Fly Fishing Consultant Podcast

Rob interviews Chris Williams from the Gulf Coast Classic. The Gulf Coast Council of Fly Fishers International organized their 4th annual Gulf Coast Classic fly fishing festival on May 1-2, 2026, at the Learning Campus of Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama. A unique fishing area that offers tarpon fishing on foot on one side of the park and bluegill on foot on the other. We discover how Chris launched a tournament from the ground up, involving participants ranging from non-profits to fly tyers and casting instructors.

You’ll learn about the various freshwater and saltwater species fo...

 Rob gave a presentation at the May 2026 gathering of The Potomac Patuxent Chapter of Trout Unlimited. His topic centered around slow water foam flies intended for summer predators. He emphasized how ultraviolet rays from the sun can deteriorate your flies, covering various types of foam, the food sources for fish during summer, the appearance and presentation of flies, the importance of using droppers in summer fishing, and finally, he shared his favorite slow water flies for the summer season. Among these flies are the gutless frog, scorpion bug, splat rat, night monkey, Chernobyl ant, fish skull popper heads, cicadas, a...

In this episode, Rob discusses the recent emergence of the Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) in the mid-Atlantic region of North America. The lanternflies, in every stage of their life cycle, look very different from any insects found in northern Virginia, where Rob lives. He will elaborate on how the adult's striking red hind wing is unlike any colors in his local surroundings and why he considers them to be the dumbest of all creatures. He will delve into the insect's classification, share intriguing facts about them, describe their physical traits, feeding habits, reproduction, his personal observations, and how he...

James Andrew Holt unexpectedly passed away in April 2026. He was highly inteligent, witty, crass, and always there when you needed him. Rob and Andrew were the closest of fishing buddies. Even though they had not been in contact for several months due to Rob taking a step back from their friendship, he is still heartbroken. He had a passion for gourmet food and a particular love for Scotch Whisky (His father was from Glasgow) having once served as the Macallan Ambassador for the Washington DC area. Andrew dedicated his time to Frogman Outdoors and Project Healing Waters. He enjoyed...

Mike Komara’s mission is to share the skills and techniques learned over a decade of competing and fishing across the globe. He grew up as a competitive angler starting on the USA youth team where he was mentored by greats like George Daniel and Joe Humphreys. Mike still competes but on the senior level and is the one now teaching the younger anglers. He is currently booked as a guide. If you hire him, wear quality glass lens polarized sunglasses. Mike and Rob discuss the current price of tungsten beads, how he splits his time between Pennsylvania and New Z...

This marks Rob's inaugural visit to the Maryland Fly Fishing Show. For various reasons, he has faced scheduling conflicts with the event for several years. Rob doesn't frequently travel to Towson. When he was younger, his father brought him here to purchase lacrosse balls. Finding lacrosse gear and fly fishing supplies was quite challenging in the late 80s. After a brief stroll from the parking garage to the building, Rob ascends a few flights of stairs to reach the venue. In the lobby, he spots Ralph Valle and his family selling tickets. Rob gets his hand stamped and makes...

Rob makes his way back to The Fly Fishing Show in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. With a microphone in hand, he strolls through the venue to uncover the stories of both attendees and exhibitors. His attention is drawn to the fly tying section of the event. We discover insights about local anglers from Pennsylvania, the tiny flies they prefer, and the bodies of water they fish in. Rob and Caitlin encountered Joe Humphreys and even had a book signed by him. You never know who Rob might run into. These are their narratives. If you haven't visited the Lancaster show before...

Malinda Barna has been the proprietor of her own fly shop along the banks of the Salmon River in New York for a longer time than Rob has been wetting his line there. This distinctive shop is filled with vibrant fly tying materials. Her fly shop attracts anglers from around the globe. Situated on the banks of a world-renowned river, this episode reveals how Malinda acquired the shop and managed it for many years alongside her partner Bobby. Malinda shares anecdotes about her fishing spots during the off-season, explains her decision to stop selling bobbers for fly fishing, and...

