Dec Hogan Part 1. Methodical Steelhead Tactics for Winter and Summer (Ep. 220)

“I like my fly to come across slow.  And I like my fly to fish early as possible.  So I want to set my angle up and my cast just right. Maybe hit a small set up mend and then just let it swing.  And use my rod as a leading or following tool, not so much as a mending tool.  Although there is some mending involved, but its usually just setting up for a good swing.”

Dec Hogan

In this episode we WadeOutThere for Part One of our conversation with Dec Hogan, from Midway, Utah.  Dec grew up with an obsession for fishing that drove him to find water wherever he went.  He was introduced to fly fishing and steelhead fishing while he lived in California, but it wasn’t until he joined the Navy and found himself stationed at Whidbey Island, in Washington State, that Dec finally immersed himself into what would become his passion and profession for decades to come… fly fishing for steelhead.  

Dec is an accomplished author and spey casting instructor with decades of experience fishing and guiding for steelhead.  His books and tactics have influenced countless anglers in search of steelhead on the fly.

In Part One of our conversation we discuss Dec’s methodical approach to steelhead fishing, differences and similarities in reading water and presenting flies during summer and winter, and the importance of a “vulnerable” swing.

“When you ultimately hook one… that’s not a random thing”

Dec Hogan

You can listen to the show on the podcast player below or anywhere that you enjoy podcasts. I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I enjoyed talking with Dec.

VR,
Jason

Listen and Subscribe

Learn More

Instagram: @dechogan

Books by Dec Hogan:
A Passion for Steelhead
Tying Steelhead Flies with Style
Steelhead Fly Tying. Art and Design.
Steelhead River Journal: Skagit-Sauk

Jason Shemchuk Art