In this second episode of our two-part Christmas Island series, Waypoints shifts the focus from the history and angling evolution of the atoll to hands-on fishing specifics. Host Jim Klug continues his conversation with Bryant Dunn of Christmas Island Lodge, diving deep into the angling experience itself. They address and answer the most common que…

In this first episode of a special two-part series, Waypoints heads to the heart of the Central Pacific to explore one of the most legendary destinations in saltwater fly fishing — Christmas Island. Host Jim Klug is joined by Bryant Dunn of Christmas Island Lodge for a deep dive into the rich history of the atoll, the evolution of its world-renowne…

In this episode of Waypoints, host Jim Klug sits down with Howard Croston — Global Brand and Product Manager for House of Hardy — to explore the legacy, innovation, and future of one of the most iconic brands in fly fishing. Howard brings a unique perspective to the conversation —not just as a designer of some of the world’s finest rods and reels, …

In this episode of WAYPOINTS, we journey deep into the heart of Alaska’s remote southwest to explore one of the most legendary rivers in the North – the Nushagak. Known simply as “the Nush,” this 280-mile wilderness river is famous for its massive runs of wild Pacific salmon, thriving populations of leopard rainbow trout, and a setting so remote th…

On this episode of WAYPOINTS, we visit the remote and rugged northwest corner of Montana, home to towering forests, wild rivers, and one of the most untouched fly fishing destinations in the West. Our guests today are Tim and Joanne Linehan, the husband-and-wife team behind Linehan Outfitting, a legendary operation that has spent the past 33 years …

On this episode of WAYPOINTS, we venture to the land of fire and ice, where towering volcanoes, glacial rivers, and gin-clear waters create one of the most stunning fly fishing landscapes on Earth. Joining host Jim Klug is Kristján Rafnsson, the founder and CEO of Iceland’s Fish Partner – the country’s premier fly fishing outfitter. What started as…

On this episode of WAYPOINTS, we head deep into the Canadian wilderness, where endless lakes, rivers, and untouched landscapes create one of North America’s most remote and pristine fly fishing destinations — Gangler’s North Seal River Lodge. Joining us is Ken Gangler, a pioneer in the Canadian outfitting industry and the driving force behind one o…

On this episode of WAYPOINTS, host Jim Klug sits down with Cheryl Bastian, the owner and founder of Swain’s Cay Lodge on Andros Island, Bahamas. As the leader of a 100% Bahamian-owned-and-operated fishing lodge, Cheryl has spent the past 16 years building one of the most well-known and respected operations in the Out Islands. We talk with Cheryl ab…

In this captivating episode, we welcome back fly fishing legend Brian O’Keefe to discuss the ever-evolving world of fly fishing travel. With decades of experience as an angler, photographer, and industry icon, Brian shares his insights into the changing landscape of destination angling, from the after-effects of the pandemic to the latest travel tr…

In this episode of WAYPOINTS, we dive into the remarkable conservation story of Turneffe Atoll, Belize's largest national marine reserve, with conservation pioneer Craig Hayes. As the founder of the renowned Turneffe Flats Lodge, Hayes has spent decades safeguarding this extraordinary ecosystem while establishing a model for sustainable eco-tourism…

In this episode of Waypoints, the focus is on technical gear and packing solutions for the traveling angler, with special guest Ben Kurtz, co-owner and President of Fishpond USA. Fishpond is a leading manufacturer of high-quality, packs, sustainable fly fishing travel solutions, and accessories designed for anglers who thrive on adventure, explorat…

In this episode of Waypoints, we sit down with Peter Knox, the lead fly rod designer at Sage, a company renowned for its high-performance fly rods and innovation in rod technologies. Founded in 1980 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, Sage was the first to introduce fast-action, powerful graphite fly rods, and today, the company has grown into one of…

Slovenia is renowned for its crystal-clear rivers, stunning alpine scenery, and diverse fish species – including the iconic marble trout and the hucho hucho taimen. With so much diversity and an incredible number of rivers, Slovenia offers fly anglers what may be the best freshwater fishing in all of Europe – in an area that without question delive…

In this episode of Waypoints, we sit down with Chris Walker, the Lead Product Designer and R&D Manager at RIO Products – a brand recognized for its innovation and leadership in fly lines, leaders, and tippet. Chris addresses critical topics related to leaders and tippet set-ups, which are arguably the most significant elements directly connecting a…

Tom Kiernan is the President and CEO of American Rivers – the non-profit environmental advocacy group that has been a leader in protecting and restoring rivers throughout the United States for the past 50 years. There is no doubt that the rivers of our nation are currently facing severe threats and challenges due to climate change, unnecessary dams…

In this episode of WAYPOINTS, Yellow Dog's Jim Klug is joined by Cosmoledo Atoll fly fishing guide Gary de Klerk and Yellow Dog's Alec Gerbec to discuss the art of fly fishing and hunting for giant trevally. Gary, a dedicated full-time guide in one of the premier locations in the world for giant trevally, is also an avid GT enthusiast. Together, th…

