Of all the conversations we have with Yellow Dog clients about gear and equipment, fly lines arguably generate more confusion, questions, and uncertainty than anything else. Fly lines are both the least understood component in an angler’s set-up as well as the most important; the final piece that really brings everything together when it comes to proper casting and presentation, as well as fighting and landing fish. For the traveling angler visiting and fishing new destinations, matching the right tapers and line options to each specific fishery or species (as well as to each rod and reel set-up) is critical. For this reason, we’ve put together an episode that it totally dedicated to questions and facts about fly lines – talking about the basics of line and taper design and answering some of the common questions about line selection, care, and the importance of properly matching a line with a certain rod and reel set-up. To tackle this important subject and help explain the science behind fly line design and manufacturing, Jim sits down with Bruce Richards and Josh Jenkins of Scientific Anglers. Josh is the Research & Development Manager at Scientific Anglers and is responsible for new product development at S.A., which includes new fly line technology and fly line tapers. Bruce Richards is an absolute legend in the world of fly lines and line design, with a 34-year career at Scientific Anglers. During his tenure at S.A., Bruce developed almost every single fly line introduced by the company and arguably knows more about designing and manufacturing fly lines than anyone alive. If you really want to understand the importance of fly lines and taper design – and learn how the right lines and tapers can dramatically improve your fishing – this is an episode you’ll want to download.

WAYPOINTS - with Jim Klug

Season 2: Episode 5 - Fly Lines for the Traveling Angler: How to Improve Your Game and Find Success on the Water

Montana’s Madison River is arguably the most famous – and at times the most visited – river in the U.S. West. With its stunning scenery and excellent fishing, a visit to the Madison River has for decades been a top priority for anglers from all over world. As Montana visitor and resident numbers continue boom, however, the State’s rivers and outdoor resources are experiencing user numbers and seasonal pressure like never before. With Bozeman and Big Sky exploding with population growth, this is certainly the case with the Madison, which begs the question, “are we using and loving this river to death?” To discuss some of the challenges that the Madison is currently dealing with – including angling pressure, a continued call to regulate user numbers, angler access, and the recent debacle with the Hebgen Dam that led to the dewatering of the Upper Madison – we talk with guide, outfitter and shop-owner Joe Dilschneider – a true disciple of the Madison. Joe officially began his Montana guide career in the early 90s, and today owns Ennis-based Madison River Fishing Company and Trout Stalkers Fly Shop – two of the very best retail operations in the game. As a licensed Montana Outfitter, he’s spent more than 30 years guiding on the Madison – and few know and love this river as much as Joe. 

Season 2: Episode 4 - JOE DILSCHNEIDER: The State of the Madison River - The West's Most Famous River

Shane McClafflin is the owner and lead guide for Sunrise Pack Station – a wilderness outfitting business that specializes in backcountry horseback and fishing trips in the wilds of Yellowstone National Park. Shane has been a backcountry guide for more than 30 years, and first began guiding in the mountains when he was 18 years old. For the past 25 years he’s spent his summers sharing the wonders of Yellowstone’s backcountry with anglers and visitors from around the world. Almost everyone has heard of Yellowstone National Park, and many outdoor-lovers have visited the Park – taking in the popular and iconic geysers, waterfalls, and canyon views. Very few people get to see the “real” Yellowstone, however, as they rarely leave the pavement and parking lots. The wilds of the Park can only be experienced and appreciated once you leave the crowded attraction areas behind, and this is especially true for anglers seeking productive trout waters. The well-known Park rivers such as the Firehole, Madison, and Upper Yellowstone offer great fishing, but they also see a lot of pressure, which is why the remote backcountry areas are well worth the effort for those willing to put in the time and the work.

Season 2: Episode 3 - SHANE MCCLAFFLIN: Fishing and Horsepacking the Wilds of Yellowstone

A conversation with Jako Lucas – international guide, trip host, accomplished filmmaker, social media powerhouse, and ambassador for some of the industry’s strongest brands. Jako has spent close to 20 years fishing the world, producing well-known fishing films, and guiding in destinations that include Mongolia, Norway, the Seychelles, St. Brandon’s, Russia, and (most recently) the Texas coast. Jako lists out his personal “top ten favorite fishing adventures and destinations,” and discusses lessons he’s learned from his years of international travel, some of the biggest mistakes that anglers can make when traveling, and his philosophy on “going with the flow” and being flexible.- View all podcast episodes by going to the WAYPOINTS podcast page- Discover your next fly fishing adventure by going to the Yellow Dog website- Check out Jako&apos;s latest travels and video work at Capt. Jack Productions

