Anchored Podcast Archives - Anchored Outdoors

Anchored Podcast Ep. 286: Mike Lawson, Fifty Years on the Henry’s Fork

Anchored Outdoors — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 09:42:28 +0000

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/

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Anchored Podcast Ep. 285: Jonathan Antunez, What Modern Anglers Forgot

Anchored Outdoors — Wed, 20 May 2026 00:37:10 +0000

Anchored Podcast:

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.

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Anchored Podcast Ep. 284: Ben Sippola on Wading in Jandals

Anchored Outdoors — Tue, 05 May 2026 21:34:17 +0000

Anchored Podcast:

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.

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Anchored Podcast Ep. 283: April Vokey on Being Human

Anchored Outdoors — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 10:09:21 +0000

Anchored Podcast:

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/

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

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Anchored Podcast Ep. 282: Phil Monahan on a Quick Start Guide to Fly Fishing

Anchored Outdoors — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 00:37:37 +0000

Anchored Podcast:

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.

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

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Anchored Podcast Ep. 281: Spencer Siem — Guardians of the Feather

Anchored Outdoors — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 21:55:28 +0000

Anchored Podcast:

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

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

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Anchored Podcast Ep. 280: Mikael Frödin on Why You Should Care About Atlantic Salmon

Anchored Outdoors — Sat, 20 Dec 2025 06:56:07 +0000

Anchored Podcast:

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

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Anchored Podcast Ep. 279: Clark “Cheech” Pierce on Innovation and Fly Fish Food

Anchored Outdoors — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 23:10:42 +0000

Anchored Podcast:

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

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Anchored Podcast Ep. 278: A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started Fly Fishing

Anchored Outdoors — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 02:55:07 +0000

Anchored Podcast:

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

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Anchored Podcast Ep. 277: Alberta’s Trout Trust on Protecting Fisheries & Tackling Fish Entrainment

Anchored Outdoors — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 04:37:16 +0000

Anchored Podcast:

Alberta’s Trout Trust⁠ is a grassroots group dedicated to protecting the province’s trout and fisheries. From tackling fish losses in irrigation canals to advocating for habitat protection and angler education, the Trust works to ensure healthy waters and sustainable fishing for generations to come. In this episode of Anchored, we discuss the challenges facing Alberta’s fisheries, and how anglers, advocates, and conservationists are working together to tackle issues like fish entrainment and habitat protection.

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Anchored Podcast Ep. 276: Diane Michelin on Painting, Wild Places, and Inspiration

Anchored Outdoors — Sat, 13 Sep 2025 01:21:45 +0000

Anchored Podcast:

Diane Michelin is a Canadian watercolour artist whose work is deeply rooted in the spirit and subtleties of fly fishing. Born in Montreal, she now lives on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Diane draws inspiration from the landscape, water, wildlife, flies, rods and reels, and the human moments that make up the fly-fishing experience. Over her career, she has built a global presence, with her work housed in private collections, fishing lodges, and museums around the world.

In this episode of Anchored, Diane shares how her early years, teaching career, and travels led her to become one of Canada’s most recognizable fly fishing artists and the illustrator behind The World Through Your Eyes, April Vokey’s upcoming children’s book.

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

Outline Of This Episode

[0:06] Growing up in Montreal and discovering art

[2:24] Finding independence through teaching and travel

[6:00] How meeting Denny led to her first cast

[10:43] Falling in love with fly fishing and painting fish

[13:50] Turning passion into a profession

[20:57] Evolving artistic style and the joy of small works

[22:38] Life on Vancouver Island and family connections

[30:10] Reflections on aging, creativity, and love

[47:04] Working with April Vokey on The World Through Your Eyes

Growing Up in Montreal and Discovering Art

Diane was born in Montreal in 1953 and adopted by a loving family at two and a half years old. Though shy as a child, she found her voice through creative outlets. This came first in drama and synchronized swimming, and later in art. Those activities helped her overcome a speech impediment and shaped her belief that expression often begins where words fall short.

By fifteen, she’d opened her own synchronized swimming club, competing provincially and nationally before realizing her deeper passion lay elsewhere: art. That calling led her to Paris, where she studied painting and design for a year before returning home to teach.

