Pat Dorsey’s Tips on Colorado Tailwaters, Part 1

Our destination is a whirlwind tour of the world’s top fly-fishing adventures with seasoned traveler, expert fly angler, and founder of Got Fishing, a hosted travel company that connects anglers with unforgettable destinations.  We’ll explore legendary spots including Jurassic Lake in Argentina, Alaska, the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Christmas Island, and Ascension Bay in Mexico.   Along the way, Brian shares insider tips on choosing the right booking agency, what to watch for when booking a lodge yourself, plus tips on gear and travel, great stories, and how to pick the best dates for your trip.  And be sure to stick around for the powerful story of Brian’s recovery journey.   With host, Steve Haigh Be the first to know about new episodes.  Become a subscriber  Destination Angler on YouTube Contact Brian:    https://gotfishing.com/  Instagram @brian_oakland208_406 Destination Angler Podcast:   Website YouTube Instagram & Facebook  @DestinationAnglerPodcast  Please check out our Sponsors: TroutRoutes  The number one fishing app, helping trout anglers avoid the crowds and explore new public water. Download it and receive 20% off using Destination20 promo code in the app store today! Facebook @troutinsights Instagram @TroutRoutes    Adamsbuilt Fishing  THE trusted source for quality fly fishing gear, built to last at an affordable price. Waders, Nets, Outerwear.  Facebook & Instagram @Adamsbuilt Got Fishing  Crafting world-class fly-fishing adventures specially designed to your level of experience and budget.    Facebook @GotFishingAdventures Instagram @GotFishing  Comments & Suggestions:  host, Steve Haigh, email [email protected] Available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Recorded March 13, 2025

Our destination is Part 2 with legendary Colorado guide, author, and trout teacher Pat Dorsey—owner of the Blue Quill Angler and perhaps the foremost expert on the South Platte. Pat dials it up a notch or two in this episode, sharing his go-to fly patterns, fly design insights, and strategies for fly fishing new water. We dig into questions like: How fast should you fish? Why does Pat love indicators? And what makes a fly truly innovative? You'll also hear stories of drift boat weddings, the origin of the Mercury Midge, and Pat’s first-ever guide trip. Stick around for a quick chat with one of Pat’s longtime clients—and a surprise about what’s next for him.  Let’s rig up the indicator rod and jump in with Pat! With host, Steve Haigh Be the first to know about new episodes.  Become a subscriber  Destination Angler on YouTube Contact Pat:  https://bluequillangler.com/ |  [email protected]  |  Instagram @patdorseyflyfishing & Facebook Destination Angler Podcast:   Website YouTube Instagram & Facebook  @DestinationAnglerPodcast  Please check out our Sponsors: Got Fishing  Crafting world-class fly-fishing adventures specially designed to your level of experience and budget.    Facebook @GotFishingAdventures Instagram @GotFishing  TroutRoutes  The number one fishing app, helping trout anglers avoid the crowds and explore new public water. Download it and receive 20% off using Destination20 promo code in the app store today! Facebook @troutinsights Instagram @TroutRoutes    Adamsbuilt Fishing  THE trusted source for quality fly fishing gear, built to last at an affordable price. Waders, Nets, Outerwear.  Facebook & Instagram @Adamsbuilt Comments & Suggestions:  host, Steve Haigh, email [email protected] Available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Recorded February 9, 2025

Our Destination is Part 1 of our deep dive into top tailwaters in Colorado with 30-year veteran guide and author, Pat Dorsey, Blue Quill Angler, Evergreen, Colorado.  With 30 years on the water, Pat knows these rivers inside and out—including the South Platte, Blue, Yampa, Williams Fork, Taylor, Frying Pan, and Gunnison Gorge. Pat breaks down the technical side of tailwater fishing, answering big questions like: Why are deep pools so tricky?  What separates a good angler from a great one?  What exactly is a “guide fly”?  He also shares expert tips on winter fishing, sight fishing, and the age-old debate—freestones vs. tailwaters. Stick around ‘til the end for Pat’s out-of-the-box strategies to turn tough days into great ones! With host, Steve Haigh Be the first to know about new episodes.  Become a subscriber  Destination Angler on YouTube Contact Pat:  https://bluequillangler.com/ |  [email protected]  |  Instagram @patdorseyflyfishing & Facebook Destination Angler Podcast:   Website YouTube Instagram & Facebook  @DestinationAnglerPodcast  Please check out our Sponsors: Adamsbuilt Fishing  THE trusted source for quality fly fishing gear, built to last at an affordable price. Waders, Nets, Outerwear.  Facebook & Instagram @Adamsbuilt Got Fishing  Crafting world-class fly-fishing adventures specially designed to your level of experience and budget.    Facebook @GotFishingAdventures Instagram @GotFishing  TroutRoutes  The number one fishing app, helping trout anglers avoid the crowds and explore new public water. Download it and receive 20% off using Destination20 promo code in the app store today! Facebook @troutinsights Instagram @TroutRoutes    Comments & Suggestions:  host, Steve Haigh, email [email protected] Available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Recorded February 9, 2025

