Back Cast: John McPhee and his Favorite Fish

Back Cast: John McPhee and his Favorite Fish

Author: Tom Rosenbauer, The Orvis Company March 9, 2026 Duration: 1:05:31

This episode was originally published on August 19th, 2021.

This week's podcast guest is especially exciting to me as he is one of my literary heroes. John McPhee [24:10] is a Pulitzer Prize-winning author (Annals of the Former World), and in his numerous other books he has written about such diverse topics as nuclear energy, the merchant marine, basketball, Alaska, bark canoes, oranges, continental drift, flood control, tennis, farmer's markets, and many other eclectic topics. Whether or not you are interested in a subject, you can be sure you will be when you finish reading one of his books you will be fascinated. John has also been a staff writer for The New Yorker since the 1960s. In our interview, he talks about his two favorite fish to catch on the fly rod--the American shad (which he wrote an entire book about, The Founding Fish), and the chain pickerel, which he did not write a book about but did pen a short essay on in his collection of stories The Patch. (I doubt is anyone in the world who would count those two fish in combination as their favorites--but he is never conventional.) I hope you enjoy the interview as much as I enjoyed talking to him.

In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and tips:

A reminder from a listener that I wrote an encyclopedia of fly fishing.

Some great tips from a listener on using tippet rings.

A question about what constitutes a watershed when concerned about transporting aquatic invasives.

A suggestion from a listener on ways to offset your carbon footprint when taking fishing trips.

 Which is a better rod for fishing the surf and jetties--a traditional 9-foot 9-weight rod or a two-handed rod?

Do you always recommend using a net?

A listener calls me on the carpet for my flippant remark about manhandling carp.

A great thought from a listener that sometimes taking photos of fish hinders the moment.


For anyone who’s ever felt the tug of a line or wondered about the quiet rhythm of a river, The Orvis Fly-Fishing Podcast is a steady companion. Host Tom Rosenbauer, a well-known author and the voice behind this series for The Orvis Company, doesn’t just offer tips; he shares a lifetime of curiosity spent on the water. Each week, the conversation unfolds like a guidebook coming to life, covering the tangible skills and the subtle philosophies that define fly-fishing. You’ll hear practical advice on technique and gear, certainly, but also deeper discussions about conservation, reading different waters, and understanding fish behavior. It’s that blend of straightforward education and reflective storytelling that makes this podcast unique. Whether you’re planning your first cast or have decades of experience, the aim is the same: to make your hours by the stream more thoughtful and rewarding. Tune in for a mix of solo episodes from Tom and interviews with other anglers, all grounded in a genuine passion for the sport and the wilderness it depends on. This is more than a series of lessons; it’s an ongoing dialogue for anyone who finds solace and challenge in fly-fishing.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 202

The Orvis Fly-Fishing Podcast
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