Wet Fly Swing

Episode Show Notes Some people fall into fly fishing. Others get pulled in hard and never really come back out. Tim Arsenault fits squarely in that second camp. From skipping school to chase salmon, to designing some of the most thoughtfully tuned Spey lines on the water, Tim’s journey is all about curiosity, obsession, and learning how things really work. In this episode, we dig deep into Spey casting techniques, steelhead rivers, line design, and what happens when you stop accepting off-the-shelf answers. Hit play to start listening!  Find the show:  Follow the Show | Overcast | Spotify Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Android Subscribe via...

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 the vibe I get every time I’m on the river with Pat Beahen. The guy reads water like it’s printed in large font, and he’s got this river-smart intensity that makes you believe a fish could grab at any second. This episode pulls together decades of Pat’s life chasing steelhead across BC — from Whistler beginnings to long seasons on the Bulkley and the Dean. If you’re a Great Lakes angler looking to level up your...

Episode Show Notes In this episode, host Jeff Liskay and Dave Whitey Evans takes us into Bulkley River Fly Fishing. They dive into stories from the Bulkley River system, talk about what makes this water so special for steelhead, and share what life is like running a world-class fishing lodge in British Columbia. With Dave’s humor and deep experience, this episode is a mix of laughs, wisdom, and a genuine love for fishing and community. Hit play to start listening!    Find the show:  Follow the Show | Overcast | Spotify Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe on Android Subscribe via RSS (The full episode transcript is at the...

Episode Show Notes In this episode, Jeff Liskay, your “Great Lakes Dude”, dives deep into the skunked angler's survival guide. From steelhead slumps to blown-out lake days, Jeff shares how he adjusts on the fly, learns from tough conditions, and finds success even when the odds are stacked against him. This episode was inspired by real conversations at the boat ramp with anglers wondering what to do after getting skunked. Jeff’s answer? Start solving the puzzle. Whether you’re struggling with fly selection, pressure, or just can’t seem to find fish, this episode is packed with tactical tips and hard-earned wisdom from...

In this episode of the Great Lakes Dude Podcast, Jeff is joined by industry rep Phil Cook, one of the most respected fly anglers in the region. Phil shares his journey from growing up fishing Michigan’s Au Sable River to leading Backeddy Sales, where he represents top fly fishing brands. They talk about the evolution of Great Lakes fly fishing—from streamer innovations to smallmouth bass tactics, the rise of Atlantic salmon, and hunting Cohos in skinny water. Phil reveals his passion for sight-fishing, his approach to gear testing, and why movement, research, and Google Earth are anglers' best tools.

In this episode of the Great Lakes Dude Podcast, the spotlight turns to the southern shores of Lake Erie and the legendary Steelhead Alley—also known as Rainbow Alley. Jeff is joined by a longtime friend and the current president of the Ohio Central Basin Steelheaders, Tom Blotzer. Together, they dive into what’s happening with steelhead programs in the region and what anglers can expect over the next four to five years.

In this episode, Jeff Liskay, aka the “Great Lakes Dude,” is joined by longtime outdoor writer D’Arcy Egan. With over 50 years of experience covering fishing and conservation in Ohio, D’Arcy shares his knowledge of Lake Erie’s transformation, the steelhead boom, and the history of fishery management in the region. From early days fishing for perch to breaking conservation stories, this episode is packed with insights into one of the most underrated fisheries in the country. Show Notes with D'Arcy Egan and Jeff Liskay on Great Lakes Fishing & Conservation. Hit play below! 👇🏻 Find the show:  iTunes | Stitcher | Overcast Subscribe on Android Subscribe on Apple...

In this episode of the Great Lakes Dude podcast, we're gonna chit-chat and take a journey into the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with Capt. Brad Petzke, owner of Rivers North Guide Service. Yes, it's still Michigan. Once you cross that big, long Mackinac bridge and head north from the Lower Peninsula, it almost seems like another state. Once you cross it, things start to get a little more wilderness, a lot less towns and cities and villages, and just a lot of water and opportunities to explore.

In the first installment, Jeff Liskay masterfully explored the world of rods and floating lines. Now, prepare to plunge into the depths with our next episode, where we'll learn more about and two-handed lines. Show Notes with Jeff Liskay on Fly Rod and Line Combo. Hit play below! 👇🏻 Find the show:  iTunes | Stitcher | Overcast Subscribe on Android Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Subscribe via RSS (Read the Full Transcript at the bottom of this Blog Post)   Sponsors and Podcast Updates   Episode Chapters with Jeff Liskay on Fly Rod and Line Combo 00:57 - Sinking Lines and Modern Innovations Jeff begins by recalling the early days of experimenting with sinking lines in the...

Are you tired of not having the right line matched to your fishing rod? In this episode, Jeff Liskay, the Great Lakes dude, breaks down the mystery of finding the perfect fly rod and line combo. Inspired by the countless anglers who have reached out to him for advice, Jeff shares his expertise on the topic and provides insights on achieving success when fishing in the Great Lakes and its tributaries. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting, this episode will provide valuable information to help you make the most out of your next fishing trip. Show Notes with Jeff...