Season 2: Episode 2 - JAKO LUCAS: His Top Ten Fly Fishing Destinations and Adventures, and Travel Advice Learned From a Lifetime of Fishing The World

On the first episode of the new season of WAYPOINTS, host Jim Klug is joined by Cameron Davenport of Eleven Experience and Kimberly Franke of Kanna Travel to discuss what the road ahead looks like for destination angling – both domestic and international. Has the world of fishing returned to normal, and what has changed for the traveling angler? We discuss current rules and regulations, availability, travel trends, and new opportunities, and we break down how traveling anglers can plan ahead and prepare for fishing travel in a changing world. We also roll through a list of the world’s top angling destinations and countries, discussing current accessibility, open-versus-closed, new regulations, and travel protocols. Which countries are wide open, which countries remain closed for the time being, and what we’re hearing about possible openings for the near future. And finally, we discuss ways that you can protect your trip investments and travels from disruptions, cancellations, and shut-downs moving forward. If you have any plans to travel in late 2021 or 2022, then you will absolutely want to tune in to the new season of WAYPOINTS!- Discover your next fly fishing adventure by going to the Yellow Dog website

Season 2: Episode 1 - The Current State of Fishing Travel: What to Expect Moving Forward

In part two of our extended episode on fishing in Patagonia, we’re continuing our conversations with Travis Smith and Rance Rathie, the founders and owners of Patagonia Rivers Guides in Argentina. This episode focuses on the “how, what, when and where” aspects of fishing throughout Patagonia – a vast, remote, and largely-uninhabited region that encompasses over 300,000 square miles of pristine mountains, rivers, grasslands, and prairies. Stretching more than a thousand miles through southern Argentina and spilling across the border into Chile, Patagonia is larger than the state of Texas – an area that is isolated, unspoiled, and magnificent. Home to an amazing number of rivers, spring creeks, and lakes – and healthy populations of rainbows, browns, and brook trout – it is a destination that has for decades drawn anglers from all over the world. In more than 25 years of operating Patagonia River Guides, Rance and Travis have become a force in the world of South American angling, creating what is arguably the most comprehensive and professional fly fishing operation found anywhere in Patagonia.- Discover your next fly fishing adventure by going to the Yellow Dog website- Learn more about Patagonia River Guides North and South 

Season 1: Episode 28 - TRAVIS SMITH AND RANCE RATHIE: The Inside Information on Fly Fishing in Patagonia - Part 2

Patagonia is a vast, remote, and largely-uninhabited region that encompasses over 300,000 square miles of pristine mountains, rivers, grasslands, and prairies. Stretching more than a thousand miles through southern Argentina and spilling across the border into Chile, Patagonia is larger than the state of Texas – an area that is isolated, unspoiled, and magnificent. Home to an amazing number of rivers, spring creeks, and lakes – and healthy populations of rainbows, browns, and brook trout – it is a destination that has for decades drawn anglers from all over the world. In this first episode of a two-part series on fishing in Patagonia, we’re sitting down with Travis Smith and Rance Rathie to talk about the amazing fishing that can be found throughout Patagonia. Rance and Travis are the founders and co-owners of Patagonia River Guides, an absolute force in the world of South American angling and arguably the most comprehensive and professional fly fishing operation found anywhere in Patagonia. The two-part series dives into the “how, when, where, and why” of fishing in Argentina, with detailed information specific to the fishing in Patagonia.- Discover your next fly fishing adventure by going to the Yellow Dog website- Learn more about Patagonia River Guides North and South 

Season 1: Episode 27 - TRAVIS SMITH AND RANCE RATHIE: The Inside Information on Fly Fishing in Patagonia - Part 1

The Grammy-winning bluegrass band Steep Canyon Rangers began playing together as students at the University of North Carolina. Since their formation in 2000, the band has been an integral part of the Asheville, North Carolina music scene, and an absolute FORCE in the national bluegrass scene. The band won a 2012 Grammy for “Best Bluegrass Album,” and their recordings have routinely topped the Billboard bluegrass charts for more than a decade. They are also known for their work with comedian-actor and musician Steve Martin, with whom they routinely tour. Oftentimes compared to legends like The Band, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and Zac Brown, the Steep Canyon Rangers have become one of the most recognizable names in modern bluegrass music. The band’s co-founder, guitarist, lead vocalist, and contributing songwriter is Woody Platt – an incredible musician, seasoned fly fishing guide, and life-long angler. In this episode of Waypoints, Woody and host Jim Klug talk about the band’s history, Woody’s dual professions of musician and trout guide, playing with Steve Martin, and how Woody’s love of fly fishing has been woven into his music and life of touring.- Discover your next fly fishing adventure by going to the Yellow Dog website- Check out the Steep Canyon Rangers and listen to their music

