety. Some species build protective cases from gravel, sticks, or plant material, while others move freely through the current. One of the most important stages occurs when caddis pupae swim toward the surface to emerge as adults. During that short transition, they become highly vulnerable, often creating some of the most aggressive feeding activity trout anglers will see.

The Best Anglers Learn To Think Like Biologists

At the end of the day, becoming a better fly angler often comes down to slowing down and paying closer attention to what is happening beneath the surface. Trout feed with purpose, and the insects drifting through a river help explain nearly everything about where fish hold, when they feed, and what they are willing to eat.

For anglers who want to better understand the connection between entomology and fly fishing, Anchored Outdoors offers a growing library of classes and conversations designed to help anglers see rivers in a completely different way. Come join us today! 

The post Understanding Aquatic Insects Can Completely Change The Way You Fly Fish  appeared first on Anchored Outdoors.

In this episode, I’m joined by Jonathan Antunez — a fly tyer, educator, and angler known for his deep knowledge of fixed-line fly fishing techniques, from Tenkara to Euro nymphing and beyond. What started as a trip to Yellowstone quickly turned into an obsession with the artistry, history, and mechanics behind fly fishing, eventually leading Jonathan down a path of studying centuries-old techniques and adapting them to modern waters.

We talk about the origins of fixed-line fishing, the forgotten traditions that shaped modern fly fishing, how subtle fly movement can change everything, and why Jonathan believes many anglers have lost touch with the deeper connection between rod, line, and fly. This one gets technical, historical, and surprisingly philosophical — and I think you’re going to enjoy it.

You may have noticed me wearing Skwala fishing apparel for the past year or so, and I gotta say, I’ve been really impressed with everything I’ve tried. I love the way they design gear. They manage to strike a perfect balance between durable and functional but also comfortable and mobile. I stay warm and dry, but never feel cramped or restricted when I’m wading, casting, or rowing. I’ve enjoyed fishing in their apparel so much, I recently joined their team as an ambassador. We’ve even been working together on ways to translate their expertise with technical fly fishing apparel into gear that’s specifically designed for women, and I’m really excited about the progress we’ve made. If you haven’t already done so, go check them out at ⁠skwalafishing.com⁠ and see what they’re all about. Anchored listeners can get 10% off their first order with Skwala by using the code “anchored10” at check out.

Looking to go deeper with your learning? Come see what we’ve been working on at AnchoredOutdoors.com. We’ve built a library of 30 in-depth, sequentially organized Masterclasses taught by past guests of this podcast — and we’ve watched over 1,000 members grow their confidence and skills on the water. Want to check it out for free? No money down, no strings attached. Just head to anchoredoutdoors.com/premium-insiders/

The post Anchored Podcast Ep. 285: Jonathan Antunez, What Modern Anglers Forgot appeared first on Anchored Outdoors.

Ben Sippola — also known as Benny-Sip — is a New Zealand-based writer whose work is rooted in rivers, fly fishing, and the spaces in between. A former professional footballer turned coach, he’s now the author of books like Wading in Jandals and A River Runs, and a regular contributor to The Fly Fish Journal. These days, he’s focused on writing raw, poetic prose that explores nature, identity, and what it means to pay attention. In this episode, we hear his story.

You may have noticed me wearing Skwala fishing apparel for the past year or so, and I gotta say, I’ve been really impressed with everything I’ve tried. I love the way they design gear. They manage to strike a perfect balance between durable and functional but also comfortable and mobile. I stay warm and dry, but never feel cramped or restricted when I’m wading, casting, or rowing. I’ve enjoyed fishing in their apparel so much, I recently joined their team as an ambassador. We’ve even been working together on ways to translate their expertise with technical fly fishing apparel into gear that’s specifically designed for women, and I’m really excited about the progress we’ve made. If you haven’t already done so, go check them out at ⁠skwalafishing.com⁠ and see what they’re all about. Anchored listeners can get 10% off their first order with Skwala by using the code “anchored10” at check out.

