Season 1

On this episode, meet Kayla Katayama, a 21 year old fly fishing guide who is fairly new to the sport, but certainly not new to fishing. Kayla was born and raised near the ocean, calling both Hawaii and Santa Cruz, California home. She is currently attending Chico State in Chico, California, and fell in love with fly fishing in the North State. Join Kayla to discuss what it is like being a young woman in the older male-dominated fly fishing industry. The gang discuss the merits to different types of gear for different fishing situations. Get valuable tips for teaching children how to fly fish, and which companies provide the best fly fishing gear and apparel for ladies. Book a trip with Kayla: Instagram: @kaylakatayama Email: herwatersflyfishing@gmail.com Check out www.casthope.org to get more information about the charitable work they do.

Darren Rocheleau of the PSMFC is a fisheries biologist who studies sturgeon. He has studied Sturgeon on the Sacramento River, and recently began studying them on the Feather River as well. Also recently he is beginning to study Salmon and Trout species as well. Listen to the effects the Oroville Dam Spillway had on the Salmon populations. Listen as they discuss how much more catastrophic things could have been for the 2017 flooding in California. Learn about Darren’s day-to-day as a fisheries biologist, including some of the technology he uses for fish population monitoring. Discuss the potential impacts of releasing water into the Feather River from the Afterbay.

On this episode of the Barbless Podcast, we meet Matt Peterson and Doug Demko of Fishbio. Fishbio is an environmental consulting company with offices in Chico, Ca. Oakdale, Ca. Santa Cruz Ca. and Laos. Doug is President and founding member of Fishbio, with 24 years of fisheries biology experience. Matt is the Senior Fisheries Biologist, and handles their proposal writing, report writing, and is generally very well known in California for his fisheries work. Find out why the best thing anglers can do to improve their game is snorkeling their favorite river or stream. The guys discuss the pros and cons of recent technology and how it helps the sport of fishing. Learn about the effects dams have on fish populations. Doug offers great insight into the differences between California fisheries to those in Southeast Asia, a fisherman’s paradise. Also hear about the fun side projects Fishbio does, from the Fablab, to gardening to beer brewing. Links: Conference table for fishbio VAKI Riverwatcher Fishbio.com Fishbio Youtube

Meet Jimmy Lee, owner of Aonami Sustainable Sushi. Jimmy is truly a trendsetter in the world of sustainable fish; his restaurant was the 10th of its kind in the nation when it opens its doors. Learn about the guidelines created by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, including the Green, Yellow, and Red lists for various species and sources of fish. Join in the riveting discussion on the effects of unsustainable fish, from antibiotics to growth hormones. Find out what the 4 s’s to look out for if you do not have a sustainable sushi establishment to frequent. Keep in touch with Aonami! Check out Aonami's website Like Aonami on Facebook Follow Aonami on Instagram Or visit the restaurant at: 128 W. 2nd St. Downtown Chico, CA

Matt Heron of Heron Fly Fishing talks about his successful career as a fishing guide in the Lake Tahoe region. Matt delves into the core of his programs which include outdoor environmental education for youth ages 15 and younger and corporate team building activities. Matt’s unique perspective as an angler who grew up near the Adirondacks with a huge breadth of knowledge will leave you asking for more. His insight is especially helpful to any fishing guides looking for different programs to offer. Check out Matt’s website for booking information or for a link to Social Media: mattheronflyfishing.com Patrick Cuthbert originally attended CSU Stanislaus as a pre-pharmacy student. Fisheries and nature turned out to be his true passion, however, and Patrick switched his focus to Wildlife Biology. A native to Oakdale, CA, Patrick has since worked for Fishbio for 6 years. Patrick adds a biologists’ perspective to an entirely different region of California in this episode. Join us in learning about habitat restoration efforts in the Stanislaus River, as well as general fisheries issues different regions of California faces, from drought to extinction. To learn more about Fishbio, visit: fishbio.com Find Patrick on Instagram: @brewsandbio

On this episode your hosts, Chad Alderson and Nick Hanna, sit down with managing partner Michael Coogan, from MC2 Design Group, Inc. to talk about what it takes to promote and manage successful fishing guide services online. MC2 Design Group, Inc is an established brand and creative strategy agency that helps people get their message out about their service or website. Fishing guides will learn about SEO on their website and how to optimize the number of organic clicks to their content. Michael breaks down the basics of starting and managing a website for small businesses in terms that are easy to understand. Also get valuable tips on the importance of a blog and for how often you should post blog content. Learn how to target to a specific niche, and grow various social media channels. https://mc2design.com

