All Episodes
Talking all things fly fishing for trout with a spotlight on Lake Erie steelhead, especially the tributaries of Steelhead Alley. From seasonal runs to river tactics, we share our experiences, setups, and stories from time spent chasing these incredible fish.
As Season Two comes to a close, Kyle looks ahead to the changing seasons and the growing anticipation of another steelhead season on the horizon. After spending the spring and summer chasing wild and stocked trout, exploring new water, and reflecting on the experiences that make trout fishing so special, the focus begins to shift back toward Lake Erie and the tributaries.
Kyle reflects on the experiences that fly fishing has opened the door to over the years. From quiet mornings in the mountains and unforgettable road trips to encounters with bald eagles, beavers, mink, salamanders, and countless other wildlife — this conversation is about everything that happens between the casts.
Kyle reflects on the lessons he wishes he had learned sooner — from hiring a guide and choosing the right fly rod to simplifying gear, embracing the learning curve, and committing fully to the fly rod from day one. Drawing from years of chasing trout and steelhead, he shares the experiences, mistakes, and small victories that shaped him into the angler he is today.
Kyle shares the unforgettable story behind the most memorable wild brown trout of his life. What began as a perfect June morning exploring a new stretch of river quickly turned into a battle that neither angler nor fish seemed willing to lose. More than just a story about a trophy fish — this episode is about perseverance, staying composed when everything unravels, and how one incredible moment can become a memory that lasts a lifetime.
In Part Two of the Trout Calendar series, Kyle and Pono dive into the second half of the trout year, focusing on fall and winter fishing. As water temperatures cool and the seasons change, trout become more aggressive, streamer fishing heats up, and native brook trout and wild brown trout put on a spectacular fall display.
Kyle and Pono kick off Part One of a two-part series exploring the rhythms and seasons of trout fishing throughout the year. Starting with the transition from winter into early spring, the guys break down how trout behavior, water conditions, insect activity, and angler expectations evolve from March through August.
Kyle takes a step away from the usual format to tell a lasting fish story — one centered around a series of missed opportunities that became impossible to forget. What began as a memorable encounter quickly turned into an obsession, leading to multiple trips, heartbreaking losses, and the kind of emotional investment that only serious anglers truly understand.
Kyle and Pono dive into the contrast between urban and rural fishing — two very different experiences that shape the way anglers approach time on the water. From local creeks near town and crowded access points to scenic backroads, longer drives, wild water, and the solitude that often comes with getting farther away.
Kyle and Pono dive into the contrast between stocked streams and wild trout water, and how their perspectives have evolved over time. From early days fishing stocked creeks and opening day traditions, to exploring smaller streams in search of wild fish — this conversation is all about the journey.
Season Two starts here. After a full winter spent chasing steelhead, it's time to turn the page and shift gears into spring trout fishing. Kyle and Pono break down the transition from the chaos of winter steelhead to the more technical, detail-oriented world of hunting trout on the fly.
Day Two of their final winter trip recap — and the Season 1 finale. The crew heads back into brutally cold conditions for one last push. With temperatures plummeting overnight, the rivers were once again iced up with frozen guides and constant slush. After some recon and working through the elements, they located a fresh pod of steelhead and stayed into steady action throughout the day.
Kyle dives into day one of the final trip. The day started slow and cold, with locked-up banks, shelf ice to break, and a lot of water that looked right but didn't give much back. Late in the morning, a key decision to pull out and hunt a completely different section of water changed everything — triggering nonstop action and one of the best steelhead days in years.
Kyle and the crew wrap up their winter steelhead trip with a payoff that made every cold mile worth it. Day Two brings a hike into picture-perfect winter water, breaking shelf ice and methodically working runs. On the morning of Day Three, a last-minute decision to switch spots changed everything — leading to nonstop action and an unforgettable finish.
Kyle is joined by Beaver and Dave for Part One of the recap from their second steelhead trip of the season — a trip that tested patience, preparation, and grit right from the start. Brutally cold temperatures locked up many streams with ice, forcing the crew to grind through a long first day searching for fishable water.
Part two of the trip recap. Kyle and Zack continue searching for better water and clearer conditions across Steelhead Alley. That persistence pays off when they finally move into a section holding numbers of fish and the bite turns on. Day Three brings a big shift — improved clarity and flows lead to a stretch of nonstop hookups and chaos.
Kyle and Zack break down the full story of their latest run up to Steelhead Alley — a trip that started with a curveball before they even packed the truck. With the forecast shifting, they made the call to head up a day early in search of a prime fishing window.
Kyle and Zack shift from weather, flows, and layering into the gear and rigging details that make or break a successful trip. This episode dives into leader builds, terminal tackle choices, and why tying a fresh batch of flies before you leave can save time and frustration on the water.
Kyle and Zack kick off a two-part deep dive into preparing for your next steelhead trip. Part one is all about comfort, safety, and being ready for whatever the Alley throws at you — from checking weather forecasts and monitoring stream flows to staying warm with the right base layers and waterproof gear.
Kyle and Zack break down one of their favorite topics — the difference between trout and East Coast steelhead. From lake-run migrations and fresh chrome arrivals to the transformation steelhead go through as they hold in the tribs, the guys dig into what truly sets these fish apart.
Kyle and Zack dive into what makes fall trout fishing so special on the East Coast. As summer fades, cool nights and steady flows wake up the rivers, and trout shift into an entirely different gear. Brown trout get aggressive and territorial, chasing streamers with attitude, while brook trout light up in their brilliant spawning colors.
Hosts Kyle and Zack dive into the classic debate of chasing big fish versus going for numbers. This conversation starts with a broader look at trout fishing before shifting into steelhead, where the stakes — and the fish — get even bigger. Is it just the mood you're in, the stage you're at in your fly fishing journey, or the mindset you bring to the water?
In this kickoff episode, hosts Kyle Ale and Zack Vanderslice sit down to share the fishing experiences that shaped their love for chasing trout. Starting with early days of spin fishing as kids, they trace the path that eventually led them to the fly rod and a passion for chasing steelhead on the fly.
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