Looking to go deeper with your learning? Come see what we’ve been working on at AnchoredOutdoors.com. We’ve built a library of 30 in-depth, sequentially organized Masterclasses taught by past guests of this podcast — and we’ve watched over 1,000 members grow their confidence and skills on the water. Want to check it out for free? No money down, no strings attached. Just head to anchoredoutdoors.com/premium-insiders/

The post Anchored Podcast Ep. 284: Ben Sippola on Wading in Jandals appeared first on Anchored Outdoors.

In this episode of Anchored, we’re doing something a little different. I was recently a guest on the Outside podcast with PaddyO where we discussed some of the more… umm, unconventional aspects of fishing. I hope you enjoy our conversation. Find more from Paddy on iTunes, Spotify, or https://www.outsideonline.com/

You may have noticed me wearing Skwala fishing apparel for the past year or so, and I gotta say, I’ve been really impressed with everything I’ve tried. I love the way they design gear. They manage to strike a perfect balance between durable and functional but also comfortable and mobile. I stay warm and dry, but never feel cramped or restricted when I’m wading, casting, or rowing. I’ve enjoyed fishing in their apparel so much, I recently joined their team as an ambassador. We’ve even been working together on ways to translate their expertise with technical fly fishing apparel into gear that’s specifically designed for women, and I’m really excited about the progress we’ve made. If you haven’t already done so, go check them out at ⁠skwalafishing.com⁠ and see what they’re all about. Anchored listeners can get 10% off their first order with Skwala by using the code “anchored10” at check out.

Anchored listeners also get 10% off their first order with Skwala by using the code “anchored10” at check out. See for yourself at ⁠skwalafishing.com⁠ 

Looking to go deeper with your learning? Come see what we’ve been working on at AnchoredOutdoors.com. We’ve built a library of 30 in-depth, sequentially organized Masterclasses taught by past guests of this podcast — and we’ve watched over 1,000 members grow their confidence and skills on the water. Want to check it out for free? No money down, no strings attached. Just head to anchoredoutdoors.com/premium-insiders/

The post Anchored Podcast Ep. 283: April Vokey on Being Human appeared first on Anchored Outdoors.

Phil Monahan⁠ is a longtime fly-fishing writer, editor, and educator. Phil has spent years translating complex techniques — everything from trout behaviour to knot systems and presentation strategies — into practical, approachable instruction for anglers at every level.

An experienced angler, Phil has fished widely across North America and brings a deep appreciation for rivers, wild fish, and the traditions that surround the sport. In this episode of Anchored, we talk about his latest book, what percent of anglers stick with it once they get started, finding work in the fly fishing industry, and much more. 

You may have noticed me wearing Skwala fishing apparel for the past year or so, and I gotta say, I’ve been really impressed with everything I’ve tried. I love the way they design gear. They manage to strike a perfect balance between durable and functional but also comfortable and mobile. I stay warm and dry, but never feel cramped or restricted when I’m wading, casting, or rowing. I’ve enjoyed fishing in their apparel so much, I recently joined their team as an ambassador. We’ve even been working together on ways to translate their expertise with technical fly fishing apparel into gear that’s specifically designed for women, and I’m really excited about the progress we’ve made. If you haven’t already done so, go check them out at ⁠skwalafishing.com⁠ and see what they’re all about. Anchored listeners can get 10% off their first order with Skwala by using the code “anchored10” at check out.

Anchored listeners also get 10% off their first order with Skwala by using the code “anchored10” at check out. See for yourself at ⁠skwalafishing.com⁠ 

Looking to go deeper with your learning? Come see what we’ve been working on at AnchoredOutdoors.com. We’ve built a library of 30 in-depth, sequentially organized Masterclasses taught by past guests of this podcast — and we’ve watched over 1,000 members grow their confidence and skills on the water. Want to check it out for free? No money down, no strings attached. Just head to anchoredoutdoors.com/premium-insiders/

The post Anchored Podcast Ep. 282: Phil Monahan on a Quick Start Guide to Fly Fishing appeared first on Anchored Outdoors.

