631 | East Coast Fly Fishing with Derek Hutton - Virginia, Bass, Blue Ridge Mountains

Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/631

Presented by: Yellowstone Teton Territory, Togiak River Lodge, FishHound Expeditions, Stonefly Nets

Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors

Today, Derek Hutton from Hutton Fly joins us to talk about East Coast Fly Fishing. If you've ever dreamt of catching that elusive bass, muskie, or trout, then you're in for a real treat.

In this episode, we'll explore the hidden gems of the East Coast, where you can cast your line and experience the thrill of the catch. Plus, Derek will give us a fascinating comparison between fishing in the iconic Yellowstone and the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains. So grab your gear, sit back, and get ready to jot down some insider tips and tricks.

Episode Chapters with Derek Hutton on East Coast Fly Fishing

2:27 - Originally from east Tennessee, Derek grew up fishing with his family on a farm, progressing from farm pond fishing to lake fishing for largemouth bass, and eventually to ultralight spin tackle fishing for smallmouth bass.

6:38 - Derek's career journey is a blend of his passion for skiing and fishing, which took him from the mountains to the waters. Initially, he worked as a ski instructor at the Grand Targhee Ski Resort, eventually progressing to manage the youth ski program and later becoming the Ski School Manager during the 2008 recession. In 2017, Derek transitioned to focus on his other passion, fishing, and became a full-time traveling guide, working with Wyoming Fish Fly Fishing Guides and WorldCast Anglers.

12:21 - He talks about how he came to manage the Abaco Lodge in the Bahamas, marking a significant shift from his previous roles in the West. The lodge, however, was devastated by Hurricane Dorian, which marked a challenging period for Derek and his career.

16:33 - Derek recounts the catastrophic damage, noting that the main lodge building was destroyed by the storm surge and high winds, which were unprecedented in strength.

25:02 - Derek talks about the challenges he faced in his career, sharing that he juggled multiple jobs, including instructing, night auditing, and various odd jobs to make ends meet.

27:30 - We delve into the journey and challenges in the professional recreation industry, particularly focusing on fly fishing and skiing. Derek mentions the high attrition rate in the recreation industry and the importance of learning from others who have succeeded. He also mentions several influential figures in the industry.

30:01 - He describes his operation in Lexington, Virginia, in the Shenandoah Valley between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Allegheny Highlands. This area is notable for its diverse fisheries, including trout in cold-water streams and smallmouth bass and muskie in the warmer waters.

40:36 - Their busiest seasons are spring and fall, aligning with activities at the local universities. During these times, most clients are interested in trout fishing, specifically rainbow trout, which is primarily done through walk-in wade fishing in small streams. Bass fishing, on the other hand, is typically done by floating in rivers.

44:20 - He talks about fishing techniques, specifically for bass, using setups like a big dry fly with a small leech or wooly bugger — a method familiar to many as a dry dropper rig. This technique is effective for catching bass, and he explains the nuances of this approach. We also discuss the "popper bugger" setup.

48:38 - Derek mentions the Jackson River in Bath and Highland Counties, where one can find rainbow trout over 20 inches, although the typical size ranges from 10 to 14 inches. He also talks about Buffalo Creek and the Jackson River being good spots for brown trout, with some exceeding 20 inches. Derek notes that these large catches are not everyday occurrences.

54:35 - We talk about the history of Virginia in commemoration of Memorial Day.

1:00:41 - Derek highlights the prime seasons for different types of fishing, explaining that trout fishing in Virginia is best from September to May due to cooler temperatures, while summer months are ideal for smallmouth bass fishing.

1:06:42 - He provides a detailed account of his recent and upcoming trips, mentioning destinations like Cuba, Argentina, the Seychelles, the Spanish Pyrenees, and Iceland. He underscores the importance of coordinating his travel to not interfere with the peak demand periods in Virginia.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/631