On this episode of WAYPOINTS, Alec is joined by host Jim Klug to explore the intricacies of fly fishing at St. Brandon's Atoll, one of the most remote trips Yellow Dog offers. In May 2024, Yellow Dog's Alec Gerbec had the opportunity to visit St. Brandon’s Atoll, located 268 nautical miles north of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. The trip spanned fr…

In part two of two of the “Bhutan Chronicles”, Waypoints host Jim Klug follows up his part one conversation with outfitter Bryant Dunn by sitting down with legendary angler and world traveler, Jeff Currier to talk about the fishing in Bhutan, the draw of mahseer as a species, and Jeff’s take-aways from a recent river expedition in the Kingdom. Reco…

Jim Klug is joined by Bryant Dunn, the international director and co-owner of Himalayan Fly Fishing Adventures, an outfitting operation that has been exploring the Kingdom of Bhutan for nearly two decades. Dunn's ventures include multi-day river excursions for golden and chocolate mahseer, shorter trips for brown trout and snow trout, a new lodge p…

In the second episode of this Belize podcast series, Waypoints host Jim Klug is joined once again by Yellow Dog’s Belize program director Matt Kelsic and industry veteran Bryan Gregson to discuss fly fishing throughout Belize. This episode focuses on the differences and offerings of specific fisheries and locations throughout the country, providing…

Waypoints host Jim Klug is joined by Yellow Dog’s Belize program director Matt Kelsic and industry veteran Bryan Gregson to talk all things Belize. In episode one of this two-part series on Belize, Jim and guests discuss why Belize is such a popular and important angling destination, talk travel logistics and the best ways to get to Belize, break d…

Stream access rights and regulations in the United States vary throughout the country, and depending on where exactly you’re fishing, the laws dealing with how you can enter a riverbed or step into the water can be wildly different. The subject is a complicated one, and with a growing number of anglers and a continued increase in the popularity of …

At more than 850,000 square miles in size with a total population of less than 57,000 people, Greenland is the world’s largest island. While more than 80% of the country is covered with ice on a year-round basis, the summer months for the coastal areas bring ice-free arctic tundra, crystal-clear conditions on freestone rivers, and incredible number…

There’s no question that Patagonia is one of the premier freshwater fly fishing destinations in the world – a dynamic, one-of-a-kind region in South America that is home to dozens of world-class lodges, experienced and professional guides, and more rivers, streams, and lakes than can possibly be fished in a lifetime. The options and choices are bot…

In the spring of 2023, Montana’s media started to highlight the fact that wild trout populations in Montana’s Jefferson Basin – an area that includes the world-famous Big Hole, Ruby, Beaverhead and Jefferson Rivers – were in severe distress. Legendary for cold-water fisheries that have historically supported an abundance of wild trout, the rivers i…

Mike Tayloe is the co-owner and Director of Operations of Finns West, an outdoor company that provides Wilderness First Aid courses and Emergency Action Plan development for fishing lodges, outfitters and guides. Tayloe has combined his profession as a paramedic with his extensive background as a professional international fly fishing guide to crea…

Umpqua Feather Merchants is one of the biggest names in the fly fishing industry: a manufacturing powerhouse when it comes to innovative and effective flies, leader, tippet, premium hooks, and more. In this episode of Waypoints, we talk with Umpqua’s Director of Marketing, Russ Miller, to discuss the company’s position at the forefront of innovatio…

Christmas Island – the world’s largest coral atoll – has a legendary reputation as one of the top destinations in the world for saltwater flats fishing – especially when it comes to massive numbers of bonefish. Also known as Kiritimati Atoll, Christmas is an immense coral outcropping located in the tiny Pacific Ocean Republic of Kiribati. Christmas…

In the second episode in our two-part series on Cuba, host Jim Klug is joined once again by Kristen Tripp – Yellow Dog Flyfishing’s program director for Cuba. Kristen is hands-down the most knowledgeable person in the game when it comes to both traveling in Cuba and fishing Cuba, and she’s an incredible resource when it comes to planning or researc…

With recent announcements that the U.S. and Cuban governments are – once again – taking steps to improve relations between the two countries, the logistics and intricacies that affect American fishing travel to Cuba are evolving and changing fast. In this first episode of a two-part series on Cuba, host Jim Klug sits down with Yellow Dog Flyfishing…

In part two of the Irish episodes, WAYPOINTS host Jim Klug talks with Andrew Ryan – an incredible guide, outfitter, and angler who owns and operates Clononav Fly Fishing in the southern part of Ireland. Andrew has been guiding in Ireland and in other international destinations for over 20 years, and he’s developed a reputation as one of the best ca…

Dominic O’Moron is the coordinator and chairman of a unique collection of historical fishing operations and angling destinations called “The Great Fishing Houses of Ireland.” This collection of 12 historical fishing lodges and sporting properties is unlike anything found in the world of fly fishing, and WAYPOINTS host Jim Klug talks with Dominic ab…

Dylan Tomine is a writer, Patagonia ambassador, conservationist, and an out-spoken wild fish advocate. He’s the producer of the film Artifishal, and one of the hottest authors in fly fishing. His work has appeared in The Flyfish Journal, The Drake, Fly Fisherman, and numerous other publications. Dylan joins us for this episode of Waypoints to discu…

