The wild is unpredictable. That's why we love it.

But when you're catching fish out in the sticks by yourself, you have to make peace with the fact that no one is coming to bail you out. That means you have to practice self-reliance, and that starts with having the stuff you need (or might need) if things go sideways.

In this episode, Ross talks about the importance of being prepared for your backcountry trips and what he carries in his day pack to ensure he's as safe as he can be in the woods or on a mountaintop, no matter how rough the terrain.

You can check out the full gear checklist here.

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Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at backcountryflyfishingpodcast@gmail.com

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Welcome back, friends. It's officially time for Season 4 of the BCFF Podcast.

In this episode, published right on the cusp of prime backcountry fly fishing season, Ross breaks out his tweed jacket to talk about the philosophy of why we go to hard places to catch fish.

Spoiler alert: It ain't really about the fish at all.

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If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.

Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at backcountryflyfishingpodcast@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/

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Well, it happened. DC politics have collided with our time in the woods, and that means we've gotta talk about it (even if we'd rather not).

In this special--and urgent--episode, Ross talks about a provision in the U.S. Senate GOP's budget reconciliation bill that would mandate the sale of millions of acres of federal land--the same land we use to hike, camp, and fly fish.

You can read more about the proposal and find a map of the lands potentially up for sale from The Wilderness Society here.

This bill is moving quickly. Now is the time to speak up for the places you love. If you'd like to contact your congresspeople, you can do so through the digital advocacy campaigns below or by looking them up yourself here.

This is our national identity, our heritage. Don't sit this one out.

Trout Unlimited Campaign

Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Campaign

The Wilderness Society Campaign

Alright, friends, we've come to the end of Season 3. We hope you've enjoyed this season and come away with a bunch of helpful information.

It's been incredible to watch the growth of the BCFF Podcast and to speak to so many of you about your own fly fishing stories. THANK YOU for listening, for taking the time to send your thoughts, and for being part of this crazy backcountry fly fishing thing we all love so very much.

We'll be back in a few weeks with the start of Season 4. Until then, stay safe and fish your face off.

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If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.

Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at backcountryflyfishingpodcast@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/

Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568210175639

If you're like Ross, you could probably spend your entire life exploring the waters in your home state and still never come close to seeing them all. But we live on a big planet full of interesting fish that will eat a fly in wild places, and sometimes you want to get out and see something radically different--think float plane trips in the Northern Rockies, stalking GTs off the coast of Africa, or throwing flies at monstrous taimen in the Mongolian Steppe.

In this episode, we are joined by Chris Hunt from Hatch Adventure Travel. In addition to being a hardcore fly angler and prolific author on the sport for Hatch Magazine and others, Chris and his partners help organize some of the most incredible fly fishing adventures you could ever dream of.

Learn more about Hatch Adventure Travel here.

Contact Hatch Adventure Travel here.

Look up fish species you've never heard of here (just kidding).

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If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.

Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at backcountryflyfishingpodcast@gmail.com

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We are fortunate to live in an age where technology can help support our backcountry adventures and keep us safe and connected while we're in the wild.

This week we take a deep dive into safety technology with Rehan Nana, who for outdoor tech giant Garmin. Rehan walks us through Garmin's history, technological solutions, and how electronics can help keep you safe in the wilderness.

If you'd like learn more about Garmin or check out their products for yourself, you can find more information here.

Check out the Garmin 2024 inReach SOS Year in Review here.

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If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.

Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at backcountryflyfishingpodcast@gmail.com

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Runoff has arrived, and while we have talked about the science and safety of high-water season, we have yet to talk about the other important thing: How to keep fishing during this tough season.

In this episode, Ross walks you through three ways (with some extras for good measure) to keep your rod bent while you wait for the streams to settle down and the high-alpine lakes to ice off. No need to sit inside counting the days!

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If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.

Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at backcountryflyfishingpodcast@gmail.com

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Higher flows, stained water, warmer weather... We all know what that means: Runoff cometh.

In this episode, Brandon Forbes from the United States Geological Survey joins us to talk about the science of streamflow and runoff. USGS is an incredibly important agency that handles everything from earthquakes to volcanoes to flood prediction. And because of the thousands of stream-monitoring stations they operate around the country, their work is particularly important for backcountry anglers who need to know everything they can about the water they're hiking to before they hit the trail.

If you're looking to better understand the timing and science of runoff, how to work around it, and how to stay safe on spring water, this episode is for you.

Learn more about USGS here.

Learn more about Brandon Forbes here.

Find streamflow information in your state here.

If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.

Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at backcountryflyfishingpodcast@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/

Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568210175639