Meet Justin Miller and Nick Fasiano from The Fly Shop in Redding, CA. The Fly Shop is conveniently located right off of I-5, and is a great “toll booth” for any anglers who are interested in fishing Redding and the farther reaches of Northern California. The shop employs around 15 fishing guides depending on the time of the year. Learn how to keep kids interested in fishing and nature, with tips on how to keep them moving. Also listen to the guys’ perspective on various fly fishing methods such as swinging flies. Hear them describe their favorite lines for different fly fishing situations. Tune in to hear how fishing has been since flows have dropped. or more information, check out The Fly Shop’s website: theflyshop.com Like them on Facebook Or give them a call at (530) 222-3555.

Today we travel to Dunsmuir, CA to visit one of the oldest fly fishing shops in California, the Ted Fay Fly Shop. The shop opened about 1950, and Bob Grace is the 3rd owner. This is one of the best shops to get information on the fishing spots in the Upper Sacramento River and surrounding areas. Bob talks about the 1991 train spill-when a train fell off the tracks and the entire river died that day. No fish survived from the Camp Terra Loop all the way down to the lake, according to Bob. The life in the river now really shows the regenerative capability of nature. Bob also talks about different river flows at different times of the year, and how it’s been doing in these mid summer months. Found out where fish are stocked in and around Dunsmuir, and also what the various bag limits are in the area. Whether you are wanting to fish during the height of the season, or get away for a weekend in the winter for some catch and release fishing, Bob can tell you where to go, especially with his insider tips into the behaviors of the local fish, both migratory and residents. For more information, check out Ted Fay Fly Shop’s website: tedfay.com Like them on Facebook Or give them a call at (530)235-2969 For more information about the 1991 spill in Dunsmuir, visit California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website.

Henry Lomeli started Sacramento River Ecotours as a way to support his children as a single father in a true rags to riches story. Henry shares his 30+ years of experience on the river in every ecotour. Listen to Henry’s tips on how to gain knowledge from experts to relay to others. He is passionate about the fact that the Sacramento River sustains the state of California, and wants to help build a love and appreciation for it in others. Buckle up for the story of Henry’s Discovery Channel appearance-he was a contestant on Tethered, where he was connected to someone for 10 days with no outdoor experience and had to guide the both of them to their destination. Also listen to Henry’s touching connection to New Clairvaux winery, and why he only serves Aimee Sunseri’s wines on his tours. For more information on Sacramento River Ecotours, check out Henry’s website: sacramentoriverecotours.com/ Follow him on Instagram @henry__lomeli Or give him a call at (530) 864-8594. See Henry’s episode of Tethered on Amazon See Laura’s episode of Naked and Afraid, Season 6 episode 11 Check out New Clairvaux in Vina, CA

Listen in as Chad meets with Mac Noble from Fish First! Fly Shop in Chico, CA. Mac had an interesting introduction to fly fishing. His roommate from college showed him fly fishing in Chico, and he was instantly “hooked”. After finishing at Cal Poly, he took a drive to see where he wanted to live - checked out Oregon, Washington and Idaho before settling in Chico. After all, the shad were running, Deer Creek had steelhead, and he generally fell in love with the area’s amazing fishing. 25 years later, Mac is still loving it in Chico. In addition to working at Fish First, he does guiding in the Sacramento, Feather, Yuba, Klamath and Coastal rivers. Mac debates competing in a spey casting competition in San Francisco. He watched it last year and thought it was amazing. Mac talks about all of the great places to learn to Fly Fish in the Northern California area. Top of the list was One Mile Sycamore Pool in Chico, which is a great place to practice casting in the shallow end. Mac also  mentions the best reasons to go fly fishing in the Feather, Yuba and Sacramento Rivers. Nerd out with Mac as he talks about his favorite types of flies for the different waterways he frequents. The Fish First! Fly Shop has two locations. Chico is satellite for Albany (next to Berkeley) shop. The Albany shop has been around for 20 years, Chico for 16 years. For more information on Fish First! Fly Fishing Shop, check out their website at fishfirst.com, Visit them at 766 Mangrove Ave, Chico, CA 95926 (in the Safeway shopping center), Or like them on Facebook. To listen to Fish First! guide and employee Kayla Katayama’s episode, see episode 1 of the Barbless Fly Fishing Podcast.