Season 1: Episode 26 - WOODY PLATT: A Life of Fly Fishing, Guiding and Bluegrass Fame with the Grammy-Winning Steep Canyon Rangers

In this episode of Waypoints, Jim sits down with C. J. Box,  the #1 New York Times bestselling author, an avid angler, and a world traveler. C.J. is the author of 27 novels including the hugely popular Joe Pickett series that tell the ongoing story of a Wyoming game warden who throughout the series has taken on environmental terrorists, rogue federal land managers, animal mutilators, crazed cowboy hitmen, corrupt bureaucrats, homicidal animal rights advocates, and violent dysfunctional families. Box is a Wyoming native who over the years has worked as a ranch hand, surveyor, fishing guide, a small-town newspaper reporter and editor, and the operator of an international tourism marketing firm with his wife Laurie. In 2008, Box was awarded the "BIG WYO" Award from the state tourism industry, solidifying his presence as an authority on fishing and angling travel. An avid outdoorsman, Box has hunted, fished, hiked, ridden, and toured throughout Wyoming and the Mountain West. He won the Edgar Alan Poe Award for Best Novel (Blue Heaven, 2009) as well as the Anthony Award, Prix Calibre 38 (France), the Macavity Award, the Gumshoe Award, two Barry Awards, and the 2010 Mountains & Plains Independent Booksellers Association Award for fiction. Because of his exciting prose and poignant depictions of the US West and the angling lifestyle, Box is a Yellow Dog staff favorite. We can think of no better way to celebrate our 25th episode than a sit-down with C.J.- Discover your next fly fishing adventure by going to the Yellow Dog website- Learn more about CJ Box by visiting his website

Season 1: Episode 25 - CJ BOX: #1 New York Times Best-Selling Author

Andy Mill is a name that is well-known in numerous outdoor circles – from the slopes of the world’s great downhill courses to the tarpon flats of the Florida Keys. Since first hitting the scene as a young downhill ski racer on the US national team in the 1970s, Andy’s life has been full of non-stop adventures and travels. His occupations have included Olympic athlete, broadcaster, author, television host, and – of course, professional angler and tournament legend. In this episode of WAYPOINTS, Andy talks about what it takes to be a successful tarpon angler, his love of travel, how a competitive background in ski racing helped with his saltwater fishing tournament success, the what he sees as the most rewarding aspects of fishing. Andy discusses the importance of supporting guides and outfitters during times of no travel, and also shares some of his game-changing innovations and techniques specific to fly fishing for tarpon. Andy’s reputation for being friendly, approachable, and always willing to share information is on full display throughout this entire episode, and it&apos;s easy to see why he’s become one of the most recognizable and impactful ambassadors for the sport of fly fishing.

Season 1: Episode 24 - ANDY MILL: Ski Racing, Tarpon Fishing, and the Quest for the Ultimate Sporting Life

In this April 2020 episode of WAYPOINTS, host Jim Klug and his two guests discuss the impacts of the COVID-19 virus and the world-wide shutdown on fly fishing travel, the international network of lodges, guides and outfitters, and on the fly fishing industry as a whole. Jim is joined on the show by Ben Bulis (president of the American Fly Fishing Trade Association) and Bryan Gregson (legendary fishing photographer and world traveler) for a very open discussion about how this situation has and will change the world of destination angling. Discussions revolve around what businesses and fly fishing operations are doing to survive as well as how lodges, agents and traveling anglers are handling things and behaving. We all know that fly fishing is a small sport and a relatively small industry. But – most of all – it is a small community. The show also highlights some of the things that anglers can be doing to help ensure that the network and infrastructure of lodges and outfitters we all depend on will survive for the future.Ben BulisBen is president of the American Fly Fishing Trade Association – better known as AFFTA.  Ben has been the President and CEO of AFFTA since the spring of 2012, and under his leadership, the association has grown to record levels. A native of New Hampshire, Ben now lives in Bozeman, Montana with his family.Bryan GregsonBryan is a well-known fishing photographer and world traveler. Also based in Bozeman, Bryan travels the globe working on assignments in some of the most remote corners of the planet. Known for his unique vision and storytelling abilities, Bryan is the humbled recipient of numerous awards and his work has been featured in publications and ad campaigns for Patagonia, Volvo, Nat Geo, Yellow Dog, 3M, The Drake and countless other magazines, ads and film projects. 

