Episodes

  • A Good Drift on the Madison River with Alice Owsley

    A Good Drift on the Madison River with Alice Owsley
    Jun 18 2026
    Episode 173 of the Destination Angler Fly Fishing Podcast – June 18, 2026. Thanks to Redd's Flies for supporting the show Our destination is the legendary Madison River, one of Montana's most iconic trout fisheries. Joining me is 27-year guiding veteran, Alice Owsley—owner of Riverside Anglers, West Yellowstone, Montana. The Madison is where big Western water meets technical fishing, where 90 miles of riffles can humble you fast—or reward you with the fish of a lifetime. It's a river shaped by dams but still wild at heart, with everything from controlled, almost spring-creek-like water to long, brawling freestone stretches. Alice is known for doing things differently, reading water and planning her days in ways most anglers miss, and helping people unlock a river that can feel overwhelming at first glance. In this episode: · Why the Madison River remains one of the most legendary trout fisheries in the world· How different sections of the Madison fish like entirely different rivers· The best times of year to fish the Madison and what to expect each season· Understanding the Madison's famous salmon fly hatch and how hatches move through the river system · Walk-and-wade fishing versus floating· Reading water and identifying productive holding lies· The truth about fishing pressure, crowds, and finding solitude on a famous river· Yellowstone National Park, alpine lakes, and avoiding grizzly bears · What Alice learned guiding celebrities, including Henry Winkler · The story behind the biggest brown trout Alice has ever seen landed on a dry fly With host Steve Haigh | Destination Angler Podcast — THE podcast for anglers who travel. Contact Alice: https://riversideanglers.com/ Be the first to know about new episodes. Become a subscriber Follow the show so you never miss a destination. Destination Angler Podcast: Website | YouTube | Instagram & Facebook @DestinationAnglerPodcast Please check out our Sponsors: TroutRoutes The #1 Mapping Resource for Trout Anglers. Podcast listeners can try one month of TroutRoutes PRO for FREE by clicking the link in the episode description. Explore 50,000 trout streams with TroutRoutes today. Get 1 Month Free Facebook @troutinsights Instagram @TroutRoutes High N Dry Fishing Where science and performance meet. Check out the full lineup of floatants, line dressings, and sighter waxes at www.highndryfishingproducts.com Facebook @highndryfishingproducts Instagram @highndryfishing Redd's Flies Premium flies, tied with purpose. Redd's is a family-run company built around premium hand-tied flies — including exclusive patterns you'll only find at Redd's Flies. Delivered to your doorstep in days, not weeks. A portion of every order goes directly to organizations protecting trout habitat and restoring rivers. Use discount code DESTINATION to save on your next order. Facebook: @ReddsFlies Instagram: @ReddsFlies Comments & Suggestions: host, Steve Haigh, email shaigh@DestinationAnglerPodcast.com Available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Recorded April 18, 2026
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    1 hr and 34 mins
  • Cracking the Code on the Battenkill River with Doug Lyons