Spencer Siem is a New Mexico–based fly fishing guide known for his deep knowledge of Southwestern waters and his connection to the Feather Thief legacy. Blending technical precision with a reverence for fly-tying history, Spencer approaches guiding as both craft and storytelling. His work reflects a respect for tradition, a curiosity for innovation, and a quiet dedication to passing the culture of fly fishing forward. In this episode of Anchored, we learn more about his story.

Anchored listeners also get 10% off their first order with Skwala by using the code “anchored10” at check out. See for yourself at ⁠skwalafishing.com⁠ 

Looking to go deeper with your learning? Come see what we’ve been working on at AnchoredOutdoors.com. We’ve built a library of 30 in-depth, sequentially organized Masterclasses taught by past guests of this podcast — and we’ve watched over 1,000 members grow their confidence and skills on the water. Want to check it out for free? No money down, no strings attached. Just head to anchoredoutdoors.com/premium-insiders/

Outline Of This Episode 

[0:00] Growing up in Texas and discovering fly fishing in New Mexico

[4:13] Catching his first fish and building a life around rivers and guiding

[8:03] Working in the backcountry with the Boy Scouts and learning simplicity

[11:27] Becoming a full-time guide and reconnecting with the mentor who first helped him fish

[17:02] Why New Mexico feels different and the connection between landscape, solitude, and history

[28:21] Spencer’s role in The Feather Thief story and the world of classic salmon flies

[50:02] Building a guide business, balancing family life, and staying creative outside fishing 

Growing Up In Texas And Discovering Fly Fishing In New Mexico

Growing up in Texas eventually led Spencer to the rivers of northern New Mexico, where he first became obsessed with fly fishing. After buying a fly rod with money from mowing lawns, he spent years teaching himself on small creeks and local water. He also reflects on reconnecting years later with the same guide who helped him catch his very first trout as a kid. 

Catching His First Fish, And Building A Life Around Rivers And Guiding

Catching that first trout changed everything. Fishing quickly became the center of Spencer’s life as summers in New Mexico turned into work at Philmont Scout Ranch and eventually a full-time guiding career. Fishing also shaped major life decisions over the years, including where he chose to live, the community he built around himself, and the lifestyle he wanted for his family.  

Working In The Backcountry With The Boy Scouts And Learning Simplicity

Years spent working in the backcountry at Philmont Scout Ranch helped shape Spencer’s appreciation for simplicity and outdoor life. Daily routines revolved around mountains, horses, and long stretches away from modern distractions. Teaching blacksmithing, hauling supplies by mule, and living in remote camps eventually influenced the way he approaches guiding, parenting, and time spent outdoors today. 

Becoming A Full-Time Guide And Reconnecting With His Mentor

The early years of guiding in New Mexico were marked by plenty of uncertainty as Spencer worked to establish himself professionally. One of the most memorable moments from that period involved discovering that the respected guide he hoped to work for was actually the same person who helped him catch his first fish years earlier. He also shares stories about the reality of surviving those early guide years while slowly building a reputation and client base. 

Why New Mexico Feels Different And The Connection Between Landscape, Solitude, And History

New Mexico continues to feel deeply personal to Spencer because of the way the landscape slows everything down. He talks about spending time on quiet rivers, exploring remote areas, and developing a connection to the history woven throughout the Southwest. Fishing there feels different to him because the pace is slower, the water is less crowded, and the environment encourages people to pay attention to where they are and the stories tied to those places. 

Spencer’s Role In The Feather Thief Story And The World Of Classic Salmon Flies

Spencer’s interest in traditional salmon fly tying eventually connected him to the museum bird theft story that inspired The Feather Thief. What started as an appreciation for classic flies slowly pulled him into a much larger world built around rare materials, history, and preservation. His friendship with author Kirk Wallace Johnson also gave him a close look at how the story developed from conversations within the fly-tying community into an internationally recognized book. 

