Knotted Leaders, Furled Leaders, Braided Leaders—and Favorite Knots, with Brian Flechsig

Knotted Leaders, Furled Leaders, Braided Leaders—and Favorite Knots, with Brian Flechsig

Author: Tom Rosenbauer, The Orvis Company October 27, 2025 Duration: 1:50:11

I've wanted to get Brian Flechsig of Mad River Outfitters [49:59] on the podcast for quite a while and we finally made it happen. Brian is the star of many great YouTube videos and he loves to get into the details of tackle rigging. He's a knotted leader expert and he explains his simple three-part system for tying saltwater and bass leaders. He also talks about his use of furled leaders and the now-extinct Orvis Braided Leaders. Brian and I also discuss our favorite knots and a philosophy for choosing your own knots—always a hot topic.   

In the Fly Box this week we have these questions and tips:
When does it make more sense to modify a fly instead of changing flies?
If you don't see any bug activity, can you still catch fish on dry flies?
Why would you ever use a strike indicator when you can use a dry dropper rig?
I live on a trout stream that hardly anyone else fishes. How long should I rest the river in between trips?  Will the fish move out if I fish it too hard?
I saw a bunch of dead and struggling rainbows in the shallows. What do you think caused this?
How can I get my Comparaduns to fan out when I tie them?
When wouldn't you substitute CDC, rabbit's foot, or a synthetic when tying Comparaduns?
What are your thoughts on winding foam around a hook to make flies float better?
What is your favorite cricket pattern?
If modern graphite rods are so stiff, why design a 5-weight rod that is really a 6-weight?
How should I orient my rod when I cast to make sure I take advantage of the spine properly?
I have heard that you should fish a small stream downstream so the fish doesn't see your fly line. Is this correct?
A tip from a listener on how to keep fly boxes dry when wading deep.
Do you ever take backpacking/fishing trips?


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
The Hidden World of Fish Biology, with Shawn Good [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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In this episode, fisheries biologist Shawn Good [24:00] shares insights into the diverse and rewarding world of fish biology, including how fish populations are sampled, the impact of environmental factors, and the impor…
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Roadless Areas are some of the most important coldwater refuges for trout and salmon, and also prime spawning areas. Yet they are under threat because the Forst Service has proposed to eliminate them. Learn how you can q…
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New Ideas From George Daniel That May Shock You [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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My guest this week is Orvis ambassador George Daniel [31:48], who is also a guide, an author, and teaches the Fly Fishing class at Penn State. George is always questioning fly-fishing tactics, and he has some new ideas t…
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Duration: 1:40:39
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Duration: 1:27:15
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How to Swing Wet Flies with Trout Spey, with Pete Kutzer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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 s…
Add Rocky Mountain Carp to Your Fishing Trip, with Dustin White [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:35:59
With warm and lower water levels in many western rivers, there's no need to sit out those hoot owl regulations. Some of the reservoirs in the Rocky Mountains offer the same spectacular scenery as trout rivers, fewer peop…