This episode brings us to Roanoke, Virginia, the Star City Of The South, where shop owner and guide, Jay Waide, tells us.his story. We get to know the history and location of the fly shop, its wide range of customers, and some great nearby fishing spots. Jay talks about everything related to fishing in the southwest corner of Virginia, from blue lining brook trout in little streams to jet boating tailwaters for muskie.

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Rob initially encountered Andrew at the Virginia Fly Fishing Festival several years ago. At that time, Andrew was likely in middle school, displaying a remarkable passion for fishing as a young boy. He was precocious and downright fishy. He tied his own flies. Throughout his teenage years, he dedicated his mornings and afternoons to fishing at the Falmouth Flats beneath the Rte. 1 Bridge in Fredericksburg, Virginia, the same spot where Rob learned to fly fish for stripers while going to college up the street. A few years down the line, Andrew crossed paths with an Alaskan lodge owner during on...

Rob encountered Boyd Waters at the 2026 Virginia Fly Fishing and Wine Festival. Boyd's 'flies' were unlike anything else at the event. Rob was astonished by the ingenuity with which deer hair was transformed into striking three-dimensional designs resembling characters from Care Bears, Spider Man, and Falcore. It's essential to check out Boyd's social media before you listen to gain a full appreciation of how he uses the same materials as everyone else, but in a unique way. His flies are for sale and yes, you can fish them if you desire. Boyd has a few unique fly tying tools...

One day, Rob was browsing Instagram for pictures of lady Amherst feathers when he stumbled upon the Schuman Feathers account. The feathers were absolutely gorgeous, every single one of them, yet none were shown being utilized in fly tying. Rob reached out to ask if the dye would bleed when the feathers became wet, as he planned to use them for tying flies. He was reassured that they were indeed waterproof. Afterward, Rob contacted the company to ask about a podcast—specifically, a podcast about feathers, not one related to fly fishing. Eventually, Rob ordered ostrich plumes for his da...

Rob received a message from a fly tier accusing him of appropriating their intellectual property. His Etsy shop features a number of original flies as well as several inspired by others, with appropriate credit given when necessary. The sender of the messages has appeared on Rob’s podcast in the past, indicating they are not unfamiliar with one another. However, the tone of the messages lacked any reference to their prior interactions, making it seem as if they were meeting for the first time. Who holds the moral high ground in this situation? Is Rob profiting from someone else's wo...

Dean Naujoks from the Potomac Riverkeeper Network (PRKN) joins Rob to talk about the recent sewage spill. Hundreds of millions of gallons of untreated sewage have now contaminated the Nation's River. An investigation conducted by the Potomac Riverkeeper Network alongside researchers from the University of Maryland revealed alarming levels of fecal bacteria and harmful pathogens in the Potomac River, raising significant public health alarms and highlighting the dangers associated with outdated sewer systems. The Potomac is NOT safe to be near at this time. Dean addresses the inadequate response from the Washington DC government. Rob shares his concerns about...

Rob journeys south to the Meadow Event Park located on the state fairgrounds in Doswell, Virginia for the 25th edition of the Virginia Fly Fishing and Wine Festival. There, he encounters both familiar faces and newcomers to chat about where they live and fish, motivations for attending the event, and what they bring to the table. The event was bustling, and Rob couldn't manage to connect with everyone he had hoped to meet.

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Brian Deloach is a Fly Fishers International (IFF) certified casting instructor hailing from Tennessee. Rob initially met Brian when he hired him for a few hours of urban guiding around Washington D.C. After their fishing outing, they returned to Rob’s house and recorded a podcast where Brian shared insights about casting and fishing in his local waters. This time, the episode’s focus is solely on casting. Brian discusses proper techniques and terms used by IFF certified casting instructors, he will explain the essential principles for successful fly casting, and how to apply this to fishing. This episod...

