How to Behave on a River, with Todd Tanner

How to Behave on a River, with Todd Tanner

Author: Tom Rosenbauer, The Orvis Company July 8, 2026 Duration: 1:37:04

I don't like to use the word etiquette as that implies rules and we should be able to fish however we want as long as it's legal. But there are traditions and guidelines for conduct on trout rivers that ensures that everyone has a good day on the water without infringing on the rights of others. And they do sometimes differ depending on whether you are floating or wading, and even form one river to the next depending on how crowded they are. Todd Tanner [34:22] offers a very thoughtful and interesting approach to this subject with lots of anecdotes on what he has seen on the many trout rivers he's fished in his lifetime. Do boomboxes and dogs belong on trout rivers? Listen to what Todd has to say on those topics.

In the Fly Box this week we have these questions and more:
What do you think about the AI in relation to fly fishing?
Does the Orvis Wading Staff really self deploy?
How do I fish high, clear water? What do the trout do under this condition?
How do I know when I am fishing deep enough for salmon and steelhead?
My graphite ferrule does not seat all the way. Is this OK?
Which sinking line is best for bass fishing?
Brass is 7% heavier than stainless steel. Why don't we use more brass for our nymphs given the scarcity of tungsten?
A listener makes the case for the Helios D rods for trout fishing
What do you think about the Hovering Leech pattern? Will this technique work in rivers?
Do trout release stress hormones when we play them?
Do chubs and trout feed in different places in trout streams?


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
Bluelining for Brook Trout in the Northeast, with Nick Yardley [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:45
The Northeast has some of the finest small-stream brook trout fishing in the world. A hike in the Green Mountains of Vermont, White Mountains of New Hampshire, Adirondack Mountains in New York, or the mountains of wester…
Back Cast: What Trout Hear and Smell, with Jason Randall [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31:18
This episode was originally published on July 22nd, 2024. A couple months ago I did a podcast with Jason Randall [36:39] on trout vision, and it was so popular that I asked him to come back on the podcast to do one on a…
Back Cast: How to Get Started in Carp Fishing, with Rick Mikesell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:43:37
This episode was originally published on June 23rd, 2025. In the Fly Box this week, we have some interesting requests, including many questions about leaders and tippet. What fly line should I use on my Helios 2 rod for…
How to Improve Your Indicator Nymphing, With Guide Matt Squillante [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:53
Want to spend less time untangling knots and more time with your flies in the water? Do you want to connect on more of the strikes you get to your nymphs? Want to know the best way to cast indicator rigs? Orvis-endorsed…
Summer Outlook For the Rockies, with Chris Steinbeck [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:54
My guest this week, Chris Steinbeck [25:15] of the Blue Quill Angler in Colorado, shares his strategies for dealing with what we expect will be low water and possibly water that is too warm for ethical trout fishing. Thi…
Chasing the Elusive Corbina in the Surf, with Al Quattrocchi [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:17
Before you rule out this podcast because you don't live in southern California, you may want to listen to my interview with master saltwater fly fisher Al Quattrocchi [24:46] because he gives lots of great advice on fish…
Travel Tips From Around the World, with Alberto Rey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:25
Orvis-endorsed guide Alberto Rey [33:22] just completed a trip around the world, fishing and exploring on six continents—and he did it all with only two 6-piece Clearwater Rods and two reels and a handful of flies. He ha…
Secrets of the Mother's Day Caddis, with Taylor Edrington [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31:48
My guest this week is guide and fly shop owner Taylor Edrington [34:16] of Royal Gorge Anglers in Colorado. His home river, the Arkansas, has an amazing hatch of these bugs, but they also hatch on trout streams throughou…