    Cracking the Code on the Battenkill River with Doug Lyons
    Jun 5 2026
    Episode 172 of the Destination Angler Fly Fishing Podcast – June 5, 2026. Our destination is the Battenkill River — one of New England's most iconic freestone stream, where wild brown and brook trout test even the most patient anglers. Joining me is Doug Lyons, author of The Fly Fishing Guide to the Battenkill, conservationist, and self-described "professional recreationist" who has fished this river for over 50 years. Doug breaks down the Battenkill's seasonal hatches, the wading techniques that make or break your day, and the habitat restoration work that's brought this river roaring back. In this episode: • Why the Battenkill's reputation as a "tough" river is earned — and why anglers keep coming back • The complete hatch chart: Hendricksons, Grannom Caddis, Sulfurs, Isonychias, Cream Drakes, Tricos, and BWOs • Wading and approach tactics that get you within 30-40 feet of feeding fish • How to read the rise — and why Doug carries binoculars on the river • The limestone influence that makes the Battenkill's bug life so rich • Conservation wins: how habitat restoration produced a 500% increase in fish numbers • Local intel: Wayside Country Store, Mulligan's, nearby blue lines, and more With host Steve Haigh | Destination Angler Podcast — THE podcast for anglers who travel. Be the first to know about new episodes. Become a subscriber Follow the show so you never miss a destination. Contact Doug: ddclyons1@aol.com | https://www.battenkillfishingbook.com/ Flies on the Fly — 123 Perry Hill Road, Perry Hill, VT (self-serve fly shop — 3 flies for $10) in Shushan, located a mile from the Spring Hole on the way to Salem and Rte 22. Destination Angler Podcast: Website | YouTube | Instagram & Facebook @DestinationAnglerPodcast Please check out our Sponsors: Redd's Flies Premium flies, tied with purpose. Redd's is a family-run company built around premium, hand-tied flies that actually hold up and flat-out catch fish, delivered to your doorstep in days, not weeks. A portion of every order goes directly to organizations protecting trout habitat and restoring rivers. Use discount Code DESTINATION for a good deal on your next order Facebook @ReddsFlies Instagram @ReddsFlies TroutRoutes The #1 Mapping Resource for Trout Anglers. Podcast listeners can try one month of TroutRoutes PRO for FREE by clicking the link in the episode description. Explore 50,000 trout streams with TroutRoutes today. Get 1 Month Free Facebook @troutinsights Instagram @TroutRoutes Got Fishing Crafting world-class fly-fishing adventures specially designed to your level of experience and budget. Facebook @GotFishingAdventures Instagram @GotFishing High N Dry Fishing Where science and performance meet. Check out the full lineup of floatants, line dressings, and sighter waxes at www.highndryfishingproducts.com Facebook @highndryfishingproducts Instagram @highndryfishing Comments & Suggestions: host, Steve Haigh, email shaigh@DestinationAnglerPodcast.com Available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Recorded Apr 25, 2026
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    1 hr and 29 mins
  • Is This Wyoming's Best Kept Fly-Fishing Secret?

    Is This Wyoming's Best Kept Fly-Fishing Secret?
    May 21 2026
    Episode 171 of the Destination Angler Podcast– May 21, 2026 Our destination is the Green River below Fontenelle Dam — perhaps the last major undiscovered trophy trout stream in the lower 48 states. Tucked inside the Seedskiddie National Wildlife Refuge in the middle of Wyoming's Red Desert, this high desert tailwater is a lush ribbon of life most traveling anglers have never heard of — and that's exactly the point. Today we sit down with Van Beacham, fourth-generation fly fisherman, author of Fly Fisher's Guide to New Mexico, and owner of The Solitary Angler, who has been quietly fishing and guiding this river since the 1980s. With huge biomass and 18"+ rainbows and browns as the standard, this is a trophy fishery — not a numbers river. Van breaks down why it stays uncrowded, what it takes to unlock the river's big fish, and why the solitude here rivals anything in the American West. In this episode: Why the Green River below Fontenelle Dam is the lower 48's best-kept secretFish species: rainbows, browns, Bonneville and Snake River cutthroatsThe nymphing rig Van relies on — crayfish pattern, San Juan worm, and small mayfliesManaging the notorious weed problem in July and AugustHow Van built The Solitary Angler's private-water club model on Hams Fork, Smiths Fork, and Fontenelle CreekWildlife: trumpeter swans, moose, bald eagles, and antelope in the Seedskiddie RefugeThe river's deep history — Oregon Trail, mountain man rendezvous, and Jim Bridger's Fort Whether you're planning a Wyoming trip or just dreaming of uncrowded water with legitimate trophy fish, Van delivers the local knowledge you need before you go. With host Steve Haigh | Destination Angler Podcast — THE podcast for anglers who travel. Be the first to know about new episodes. Become a subscriber Follow the show so you never miss a destination. Contact Van: https://thesolitaryangler.com/ | 575-758-5653 Destination Angler Podcast: Website | YouTube | Instagram & Facebook @DestinationAnglerPodcast Please check out our Sponsors: High N Dry Fishing Where science and performance meet. Check out the full lineup of floatants, line dressings, and sighter waxes at www.highndryfishingproducts.com Facebook @highndryfishingproducts Instagram @highndryfishing Redd's Flies Premium flies, tied with purpose. Redd's is a family-run company built around premium, hand-tied flies that actually hold up and flat-out catch fish, delivered to your doorstep in days, not weeks. A portion of every order goes directly to organizations protecting trout habitat and restoring rivers. Use discount Code DESTINATION for a good deal on your next order Facebook @ReddsFlies Instagram @ReddsFlies TroutRoutes The #1 Mapping Resource for Trout Anglers. Podcast listeners can try one month of TroutRoutes PRO for FREE by clicking the link in the episode description. Explore 50,000 trout streams with TroutRoutes today. Get 1 Month Free Facebook @troutinsights Instagram @TroutRoutes Got Fishing Crafting world-class fly-fishing adventures specially designed to your level of experience and budget. Facebook @GotFishingAdventures Instagram @GotFishing Comments & Suggestions: host, Steve Haigh, email shaigh@DestinationAnglerPodcast.com Available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Recorded Mar 26, 2026
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    1 hr and 31 mins
  • Fly Fishing Patagonia's Hidden Gem: Estancia Chochoy Mallin