Rob has proclaimed 2026 as the year of the five weight fly rod. You'll need to wait a bit longer for a comprehensive explanation of his reasoning. In the meantime, tune in as Rob heads back to Mossy Creek to test out his new Hardy Marksman 5 weight setup. He has been preoccupied with thoughts about the restored section of the upper part of the stream and strategies for using weighted streamers. With winter settling in, the once vibrant wildflowers and overgrown banks have withered away, making it easier to walk and cast. Rob is ready to fish all day Monday...

Rob first encountered Matthew Lordeau around twenty-five years ago while they both were employed at the Orvis store in Tysons Corner, Virginia. The store was quite lively during that time, and all the staff tried to fish together whenever they could. Rob doesn’t remember going fishing with Matt. Even though they went their separate ways long ago, they have maintained their connection through meetings at The Fly Fishing Show and interactions online through social media. Since their days at Orvis, Matt has tied the knot and is now the father of a lively brood of children, ranging from yo...

Rob reflects on the year spent fishing and enjoying lunch, concluding with a gift guide. The year began with excessive rainfall and wrapped up with a lack of it. There were multiple road trips and his first flight since 2019. Rob takes a look at the sandwiches that powered his adventures. He also provides a concise list of items that have demonstrated their value for inclusion in a gift guide.

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It’s time for Rob’s yearly journey up north to the Salmon River in New York. The fish he’s aiming to catch are lake-run steelhead and brown trout. For weeks, Rob has been monitoring the low water levels while he meticulously crafted flies to complement his already stocked fly boxes, all with the hope of landing a steelhead for Producer Jason. However, this trip didn’t unfold as anticipated. Overwhelmed by sorrow, Rob finds himself unable to fish. While he was in New York, two people dear to him passed away. What was meant to be a few days...

Recently, Rob dedicated a fall weekend to traveling to the Catskills to fish and conduct an in-person interview with Nick Lyons. Nick’s works in writing and publishing have played a crucial role in shaping Rob’s lifelong passion for fishing. When Rob launched this podcast in 2010, he was significantly inspired by the writings of both Nick Lyons and John Geirach. Rob has emulated Lyons' authenticity alongside Geirach's "trout bum" way of life as he seeks to educate others about fly fishing and share captivating tales. This moment provides Rob with the opportunity to connect with Nick in his sunr...

Rob made a stop in the Catskills to do some fishing on his journey to Woodstock, NY, where he was set to interview Nick Lyons. He left Virginia on a Sunday evening as a Nor’easter began to develop in the Atlantic and reached New York after nightfall, just before the rain started. Finding a place to camp in his car, he started fishing in the rain by mid-morning on Monday. He cast his line from Deposit NY down to Hancock, making a visit to the West Branch Angler along the way. Rob took a quick trip to Livingston Ma...

Rob first encountered Miriam Leino when he dialed the Orvis Outfitter Team number a few weeks back. He was in search of the hooks needed to tie his bacon fly, as his supply was dwindling. Rob enjoys inquiring about the locations of individuals on help lines, so he was taken aback to discover that Miriam resides in eastern Washington state. He found her location somewhat surprising for an Orvis outfitter answering the phone, as most would not be taken aback by this detail, but it piqued Rob's interest. He discovered that Miriam not only works at Orvis but also...

Rob and Dan embarked on an expedition to Mossy Creek, Virginia. This location is recognized as Virginia’s top spring creek fishing destination, nestled in the Shenandoah Valley just south of Harrisburg, VA. Since Rob has covered this fishery in two prior episodes, the history of the stream is not elaborated upon. On their journey, Rob and Dan stop by the Mossy Creek Fly Shop to chat with Colby. His insights prove to be extremely helpful. Colby shares details about the restoration work that has been carried out on the stream since Rob's last trip. A tropical storm off th...

