A year ago today, May 25, 2022, a fire started in the middle of the Bolivian jungle, burning down a lodge in one of the most sought-after fishing destinations in the world. To tell that story, we have Drake magazine founder, Tom Bie. To get more stories like this pick up a copy of The Drake at your local fly shop or subscribe at drakemag.com. This episode was made possible by generous support from The Eleven Experience, Scott Fly Rods, and Grundens. If you like the show, give em some of your money.

Today we have a story from the Winter 2022/23 issue of The Drake Magazine called “Numbers Game,” that basically asks the question, do I need to catch more fish? The author, Stephen Sautner, does a better job answering that question than I have heard in a long time. To continue this discussion and many others, get your hands on the latest issue of The Drake Magazine either on our website, drakemag.com, or better yet, at your local fly shop. If you like what you heard, make sure to check out Stephen’s new audiobook “Fish on, Fish off.” In it he reads 50 stories about angling and misadventure. Think of it like a six-and-a-half-hour podcast of real-life fishing stories about heartbreak, terror, and triumph. “Fish On, Fish Off” is available on Audible and Audiobooks.com.

Today, with the help of Drake magazine editor and founder, Tom Bie, we’ll be walking through what you can find in the Fall 2022 issue of the Drake. If you’re hearing this, it means you should be able to buy it at your local fly shop or on our website, drakemag.com. Many thanks to Scott Fly Rods and The Eleven Experience for making this episode possible, and a big thanks to all of the advertisers in the print magazine as well. A shout out to Hansi Johnson for chatting with us about his photo. You can find him on instagram @hansski43

This week we have a couple old episodes that we’ve smashed together. They’re both about the Mississippi River, and they’re both about family and fishing on 11/11, Armistice Day, Veterans Day, which is when this episode is being released. If you’re listening on 11/11, I’m currently down on the Mississippi, probably not catching fish. Many thanks to our sponsors The Eleven Experience (https://elevenexperience.com)and Scott Fly Rods (https://www.scottflyrod.com) for helping make this episode possible

A few months ago a family friend gave me a taxidermied brown trout that had been mounted in the 80s. When I went to the friend’s house to get the story behind the fish I somehow left with the rod and reel that had caught it, plus a whole lot more. This episode is the story of that fish, the rod, and the anglers that came before us. Music for this episode was written and recorded by Russell Pedersen and appears on his album, Steal from the Rushes. You can see him live with his band Horseshoes and Hand Grenades at a few concerts this summer in Wisconsin. They always put on a heck of a show. (Link to the album: https://russellpedersen.bandcamp.com/album/steal-from-the-rushes) This episode was made possible by generous support from The Eleven Experience, Scott Fly Rods, and Howler Bros. If you like the show, give em some of your money and tell em we sent ya.

Today, with the help of Drake magazine editor and founder, Tom Bie, we’ll be walking through what you can expect from the coming Fall 2021 issue of the Drake. If you’re hearing this, it means you should be able to buy it at your local fly shop or on our website, Drakemag.com. Many thanks to Scott Fly Rods, The Eleven Experience, and Howler Brothers for making this episode possible, and a big thanks to all of the advertisers in the print magazine as well. A shout out to our voice actor Bobby Eckert, who is a guide in upstate New York. He plays a mean Alec Baldwin and knows what he’s doing behind the oars. You can find him on instagram @freestoneflytours

As you’ll see in the title, this is a continuation of the Steelhead miniseries that started years ago - Chapter 3 to be exact. And while I recognize that the vast majority of anglers will never set foot in a native steelhead watershed, I’m harping on this issue because I think these fish are a bit of a canary in the coal mine for fisheries, and the world as a whole. I’m worried that their health is a sign of things to come for our rivers and really all of us. And the past 12 months have brought But today, I wanna head to a little corner of Oregon where things haven’t quite gone to shit. Where, despite the efforts of miners, noxious air and a million other villains, that lil yellow bird is still chirping. For now. And there might be something you can do to make sure it stays that way. TO SIGN UP TO SPEAK AT THE OCTOBER 15 ODFW COMMISSION MEETING, FOLLOW THIS LINK: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_2jsvNgcdRiCHUZjgmXUJzg TO FURTHER EDUCATE YOURSELF, FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE NATIVE FISH SOCIETY WEBSITE: https://nativefishsociety.org/news-media/stand-up-for-wild-fish-in-southern-oregon

When the idea for this podcast was first tossed around, we knew we wanted it to be an extension of the Drake Magazine - and one of the ways we envisioned doing so was by having magazine contributors read their stories. In this episode Andy Harris reads his essay “The Club,” which appeared in the Spring 2021 Issue of the Drake Magazine. The story is about a young man fishing private water forty years ago, but I found it to be pretty timeless because it’s about why we fish, and the social capital that we place on and gain from our piscatorial pursuits - a question I’ve been asking myself for the past few years. If you want to read other stories of this calibre, make sure to subscribe to the Drake. $40 for the year. Every single one of us could benefit from less time on our phones. Let a print magazine help you do so. Finally, many thanks to The Eleven Experience, Scott Fly Rods, and Howler Bros. for making this show possible. If you like the show, give em somma your money and tell em we sent ya.

