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John Hazel, longtime owner of Deschutes Angler Fly Shop, joins the podcast to share the story behind the early days of Spey casting on the West Coast and the innovations that helped shape modern steelhead fishing. Drawing from decades of experience on the Deschutes River, John talks about the development of two-handed rods, the evolution of Skagit and Scandi systems, and his work with companies like Sage, Loomis, and Burkheimer during the formative years of modern Spey fishing. We also dig into Deschutes steelhead tactics, skating flies, salmonfly hatch strategies, and the small details that separate successful anglers from the rest. Whether you're interested in Spey casting history, steelhead fishing, or learning from one of the sport's pioneers, this episode is packed with practical advice and stories from a lifetime on the water.

There aren’t many anglers left who were there when modern fly fishing was still being figured out. Jim Teeny and Dick Sagara lived through...

In today’s episode of In the Bucket podcast, Brian Niska is joined by Adrienne Comeau and Eric Leininger for a candid conversation on what really drives success in steelhead fishing. What starts with fly choice and presentation quickly shifts into a bigger discussion around uncertainty, experience, and how much control anglers actually have on the water. Eric shares a perspective shaped by years of guiding—that in certain conditions, especially when water temperatures are right, many of the details anglers focus on may not be as critical as they seem. Adrienne adds her experience from the river, highlighting the role of confidence, instinct, and pattern recognition, while also recognizing the randomness that shows up time and time again. Together, they unpack the balance between what we think we know and what remains unpredictable—and why that tension is part of what keeps steelhead fishing so compelling.

Losing fish after a solid grab happens more than people talk about. You feel the eat, the rod loads up, maybe even a head...

Episode Show Notes Jonathan Farmer from Midnight Sun Custom Flies shares how this camp blends the comfort of a lodge with the authenticity of a...

Do you remember when intruders took over with big profiles and tons of flash? But what if the real edge is going smaller? In...

Episode Show Notes Steelhead fishing rewards patience, repetition, and time on the water. In this episode, Dax Messett shares practical winter steelhead fishing tips on...

Episode Show Notes Steelhead don’t wait around long on the southern Oregon coast. They move with fresh water, travel tight to edges, and disappear as...

Episode Show Notes When you spend enough time around steelhead guides, you start to notice something: the truly fishy ones never stop learning. That’s exactly...

Lance Gray gives us a full guide-level breakdown of Northern California — from the Feather River steelhead runs to the stillwaters that shaped generations of Chico anglers. He talks about reading Davis and Almanor, when stillwaters light up, and why steelhead require technical knots, clean leaders, and perfect presentations. Lance also brings us into the heart of the Chico fly-fishing community, where teaching, mentorship, and his Guide School continue to shape new anglers. It’s part NorCal fishing tour, part education deep-dive, and part love letter to the waters that raised him.