Rob encountered Chris on a beach in Maine during low tide in August of this year. After a short conversation on the shore, Chris decided it would be worthwhile to record an entire episode focusing on his fishery. Originally from Massachusetts, Chris now calls southern Maine home. He spent his childhood fishing for stripers the Commonwealth and had to make slight adjustments to fish in the Pine Tree State. Chris discusses his equipment and strategies for catching stripers, the seasonal changes, and the fish's diet. He also shares tales about salmon, shad, and non-native ferox trout. Chris feels fortunate...

Fishing buddies part two. Rob recounts stories about those he has fished alongside throughout the years. From Lenny in Florida to Dan at Mossy Creek, this episode is lengthy, yet it doesn't cover all of his fishing partners and their remarkable narratives. Regrettably, there simply isn't enough time to share every tale. Since childhood, Rob has taken friends on exciting adventures across Reston and Frederiksberg, Virginia, to the Florida Keys, and even to Crested Butte, Colorado. His friends have encountered snakes, poison ivy, jellyfish, caterpillars, feisty sea lions, and pinching crabs. They have braved temperatures from freezing to scorching...

Episode 1 of Rob's podcast featuring his fishing companions. In this installment, Rob talks about the importance of having a fishing buddy, defines what a fishing buddy is, and shares tips on how and where to find one. You'll listen to anecdotes explaining why Rob has stopped organizing trips, what constitutes a poor fishing buddy, and the qualities you should look for in a fishing buddies. The second part will highlight the individuals and stories about those Rob has fished with over the years and why Tom should always carry Benadryl.

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You might recognize Jerry’s name. He’s an icon in the world of fly rod crafting, particularly known for his five-sided bamboo rods. Jerry dedicated many years as a skilled artisan working with bamboo while he was in Montana, where he crafted rods during in between hatches. Alongside his brother, he has gained fame as an author. Rob anticipated that Jerry would be a typical trout enthusiast in Montana, but to his surprise, Jerry resides less than two hours north of him in Maryland and specializes in warm water species from his kayak. This is Jerry’s opportunity to sha...

Rob and Caitlin head north to Maine for a getaway in Kennebunkport. Their host for the week is Jake, the owner of Garden Street Bowl. Rob intends to catch stripers, while Caitlin is eager for fresh seafood. This episode features wild tales, including stowaway coyotes, unusual thrift shop discoveries, and seagull on the menu. Rob interviews various individuals he encounters along the way, discusses the pros and cons of food options, enjoys the scenic beach views, and searches for a particular birch beer. He explains how striped bass behave consistently along the east coast, how they follow schools of...

Rob makes his way back to the remnants of the lodge where he was employed from 2002 to 2003. This lodge, established in 1954, was situated on a spring-fed artificial lake. The lake was stocked with fish in the 1950s, and trout were introduced in 2002. Rob managed the Orvis fly shop and served as a guide on both the lake and the tailwater.

The local community surrounding the lake was not particularly welcoming to the new lodge owners and viewed them as interlopers Just as the lodge was gearing up for its grand opening in the summer of 2003, it was...

For the last thirty years, Rob has admired the writings of Nick Lyons. He considers Nick to be one of the top guests on his podcast; without the impact of Nick's work, this podcast wouldn't have come to life. Nick joins Rob to talk about his experiences in fishing and his late friend Ed Van Put’s posthumous book, A Flyfisher's Revelations.

Ed passed away in 2024. He wrote several books focused on the history of the Catskills and fishing. He meticulously documented his fishing experiences over thirty years, noting what he caught, the timing, weather conditions, fly pa...

The second part of Rob and Producer Jason's journey along the West Branch of the Delaware River. They drift for two days, traveling from Deposit to Balls Eddy, fish the evening hatch, then sleep in the back of their cars. Rob narrates his observations of the cold river and its environment as he takes in the sights around him. Trout are feeding, rise forms dimple the surface, and the duo cast imitations of caddis and mayflies to the rising fish throughout their trip. The first day features windy weather and  bad shore lunch. The second day sees calm wind cu...