    Fly Fishing Patagonia's Hidden Gem: Estancia Chochoy Mallin
    May 7 2026
    Episode 170 of the Destination Angler Fly Fishing Podcast – May 7, 2026 Few fly fishing destinations on the planet can match the raw beauty, solitude, and authentic culture of Northern Patagonia, Argentina — and in this episode of the Destination Angler Podcast, host Steve Haigh pulls back the curtain on one of its best-kept secrets. Steve sits down with Luciano Alba (Lucho), founder of Dream Waters Angling and operator of six world-class lodges across Argentina, and Fernando Beltran, head guide and agricultural engineer turned passionate Patagonian fishing ambassador, to share what made his seven days at Estancia Chochoy Mallin one of the greatest experiences of his adult life. In this episode: What makes Chochoy Mallín one of Patagonia's most unique fly fishing destinationsThe diversity of water across a region the size of the entire U.S. East CoastThe full experience: horseback riding, traditional asado & authentic Argentine hospitalityFernando's 30+ years of guiding wisdom on reading water and chasing big troutWhy this destination belongs on every traveling angler's bucket list With host Steve Haigh | Destination Angler Podcast — THE podcast for anglers who travel. Follow the show so you never miss a destination. Be the first to know about new episodes. Become a subscriber Contact Lucho: https://www.dreamwatersangling.com/ | booking@dreamwatersangling.com | Instagram @EstanciaChochoyMallin @lucioano_alba Contact Fernando: 54 9 3547 51-6877 Destination Angler Podcast: Website | YouTube | Instagram & Facebook @DestinationAnglerPodcast Please check out our Sponsors: Got Fishing Crafting world-class fly-fishing adventures specially designed to your level of experience and budget. Facebook @GotFishingAdventures Instagram @GotFishing High N Dry Fishing Where science and performance meet. Check out the full lineup of floatants, line dressings, and sighter waxes at www.highndryfishingproducts.com Facebook @highndryfishingproducts Instagram @highndryfishing Redd's Flies Premium flies, tied with purpose. Redd's is a family-run company built around premium, hand-tied flies that actually hold up and flat-out catch fish, delivered to your doorstep in days, not weeks. A portion of every order goes directly to organizations protecting trout habitat and restoring rivers. Use discount Code DESTINATION for a good deal on your next order Facebook @ReddsFlies Instagram @ReddsFlies TroutRoutes The #1 Mapping Resource for Trout Anglers. Podcast listeners can try one month of TroutRoutes PRO for FREE by clicking the link in the episode description. Explore 50,000 trout streams with TroutRoutes today. Get 1 Month Free Facebook @troutinsights Instagram @TroutRoutes Comments & Suggestions: host, Steve Haigh, email shaigh@DestinationAnglerPodcast.com Available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Recorded Mar 19, 2026
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    1 hr and 25 mins
  • Into the Driftless Region with John van Vliet and Catherine Smith

