Don't Make These 6 Mistakes in Stillwater Trout Fishing, with Joe Garza

Don't Make These 6 Mistakes in Stillwater Trout Fishing, with Joe Garza

Author: Tom Rosenbauer, The Orvis Company February 2, 2026 Duration: 1:44:53

My guest this week is Orvis-endorsed guide Joe Garza [32:54], a guide from JAG Fly Fishing, who explains the intricacies of still water trout fishing. He discusses common mistakes that anglers make, the importance of understanding food sources, and the need for patience in still water environments. Joe shares insights on matching fly profiles and colors to natural food, as well as effective techniques for using indicators. The conversation emphasizes the unique challenges of still water fishing compared to moving water, providing valuable tips for both novice and experienced anglers. He shares his extensive knowledge on fly fishing in still waters, focusing on techniques such as the hand twist retrieve, effective casting, and the importance of proper hook setting. He emphasizes the significance of maintaining tension in the line and understanding fish behavior, particularly in relation to external factors like weather and water temperature. 

In the Fly Box this week we have a lot of questions about tackle and winter reading, including:
Is "Sinking Gel" for nymph fishing a waste of money?
What is the difference between the 7'1/2 foot 3-weight Superfine Graphite and the 7 ½ foot 3-weight Superfine Glass rods?
Is there a book you recommend on trout biology?
Are there some books you recommend on learning about hatches?
Can you explain the differences between your three books:  Reading Trout Streams, Finding Trout, and Prospecting for Trout?
How do manufacturers set the line recommendations for their fly reel models?
I am 6-feet, 2 inches tall. Does that mean where most people would recommend a 10-foot rod that I should get a 9-foot rod?
What three fly lines would you recommend for a wide variety of fish in fresh and salt water?
What fly patterns do I need to imitate the gigantic Cantaria beetle in Chile?


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
Podcast Episodes
Did You Know About Shoal Bass? With Quint Rogers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:31
This week I interview Quint Rogers [31:43], a fly fishing guide specializing in shoal bass fishing in Georgia. We discuss the unique characteristics of shoal bass, their habitat, life cycle, and the best fishing techniqu…
10 Tips For Better Line Mending, With Mike Pease [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:11
If you think mending is just lifting your rod and flipping it upstream—well sometimes it is—but there is so much more you can do with line mends to add slack in just the right places, and to deal with tricky currents. Mi…
Is it a Steelhead or a Rainbow? With Katie Kobayashi [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:33
When is a trout a steelhead and when is it a rainbow? Are steelhead just rainbow trout that migrate to the ocean? Is it something in their genes or just random chance? And in a given population of rainbow trout, will onl…
Six Tips for Winter Streamer Fishing, with Brian Slusser [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:39
In this episode, my guest is Brian Slusser [32:13], an Orvis endorsed guide based in Truckee, California, who tells us about the nuances of winter streamer fishing. With over 29 years of guiding experience, Brian shares…
Tips for Fly-Fishing Backpacking Trips, with Derek Bargaehr [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24:15
Want to get away from the crowds? Want a high mountain lake or stream all to yourself? The best way to do this is to take a backpacking trip, but you need to prepare more than you would for a car trip or a trip to a lodg…
Backcast: Foraging Along Trout Streams, with Sam Thayer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:50
This episode was originally published on July 14th, 2023. I think most stream anglers are interested in foraging, since we're immersed in nature all day long and although we watch for fish and insects and birds, many of…
Backcast: All About Bamboo Fly Rods, with Shawn Brillon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:41:45
This episode was originally published on August 19th, 2022. Want to know how a bamboo fly rod is made? How long it takes to make one? How many different hands touch an Orvis bamboo fly rod before you (and your children a…