Podcast · Leisure & Travel

Untangled: Fly Fishing For Everyone | Ventures Fly Co.

by Ventures Fly Co. · English · Leisure & Travel

Spencer Durrant hosts "Untangled: Fly Fishing For Everyone." The show answers user-submitted questions about fly fishing, helping others learn and grow in this wonderful sport.

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 41 min
Latest: 12 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

12 Oct 2026 · 17 minNew

Fly Fishing With My Daughter For The First Time | Fly Fishing Stories #13

My daughter is almost a year and a half old. And don't worry — she's not some sort of prodigy who's already casting a fly rod. She's as stubborn as her dad, but thankfully as adorable as her mom, and just as sweet. I know she's way too young to really remember some time on the water, and she's certainly nowhere near being let loose with a fly rod. But if there's one thing I've learned since becoming a dad, it's how much fun it is to share things you love with your kid. So earlier this summer, I loaded my daughter into the truck and we set off for my old stomping grounds — the same creek…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

7 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 46 min
We Fixed 20 Anglers' Biggest Fly Fishing Problems (Live Studio Q&A) | Ep. 200
After 200 episodes of Untangled, we decided it was time -- for a LIVE STUDIO AUDIENCE! We opened the doors to 20 fans of VFC and spent the night telling stories, answering questions, and sharing those Live Reel Life moments that keep us coming back to the water. Everyone in attendance had the chance to ask their fly fishing questions to Alex and Spencer live, getting real-time feedback for the problems they're currently facing. Some of those include: What to do when no bugs are hatching How to plan trips around catching a specific kind of trout Whether fly choice or presentation is more…
5 Oct 2026 · 23 min
The Fly Casting Mistakes That Make Wind Worse | Tip of the Week #19
Nothing makes a great day go immediately down the toilet the way that wind can. If the wind's at your back, it's not a HUGE problem — you probably get a bit more distance on your cast! But if the wind's blowing right in your face, you suddenly feel like the most incompetent fly caster to ever pick up a rod. Or at least, I usually do. And that's because I so often forget some of the key fundamentals for making good fly casts in the wind. So today on Untangled, we'll go through those important skills to keep in mind when the wind starts blowing. That way, you're not sitting on the bank,…
30 Sep 2026 · 49 min
What Fly Rod Do You Actually Need? How to Pick the Right One for Your Fishing | Ep. 199
What's scarier - telling your mother-in-law that her pot roast is actually dry, or picking up a new fly rod with NO help at all? Because let's be honest - it's not like fly shops or websites have a ton of clear information about what all these different rods are for. And why do some of them cost $1,000 or more? Today on Untangled, we're going to simplify the world of fly rods and give you the information you need to make the best choice for your own fishing situation. You'll also learn about: Whether AI can be a useful tool in planning fly fishing trips How to start catching fish on nymphs…
28 Sep 2026 · 17 min
Bull Trout, Backcountry, and Giardia — A Disaster Trip | Fly Fishing Stories #12
My first trip chasing bull trout didn't exaclty go as planned. Instead of holding a giant trout in a crystal-clear stream, I found myself lying in a bed in a stranger's house, feeling like I'd gone to the wrong Taco Bell and had one too many beefy five-layer burritos. So how'd I end up there? What dark forces conspired to keep me from catching a bucket-list fish? Well, it all starts with my buddy Blair. LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
23 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 20 min
Fly Fishing A River With No Rising Fish — Where To Start And What They're Eating | Ep. 198
You show up to the river for a day of fishing, you're stuffed FULL of optimism and happiness, you get all rigged up — and then your mood just CRASHES. There aren't any fish rising. No bugs hatching. No trout sunning themselves in the shallows. Just a river that feels as lifeless as those lovely political ads we're forced to watch during football season. What's the play here? How do you start from what feels like nothing, and end up catching fish, when the river is holding all its cards close to the vest? It boils down to knowing where the fish are probably hanging out, what they're probably…
21 Sep 2026 · 19 min
Should You Tip Your Fly Fishing Guide? | Tip of the Week #18
Guided trips are fantastic! They're a great opportunity to learn from people who live and breathe fly fishing. But there's always one awkward part of the day, especially if you've never been on one before - the tip. How much do you tip? Are they expecting it? Is there ever an instance where you'd WITHOLD a tip? Today on Untangled, you'll learn all about tipping culture in fly fishing, and whether it's something you should consider on your next guided trip. LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE…