    Into the Driftless Region with John van Vliet and Catherine Smith
    Apr 23 2026
    Episode 169 of the Destination Angler Fly Fishing Podcast – April 23, 2026 Our destination is the legendary spring creeks of the Driftless Area—where miles and miles clear cold water, aggressive trout, and an open to the public culture make this truly a one-of-a-kind destination. Author and expert fly anglers, John van Vliet and Catherine Smith break it all down—where to look, what to throw, when to go, and one unforgettable story from the Mount St. Helens eruption. With host Steve Haigh. Key Topics: Why the Driftless feels like a secret mountain fishery hiding in the Midwest Crystal-clear spring creeks—and trout that see everything you doThe art (and agony) of fooling ultra-picky fish on dry flies Stalking rising trout like a bowhunter, not a caster Hopper eats, ant falls, and those explosive summer takesA wild detour—the Mount St. Helens eruption story you didn't see comingHow 20-inch trout disappear into water you can step across Timing it right—when the river suddenly turns "on" Outsmarting crowds and finding your own waterEasy access, endless creeks, and the ultimate DIY road tripA comeback story—how these streams were brought back to life Be the first to know about new episodes. Become a subscriber Contact John and Catherine: https://www.troutrunpress.com/ | john@troutrunpress.com | Instagram @TroutRunPress Destination Angler Podcast: Website | YouTube | Instagram & Facebook @DestinationAnglerPodcast Please check out our Sponsors: TroutRoutes The #1 Mapping Resource for Trout Anglers. Podcast listeners can try one month of TroutRoutes PRO for FREE by clicking the link in the episode description. Explore 50,000 trout streams with TroutRoutes today. Get 1 Month Free Facebook @troutinsights Instagram @TroutRoutes Got Fishing Crafting world-class fly-fishing adventures specially designed to your level of experience and budget. Facebook @GotFishingAdventures Instagram @GotFishing High N Dry Fishing Where science and performance meet. Check out the full lineup of floatants, line dressings, and sighter waxes at www.highndryfishingproducts.com Facebook @highndryfishingproducts Instagram @highndryfishing Redd's Flies Premium flies, tied with purpose. Redd's is a family-run company built around premium, hand-tied flies that actually hold up and flat-out catch fish, delivered to your doorstep in days, not weeks. A portion of every order goes directly to organizations protecting trout habitat and restoring rivers. Use discount Code DESTINATION for a good deal on your next order Facebook @ReddsFlies Instagram @ReddsFlies Comments & Suggestions: host, Steve Haigh, email shaigh@DestinationAnglerPodcast.com Available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Recorded Mar 19, 2026
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    1 hr and 24 mins
  • Yellowstone Country Fly Fishing with Craig Mathews, Part 2

    Yellowstone Country Fly Fishing with Craig Mathews, Part 2
    Apr 9 2026

    Episode 168 of the Destination Angler Fly Fishing Podcast – April 9, 2026

    In Part 2 of our two-part episode, our destination is Yellowstone Country with angling legend Craig Mathews. We dive into his new book, Pheasant Tail Simplicity, and why fewer flies might make you a better angler. Plus, winter tactics, the story behind the Sparkle Dun, and stories involving Keith Richards, Tom Broaw, Yvon Chouinard, and the origins of 1% for the Planet.

    This one just might just change the way you think about fly fishing. With host Steve Haigh.

    Be the first to know about new episodes. Become a subscriber

    Contact Craig: https://www.craigmathewsyellowstone.com/ Instagram: @CraigMatthewsYellowstone

    Craig's latest book: Pheasant Tail Simplicity | Instagram @patagoniabooks | @patagonia_flyfish

    Destination Angler Podcast:

    • Website | YouTube | Instagram & Facebook @DestinationAnglerPodcast

    Please check out our Sponsors:

    Redd's Flies

    Premium flies, tied with purpose. Redd's is a family-run company built around premium, hand-tied flies that actually hold up and flat-out catch fish, delivered to your doorstep in days, not weeks. A portion of every order goes directly to organizations protecting trout habitat and restoring rivers.

    Use discount Code DESTINATION for a good deal on your next order

    Facebook @ReddsFlies Instagram @ReddsFlies

    TroutRoutes

    The #1 Mapping Resource for Trout Anglers. Podcast listeners can try one month of TroutRoutes PRO for FREE by clicking the link in the episode description. Explore 50,000 trout streams with TroutRoutes today. Get 1 Month Free

    Facebook @troutinsights Instagram @TroutRoutes

    Got Fishing

    Crafting world-class fly-fishing adventures specially designed to your level of experience and budget.

    Facebook @GotFishingAdventures Instagram @GotFishing

    High N Dry Fishing

    Where science and performance meet. Check out the full lineup of floatants, line dressings, and sighter waxes at www.highndryfishingproducts.com

    Facebook @highndryfishingproducts Instagram @highndryfishing

    Comments & Suggestions: host, Steve Haigh, email shaigh@DestinationAnglerPodcast.com

    Available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

    Recorded Mar 5, 2026
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    49 mins
  • The World's Strangest Trout Stream: Fly Fishing Yellowstone's Firehole River with Craig Mathews, Part 1

    The World's Strangest Trout Stream: Fly Fishing Yellowstone's Firehole River with Craig Mathews, Part 1
    Mar 26 2026

    Episode 167 of the Destination Angler Fly Fishing Podcast – March 26, 2026

    In Part 1 of a two-part episode, our destination is Yellowstone National Park's Firehole River—a strange world of geysers and fumaroles, grizzlies and bison, and trout, along with the Gibbon and the Upper Madison. With angler, fly designer, author, and 1% for the Planet Co-Founder, Craig Matthews who shares expert fly fishing techniques, along with stories of grizzly bear charges, his life as West Yellowstone Police Chief, and the surprising origins of his iconic fly shop, Blue Ribbon Flies. Stick around to the end for great story of a trout that took 19 days to catch.

