Lauren and Ashley arrived in the Florida Keys with little expectations and a boat-load of pent up angst. This was to be their first ever attempt at tarpon-on-the-fly. They had been warned of the challenges of pursuing the Silver King and few of their friends gave them much of a chance of actually landing on a tarpon on their initial foray. However,…

Throughout a lifetime spent in the fly fishing industry, Pete Vandergrift of Cheeky Fishing has adopted a set of rules to qualify the value of fishing memories. The parameters are pretty simple: go outside your comfort zone, overcome obstacles...and save the big one for your Dad! It's not always the biggest, baddest catch (though those don't hurt) …

If there is a "Cult of the Outdoors" in Western Montana, then John Perry is one of the ring leaders. The longtime guide, outfitter, lodge operator and fly creator is responsible for a generation of young, educated Missoulians pursuing river-life. Because, John knows how to make the most of the river miles. Perry's clients become kids again and exce…

We're back! Has it only been a year since our mysterious absence? The rumors have abounded that we were kidnapped by bottom trawlers or became a pickleball power couple, but truth is, we've just been busy with life...and a little fishing. While Lauren was working and holding down the fort, Justin used the respite to search for an Oregon dinosaur. L…

To WATCH the whole story unfold, head to our YouTube Channel, @thefebruaryroom and enjoy our adventures with Mark Wackler of AK Fishology. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Justin Karnopp

In preparation for this interview, we clicked the link to "Mending the Line" on the laptop. A captivating series of events unfolded in the opening scene. Then we were transported to a fly shop in Montana. Instantly, the hook was buried and it required the patience of a spring creek angler to hit "pause"...this was one of those cinematic events bett…

We all know the risk of picking up hitchhikers, but we may be transporting nefarious passengers without even knowing it. Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) are non-native plants and animals that have the potential to due lasting harm to our watersheds. Fisheries across the country have been permanently damaged by these critters, several of which have b…

Battered, bruised, and begging for more, Lauren returns from her first roosterfishing adventure in Baja! The stoke level is atmospheric as she shares insight into the pre-trip preparations that made all the difference in organizing and executing a successful saltwater adventure with her friends. No Lauren story is complete without a bad accent and …

We all know the old adage "If you want to get to know a guy, sit down over a Kinky Muddler"...we did just that with Tom Latourelle of Bespoke Bugs. A former custom furniture maker, Latourelle's background as a craftsman is evident in the design, shape, and movement of the flies that he creates for his clients. Tom was kind enough to invite us over …

In the premier of the TFR Video Series, we drop the kids at school, skip work, shirk household chores and set course for a local trout stream in hopes of extending the summer hopper season just one more day! Watch this on thefebruaryroom.com or subscribe to our YOUTUBE channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Our first "vessel of freedom" was a used aluminum Willie boat dad bought off a guy in 1984. She served our family, friends, and clients for 30 years on adventures throughout the PNW. Between the gunnels, we tallied a catalog of euphoric experiences that spawned into lasting memories. However, the story of our old drift boat would've never been told…

Brace yourself for inspiration!!! Meet Lydia and Lil D from Fly Girl Global, a worldwide network of young ladies united by their love of fly fishing. These angler-advocates advance the sport via international zoom meetings to tie flies, swap fishing stories, and organize efforts to clean up waterways across the globe. Thanks to Fly Girl Global, fly…

Come March, a gathering of Missoula-based fishing guides resembles a scene from "Night of the Living Dead". Montana winters can grind a guide down, but Jason Brininstool has managed to keep a smile on his face. Jason flees for the tropics to work as a PADI Scuba Instructor or hosts trip to far flung destinations like Cuba and Columbia. Jason's posi…

The problem with this podcast, like working at Baskin Robbins, is that we're constantly being introduced to new flavors of fly fishing that we yearn to sample. When we first heard of "The Crash", our smallmouth senses began to tingle and we went straight to the source for insight into a remarkable feeding frenzy that occurs on Wisconsin's namesake …

For many would-be female fly anglers, the pathway to the river is barricaded by dollar signs. The perception alone, that entry into fly fishing costs thousands in gear, inhibits many working moms, their children, and students from dipping into the budget to splurge on a new hobby. Enter Julia Mitchell and Temma Roby. These big-hearted friends found…

Welcome to the big show! Host, Lauren Karnopp sits with the Fly Fishing Film Tour crew, Cooper Nash and John Zynda, at the historical Wilma Theatre. The three discuss life on the road, fishing adventures, why you shouldn't put out a campfire with diesel, and the inspirational films that will most likely hit a theatre near you. Grab your popcorn, si…

We grab a paddle and dig into the language and circumstances surrounding Senate Bill 497, which caused a bit of a riffle among the angling and public access crowd here in Montana. Co-captained by Jason Brininstool, fly fishing guide, David Brooks, Executive Director of Montana TU and Land Tawney, President of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, we’re …

