WADEOUTTHERE - Fly fishing blog, podcast, and art

Cutthroat Trout in the Beartooth Mountains searching for a good day's fishing

What Makes a Good Day’s Fishing?

Now my best days on the river include the learning that comes from overcoming obstacles. Growth combined with the rest of it. Always trying to progress and get better. That struggle is what I judge a days fishing on now more than anything. It is always there if you look for it, whether you catch fish or not.

On November 17, 2025 • By Jason Shemchuk

Podcast

Ep. 249 Smallmouth, Hard Work, and Perspective on the Kalamazoo River, with Jon Lee

In this episode we WadeOutThere with Jon Lee from Kalamazoo, Michigan. Jon grew up in southwest Michigan, just outside of Kalamazoo. He was introduced to fly fishing on the Pere Marquette River as a teenager, spending time with his great uncle, and slowly embracing the value of learning over catching. As a child, Jon would search through magazines depicting distant and exotic outdoor adventures that seemed out of reach, until he combined his love of fly fishing with an unapologetic work ethic and made his dreams of seeing the world a reality as a fly fishing guide. After exploring many distant outdoor experiences, Jon moved home, to Michigan, to guide the waters of his youth, on the Kalamazoo River. We discuss smallmouth bass fishing on the Kalamazoo River, the value of perspective while pursuing fly fishing, and Jon’s book, A Guide’s Day Off, about the moments in fly fishing that make it special.

On November 12, 2025 • By Jason Shemchuk

Wadeoutthere Philosophy

Should I be Nymphing Bro?

I laughed when he asked. "Seriously man. Should I be nymphing?" There was a frustrated chuckle in his voice. I think he knew the answer, but it is a fair question.

On November 10, 2025 • By Jason Shemchuk

WOT 238: Lake Tactics and Pack Strategies with Mickey Anderson

Podcast

Ep. 248 Lake Tactics and Pack Strategies with Mickey Anderson

In this episode we WadeOutThere with Mickey Anderson, from Salt Lake City, Utah. Mickey grew up in Utah, and was introduced to fly fishing on a trip into the Uinta Mountains with his wrestling team in high school. He went on to work in the fly fishing industry as an early fly shop owner with Anglers Den and later Fish Tech. If you have been a member of a fly fishing club, committee, class, or expo in the Wasatch area of Utah… you’ve probably met Mickey.

On November 5, 2025 • By Jason Shemchuk

Lessons Learned (Stories)

Give the Fish (and Your Kids) a Break

When the fish stop biting, they may just need a break. I had a tremendous day fishing when I started moving more, giving the trout in one spot a rest, and then coming back later. That day the river taught me that children, like trout, can surprise you if you are willing to let them rest.

On November 3, 2025 • By Jason Shemchuk

WOT 247: Stepping Back from Art as Work and the Poudre River with Piper Nunn

Podcast

Ep. 247 Rediscovering an Artist’s Passion and the Poudre River with Piper Nunn

In this episode we WadeOutThere with Piper Nunn from Fort Collins, CO. Piper grew up in Colorado, spending time alone on the river even before she found fishing. It was after she began working in a local bagel shop in Fort Collins, that her co-workers talked her into giving fly fishing a shot. She loved it from day one, and from then on, much of her spare time in school was spent on the Poudre River, fishing and finding inspiration for her art. She loved fly fishing so much actually, that it inspired her to change her college major to fisheries. It also inspired her to paint more; using the details of her studies to help inform her art, while simultaneously allowing her art to help her move through school.

On October 29, 2025 • By Jason Shemchuk

Tactics and Techniques

When Trout Aren’t Biting, Try One Change at a Time

If you change one thing at a time on the river you are able to assess and analyze how that one variable affects the results and be more certain about what is working. I say more certain because there’s no guarantees in fishing, but I think we can at least get closer to a reasonable idea if we approach it methodically.

On October 27, 2025 • By Jason Shemchuk

WOT 246: Creating Dry Fly Movement Through Tying and Presentation in Pennsylvania with Eric Naguski

Podcast

Ep. 246 Creating Dry Fly Movement Through Tying and Presentation in Pennsylvania with Eric Naguski

In this episode we WadeOutThere with Eric Naguski from Boiling Springs Pennsylvania. Eric’s earliest memories all involve fishing. He fell in love with the idea of problem solving from the beginning, catching fish from the dock of his father’s sailboat in Maryland. A cousin gave him a fly rod and thus began his lifelong love of fly fishing.

On October 22, 2025 • By Jason Shemchuk

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