Rob first learned about the Wild Trout Trust when he interviewed British musician Craig Joiner. Craig's website states £1 from all sales of his latest album ‘ A Kind of Calm’ will be donated to the 'Wild Trout Trust'.

Rob contacted Wild Trout and found Shaun Leonard. Shaun has a degree in marine biology and pollution. He was Head of Fishery Studies at Sparsholt College until 2009 when he became the director at the Wild Trout Trust.

 Rob and Shaun discuss all things being fish nerds, growing up watching the Cousteau documenters, and seeking peace on the water. Shaun sh...

Rob has been captivated by the West Branch of the Delaware River since last August when he fished there for the first time. He has been eager to return and this time, he plans to bring his raft and Producer Jason along. The first part of this adventure starts with Rob organizing the trip from home, communicating with Jason over the phone, and preparing his girlfriend for the journey. She’ll only be going partway and won’t be fishing. Rob and Caitlin make the drive from Northern Virginia to Bethlehem, PA, and then Rob follows Jason to Hancock, NY...

Writer Monte Burke joins Rob to talk about his experiences in fishing and literature. Rob has been an admirer of Monte’s work for many years, whether through his hardcover books, articles in Forbes, or features in outdoor magazines. Monte shares anecdotes from his writing journey, including tales about his mentors, hard-tail fish, and the guiding figures who have supported him throughout his career.

His book, Lords of the Fly: Madness, Obsession and the Hunt for the World-Record Tarpon, was described by the Wall Street Journal as “wonderful…a lush, panoramic book. Monte’s latest book...

Rob drove down to Fredericksburg, Virginia for some late-season shad fishing. After the shad depart, the striped bass, spotted gar, and northern snakehead make their appearance. After parking at Falmouth Beach, Rob strides across the sand to the primary river channel, where he galavants above and below the Route 1 bridge. This bridge signifies the tidal fall line on the Rappahannock River. Two weeks later, Rob asks Misty to join him for more escapades. Will the stunning weather help? Should Rob fish a single fly or tandem rig? These are the waters Rob fished during his college years in Fredericksburg...

Rob gave a talk about urban shad fishing on April 17, 2025.

From the Maryland Chapter Trout Unlimited newsletter:

Rob Snowhite is a highly regarded fly fishing guide who has been operating in urban and suburban waters around Washington DC for nearly thirty years. He is the host of The Fly Fishing Consultant Podcast, which is currently in its 16th year. Rob’s hand-tied flies are true masterpieces and have successfully caught fish around the globe.

Join us Thursday April 17 for Rob's talk on all things urban shad fishing in the DC area. Rob will al...

Peter Kaminsky joins Rob to talk about his experiences with travel, cuisine, and the great outdoors. Currently, Peter is in Argentina, where he is in search of golden dorado and the finest steak in the southern hemisphere. Rob and Peter delve into the philosophy of catch and release in fly fishing, the delicate yet forceful strike of a dry fly, and the incredible fishing opportunities near New York City. In the latter part of the interview, they discuss Peter's latest book.

Produced by Jason Reif

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Scott Daskiewich claims that steelhead in the Great Lakes tributaries of New York consume green caddis nymphs. Once he persuades Rob that this is indeed true, they delve into various topics related to physical geography and fishing in the Tug Hill Plateau and the Adirondacks. Scott is affiliated with the Native Fish Coalition and talks about conservation initiatives aimed at restoring the Adirondack lacustrine brook trout population. The conversation will eventually shift to sandwiches as Scott talks about the local Cuban-style sandwich. Will this convince you to try green rock worm imitations for steelies?

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Episode 400

Rob makes an international call to England for the most recent interview. Musician Craig Joiner takes a seat at the microphone to talk about music and fishing. Craig is no novice at the microphone; in 1987, his band Romeo’s Daughter signed with Jive Records and released their first album the following year.

Craig's music has appeared in blockbuster films such as Jack Reacher and has been covered by artists like Heart and Eddie Money. He has recently made an appearance on the BBC weekend morning program. When he’s no...