It’s been a while, but as of right now, despite the fact that no one was asking for it, The DrakeCast is back for a little bit. We’ve got six episodes slated for release between now and the end of 2021. The first of these episodes (which also happens to be the second of the Steelhead Miniseries) is a story of the fine line between exploration and exploitation. 70 miles west of Juneau is the minuscule town of Elfin Cove, which you can only access by boat or floatplane. Instead of roads, wooden boardwalks connect the municipal gas station to the bar that’s open when it wants to, to dozens of boats moored in front of fishing lodges. One of these lodges is the aptly named Elfin Cove Resort, which is where this episode takes place. During the main fishing season, Elfin Cove normally froths with meat-haulin gear guys aiming to fill the freezer. But in May of 2018, hardly anyone was in town. We were certainly the only non-commercial fishermen. And we weren’t there for your typical halibut jigging or king trolling. Instead, we would enter the heart of the Tongass National Forest in search of steelhead. This is the story of what we found, and the questions that you have to ask yourself when fishing. In this episode we slide across glacial bays in a jet boat, eat at a greasy spoon diner with Mark Hieronymus (the Sportfish Outreach Coordinator for Trout Unlimited & part-time Simms model), and wade into unnamed Tongass rivers. This reboot of the DrakeCast would not have been possible without generous support from Howler Brothers, Scott Fly Rods, and The Eleven Experience. If you like the show, go buy their stuff and let 'em know we sent ya.

In this episode of the DrakeCast we meet two characters with similar pasts who have ended up in very different places. They both love steelhead, but in very different ways. We'll also hear from Trout Unlimited Steelhead Biologist John McMillan as we attempt to understand how we can prevent loving these fish to death.

Hurricane Dorian carved a scar through the soul of the Bahamas. Hear about this bonefish paradise before, during, and after the storm. In this episode we profile a lifelong Bahamian guide, talk to a lodge owner about the current state of the island and its inhabitants and learn how you can help either from the comfort of your fly tying station or with a click on the ol' gram. Many thanks to Rob Neher of East End Lodge, Our Spokane, Washington Correspondent Josh Mill, as well as Scott Fly Rods & Yellow Dog Fly Fishing Adventures for making this episode possible. For more information on where to donate, visit www.drakemag.com

Ok folks, welcome back to the drakecast. This week, we have a different sort of episode for ya. Rather than taking a dive into some controversial topic, we're going to feature Dave Zoby reading his essay “Mosquitos & Char” which appeared in the Winter 2019 Issue of the Drake Magazine. You may remember his voice from the bonus episode “Dancing with Death on the Bighorn” which came out in August. To read this story and a whole bunch of other good stuff, grab the latest issue of the Drake. So that’s pretty much it. Additionally, Dave Zoby has a new book out called “Fish Like You Mean It.” Unfortunately the cover features a dead king salmon and a spinning rod, but I promise there are lots of good flyfishing stories in there as well. You can find "Fish Like You Mean It" through the link below or wherever books are sold. https://www.amazon.com/Fish-Like-Mean-David-Zoby/dp/1976886589 Many thanks to Scott Fly Rods and Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures for making this episode possible. https://www.scottflyrod.com/ https://www.yellowdogflyfishing.com/

This episode of the DrakeCast takes a deep dive into the seedy underworld of a fishy religion in the Ozarks. Think Deliverance but with john boats instead of canoes. And at the center of this aquatic orthodox are two deities: the almighty streamer and the holy brown trout. But these aren’t your typical streamers or browns. They’re way bigger, and according to the river’s disciples, way better. Today, we’re going to find out how this creed came to be and how these devotees in Northern Arkansas began breaking bread with those coveted monster browns. It’s a story of exploration, teamwork, and the effect that flyfishing can have on a town. but really, it’s an invitation to establish your own fishy religion. You may have caught an earlier version of this episode back in August of 2017, but we're putting it back in the feed for a number of reasons. First of all, it's winter and you folks who aren’t fishing much might need some entertainment. Two, chasing big brown trout with oversized streamers can be super productive this time of year so its timely. But the final and main reason we’re putting this out is because Beca Dally, one of the story's characters, recently spent two weeks in the ICU following a nearly fatal car accident. Beca and Steve Dally are integral to this story and need our help right now. You can find a link to their GoFundMe Page below. https://www.gofundme.com/rally-for-dally-bringing-beca-back

After a brief hiatus, The DrakeCast is back. This episode aims to answer one question: How did a band of fishing and surfing bums living in Virginia create an iconic Texan brand? To help tell this story we'll be assisted by musician and Howler Brothers cofounder, Andy Stepanian. Along the way, we'll also get to hear some of his music. Stick around.