Today Chad and Nick interview Chad Alexander, a Game Warden from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Chad Alexander grew up in Watsonville, CA. hunting and fishing, which inspired him to become a game warden. He initially majored in Law Enforcement in college, but revised that to wildlife science after getting some advice on job prospects from Game Wardens. He has been a Game Warden for 18 years, mostly in the Butte County area. had answers some listener-contributed questions. Get answers such as the exact regulations about having your fishing license, the necessity of a steelhead card, the impact of the 2017 flood waters, and some of the non-toxic shot regulations. Chad also (at last!) clears up the “cotton ball” debate. He also talks about some of his more unusual calls, and what is done with the meat of poached animals. CalTip hotline mentioned in interview: (916)358-1300 More CalTip information Fishing and hunting regulations in California. Learn about the Nonlead Ammunition Law in California from the CA DFW. Friends of Butte Creek< Check out this annual Chico event to clean out Chico Creeks put on by Butte Environmental Council.

Hogan Brown is a school teacher, published author, fishing guide, and co-founder of Cast Hope, a nonprofit organization that provides the gift of outdoors to kids. Nick, Chad and Hogan talk about stripers - their current role in the Sacramento River ecosystem as well as the best tactics for catching them. Listen as they debate whether or not stripers are contributing to declining salmon populations. Hogan also talks about his non-profit organization Cast Hope, including the recent successful fundraiser at the Big Room in the Sierra Nevada Brewery. Hear about how Hogan and his co-founder started the organization from the ground up as a way to encourage kids to get outdoors. Cast Hope serves kids all over Northern California and Nevada, and continues to grow. To learn more about Cast Hope: www.casthope.org And like them on Facebook To Book Hogan Brown: www.hgbflyfishing.com hoganbrown@hotmail.com (530) 514-2453

Matt Callies, Director of Product Development at Loon Outdoors. S.W Rep for Rajeff sports, Scott Fly Rods Sales Rep SW Territory, Sales Rep Abel Automatics, Inc., speaks with Nick and Chad about his experience. Matt talks about where he grew up, where he has been fishing lately, and a typical day in the life as a Loon and Scott representative. The guys also discuss the advantages of the different products Matt represents, and the importance of social media, including live videos, for fly fishing ambassadors. Find Matt and his brands online: Instagram: @Socallies23 loonoutdoors.com/loon-live-tonight For Loon Live Scottflyrod.com Echoflyfishing.com Rajeffsports.com abelreels.com

On our first in a special series of “On The Water” episodes of the Barbless Fly Fishing Podcast, Nick Hanna interviews guide Roy Akins of Rapid River Outfitters in Idaho. Prepare to relax as Roy rows you down you listen to part of a day on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, which is part of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. Roy Akins opens up the conversation talking about the different Native American tribes in the Middle Fork, Idaho area. Roy talks about the hunting bows they made and their history as he and Nick pass by their markings on the expansive rock walls of the Middle Fork. The US Forest Service put out a great video on the subject. Roy is an experienced guide in Idaho. He grew up on the river, with his much older brother in law, a fellow guide, taking him out often as a kid. Roy also talks about the local history of the area and how guiding services began. Turns out folks have been floating the river since the 1920’s, starting with the Helfrich family, who brought a lot of business in from the Bay Area in California. Also be sure to listen to part 2 with Jeff Helfrich! For booking information: Call: (208) 628-3862 Visit their website at rapidriveroutfitters.net Or find them on Facebook, Rapid River Outfitters, LLC

On part 2 of our special “On The Water” episodes of the Barbless Fly Fishing Podcast, Nick Hanna talks with 3rd generation outfitter Jeff Helfrich of Tight Lines in the Pacific Northwest. Prepare to relax as you listen to part of a day on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, which is part of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. Jeff is an experienced guide in Oregon and Idaho. Hear about the behavior of the Salmonids and other species in the area and how they have changed based on his experience. Jeff talks about the impacts various dams have had on the river’s water temperature, and therefore the fishery. The 104 miles of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River is just one little fork of the mighty Columbia river basin. The Middle Fork is a great place to go fishing, with August 1st being opening day for catch and release. Middle fork is a salmon and steelhead sanctuary. In the remainder of the basin, September 1st is the first day of harvest. Guided tours are in full swing from October through March. Also be sure to listen to part 1 with Roy Atkins! For booking information: Visit their website at tightlinesfishing.com Or find them on Facebook, Tight Lines Fishing Rafting