Rob Neher is the founder and co-owner of East End Lodge – one of the most in-demand lodge operations in the entire Bahamas. In this episode of WAYPOINTS, host Jim Klug talks with Rob about the legendary fishing on Grand Bahama, the unique waters of the island’s eastern end, the history of bonefishing on Grand Bahama, tackle and techniques for troph…

Scorpion Atoll – located in the Caribbean Sea 70 miles off the northern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula – is a desolate outcropping of flats and tiny islands surrounded by a notoriously treacherous reef. Also known as Arrecife Alacranes, legend has it that Scorpion Atoll received its ominous name from a group of 16th century Spanish shipwreck s…

This is the podcast episode that so many of our listeners have been asking for! Host Jim Klug and career guide and travel expert Alec Gerbec go deep on the subjects of what to bring on a destination adventure, HOW to pack, and how to travel problem-free with fishing equipment. We know that luggage regulations and protocols can vary by country, and …

Kristen Mustad is the founder and owner of Nautilus Reels, a Florida-based company that strives to make the “world’s best fly reel.” Fly reels are obviously an integral part of any angler’s kit, and they play an incredibly important role when it comes to success in destination angling – especially when chasing large, strong, or exotic fish that dem…

The second episode of the two-part sit-down with the owner of XFlats Lodge, Jesse Colton. In part one, Jesse and Waypoints host Jim Klug discussed the southern Yucatan fisheries of Xcalak and Chetumal Bay, the challenges of owning a saltwater lodge, Jesse’s personal obsession with permit, and how to build a career in the fly fishing industry. In pa…

A sit-down with the owner of XFlats Lodge, Jesse Colton, to discuss the southern Yucatan fisheries of Xcalak and Chetumal Bay, the challenges of owning a saltwater lodge, his personal obsession with permit, and how to build a career in the fly fishing industry. If you’ve recently picked up a fishing magazine or are active on fly fishing social medi…

No matter how long we’ve been fishing or how much we think we know, the fact is, we can always up our game and improve our on-water skills! When it comes to chasing fish (especially on new or distant waters) the learning and improvement never ends. For most anglers – who only have a week or two a year to commit to a destination fishing trip – every…

The fate of a fish upon release is primarily determined by angler behavior, which of course means that how we fight, land, handle and release fish goes a long way in determining whether or not a fish will survive. Proper fish-handling techniques and proper catch-and-release tactics are enormously important topics for fly anglers, but even when we t…

Of all the conversations we have with Yellow Dog clients about gear and equipment, fly lines arguably generate more confusion, questions, and uncertainty than anything else. Fly lines are both the least understood component in an angler’s set-up as well as the most important; the final piece that really brings everything together when it comes to p…

Montana’s Madison River is arguably the most famous – and at times the most visited – river in the U.S. West. With its stunning scenery and excellent fishing, a visit to the Madison River has for decades been a top priority for anglers from all over world. As Montana visitor and resident numbers continue boom, however, the State’s rivers and outdoo…

Shane McClafflin is the owner and lead guide for Sunrise Pack Station – a wilderness outfitting business that specializes in backcountry horseback and fishing trips in the wilds of Yellowstone National Park. Shane has been a backcountry guide for more than 30 years, and first began guiding in the mountains when he was 18 years old. For the past 25 …

A conversation with Jako Lucas – international guide, trip host, accomplished filmmaker, social media powerhouse, and ambassador for some of the industry’s strongest brands. Jako has spent close to 20 years fishing the world, producing well-known fishing films, and guiding in destinations that include Mongolia, Norway, the Seychelles, St. Brandon’s…

On the first episode of the new season of WAYPOINTS, host Jim Klug is joined by Cameron Davenport of Eleven Experience and Kimberly Franke of Kanna Travel to discuss what the road ahead looks like for destination angling – both domestic and international. Has the world of fishing returned to normal, and what has changed for the traveling angler? We…

In part two of our extended episode on fishing in Patagonia, we’re continuing our conversations with Travis Smith and Rance Rathie, the founders and owners of Patagonia Rivers Guides in Argentina. This episode focuses on the “how, what, when and where” aspects of fishing throughout Patagonia – a vast, remote, and largely-uninhabited region that enc…

Patagonia is a vast, remote, and largely-uninhabited region that encompasses over 300,000 square miles of pristine mountains, rivers, grasslands, and prairies. Stretching more than a thousand miles through southern Argentina and spilling across the border into Chile, Patagonia is larger than the state of Texas – an area that is isolated, unspoiled,…

The Grammy-winning bluegrass band Steep Canyon Rangers began playing together as students at the University of North Carolina. Since their formation in 2000, the band has been an integral part of the Asheville, North Carolina music scene, and an absolute FORCE in the national bluegrass scene. The band won a 2012 Grammy for “Best Bluegrass Album,” a…

In this episode of Waypoints, Jim sits down with C. J. Box, the #1 New York Times bestselling author, an avid angler, and a world traveler. C.J. is the author of 27 novels including the hugely popular Joe Pickett series that tell the ongoing story of a Wyoming game warden who throughout the series has taken on environmental terrorists, rogue federa…