Finding Independence Through Teaching and Travel

Before art became her full-time pursuit, Diane taught French and history in Quebec and Ontario. She was the kind of teacher who found unconventional ways to inspire her students, using theatre, storytelling, and puppetry to reach even the shyest kids. Her lessons often turned into creative projects that stayed with them for years.

Her teaching career also took her around the world. From organizing school trips to China and Greece to speaking at conferences, she always wove art and adventure together. These experiences expanded her worldview and reinforced her love for culture, people, and discovery.

How Meeting Denny Led to Her First Cast

Life took a new turn when Diane met Denny, a teacher and fly fisher with a voice she describes as “irresistible.” Their connection was immediate, and soon after meeting, he invited her to join him on a trip to British Columbia. She had never fished before, but love has a way of making anything seem possible.

Diane found herself on the banks of the Kitimat River with a fly rod in hand, laughing through back pain, tangled lines, and sunburns. It was both frustrating and magical, and the beginning of a passion that would define the next two decades of her life.

Falling in Love with Fly Fishing and Painting Fish

As Diane learned to fish, she began seeing the river differently. The movement of the water, the rhythm of casting, and the fleeting flash of a fish all became inspiration for her art. Denny encouraged her to explore this connection, reminding her that few artists painted fly fishing in a way that captured both its spirit and intimacy.

Soon, she began painting fish, anglers, and the rivers she loved. Each brushstroke reflected her fascination with detail, from the shimmer of a trout’s scales to the soft light of a misty morning. Her art caught the attention of galleries and collectors across North America.

Evolving Artistic Style and the Joy of Small Works

Over time, Diane’s art evolved from highly detailed realism to something looser and more emotional. When the pandemic arrived, she shifted to daily challenges, such as painting 100 portraits in 100 days or 365 sketches in a year. These exercises rekindled her joy for painting and helped her develop a more spontaneous, expressive style.

Today, she prefers painting small, affordable works that connect with people personally. For her, it’s less about perfection and more about emotion, the feeling of a moment captured on paper.

Reflections on Creativity, Family, and Collaboration

Diane now lives on Vancouver Island, where she finds peace in its quiet rhythms and coastal scenery. She continues to paint, teach workshops, and share her love of art with others. Her story is one of resilience and reinvention, a reminder that creativity never stops evolving, no matter your age or circumstances.

Working with April Vokey on The World Through Your Eyes

Diane’s collaboration with April Vokey on The World Through Your Eyes marked a meaningful chapter in her artistic journey. The children’s book blends April’s storytelling with Diane’s expressive watercolours, encouraging young readers to slow down and see nature with curiosity and care.

Both women share a deep respect for wild places, and their partnership highlights the connection between fly fishing, creativity, and conservation. The project stands as a timeless reminder of how art and nature continue to inspire one another.

Discover More From Diane Michelin

To explore Diane Michelin’s artwork and follow her creative process, visit her Instagram at @dimipaints. There, she shares her studio work, nature-inspired paintings, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into her illustration projects.

For updates on The World Through Your Eyes, the children’s book written by April Vokey and illustrated by Diane, and for more stories that connect art, fly fishing, and the outdoors, visit www.TheWorldThroughYourEyes.com or follow April Vokey on social media:

Instagram: @Anchored_Outdoors
Facebook: @AnchoredOutdoorsOfficial
YouTube: Anchored with April Vokey

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Anchored Podcast Ep. 275: James Christmas on the Seychelles, South Africa, the NYAP and Giving Back

Anchored Outdoors — Sun, 31 Aug 2025 21:46:07 +0000

Anchored Podcast:

James Christmas is an accomplished fishing guide whose career has taken him from the remote flats of the Seychelles to destinations across the globe. Known for his skill in putting anglers onto everything from bonefish to giant trevally, James combines deep technical knowledge with an easygoing guiding style that keeps clients coming back. Alongside his guiding, he has designed influential flies such as the NYAP (Not Your Average Popper), patterns now used by anglers worldwide.

Help support Catherine: https://givesendgo.com/Giveasmile?utm_source=sharelink&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=Giveasmile

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

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