Lincoln Gray brings his 36 years of fly fishing experience, with over 25 years of experience in local Northern California fisheries, to today’s episode of The Barbless Fly Fishing Podcast. Lincoln is a fishing guide, sales director for Sierra Stream & Mountain, a company that includes Sierra Stream Fly Shop, Tie-Fast Tools and Jay Fair Eagle Fly Fishing. they also distribute RIO Products, SA, Redington and Loon Products. Lincoln is a pro-staff member of Hyde, Sage, Redington, RIO, Ross Reels, SA, Tie-Fast Tools, Jay Fair Eagle Fly Fishing and Peak Fly Fishing. Listen as Chad, Nick, and Lincoln debate the changing fish habits in various tributaries of the Sacramento River for Stripers, Salmon, and other species. Lincoln talks about the women’s steelhead school he is putting together with Kayla Katayama (from episode 1), fishing guide and employee at Fish First! Fly Shop in Chico. Hear Lincoln’s thoughts about the biggest changes in the industry since he started working in it, as well as his thoughts on the newer generations getting involved in the sport. The guys also talk about tying flies, including the Hexagenia, or Giant Mayfly. If you haven’t yet, make sure you have listened to Kayla Katayama’s episode of the Barbless Fly Fishing Podcast, episode 1.

Jordan is a fly fishing guide who primarily fishes the Yuba River, Putah Creek, the Feather River, and the Truckee River. Jordan grew up in Winters, CA, so he has learned to fish on the Putah, which, while a smaller fishery, is accessible to people from Sacramento and San Francisco because of the close proximity. Although Jordan grew up fishing, he was the first to start seriously fly fishing in his family. Listen in as Chad, Nick, and Jordan talk about strategies, fishing behavior, indicator preferences, and how flows impact Jordan’s most visited fisheries. Also hear Jordan’s thoughts on dams and their ecological impact. Stay tuned to hear how anglers modified their behavior in Putah Creek to stop the disruption of spawning behavior, and how you can help as well. Keep listening to hear the hilarious story of the first time Chad and Jordan went on a fishing trip together while the two were fishing Little Truckee River. Keep in touch with Jordan: Cell phone: (530)304-421 Jordanromney@gmail.com Driftonthefly.com Instagram: @driftonthefly Facebook

On this second in a special series of “On The Water” episodes of the Barbless Fly Fishing Podcast, Chad Alderson talks with Kevin Grunewald, a biologist with The Nature Conservancy based on the McCloud River Preserve. Kevin grew up in Roxbury, Wisconsin hunting and fishing, and pursued the natural sciences in College at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. After spending some time living in Australia and Alaska, Kevin now lives in California and works for The Nature Conservancy, which is hugely influential in conservation. Join in as Kevin and Chad talk about The Nature Conservancy, the history and ecology of the McCloud River, with detailed discussion about fish species in the watershed. Later, the two talk about types of studies conducted at The Nature Conservancy, and recommended reading for anglers with interest in learning more about the watershed. Links: Peter Moyle-Feeding Habits Shasta’s Headwaters (book) CDEC flow data at Ah-Di-Nah Nature Conservancy Nature Conservancy CA

On this short episode of the Barbless Fly Fishing Podcast, listen to Chad and Nick reflect on Chad’s experience at Simms Pro Delta Day 2017 in the Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta. Chad notes the different techniques different guides have, highlights some of the cool Simms Fishing gear that is coming out for the 2018 season, and touches on conservation in the Delta with respect to the Delta Tunnels. Then join in on Chad’s conversation withJohn Sherman, the Simms West Coast representative who puts the event together every year. Delta Day started off in John’s backyard seven years ago, and quickly moved to Sugar Barge. The event is a great way for fishing guides and product representatives to come together and learn about new products Simms is producing. The event is also a way for anglers to come together on causes they care about. Listen up as John and Chad talk about Simms’ new waders and expanding women’s line. The two also discuss the dynamic fishery that is the Delta, from the diversity of migratory and resident species found within its 1100 square miles, to its importance economically.