We're not being facetious when we say that sargassum is a serious threat to our shallow seas and could factor into your spring break plans. So what is it? Sargassum is a naturally occurring algae, a seaweed, that serves valuable ecological functions. But, over a decade ago, it began to show up in unnatural ways and the problem is getting worse. Thi…

Who among us hasn't lost a spectacular fish they wish they could have back? I can recall every vivid detail of every brief encounter, from the final leap of the steelhead that spat my fly from across the river to the largemouth that suspended in air, then hocked the diving frog like a loogie. As a young man exploring one of Central Oregon's notorio…

Do you count yourself among the rank and file of weekend warriors? Are you more interested in how your fly or lure appears to the eyes of the fish than how your appearance is perceived by other anglers? Is fishing still a youthful enterprise that recalls the carefree days of bobbers, earthworms, and quality time with family and friends? If you answ…

On August 21st, 2022, Nick Rinn was fishing for clues in California's Prosser Reservoir when his sonar device detected an anomaly. Rinn's macabre discovery would bring closure to the family of missing teenager Kiely Rodni...and change his life forever. It's been a wild ride for Nick, who in the span of a few days, went from anonymous electrician to…

While we're pretty sure that Houston won't be hosting the Fly Fishing World Championships anytime soon, you'd be surprised how many fishing opportunities there are in the "Bayou City." Author Robert McConnell explores the possibilities and provides the beta in his new guide book, Fly Fishing Houston and Southeastern Texas. Turns out, theres a bount…

Judging from the advertisements, alcohol and fly fishing go hand in hand. What's a proper lodge brochure or gear catalog without an image of the crew blowing the froth off a few at day's end? But here in the real world the party can lead to lifelong problems. Rather than acting as the catalyst, Reeling in Recovery maintains that flyfishing can be t…

On a rare interlude from globe-trotting, we tracked down filmmaker Natalie Rhea. This director, writer, producer, cinematographer, photographer and brand strategist captures the outdoor and western lifestyle for brands such as Swarovski, Tecovas, Traeger and Yeti, to name a few. But the creativity and work ethic doesn’t end there as we discover the…

My love for wildness, via adventures that have tested my mental and physical faculties, has blossomed throughout my life. Like a ponderosa pine, it begin as a seed, planted by my father, along the banks of one of the most challenging fisheries I have ever known. Though I somewhat resented it then, I’ve come to admire my dad’s approach. He never mad…

Brett Edstrom and his buddies arrived at the landing to discover an unusually high concentration of out-of-state plates. Turns out, this entourage was lead by a prominent figure in the world of social media. Downriver, Edstrom bore witness to a poor display of fish handling in favor of potential "likes". Though there was no law prohibiting their me…

Introducing "Tributaries", a series of snippets from our most memorable outdoor adventures, narrated by our hosts. Every so often, the universe abides and bestows anglers who wade forth with a transcendent experience. When the morning began with a Don Williams lick on a Homer radio station, our spidey senses began to tingle. What followed was a day…

Montana attracts her fair share of midwesterners. Those adventurous souls who crave a little more wildness and ruggedness than the flatlands have to offer in the long term. In his early twenties, Dan Crockett left Kansas for the rivers of Colorado, eventually carving out a niche for himself as a conservation-based writer in Missoula. 33 years later…

A parent's worst nightmare nearly came true for Scott Carver, inspiring him to reevaluate river safety. Specifically, the resources available to river users relative to location, weather, and stream flows. The end result from this aha moment was the On Water App, a comprehensive platform of all river data of interest to anglers, boaters, paddlers, …

Trumpeter-turned fly fishing guide-turned golf professional, Mike Barber, dives deep into the abyss to recover a few pearls for this long-overdue discussion. The stories flow like grog in a steelhead camp as Barber recants adventures in guiding on the rivers of Oregon and touring with a fly rod and a funk band. Mike graciously lends his services as…

Author Chris Dombrowski is at it again, sharing the firsthand perspective of a seasoned river guide in his unique, poetic style. Dombrowski's latest release, "The River You Touch", has been described as "a love song to the rivers of Montana." We're such big fans of this love song that we invited Chris back on to discuss his new book and reflect on …

“Can you learn fundamental leadership principles through fly fishing”? Authors John Childress and Christian Bacasa tapped notable figureheads in the fly fishing industry to answer this question, and discovered a resounding, “YES”! The end result, “Fly Fishing for Leadership”, is a book that interweaves lessons learned on the water with business, go…

By Justin Karnopp

Guide Brett Wedeking was staring at the familiar problem of “how to check off my fly fishing life-list”. So, he formulated a solution that began on his home waters of Puget Sound, establishing a loyal client base. Then he formed relationships with some of the world’s premier lodges and outfitters. Now Brett’s business, Tailout Anglers, hosts advent…