Our destination is the Idaho backcountry with Chris Hunt—award-winning author, seasoned fly angler, and expert blueliner from Hatch Adventure Travel. Chris literally wrote the book on finding hidden trout water: Fly Fishing Idaho's Secret Water. Today, he breaks down his process for discovering overlooked streams and shares some of Idaho’s fishiest backcountry areas.   You’ll get tips on fooling spooky fish, finding big trout, and wild stories—mountain lions, Alaska’s Dalton Highway, Patagonian chilies, and soul-crushing mosquitoes. Drop your truck in low lock and get ready for a wild ride! With host, Steve Haigh Be the first to know about new episodes.  Become a subscriber  Destination Angler on YouTube Contact Chris:  [email protected]   Hatch Adventure Travel  |  Instagram & Facebook @hatchtravel Please check out our Sponsors: TroutRoutes  The number one fishing app, helping trout anglers avoid the crowds and explore new public water. Download it and receive 20% off using Destination20 promo code in the app store today! Facebook @troutinsights Instagram @TroutRoutes    Adamsbuilt Fishing  THE trusted source for quality fly fishing gear, built to last at an affordable price. Waders, Nets, Outerwear.  Got Fishing  Crafting world-class fly-fishing adventures specially designed to your level of experience and budget.    Facebook @GotFishingAdventures Instagram @GotFishing  Facebook & Instagram @Adamsbuilt Destination Angler Podcast:   Website YouTube Instagram & Facebook  @DestinationAnglerPodcast  Comments & Suggestions:  host, Steve Haigh, email [email protected] Available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Recorded January 30, 2025

Our destination is the world-famous Henry’s Lake in eastern Idaho, known for hard-fighting hybrids (Cutbows) the size of your leg, unpredictable windstorms, and breathtaking scenery.  With retired Idaho Fish & Game biologist and guide Damon Keen, with Eagle Ridge Ranch, Island Park, ID Damon grew up in Idaho, eventually landing the coveted role of state biologist for Henry’s Lake with Fish and Game.  Today, we dive deep into the big questions like: Are there a million trout in Henry’s Lake? How do these fish grow so big so fast? And why won’t they eat dry flies?   Stories of sudden windstorms, near-death experiences, and legendary 100-fish days.    With host Steve Haigh Be the first to know about new episodes.  Become a subscriber  Destination Angler on YouTube Contact Damon:  Eagle Ridge Ranch  (208) 558-0900  |  Instagram:  @dcll1960 |  Facebook Please check out our Sponsors: Got Fishing  Crafting world-class fly-fishing adventures specially designed to your level of experience and budget.    Facebook @GotFishingAdventures Instagram @GotFishing  TroutRoutes  The number one fishing app, helping trout anglers avoid the crowds and explore new public water. Download it and receive 20% off using Destination20 promo code in the app store today! Facebook @troutinsights Instagram @TroutRoutes    Adamsbuilt Fishing  THE trusted source for quality fly fishing gear, built to last at an affordable price. Waders, Nets, Outerwear.  Facebook & Instagram @Adamsbuilt Destination Angler Podcast:   Website YouTube Instagram & Facebook  @DestinationAnglerPodcast  Comments & Suggestions:  host, Steve Haigh, email [email protected] Available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Recorded January 16, 2025

