Back Cast: Late Summer Smallmouth Tips, with Colby Trow

Back Cast: Late Summer Smallmouth Tips, with Colby Trow

Author: Tom Rosenbauer, The Orvis Company August 10, 2026 Duration: 1:40:39

This episode was originally published on August 6th, 2021.

This week my guest is Colby Trow [38:08] of Mossy Creek Fly Fishing, one of the best smallmouth bass anglers I know. Colby talks about successful techniques in catching these critters in late summer, when they can be harder to catch than earlier in the season. The good news is that it's one of the best times to catch them on a surface fly like a popper or hair bug, which is always the most fun.

In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions and tips from listeners:

A listener who makes the point that it's quicker to land trout on light tippets with a Euro rod.

Can I fish carp flies with an indicator? 

Are treble hooks more harmful than single point barbless hooks?

What do I do when trout take my hopper patterns deep? Should I leave the fly in them?

I have trouble catching smallmouths in clear water. Any suggestions?

Where do you store your leader between fishing trips? A tip from Sam, fishing manager at Orvis Houston, on catching redfish in dirty water.

What are the advantages and disadvantages in using a pedestal vise as opposed to a C-clamp?

How do I choose which size hair stacker to use? 

How can I fish size 18-22 nymphs in four feet of fast water?

A suggestion for using 7 1/2-foot leaders in small streams in the Driftless Region.

 Can I put a 7-weight sinking line on my 5-weight rod?

If I am catching trout in small mountain streams where the water is cold enough, do I need to worry about them moving downstream into warmer temperatures after I release them?

How many phone calls and questions do you get per week?

When I switch from Euro nymphing to my regular trout rod, I keep breaking off fish. Is this normal?


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: 50

The Orvis Fly-Fishing Podcast
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