16 Sep 2026 · 50 min
How To Design Your Own Fly Patterns | Ep. 197
If you've ever heard other anglers talk about how great it feels to catch fish on flies they tied themselves, you've probably thought they were overselling it. They make the experience out to be something on par with your first kiss, or getting your driver's license. So if catching fish on a fly you tied is that good, then it stands to reason that catching fish on a fly you INVENTED is even better — right up there with getting married, or watching a tax write off actually SAVE you money. This is all well and good, but there's one question we need to ask — how exactly do you start coming up…
14 Sep 2026 · 19 min
Back From The Brink — Catching A Fish That Almost Disappeared | Fly Fishing Stories #11
We almost lost one of the most iconic trout species in the world. From the 1970s to 2005, roughly 3.5 million of these fish were eaten by a predator illegally introduced into their ecosystem. It was only through hard work - and a bit of luck - that the fish managed to survive at all. But how did this happen? Why does it matter if some fish go extinct? And where did this all take place? Well, that's what we'll explain in today's episode of Untangled. LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the…
9 Sep 2026 · 46 min
How To Catch Fish On The World's Smallest Mayfly | Ep. 196
There's one mayfly that, when it hatches, brings EVERY fish up to the surface - including the big ones. These bugs, once they start, come off like clockwork. The fish dutifully follow. So, what's the catch? Because if there's one true thing about fly fishing, it's that nothing is THIS simple. Well, these mayflies are tiny. Microscopic. And the fish get EXTREMELY picky about which ones they're eating. Some times, they want the male mayflies. Other times, they're only eating the females. Throw the wrong one, and your chances of catching fish are as good as Spencer's at quitting Diet Coke. This…
7 Sep 2026 · 23 min
Get Up And Go Explore | Tip of the Week #17
The best thing you could do right now is to turn off this podcast, get your gear together, and go fishing. If you can't just drop everything and head to the river right now - maybe you're at work, or any good fishing is a long drive away - then I suppose you could keep listening to today's show. But the message at the end will be the same as it is now: get up and go fishing. LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
2 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 8 min
What It Really Takes To Get Good At Fly Fishing — From A Guy Who Fishes 200 Days A Year | Ep. 195
The second installment in our Everyday Angler series features Hyrum Weaver, a longtime friend of Spencer's, and one of the fishiest guys he knows. Hyrum is a truly great fisherman who claims he hasn't been skunked in the 21st century. He's also one of the best people you could ever hope to learn from - whether it's figuring out lakes, learning to tie better flies, or simply the key things to look at on rivers to find more fish, Hyrum is a wealth of information, and he's sure to help you level up your game as an angler. LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT…
31 Aug 2026 · 24 min
Untangled Fly Fishing Report | September 2026
As the weather finally starts to cool off, that means small mayflies are back on the menu! But they're not the only thing to think about as you hit the water in September. Terrestrial fishing can be excellent this month as well, and will continue to be great until the first hard freeze fo the year. Today on Untangled, you'll get a refresher course on all things fall mayflies, as well as some tips and tricks for troubleshooting those moments when the fish refuse your flies. LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE…
26 Aug 2026 · 48 min
Why Biologists Want You To Kill Brook Trout, And When You Shouldn't | Ep. 194
Brookies are the favorite of tons of anglers. They're gorgeous, and the big ones can be extremely frustrating AND rewarding to catch. But they're also one of the biggest threats to the long-term survival of native fish like cutthroat trout. Brookies are more aggressive than cutties, so in places where the two fish live side-by-side, brookies outcompete cutthroat for food. Eventually, the cutthroat just can't persist on the landscape, and they disappear. So, to help cutthroat and other native fish like gila and apache trout, sometimes fisheries managers ASK for you to kill brook trout. Does…
24 Aug 2026 · 21 min
Will Fish Really Eat Pink and Purple Flies? | Tip of the Week #16
Why are so many of the flies we tie, use, and sell, all brightly colored, when most of the real-life bugs trout eat are drab and dull? Why do our fly boxes look like they'd be more at home at a middle-school craft fair, or a tea party, than on the river? Well, it all boils down to how trout perceive color. Understanding this key detail of trout biology can help you better understand how and why trout react so well to certain fly patterns. LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Field…
19 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 41 min
Fly Fishing With Hoppers: Strategies You Don't Hear Enough About | Ep. 193