Eric See is the Environmental program manager at the Department of Water Resources (DWR) in Oroville, CA, where he has worked for 25 years. He started off his career at Humboldt State, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Fresh Fisheries Biology. In addition to his work in the government, Eric sits on the Board of Directors for Chico Area Fly Fishers and Hooked on Fishing (Not Drugs)-Chico. Join in while Chad, Nick, and Eric talk about the Oroville Spillway Incident, restoration projects DWR is working on to improve salmon spawning habitat, and forecasts that may be added to California Data Exchange Center (CDEC). Stay tuned as Eric answers to rumors about sturgeon stacked at the Oroville Fish Barrier Dam, explains how to spot and avoid redds, and attempts to break down the decision-making process leading up to policy being enacted or a project getting approved. Learn more about the Department of Water Resources by visiting their website at water.ca.gov. The agency is also available on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, and Twitter.

On Part two of this episode of the Barbless Fly Fishing Podcast, Chad Alderson meets with Lauren and Jordan Romney to talk about their new business venture in Glamping, called Drift Outdoors. Later, Chad listens in on a presentation by Doug Oulette of Calvada Fly Fishing on Czech Nymphing. Listen up as Doug talks about how the techniques and technology has changed and developed over the years. Stay tuned for some tips and tricks on different nymphing methods. Check out @Drift_Outdoors on Instagram Calvada Fly Fishing-book a trip or presentation: (775)722-2267 calvadaflyfishing.com.

On Part One of this episode of the Barbless Podcast, Chad Alderson heads to Truckee for the first annual Truckee Fly Fishing Festival. First Chad meets with Matt Heron (from episode 5) to talk about the different events and logistics of the festival. The event includes the film festival benefitting the Reno/Tahoe region of Cast Hope. Later, Chad interviews Mike Anderson of the Reno Fly Shop on the water. Mike is an expert on Pyramid Lake and Truckee River, and goes in depth on the different types of fish and fishing strategies on the Nevada side of the Truckee through Pyramid Lake. Tune in to hear how many fishing rods Mike carries with him, where the rowdiest stretches of the Truckee River are, what types of flies Mike is using at the moment, and strategies for fishing the unique Pyramid Lake. Book a trip with Mike: Find Mike on Instagram: @mt_anderson Also follow the Reno Fly Shop @renoflyshops for streamside reports from Mike Call the Reno Fly Shop to book Mike: (775) 323-3474 And if you can’t get enough fishing content, check out the Reno Fly Shop podcast.

Greg Kennedy-one of the locally famous Fish Kennedy Brothers, started fly fishing in Mammoth lakes of the Eastern Sierras, where his dad started fly shop. Greg moved to Redding, CA 2002 and the rest is history. The two brothers have been expanding and growing their business, and recently have had no available days to guide due to demand. The fly shop Greg’s Dad started,“The Troutfitter,” is still very successful, but the pull for bigger water and steelhead is what keeps the brothers in Redding. Listen up as Greg talks about his very exciting trip to Russia, where he participates in scientific research in order to fish the area. Greg also compares coastal California trout to Russian trout. Stay tuned to hear why Greg and Kris Kennedy make such a great fly fishing guide team. Other interesting stories will include guiding a bachelorette party, a close bear encounter in Russia, discussion of bear encounters on the Sacramento River, and how Russian water management compares to ours. Later, hear some valuable tips about building a fly fishing blog or website, as well as a social media presence, from an experienced guide. In the same discussion, Chad recommends a free CRM website. Greg also recommends his favorite camera recently for social media and blogs. Check out the Czech Nymphing article the guys were talking about. Book a trip with Greg or Kris: Check out their website at fishkennedybrothers.com Like them on Facebook Follow their Instagram @fishkennedybrothers

Matt Peterson and Michael Hellmair, biologists from our sponsors at Fishbio Environmental, join us to answer the age old question - “When is a trout a trout, and when is a trout a steelhead?” Matt and Michael discuss the life cycles of a juvenile trout, and at what point the fish becomes a Steelhead or remains a freshwater trout. They also discuss the factors that lead to the length of time Steelhead stay in freshwater, such as food resources and temperature. Stay tuned to hear the physiological changes the trout experience, the average success rate for steelhead making the journey to the ocean, and the advantage of risking the trip for steelhead. Later, Matt and Michael compare trout species to salmon species, as well as eels throughout the world. Additionally, the two shed light on the way scientists figure out how many times a fish has spawned. Connect with fishbio: Fishbio.com Instagram: @fishbiology Or like them on Facebook