Our destination is Colorado and the Upper Rio Grande River with fly shop owner, Rick McGuire and guide, Presley Garcia, Wolf Creek Anglers, South Fork, CO.   Fly Fisherman Mag called the upper Rio Grande a hidden gem with gorgeous scenery, aggressive trout, and amazing hatches that’ll keep you on your toes.     Rick is a retired football coach turned fly shop owner and guide with a passion for helping people.  Presley is a teacher, coach, and expert angler with excellent knowledge of the river system.  Today, Rick and Presley share tips on the gold medal water, alpine lake fishing in the area, private water you can access, best times of year to fish, along with top flies, hatches, streamer tactics, rigs, and more.  Stick around to the end for a great story of an ornery bull moose and some hapless fishing guides. With host, Steve Haigh Be the first to know about new episodes.  Become a subscriber  Destination Angler on YouTube Contact Rick and Presley: https://www.wolfcreekanglers.com/  |  Instagram:  @wolfcreekanglers |  Facebook Committee for a Healthy Rio Grande:  http://healthyriogrande.com/  Please check out our Sponsors: Adamsbuilt Fishing  THE trusted source for quality fly fishing gear, built to last at an affordable price. Waders, Nets, Outerwear.  Facebook & Instagram @Adamsbuilt Got Fishing  Crafting world-class fly-fishing adventures specially designed to your level of experience and budget.    Facebook @GotFishingAdventures Instagram @GotFishing  TroutRoutes  The number one fishing app, helping trout anglers avoid the crowds and explore new public water. Download it and receive 20% off using Destination20 promo code in the app store today! Facebook @troutinsights Instagram @TroutRoutes    Destination Angler Podcast:   Website YouTube Instagram & Facebook  @DestinationAnglerPodcast  Comments & Suggestions:  host, Steve Haigh, email [email protected] Available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Recorded January 9, 2025  

Our destination is the land of fire and ice--Iceland with Tim Cammisa, author and owner of Trout & Feather, and Matti Hákonarson, guide and owner of Iceland Fishing Guide. With its stunning scenery, friendly people, and waters teeming with plentiful Atlantic salmon, hard-fighting arctic char, and massive sea-run and resident brown trout, Iceland is among the most incredible places in the world for fly anglers. Matti and Tim give us the ultimate rundown on fly fishing in Iceland—covering the culture, the bugs, pro tips and tactics, and the best times of year to chase each species. Plus, we’ll hear incredible stories of battling monster browns, dancing with Atlantic salmon, and the almost-religious art of fly selection. Tim’s latest book, Tying Euro Nymphs, features top flies from some of the best anglers in the world. And stick around to the end for tales of cheap whale meat, fermented shark, haggis, and Iceland’s infamous drink—Black Death. Oh, and a lesson in how not to fish with your wife. With host, Steve Haigh Be the first to know about new episodes.  Become a subscriber  Destination Angler on YouTube Contact Matti: https://icelandfishingguide.com/  |  Instagram:  @icelandfishingguide|  Facebook Contact Tim:  https://www.troutandfeather.com/  | Instagram:  @troutandfeather  |  Facebook |  YouTube @TimCammisa Please check out our Sponsors: TroutRoutes  The number one fishing app, helping trout anglers avoid the crowds and explore new public water. Download it and receive 20% off using Destination20 promo code in the app store today! Facebook @troutinsights Instagram @TroutRoutes    Adamsbuilt Fishing  THE trusted source for quality fly fishing gear, built to last at an affordable price. Waders, Nets, Outerwear.  Facebook & Instagram @Adamsbuilt Got Fishing  Crafting world-class fly-fishing adventures specially designed to your level of experience and budget.    Facebook @GotFishingAdventures Instagram @GotFishing  Destination Angler Podcast:   Website YouTube Instagram & Facebook  @DestinationAnglerPodcast  Comments & Suggestions:  host, Steve Haigh, email [email protected] Available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Recorded December 28, 2024

Our destination is Colorado’s Conejos River with expert fly angler and guide Spencer Seim of Zia Fly, Taos, New Mexico. The Conejos has it all—a hidden gem starting high in the San Juan Mountains with breathtaking views, every water type you could imagine, and trout so wise they’ll challenge the best of anglers. Growing up in Lubbock, Texas, Spencer’s fascinating odyssey includes train hopping, meeting George W. Bush, fly fishing and guiding, and classic fly tying.  His flies have been featured in The Drake, America’s Favorite Flies, and Smithsonian Magazine. Today, Spencer shares his deep knowledge of the Conejos—covering key hatches, local fly patterns, and pro tips—as well as other local streams like Costilla Creek, Rio de Los Pinos, and Rio Pueblo along with stories, of Kit Carson, Taos Pueblo, guiding Bobby Knight, and his wild connection to the true-crime story, The Feather Thief.   Better bring your A-game for this one! With host, Steve Haigh Be the first to know.  Become a subscriber  Contact Spencer: Zia Fly:   https://www.ziafly.com/ Instagram @zia_fly    Facebook @ziaflyfishnm Please check out our Sponsors: Adamsbuilt Fishing  THE trusted source for quality fly fishing gear, built to last at an affordable price. Waders, Nets, Outerwear.  Facebook & Instagram @Adamsbuilt Got Fishing  Crafting world-class fly-fishing adventures specially designed to your level of experience and budget.    Facebook @GotFishingAdventures Instagram @GotFishing  TroutRoutes  The number one fishing app, helping trout anglers avoid the crowds and explore new public water. Download it and receive 20% off using Destination20 promo code in the app store today! Facebook @troutinsights Instagram @TroutRoutes    Destination Angler Podcast:   Website YouTube Instagram & Facebook  @DestinationAnglerPodcast  Comments & Suggestions:  host, Steve Haigh, email [email protected] Available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Recorded December 12, 2024

