Episode Show Notes
What does it really take to film fly fishing at the highest level? In this episode, Todd Moen of Catch Magazine joins us to share the story behind some of the most iconic fly fishing films ever created—from steelhead rivers in the Pacific Northwest to remote destinations across the globe.
We dig into Todd’s early production days filming for Fly Fishing the World, surviving a plane crash in the Bahamas, and how he eventually built Catch Magazine into one of the most respected visual storytelling brands in fly fishing. Todd also explains why steelhead may be the hardest species to film, how music shapes his editing process, and what most people never realize about the amount of work required to capture a single unforgettable fish on camera.
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(The full episode transcript is at the bottom of this blogpost) 👇🏻
Sponsors and Podcast Updates
Episode Recap
00:00 – 02:30 — Todd Moen Shares How Fly Fishing and Filmmaking First Connected
Todd explains how experimenting with his parents’ old video camera on Washington’s Skykomish River eventually sparked a lifelong passion for storytelling through fly fishing.
02:30 – 05:15 — Working for ESPN-Style Fly Fishing Productions Changed Everything
After moving to Missoula, Todd joined a professional production company and immediately began traveling internationally filming fly fishing television shows.
05:15 – 08:20 — Early Fly Fishing Productions Required Massive Camera Equipment and Long Travel Schedules
Todd describes the heavy shoulder-mounted cameras, giant tripods, and nonstop production pace that shaped his early filmmaking experience.
08:20 – 13:30 — A Plane Crash in the Bahamas Became a Turning Point in Todd’s Career
After an overloaded production flight crashed while landing in the Bahamas, Todd realized the nonstop production lifestyle had become unsustainable.
13:30 – 16:30 — Catch Magazine Was Built Around Art, Music, and Storytelling
Rather than creating instructional videos, Todd wanted Catch Magazine to focus on visual storytelling, music, atmosphere, and emotional connection.
16:30 – 20:00 — Music Plays a Huge Role in Todd’s Editing and Filmmaking Process
Todd explains how soundtrack selection shapes the pacing and emotional tone of each film as much as the visuals themselves.
20:00 – 22:30 — Proper Fish Handling Became a Core Philosophy of Catch Magazine
After seeing poor fish handling during older TV productions, Todd made fish care and keeping fish wet a foundational part of his films.
22:30 – 24:45 — Steelhead Are One of the Hardest Fish Species to Film Successfully
Capturing a steelhead grab requires constant camera focus, patience, and anglers capable of consistently creating opportunities.
24:45 – 28:10 — The “Fall Run” Steelhead Film Captured One of Todd’s Most Memorable Fishing Moments
Todd shares the story behind a chaotic steelhead battle filmed during rising water and terrible weather conditions in Oregon.
28:10 – 31:00 — Early Steelhead Film Crews Worked Under Brutal Technical Limitations
Before digital cameras and drones, filmmakers carried massive batteries, giant tripods, and boxes of tapes just to capture a few sequences.
31:00 – 33:30 — Fishing Films Rarely Go According to Plan
Todd explains how weather, water conditions, and fish behavior constantly reshape production plans during filming trips.
33:30 – 36:00 — Lee Wulff’s Legacy Still Influences Modern Fly Fishing Storytelling
Todd reflects on filming in Newfoundland and learning more deeply about Lee Wulff’s adventurous approach to fly fishing exploration.
36:00 – 39:15 — Filmmaking Often Means Sacrificing Your Own Fishing Time
Todd explains why getting the shot always comes before picking up a fly rod himself during productions.
39:15 – 42:00 — Brian O’Keefe Helped Shape the Early Vision of Catch Magazine
Todd shares how his long friendship with Brian O’Keefe eventually led to launching Catch Magazine and pioneering digital fly fishing media.
42:00 – End — Drone Technology Completely Changed Fly Fishing Filmmaking
The episode closes with Todd reflecting on how drones, digital cameras, and compact gear transformed modern outdoor storytelling.
Sponsors and Podcast Updates
Resources Noted in the Show
Catch Magazine — catchmagazine.net
Follow their Instagram
Todd Moen — @toddmoen
Catch Magazine — @catchmagazine
YouTube — Catch Magazine — youtube.com/@CatchMagazine
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Full Podcast Transcript
Episode Transcript
Conclusion
This episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it truly takes to create world-class fly fishing films. Todd Moen shares how decades of production experience, storytelling, music, patience, and relentless attention to detail shaped Catch Magazine into one of the most respected visual brands in fly fishing. Beyond the technology and filmmaking, Todd’s biggest message centers around passion—staying committed to creativity, respecting the fish and the places they live, and continuing to chase meaningful stories instead of simply chasing views.
