WFS 170 – Jerry Darkes on Great Lakes Fly Fishing – Steelhead, Swinging Flies, Switch Rod

Show Notes: wetflyswing.com/170

Jerry Darkes, one of the biggest names the Great Lakes for steelhead and numerous other species, is here to break down Great Lakes Fly Fishing.  Jerry discusses the switch rod with a focus on swinging flies for great lakes steelhead.

Jerry shares his favorite goto pattern for steelhead and why he’s heading out into the bigger water to chase fish these days.

 

Show Notes with Jerry Darkes

– I noted the Adrian Cortes podcast where he fishes dry lines for winter steelhead.

– Fly Fishing the Inland Oceans was Jerry’s first major book.

– Here’s a link to Jerry’s new book with a fly tying focus:  Essential Flies for the Great Lakes Region.

– Superior Fishing by Robert Roosevelt.  This book documents a trip through the upper of the midwest.

– We talk about Kevin Feenstra, Pete Humphries and Greg Senyo who are all big players in the great lakes area.

– I had Kelly Galloup and Gary Borger were both on the podcast in past episodes.

– Swisher and Richards wrote Selective Trout which was a huge influence for many anglers in the midwest. 

– T3H 11’ 8 weight Scott is a great all around rod for the great lakes.

– The spey lights from SA have become super popular.

– We talked about the temple dog fly patterns.  Here is Davie showing how to do it.

You can find Jerry on Instagram at Jerry Darkes

Resources Noted in the Show

Fly Fishing the Inland Oceans

Essential Flies for the Great Lakes Region

Superior Fishing by Robert Roosevelt

Videos and/or podcasts Noted in the Show

Jerry on Tubes

The Temple Dog by Davie Mcphail

“The small mouth bass is the native trout of the midwest.” -Jerry Darkes photo via: Chagrin River Outfitters

Conclusion with Jerry Darkes

Jerry Darkes, one of the big names in the Great Lakes, shares the history of fly fishing in the region with a focus on steelhead.  We find out which switch rod setup will work for your next trip.

Show Notes: wetflyswing.com/170