How to Swing Wet Flies with Trout Spey, with Pete Kutzer

How to Swing Wet Flies with Trout Spey, with Pete Kutzer

Author: Tom Rosenbauer, The Orvis Company July 27, 2026 Duration: 1:27:25

My guest this week is Orvis casting guru and fishing buddy Pete Kutzer [39:31], who makes a case for using trout Spey techniques not just for spring and fall streamer fishing but all summer long, swinging wet flies and soft hackles. Pete gets into exactly the right rod, line, leader, and tippet he uses, the fly patterns he prefers, and the techniques he uses for presenting the flies. He also gives us some great tips for two-handed casting in general—tough to do on a podcast, but they are helpful nonetheless.

In the Fly Box this week we have some great questions and tips from listeners, including:
When fishing foam dry flies on a dry dropper rig, my leader keeps twisting. How can I prevent this?
What essential gear should I take when fishing from my raft?
I keep spooking carp with my heavily weighted flies but I need them to get down. How can I fix this?
A listener tells us about a very clever method he uses for drop-shotting with nymphs that allows him to change weights easily.
I saw dozens of trout stacked up in the middle of a run feeding in bright sunlight. Why were they there?
I am trying to fish a short, deep plunge pool where the trout are in four feet of water.  How can I get my flies down to them?
My rooster hackle keeps twisting. What can I do to prevent this?


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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