Summer Outlook For the Rockies, with Chris Steinbeck

Summer Outlook For the Rockies, with Chris Steinbeck

Author: Tom Rosenbauer, The Orvis Company May 25, 2026 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. This doesn't mean you have to forgo fly fishing! There are many options for continuing your trout fishing through the summer, plus loads of alternatives to trout that are amazing fun on the fly rod. Chris has some solid tips for enjoying the summer with your rod, and for treating the fish properly in low water. Although Chris concentrates on Colorado fisheries, his advice is solid for any part of the Rocky Mountains.

In the Fly Box this week, we have these questions and more:
If I briefly hook a brown trout, do you think it's still worth trying for that fish?
I have an old Orvis Bamboo rod left to me by my grandfather. Should I fish it, and if so how should I care for it?
Is there a material you could wrap around a dry fly to make it float better?
Which types of dubbing are best for dry flies?
Can I use jig nymphs on a dry dropper setup?
How can I strip "retired" flies of their dressing so I can re-use the hooks and beads?
I fish a cold tailwater but have not seen or caught a trout. Why are there no trout in it?

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
Orvis' Return to Roots, with Simon Perkins [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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My guest this week is Simon Perkins [1:11], president of The Orvis Company and a third-generation family member to run the company. You may have heard about some major changes in Orvis' business over the past couple year…
The US Forest Service Needs Your Help, with Paul Hendricks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:53
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Duration: 1:19:51
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Back Cast: John McPhee and his Favorite Fish [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:31
This episode was originally published on August 19th, 2021. This week's podcast guest is especially exciting to me as he is one of my literary heroes. John McPhee [24:10] is a Pulitzer Prize-winning author (Annals of the…
Back Cast: Traveling with Fly-Fishing Gear, with Seth Berger [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:47:25
This episode was originally published on February 17th, 2023. This week is my guest Seth Berger [1:00:18], Fly Fishing Travel Specialist with Orvis Adventures. In his job, Seth visits Orvis-endorsed operations around the…
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…