ALEX STULCE RETURNS! And as he joins Spencer on today's episode, the two talk about the hopper fishing strategies that too often get ignored. Things like adding drag on purpose to make the hopper look like it's alive, to fishing them in shallow, nervous water. These are the little things that WILL make a difference in your fishing this summer, but that most folks don't ever discuss. You'll also hear about: Everything going on behind-the-scenes at VFC, including updates on products, live events, and new releases Tips for fishing etiquette when you're brand-new How to guesstimate the depth of…
17 Aug 2026 · 16 min
The Bass I Never Thought I'd Catch | Fly Fishing Stories #10
The days when you catch something unexpected — your new personal best, for instance — seem to come out of nowhere, like letters from the IRS. And not unlike mail from the tax man, I think every angler has at least SOME level of fear that they won't be prepared to meet those memorable fish when they decide to show up. Of course, not every unforgettable fish has to be huge — it can be a particularly gorgeous brookie, or a wild rainbow trout that's shaped like a football, or a brown all colored up for pumpkin spice season. But those big ones? That show up out of nowhere, when you're fishing the…
12 Aug 2026 · 41 min
I Was Wrong About Fly Fishing Apps — Here's What Changed My Mind | Ep. 192
Fly fishing apps are for those lazy anglers who just want someone to tell them where to go, what flies to use, and how to fish. They're for people who prefer automatic transmissions, boneless chicken wings, and Downton Abbey. Right? Well, not exactly. That was my attitude for a LONG time, until this year. I started using one app, and it honestly made me change my tune. These apps can be really helpful, for anglers of all skill levels. Today on Untangled, you'll learn why I changed my mind about fly fishing apps, the ones we recommend here at VFC, and how to get the most out of these tools.…
10 Aug 2026 · 18 min
When And Why You Need A Double-Taper Fly Line | Tip of the Week #15
There are two main types of fly lines - weight-forward and doube-taper. But what do those words mean? And when would you want to use one versus the other? Today on Untangled, we'll tackle everything to know about the differences between these lines, as well as getting into when and why you might want to use them. We'll also talk about the importance of matching your fly line to your rod, and what makes a fly line "good" or "bad." LINKS FROM THE SHOW FLIES - Get the VFC 3-Packs - CHECK THEM OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE…
5 Aug 2026 · 52 min
Dry Fly Fishing Is Hard, But No One Tells You Why | Ep. 191
This is the first episode of our new Everday Angler series, where we sit down with anglers who are at every stage of the learning curve. Yes, guides, outfitters, and industry experts have a lot to add to the conversation, but how often is their advice actualyl tailored to the situation you're in right now? And since one of the best ways to learn is by chatting with other anglers in your exact situation, that's what we decided to do. Our first guest is Riley Bayles, an angler from Utah who's been fly fishing for abot 2 years. Alex and I had the chance to fish with Riley this summer, and we…
3 Aug 2026 · 22 min
Untangled Fly Fishing Report | August 2026
August can feel like one of the tougher months for fly fishing, and in many ways, it is. BUT - with the right approach, you can still have a great time on the water this month. Depending on where you live, your best option might be fishing early in the morning, or chasing non-trout species. If you have easy access to the high country nearby, this is a great time to go out and explore all the less-visited places where the fishing is still fast and furious. LINKS FROM THE SHOW FLIES - Get the VFC 3-Packs - CHECK THEM OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW -…
29 Jul 2026 · 53 min
The 68-Degree Rule: When Water Gets Too Warm To Fish For Trout | Ep. 190
When the air temps warm up, we're not the only ones having a hard time of it. Trout don't react well when the water gets too warm, and knowing both HOW and WHY they act differently in warm water, can be an easy way to ensure you're taking care of the fish we love so much. On today's episode on Untangled, you'll learn why it's important to monitor water temps, when you should stop fishing, and other quick tips you can use to ensure the fish stay happy and healthy for years to come. You'll also learn about: The best method for changing out tippet to match your flies as they change sizes…
27 Jul 2026 · 17 min
Chasing Gold | Fly Fishing Stories #9
Golden trout are among the prettiest, rarest, and most sought-after trout in the West. They live in hard-to-reach places, and the ones that grow to enormous sizes seem like they're harder to find than clear pictures of Bigfoot. But putting in the work and effort to look for these fish - even if you strike out - usually results in memories you'll never forget. LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
22 Jul 2026 · 45 min
I've Been Fishing Caddis Wrong My Whole Life | Ep. 189