Building A Guide Business, Balancing Family Life, And Staying Creative Outside Fishing

Building a guide business while raising a family eventually forced Spencer to rethink the balance between work and home life. Over time, he also found creative outlets outside of guiding that still kept him connected to fishing culture. Designing watches, tying flies, and working with his hands became another way to slow down and stay connected to the craftsmanship and storytelling that first drew him into fly fishing years ago.  

Discover More From Spencer Siem

To learn more about Spencer Siem, guided trips in New Mexico and Colorado, and his work in the fly fishing world, visit Zia Fly Fishing at https://www.ziafly.com/spencer-seim. 

Connect With Anchored Outdoors

Website: AnchoredOutdoors.com
Instagram: @Anchored_Outdoors
Facebook: @AnchoredOutdoorsOfficial
YouTube: Anchored with April Vokey

The post Anchored Podcast Ep. 281: Spencer Siem — Guardians of the Feather appeared first on Anchored Outdoors.

Mikael Frödin⁠ is a renowned fly fisherman, innovator, and fly designer whose influence spans decades of modern salmon and trout fishing. Best known for his pioneering work with tube flies and his analytical approach to fish behaviour, Frödin blends Scandinavian tradition with relentless experimentation. His work—on the water, in writing, and through design—has helped shape how anglers around the world think about presentation, efficiency, and respect for wild fish.

Anchored listeners also get 10% off their first order with Skwala by using the code “anchored10” at check out. See for yourself at ⁠skwalafishing.com⁠ 

Looking to go deeper with your learning? Come see what we’ve been working on at AnchoredOutdoors.com. We’ve built a library of 30 in-depth, sequentially organized Masterclasses taught by past guests of this podcast — and we’ve watched over 1,000 members grow their confidence and skills on the water. Want to check it out for free? No money down, no strings attached. Just head to anchoredoutdoors.com/premium-insiders/

The post Anchored Podcast Ep. 280: Mikael Frödin on Why You Should Care About Atlantic Salmon appeared first on Anchored Outdoors.

Fish follow three simple rules that shape every move they make: save your butt, fill your gut, and have kids. Survival always comes first. When we understand that, we start to see the river through their eyes, think like predators, and approach each piece of water with more intention.

The Three Lies Trout Use

Fish cannot sit in heavy current for long because their muscles tire just like ours do. This is why they hold in places where the flow gives them a break. These holding spots are known as lies.

1. Sheltering Lies

Sheltering lies only provide safety. They sit under rocks, logs, weed beds, deep water, or broken surface chop that hides trout from predators above. You rarely catch fish in these spots, yet you should always notice them. When a trout is hooked, it will run straight to shelter, so knowing these hiding places helps you manage the fight before it even begins.

2. Feeding Lies

These lies provide food with little cover. These are the shallow edges of riffles and pools or the tailout of a pool. Trout move here when food is plentiful, especially during a hatch. Since the water is shallow, they are exposed and easily spooked. Step softly, watch your line, and avoid dropping anything on the surface that could startle them.

3. Prime Lies

Prime lies offer both food and safety. They give trout a steady supply of food and enough protection to feel secure. One of the clearest examples is where a riffle spills into a pool. The broken water overhead keeps predators from spotting them while the current above carries food straight to them. When there is no surface activity, this is often the first place to look. Trout can sit low, save energy, and feed all day as nymphs drift past.

Current Tongues, Confluences, And Pocket Water

Some stretches of river look busy, yet trout treat them with the same priorities: rest, food, and safety. 

• Current Tongues: A current tongue is a concentrated ribbon of flow. Trout usually hold along the softer edges where the current slows just enough for them to watch food drift past. Step quietly here, since sudden movement can push fish into the fast seam where they are harder to reach.
• Confluences: When two currents meet, they form a clean seam often marked by a foam line. This seam carries a steady supply of food. A natural drift along it is effective when there is no hatch, and during rising activity, keeping drag out of the presentation becomes the priority.
• Pocket Water: Rocks create pockets of calm water. Trout often slide into the cushion on the upstream side or the soft water behind the rock, where the flow slows, and food collects. The best casts land where this quieter water meets the seam.