Season 1: Episode 23 - Jim Klug, Ben Bulis, Bryan Gregson: The Impact of Coronavirus on Destination Angling and the Fly Fishing Industry As a Whole

Since COVID-19 first appeared in Wuhan, China in December of 2019, the effects on this new coronavirus on global economies and the travel industry have been dramatic. Many of those that travel the world to fish want to know how this event is actually impacting travel logistics, our ability to fish, and the destinations we love so much. To address this situation, we’ve sat down with Gary Leinen and Kimberly Franke - two people who are experts in their fields.Gary’s impressive career in the public health sector includes 30 years of global USAID epidemiology work related to disease outbreaks throughout Africa and the Philippines. Gary is also a member of the Global Health Council and, in our view, one of the top authorities to discuss the current COVID-19 issue. In the first part of this episode, Gary helps us gain clarity on the current state of global travel and how this event may impact near-future access to the destinations we love. In part two of this episode, Kimberly Franke - the founder and owner of Kanna Travel - talks us through the realities of travel insurance and how the current situation is impacting and changing trip coverage policies. Whether planning a trip for the future or traveling to fish in the weeks or months ahead, this is an episode that you will not want to miss.

Season 1: Episode 22 - Gary Leinen and Kimberly Franke: The Realities of COVID-19 for the Traveling Angler

With over forty years of fly fishing the world, Jeff Currier has quite possibly fished more countries (60 and counting) and caught more species (over 400 and counting) with a fly rod than any person alive. Jeff is constantly traveling and developing new techniques for catching the most exotic fish imaginable in places where even the most avid adventurers are at times hesitant to go! As an active lecturer, published author, accomplished artist, IGFA World Record holder, and the subject of numerous films, articles, and media projects, Jeff is a fly fishing personality that is as entertaining and educational as he is legitimate. He is an incredibly reliable source of information and inspiration, the most senior member of the Yellow Dog Ambassador team, and a close friend. And while Jeff can boast one of the most impressive resumes around, he remains one of the most authentic and humble people in the industry – always willing to take his accomplishments one step further by passing on what he has learned. Kicking-off Season 2 of Waypoints is an episode that scratches the surface of a life deeply devoted to fly fishing the world: a sit-down that is packed with numerous tips and great fishing stories from around the world.

Season 1: Episode 21 - JEFF CURRIER: A Lifetime of Fly Fishing The World

Will Blair is one of the godfathers of fly fishing in Kamchatka. Since 1997, Will has helped pioneer some of the top fisheries on the Kamchatka Peninsula, developing and offering what is arguably one of the best rainbow trout fishing experiences found anywhere on the planet. Yellow Dog is proud to partner with Will and his remote Two Yurt and Ozernaya programs, along with the incredibly-unique “Rainbows from Above” customized fly-out program. Because Will knows this mysterious and wild area like no one else, we tracked him down with a long list of questions in-hand. We discuss the factors that make a trip to Kamchatka so special, what gear to bring, the seasonality of the fisheries, species, travel logistics, and the stories you might tell upon returning from one of the greatest rainbow trout destinations in the world. If you’ve ever thought about a trip to Kamchatka, then you will certainly enjoy this exciting episode: the Season 1 finale of the Waypoints Podcast.

Season 1: Episode 20 - WILL BLAIR: Fly Fishing the Legendary Waters of Kamchatka

Jim Bartschi is the President and head rod designer at Scott Fly Rods in Montrose, Colorado. With close to 30 years at Scott, Jim has devoted his entire career to the fly fishing industry - building and testing some of the finest rods on the planet. Jim served for two terms as a board member of the American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA) before being re-elected in 2018 to a third term. In 2019 he became the organization’s Chairman. Jim is one of the most hard-working, straightforward, and innovative individuals that we know, and this episode in one of our all-time favorites. Bartschi and Waypoints host Jim Klug discuss fly rod design and recommendations for the traveling angler, the differences between US-made fly rods and imported rods, whether lifetime rod warranties are a good thing, why fly rods break, the current role of retailers in our sport, the state of travel and destination angling in today’s world, and much more.

Season 1: Episode 19 - JIM BARTSCHI: An Industry Icon Talks Fly Rod Design, Travel and the State of Destination Angling

WAYPOINTS is a high-energy, entertaining podcast for those that fish...and those that travel to fish. Destination discussions, travel news, location profiles, equipment recommendations, insider tips and interviews with the most accomplished and interesting names in adventure travel.

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WAYPOINTS - with Jim Klug

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