    With host Steve Haigh.

    Be the first to know about new episodes. Become a subscriber

    Contact Craig: https://www.craigmathewsyellowstone.com/ Instagram: @CraigMatthewsYellowstone

    Craig's latest book : Pheasant Tail Simplicity @patagoniabooks | @patagonia_flyfish

    Destination Angler Podcast:

    • Website | YouTube | Instagram & Facebook @DestinationAnglerPodcast

    Please check out our Sponsors:

    High N Dry Fishing

    Where science and performance meet. Check out the full lineup of floatants, line dressings, and sighter waxes at www.highndryfishingproducts.com

    Facebook @highndryfishingproducts Instagram @highndryfishing

    Redd's Flies

    Premium flies, tied with purpose. Redd's is a family-run company built around premium, hand-tied flies that actually hold up and flat-out catch fish, delivered to your doorstep in days, not weeks. A portion of every order goes directly to organizations protecting trout habitat and restoring rivers.

    Facebook @ReddsFlies Instagram @ReddsFlies

    TroutRoutes

    The #1 Mapping Resource for Trout Anglers. Podcast listeners can try one month of TroutRoutes PRO for FREE by clicking the link in the episode description. Explore 50,000 trout streams with TroutRoutes today. Get 1 Month Free

    Facebook @troutinsights Instagram @TroutRoutes

    Got Fishing

    Crafting world-class fly-fishing adventures specially designed to your level of experience and budget.

    Facebook @GotFishingAdventures Instagram @GotFishing

    Comments & Suggestions: shaigh@DestinationAnglerPodcast.com

    Available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

    Recorded Mar 5, 2026
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    54 mins
  • Wolves, Bears, and Bush Planes: DIY Alaska with Oliver Ancans

    Wolves, Bears, and Bush Planes: DIY Alaska with Oliver Ancans
    Mar 12 2026

    Episode 166 of the Destination Angler Fly Fishing Podcast – March 12, 2026

    How do you pull off a DIY fly fishing trip to Alaska? Our destination is the Alaskan backcountry with author, expert fly angler, and adventurer, Oliver Ancans, who for the last 10 years has been fly fishing the state on a budget. Oliver shares his tips on how to discover those lesser-known watersheds, going light to save money, and investing in the right gear, along with epic stories of 30-pound King Salmon, bears so close you could poke them in the eye, and hungry wolves that watch you fish.

    Fire up the bush plane and hang on for a wild ride with Oliver. With host Steve Haigh.

    Be the first to know about new episodes. Become a subscriber

    Contact Oliver Ancans: Instagram @olleyeh

    Destination Angler Podcast:

    • Website
    • YouTube
    • Instagram & Facebook @DestinationAnglerPodcast

    Please check out our Sponsors:

    Got Fishing

    Crafting world-class fly-fishing adventures specially designed to your level of experience and budget.

    Facebook @GotFishingAdventures Instagram @GotFishing

    High N Dry Fishing

    Where science and performance meet. Check out the full lineup of floatants, line dressings, and sighter waxes at www.highndryfishingproducts.com

    Facebook @highndryfishingproducts Instagram @highndryfishing

    Redd's Flies

    Premium flies, tied with purpose. Redd's is a family-run company built around premium, hand-tied flies that actually hold up and flat-out catch fish, delivered to your doorstep in days, not weeks. A portion of every order goes directly to organizations protecting trout habitat and restoring rivers.

    Facebook @ReddsFlies Instagram @ReddsFlies

    TroutRoutes

    The #1 Mapping Resource for Trout Anglers. Podcast listeners can try one month of TroutRoutes PRO for FREE by clicking the link in the episode description. Explore 50,000 trout streams with TroutRoutes today. Get 1 Month Free

    Facebook @troutinsights Instagram @TroutRoutes

    Comments & Suggestions: host, Steve Haigh, email shaigh@DestinationAnglerPodcast.com

    Available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

    Recorded Jan 13, 2026
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    1 hr and 26 mins