Riffles, Pools, And The Secret River

Riffles, pools, and quiet edges all give trout different ways to rest and feed. 

• Riffles: Standing waves show where rocks sit below the surface. Between those waves, the current softens, creating slow lanes near the bottom. Trout slide into those hydraulic slips because they can feed steadily and stay hidden from predators above.
• Pools: Pools give you three reliable places to check. The head of the pool brings food in with speed. The middle often has foam lines that guide your drift and undercut banks that offer shelter. The tailout draws rising fish during a hatch, although the shallow water makes them cautious. Cast from above so the fly reaches them before the leader, and your drift stays clean.
• The Secret River: Most anglers step over one of the most productive spots. The inside edge of the river, right along the bank, often holds big trout that cruise for food. Always fish this quiet water before you wade through it.

Light, Drag, And Casting Choices

Light influences trout behavior through safety rather than comfort. Bright conditions make fish seek shadowed water where they feel protected. Even when the surface looks calm, subtle currents can pull your line and create drag. 

The best presentations put the fly in front of the leader, so the fish sees the fly first. A down-and-across approach with the fly leading is one of the easiest ways to keep the drift natural.

Lakes Require A Different Read

Stillwater works differently because trout move instead of the current. Focus on travel lanes along drop-offs, weed beds, shallow flats, and boulder fields, since these areas gather insects and cruising fish.

Damsel flies are a prime example. In the morning, the nymphs swim from weeds to shore and crawl out to hatch. Fish cruise the edges to intercept them. In the afternoon on sunny days, the adults return to lay eggs around weeds, so trout work those lines again. If nothing is happening on top, find the right depth. Sometimes a short count is the entire pattern.

Boats can scare fish off, so let the wind drift you, anchor quietly, and watch from shore before moving in.

Spring Runoff And Nymph Tactics

High, fast, stained water pushes trout toward the bank and into any pocket that offers a break in the flow. These quiet edges should be your first targets. Getting the fly down is the priority, so a sinking line or extra weight can make a noticeable difference.

When there is no surface activity at seams or confluences, nymphs close to the bottom and keep the fly in the strike zone as long as possible. Many modern nymphing approaches were developed to hold depth and manage drag for this exact situation. The goal is simple. Put the fly where the trout can see it and keep it there long enough for them to eat it.

Keep Learning With Anchored Outdoors

Ultimately, reading water is a skill that grows every time you step outside. When you understand how trout use shelter, food, and safety to make decisions, the river becomes easier to read and your time on the water becomes more productive. The same applies to lakes. Cruising lanes, weed beds, and subtle structure all help you narrow in on where fish want to be.

If you want to keep improving, explore our lineup of upcoming classes and events at Anchored Outdoors. You can also unlock our Premium Insider membership to access in-depth lessons from trusted anglers, including Gary Borger. Each resource is built to help you fish with more confidence and purpose.

Upcoming events: https://anchoredoutdoors.com/calendar/
Premium Insider access: https://www.AnchoredOutdoors.com/premium-insiders

The post Learn How to Read Water for Trout Like a Pro with Gary Borger appeared first on Anchored Outdoors.

Clark “Cheech” Pierce is a fly tyer, educator, and co-founder of Fly Fish Food, one of the most influential fly-tying brands in the industry. Known for his creative patterns, clear instruction, and trademark sense of humour, Cheech has helped modernize fly tying for a new generation of anglers. His YouTube tutorials, product designs, and hands-on teaching have made him a go-to resource for tiers looking to sharpen their skills or explore innovative materials.

Anchored listeners also get 10% off their first order with Skwala by using the code “anchored10” at check out. See for yourself at ⁠skwalafishing.com⁠ 

Looking to go deeper with your learning? Come see what we’ve been working on at AnchoredOutdoors.com. We’ve built a library of 30 in-depth, sequentially organized Masterclasses taught by past guests of this podcast — and we’ve watched over 1,000 members grow their confidence and skills on the water. Want to check it out for free? No money down, no strings attached. Just head to anchoredoutdoors.com/premium-insiders/

The post Anchored Podcast Ep. 279: Clark “Cheech” Pierce on Innovation and Fly Fish Food appeared first on Anchored Outdoors.