Today, we’re joined by Ben Sittig (IG: @carelessethiopian) to talk about how we interact with fish engaged in pre-coital preparations; if we’re going to interrupt trout as they get ready to get busy; whether or not we f*&# with a fish about to f*&#. And at the end, we have a pretty big announcement regarding the future of this podcast. So stick around. This episode of the DrakeCast is made possible by our longtime sponsors Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures and Scott Fly Rods. We couldn't do this without them. We're also supported by Deli Fresh Design, an apparel company that specializes in creating fishing gear out of recycled materials. This week they're doing a special giveaway on their Instagram so make sure to check 'em out @DeliFreshDesign. www.yellowdogflyfishing.com/ www.delifreshdesign.com/ www.scottflyrod.com/

This episode of the DrakeCast tracks the effects of several natural disasters that have struck the Eastern United States in the past few years. After starting with the Sevier Country Fire that ripped through Great Smoky Mountains National Park, we move further south to North Carolina where we'll hear how folks are faring after Hurricane Florence left its trail of destruction. Though this is a flyfishing podcast, we thinks its important to take a step back from time to time and hear how our small but tightknit world of anglers is holding up. If you're thinking about taking a trip and would like to do some fly fishing, make sure to get in touch with the Yellow Dog Fly Fishing Adventures before you do so. Once you get the trip on the books, make sure to pick up a new Scott Fly Rod. This episode, and really this podcast as a whole would not be possible without the fine folks at both of these companies. Finally, you better make sure you have all the necessary fishing accouterments for that upcoming adventure. Deli Fresh Designs creates must-have fly fishing apparel out of recycled material that will surely round out your globe-trotting/fishing outfit. www.yellowdogflyfishing.com/ www.scottflyrod.com/ www.delifreshdesign.com/

Head up to the wilds of Kodiak Island to follow fishing guide Tyler Steffens as he battles bears, noseeums, and low water in search of the coveted Silver Salmon. This episode of the DrakeCast is made possible by our longtime sponsors Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures and Scott Fly Rods. We couldn't do this without them. We're also supported by Deli Fresh Design, an apparel company that specializes in creating fishing gear out of recycled materials. This week they're doing a special giveaway on their Instagram so make sure to check 'em out @DeliFreshDesign. www.yellowdogflyfishing.com/ www.delifreshdesign.com/ www.scottflyrod.com/

In this episode we head back to the clear blue waters of Grand Bahama in search of the ghost of the flats. If you tuned in last week, you know that we encountered a few bonefish, and many people credit the health of the fishery to the health of the habitat on Grand Bahama. But the ideal that the Bahamas has somehow managed to achieve didn’t happen overnight, and the fishery’s protection is far from over. In this episode, we’re going to look at how the Bahamas became the world’s favorite bonefishing destination and the work being done to ensure that it stays that way. It’s a story in 5 parts. But at the end, we’ll have to confront our role in the future of Bahamian Bonefish This episode of the DrakeCast is made possible by our longtime sponsors Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures and Scott Fly Rods. We couldn't do this without them. We're also supported by Deli Fresh Design, an apparel company that specializes in creating fishing gear out of recycled materials. This week they're doing a special giveaway on their Instagram so make sure to check 'em out @DeliFreshDesign. backstagepass.yellowdogflyfishing.com/ www.delifreshdesign.com/ www.scottflyrod.com/

In today's audio story, we scan the flats of Grand Bahama in search of a single species: Bonefish. Listen to veteran East End Lodge guide Cecil Leathan pole experienced angler Bjorn Stromsness (of the Bonefish on the Brain blog) as they tell the tales of their first bonefishes and find many more. Many thanks to our sponsors for making this episode possible! Supporting them supports us. https://www.yellowdogflyfishing.com/ http://eastendlodge.com/ https://www.scottflyrod.com/ http://www.delifreshdesign.com/

In this episode of the DrakeCast we float down Wisconsin's Chippewa River in search of Midwestern, river-dwelling smallmouth bass. But what do you do if the fish just aren’t biting like they normally do? While searching for answers, we hit the water with Lucky Porter, a guide who makes a living on these fish, learn a few tips, and just thoroughly enjoy our time on the water. This episode of the DrakeCast is made possible by our longtime sponsors Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures and Scott Fly Rods. We couldn't do this without them. We're also supported by Deli Fresh Design, an apparel company that specializes in creating fishing gear out of recycled materials. This week they're doing a special giveaway on their Instagram so make sure to check 'em out @DeliFreshDesign. https://backstagepass.yellowdogflyfishing.com/ http://www.delifreshdesign.com/ https://www.scottflyrod.com/