The backcountry demands more from both anglers and their equipment. When every ounce matters and every mile is earned, the right gear can make the difference between a long, grueling slog and a trip you’ll never forget.

In this episode, Ross sits down with brothers Patrick and Daniel Bauman of Colter Backcountry, where two brothers with a passion for the outdoors are designing fly fishing gear built specifically for anglers who venture deep into the wild.

If you’re a fly angler who hikes farther, camps deeper, and thrives on the adventure as much as the fishing, this episode will give you a look behind the curtain at the gear being built with you in mind.

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There’s a voice inside you that knows when something isn’t right. Sometimes it whispers. Sometimes it roars. The key is learning to listen.

In this episode, Ross sits down with security expert and former FBI agent James Hamilton from Hamilton Security Group for a deep dive into the nature of intuition—what it is, where it comes from, and why it might be the most important tool you have in the backcountry and beyond.

They explore how intuition works under pressure, how to sharpen your situational awareness, and why training and preparation can mean the difference between confidence and catastrophe. Whether you're deep in the wilderness or navigating everyday life, this conversation will change the way you think about what your gut is trying to tell you.

Backcountry fly fishing is about mastery—learning the water, the fish, and the environment. It’s about exploration, achievement, and growth. It’s about earning your fish and your spots, not having them handed to you.

In the second edition of Complaint Corner, Ross takes on the problem of spot burning—how it harms pristine places, ruins the fishing experience, and robs anglers of one of the best parts of the sport: discovering it for themselves.

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

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There’s no better way to learn what not to do than by pointing and laughing at someone else’s mistakes. Lucky for you, Ross has a whole wall full of them—and he’s not shy about handing out free lessons.

In this episode, Ross pulls three stories straight from his personal Wall of Shame: times he ignored his own advice, made dumb choices in the backcountry, and came this close to earning a Darwin Award.

The takeaway? Play stupid games, win stupid prizes. Or just listen to this episode and avoid the prizes altogether.

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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 all love to get out there as often as we can. But some days, you’re just not supposed to be in the wild. Some days, the mountain says No.

This episode is all about those moments—the ones where something inside you whispers, “Not today, friend.” Whether you're off physically, stuck in your own head, riding out an emotional storm, or just feeling that deep-down pull to turn back, learning to listen to that voice matters.

Because the wilderness doesn’t just test you—it talks to you. And sometimes, the most seasoned move you can make is knowing when to stay home.

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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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Alright, you've picked the perfect high-alpine lake, found the perfect weather window, nailed your timing, and made the hike. What the hell do you do now?

In this episode, Ross walks you through how to make it happen on high-alpine lakes, which can be among the toughest places in the world to fly fish if you're not prepared.

If you're not sure what gear you need, wonder which patterns you ought to have in your box, or are looking for some tactics that might just save your day, this one's for you.

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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.

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If you love backcountry fly fishing, chances are you love hiking to high-alpine lakes. But as stunning as these remote waters are—tucked away in rugged mountain ranges—they can be unpredictable and frustrating if you don’t time your trips right.

In this episode, Ross breaks down how to plan and time your next hike to a high-alpine lake, sharing practical tools, tips, and advice to help you stay safe and find success at the top of the world.

Here are some resources for you to check out:

Copernicus Browser (Sentinel Satellite Imaging)

AllTrails (for the latest reviews and reports)

National Weather Service (for the best daily forecasts)

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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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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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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.

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