Now, his full streamer fishing course is available through Anchored Outdoors, offering anglers a rare chance to learn directly from one of the best in the game.

A Life Built Around Fly Fishing

Kelly Galloup grew up in Michigan, where fishing became part of his everyday life. His earliest memories are of long days on the river with his father, one of the first professional guides on the Pere Marquette. 

In his family, you started with bait and tackle and worked your way up to the fly rod once you proved you were ready. Kelly began tying flies at five years old and started guiding by the time he was fifteen.

Those early lessons taught him patience, observation, and the value of precision. They also sparked a lifelong passion for understanding how fish think and how anglers can use that knowledge to improve their approach on the water.

From Shop Owner to Streamer Pioneer

In 1982, Kelly opened his first fly shop in Michigan. It quickly became a place where local anglers gathered to talk fishing, share techniques, and learn from one another. 

Eventually, Kelly moved to Montana to focus on guiding, writing, and teaching full-time. 

Over the years, he has hosted Fly Fish TV, produced numerous educational videos, and written three books, including Modern Streamers for Trophy Trout and Streamer Fishing for Trophy Trout II. Both remain essential reading for serious fly anglers.

Discovering the Power of Streamers

Kelly began his career in the age of selective trout fishing, when dry flies ruled the water. Over time, his curiosity led him to explore a different side of fly fishing. 

He wanted to understand how to target the fish that stayed deep and fed on larger prey. That curiosity led to the modern streamer methods that anglers now use all over the world.

Streamer fishing, as Kelly teaches it, is active, visual, and full of strategy. It requires precision, confidence, and a willingness to keep experimenting until everything clicks. 

His approach has influenced generations of anglers and continues to inspire anyone who enjoys the challenge of chasing larger fish.

What You’ll Learn in Kelly’s Course

Kelly’s new Anchored Outdoors course covers every part of streamer fishing in detail. He explains how to:

• Select streamer patterns that match your local water
• Build leaders that improve control and accuracy
• Read water and find where aggressive fish hold
• Retrieve flies with natural movement that triggers strikes
• Cast and manage heavy patterns efficiently

Learn Directly From Kelly Galloup

Ultimately, streamer fishing challenges you to think differently, and Kelly Galloup has spent a lifetime mastering that mindset. His lessons blend technical skill with practical understanding, helping you see the river through the eyes of a predator instead of the prey.

It’s part of our growing library of expert-led classes created to help anglers learn from the best. You can explore Kelly Galloup’s Streamer Fishing Course along with other lessons from some of fly fishing’s most trusted instructors by checking our site. 

Each class is designed for anglers who want to keep improving, stay inspired, and bring more purpose to their time on the water. Check it out today!

The post Our Kelly Galloup Streamer Fishing Course Is a Game-Changer appeared first on Anchored Outdoors.

This episode of Anchored is a little different. I recorded it while in steelhead camp this year, and my hope is that you’ll share it with someone in your life who’s thinking about getting into fly fishing but doesn’t know where to start. It’s based on an ebook I wrote a few years ago, so I’ve included an easy link to that book in the description. No sign-ups or email addresses required — just click and enjoy. ⁠https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KfPE4LLt9pKT1WB4bEMq5mSpBYbuKz_x/view⁠

Anchored listeners also get 10% off their first order with Skwala by using the code “anchored10” at check out. See for yourself at ⁠skwalafishing.com⁠ 

Looking to go deeper with your learning? Come see what we’ve been working on at AnchoredOutdoors.com. We’ve built a library of 30 in-depth, sequentially organized Masterclasses taught by past guests of this podcast — and we’ve watched over 1,000 members grow their confidence and skills on the water. Want to check it out for free? No money down, no strings attached. Just head to anchoredoutdoors.com/premium-insiders/

The post Anchored Podcast Ep. 278: A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started Fly Fishing appeared first on Anchored Outdoors.