Caddisflies are one of the most abundant aquatic insects on the PLANET! But they're largely misunderstood by anglers - inclulding myself. In fact, I just had an experience on the water that made me realize I've been fishing these flies completely wrong for 20 years! Don't make the same mistakes I did. Listen to this week's episode and learn all about how caddisflies should be fished, and how this can help you put more trout in the net. You'll also learn about: The differences between headwaters and tailwaters Tips for fishing with kids, and getting them interested in fly fishing Why trout…
20 Jul 2026 · 13 min
The Ultimate Wet Wading Gear Setup | Tip of the week #14
Waders are great and all -- but by the time summer rolls around, they get HOT! They're not all that comfortable to wear, either. So, if you wanna ditch the waders, what's the best way to go? We prefer using a fully dedicated wet wading setup. You get all the benefits of the stability of wading boots, without the bulk and added heat of waders. Today on Untangled, we'll dish on all the things we love about wet wading, the gear we recommend, and WHY we've made these choices. LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Wet Wading Gear Guide - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT…
15 Jul 2026 · 47 min
Nymphs, Streamers, or Dry Flies — You Don't Need to Master All Three | Ep. 188
Starting out in fly fishing is overwhelming. You're told you've got to master all sorts of techniques and tactics, and the second you open Instagram, or read any online content, you're bombarded with new things to try! It feels like, if you're not at least dipping your toe in everything, you're quickly falling behind as an angler. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, that mindset is damaging for new anglers. So in today's episode of Untangled, you're going to learn why this isn't the best way to approach things, and some tips for actually leveling up that don't require new gear,…
13 Jul 2026 · 21 min
The World's Biggest Cutthroat Trout | Fly Fishing Stories #8
The largest cutthroat trout ever officially caught was a 41-pounder back in 1925. Rumors persisted of fish in excess of 60 pounds, but like any good fish, those ones got away before they could be weighed... These giant cutthroat were once thought to be lost forever. By the 1940s, they were gone from the landscape, and our chance to fish for giant, prehistoric fish was basically gone. But that's where this story really starts, and gets all sorts of interesting. In this episode of Untangled's Fly Fishing Stories, you'll learn all about the world's largest cutthroat trout -- how they evolved,…
8 Jul 2026 · 48 min
The Summer Dry Flies Trout Love — But Most Anglers Overlook | Ep. 187
Summer is the time for throwing big foam bugs and large droppers, right? Well, yes - but there are a couple of dry flies that get chronically overlooked by anglers - myself included. So today on Untangled, you're going to learn what these flies are, why you should add them to your box, and tips for getting the most out of them when you tie one on. You'll also learn about: How to adjust your rigs for fishing in lower water Tips for getting back into the game with fishing dry flies Why some rods roll cast better with heavier lines LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT…
6 Jul 2026 · 20 min
4 Quick Tips for Fly Fishing Lakes in Summer | Tip of the Week #13
Lake fishing can be intimidating. Where do you cast? What are you looking for that tells you fish will be in one spot versus another? And do you use the same flies you use on rivers and streams? Well, fishing lakes is A LOT simpler than it appears, and this is actually the best time of year to give it a shot. So today on Untangled, you'll learn four quick tips for getting the most out of your time on stillwater this summer! LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE
1 Jul 2026 · 52 min
Fly Fishing Small Streams In The Heat Of Summer | Ep. 186
It's hard to not fall in love with small streams. They're gorgeous, the fish are generally fairly willing to eat, and they're a GREAT place to escape the crowds for a bit. As summer drags on, though, small streams don't always continue to be this fairytale place to fish. The water levels drop, fish get spooky, and you feel like you're back at square one, looking for a solution to this problem. It boils down to understanding where fish move during the summer, what they're looking to eat, and the best times to be out on the water. Today on Untangled, we'll dive into all of that and more, so…

About Untangled: Fly Fishing For Everyone | Ventures Fly Co.

Spencer Durrant hosts "Untangled: Fly Fishing For Everyone." The show answers user-submitted questions about fly fishing, helping others learn and grow in this wonderful sport.

Untangled: Fly Fishing For Everyone | Ventures Fly Co. is a English leisure & travel podcast from Ventures Fly Co.. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Ventures Fly Co.
Language: English
Category: Leisure & Travel
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 41 min
Latest episode: 12 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1659770189
Rights: 2022

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