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
What's Going on in Florida, with Captain Dan Andrews [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:35
My guest this week is Captain Dan Andrews [37:51], co-founder and CEO of Captains for Clean Water, one of Orvis' most trusted conservation partners. Orvis has been aligned with this grass roots group since their inceptio…
Hot Tips on Using Split Shot, with Dom Swentosky [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31:16
I am not a big fan of using split shot but after this interview with Dom Swentosky [36:41] of the Troutbitten blog and podcast, I'm going to use it a lot more. Dom's method of using split shot is simple and convenient, a…
How to Pick a Floating Trout Line, with Jesse Haller [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:27:07
Confused about which floating trout line to pick when you need a new one? I'm not surprised as today there is a dizzying array of options and nearly everyone is confused. If you understand what the various options offer…
Fishing for Coastal Cutthroats, with Dylan Tomine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:24
I've had requests in the past for a podcast about chasing coastal cutthroats, so this week my guest is author, "retired" guide, and all-around thoughtful angler Dylan Tomine [33:12]. He tells us where to find them, what…
Fly Fishing for Steelhead and Salmon in Estuaries, with Reed Teuscher [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31:03
You can catch salmon and steelhead on a fly in salt water before they enter rivers. The fish are bright and strong and may still be actively feeding but the problem is to find them in a big expanse of water. Reed Teusche…
Backcast: Top-Secret Steelhead Tips, with Stefan Woodruff [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:27:17
This podcast was originally published on December 28th, 2016. In this podcast Stefan Woodruff, Orvis-endorsed guide with Ellensburg Anglers in Washington State, reveals (some of) his secrets to catching steelhead, plus a…