An unconventional upbringing, including stints in Argentina and Venezuela, set Ray Penny on the path to a life of adventure and service. Following a career in the fly fishing industry, Penny joined the Marines, and returned to civilian life looking for his next mission. That turned out to be the resurrection of G&H Decoys, the last of the American-…

Little did we know that fly fishing is a thing in downtown Manhattan? Die-hard urbanite and medical student, Brandon Dale, educates us on the target-rich bodies of water in Central Park. Dale, a lifelong outdoors enthusiast and PHD candidate, manages to find the time to work with his local chapters of BHA, TU, and Hunters of Color. "Ambitious" seem…

At what temperature do pike spawn? Which fly lines should I use throughout the year? Could removing a large pike from a trout fishery have a contradictory effect? These are some of the questions that have been weighing on our minds, and Neil Cote, owner of Bite Me Flies, answered them without us even asking. Cote provides a wealth of insider inform…

Pandemics, climate change, cancellations and inflation... like all other working professionals, outdoor guides are navigating the roughest waters ever. Fortunately, there are resources for hard-working guides and outfitters struggling to stay afloat. Molly Simpkins, Executive Director of the Guide Relief Program and Outdoor Guide Association, provi…

A 20-year guide career culminated with a gridiron legend awaiting pickup at the local Missoula hotel, bottle of vino in-hand. From there, Chris McAdams figured he'd reached the pinnacle, hung up his lanyard and agreed to a position as a sales representative with NRS-manufacturers of premium inflatable boats and gear for whitewater and fishing enthu…

The Bitterroot River is one of the country's premiere fisheries and the lifeblood of one of Montana's most picturesque valleys. A rich tradition of agriculture, community, and recreation all rely on clear, clean flows and a healthy riparian area. The Bitter Root Water Forum is dedicated to restoring private and public lands to enhance habitat throu…

Raised by Mainers with a nose for outdoor mishap, Nick Halle managed to survive his hazardous upbringing and find his footing in Montana. Halle now serves as Trout Unlimited's Volunteer Operation's Coordinator and part-time fly fishing guide, a career split that equates to a considerable amount of time on the water and access to the latest fisherie…

We like to think of outdoor recreation as an investment in our own well-being. The guys at Chasing Tides act as sort of account advisors. In order to maximize profits, this crew of watermen advises on products they've found to make access to the outdoors more efficient for professionals and parents. The inspiration for this venture was their own ba…

June 2022 came down heavy on the Yellowstone Country. A perfect storm of environmental conditions resulted in historic flooding and devastating property loss. The community of Red Lodge, hometown of guide/outfitter Chad Pavlick, was particularly hard hit by the raging torrent. Pavlick shares perspective on his own backyard, a region forever altered…

The days in the lives of fly fishing guides tend to bleed together and not until they sit down and ruminate do the juices begin to flow. Take John Herzer, owner of Blackfoot River Outfitters in Missoula, Montana. Herzer swore up and down that he didn't have any interesting stories to tell from his thirty-plus years as a river guide and impassioned …

Nebraska is mostly known for option football and unfettered fanaticism. Beyond the grid iron, the Cornhusker Fly Fishers fanatically explore the diverse angling options available across the Midwest region. As a U of N employee, Eric Einspahr bleeds Husker Red and devotes countless hours to his beloved Lincoln-based fly fishing club. Einspahr pursue…

Children in the foster program cope with innumerable challenges and difficult upbringings. The Mayfly Project is dedicated to providing these kids respite from the stressors of their daily lives by introducing them to fly fishing. Executive Director Jess Westbrook and Lead Mentor Rebecca Granillo have been instrumental in growing the Mayfly Project…

When Mike Beagle and friends realized that the old-growth headwaters of Southern Oregon's Elk River were not under full federal protection, they enlisted the services of a local coalition of foresters and fisher-people. The end-game was the designation of the Copper Salmon Wilderness and the protection of critical spawning grounds for the river's w…

This bachelor party took place a long way from Sin City, but the riverbank lit up like the Strip as Brandon Dwyer and friends approached the boat ramp with trepidation....unpredictability is inherent in adventures in wild places but Dwyer will assume the risk for the "opportunity for a singular focus". When he's not focused on family and career, th…

Throughout Texas, inconspicuous fisheries attract a growing legion of flyrodders. Recognizing this trend, school teacher William Stewart, owner/operator of Brazos on the Fly, decided to dip his toe into the guiding waters. From his first full year in business, Stewart attracted local clientele and introduced them to the joys of casting flies to the…

We're fans of budget boats around here and found a kindred soul in Clint Whitley from the Western Hunting Hub podcast. Whitley is no stranger to the rain and shares some valuable insight into old boat and motor maintenance and repair. Despite his best efforts, his maiden voyage wasn't without its hiccups. Fortunately, no boat needed to pursue an an…