Our destination is Michigan’s Grand River with expert fly fishing guides Tom and Max Werkman, the father-and-son team behind Werkman Outfitters, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and RiverQuest Charters. The Grand is Michigan’s longest river, and it’s loaded with steelhead, salmon, and smallmouth. The Grand's story is one of ruin to recovery, and today, it’s fishing better than ever.   Tom and Max share the ins and outs of the Grand and its tributaries, along with what you need to know about seasons, food sources, top fly patterns, and rigs.   Also, they answer the age-old question, What are the conditions that draw salmon and steelhead into the river system?   And the answer might surprise you.   Stick around to the end for pro tips on why this father/son partnership is such a success.  Grab your 8-weight and chase some chrome with Tom and Max! With host, Steve Haigh Be the first to know about new episodes.  Become a subscriber  Destination Angler on YouTube Contact Tom and Max: Werkman Outfitters:  https://www.werkmanoutfitters.com/ Fly Shop:  493 Pettis Ave. SE, Ada, MI Instagram @werkman_outfitters/    Facebook @werkmanoutfitters Please check out our Sponsors: TroutRoutes  The number one fishing app, helping trout anglers avoid the crowds and explore new public water. Download it and receive 20% off using Destination20 promo code in the app store today! Facebook @troutinsights Instagram @TroutRoutes    Adamsbuilt Fishing  THE trusted source for quality fly fishing gear, built to last at an affordable price. Waders, Nets, Outerwear.  Facebook & Instagram @Adamsbuilt Got Fishing  Crafting world-class fly-fishing adventures specially designed to your level of experience and budget.    Facebook @GotFishingAdventures Instagram @GotFishing Destination Angler Podcast:   Website YouTube Instagram & Facebook  @DestinationAnglerPodcast  Comments & Suggestions:  host, Steve Haigh, email [email protected] Available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Recorded November 14, 2024

Buenos Dias!   2,000 miles south of Bueno Ares deep in the heart of Patagonia lies a remote and pristine lake famous for wind, rocks, and prehistoric-sized rainbow trout, considered some of the largest in the world.   Our destination is Lago Strobel, also known as Jurassic Lake in Patagonia, Argentina with Lucho Alba, owner of Estancia Laguna Verde fishing lodge. Lucho explains the allure of this distant location, how these fish grow to such enormous proportions, and tips on how to land fish with more moves than Lionel Messi.   Stick around to the end for a great story of a chance encounter with some hitchhikers, a nasty girlfriend, and a birthday like no other.  Buckle your seat belts and check your backing because you're in for a wild ride.  Let’s hear from Lucho! Vamos! With host, Steve Haigh Be the first to know about new episodes.  Become a subscriber  Destination Angler on YouTube Contact Lucho Website: https://estancialagunaverde.com/ Instagram and Facebook @estancialagunaverde Please check out our Sponsors: Got Fishing  Crafting world-class fly-fishing adventures specially designed to your level of experience and budget.    Facebook @GotFishingAdventures Instagram @GotFishing TroutRoutes  The number one fishing app, helping trout anglers avoid the crowds and explore new public water. Download it and receive 20% off using Destination20 promo code in the app store today! Facebook @troutinsights Instagram @TroutRoutes    Adamsbuilt Fishing  THE trusted source for quality fly fishing gear, built to last at an affordable price. Waders, Nets, Outerwear.  Facebook & Instagram @Adamsbuilt Angler’s Coffee  Elevating the coffee experience for the fly-fishing community & anglers everywhere with small-batch coffee delivered to your doorstep.  Use code BREW20 and receive 20% off your first subscription order. Facebook & Instagram @anglerscoffeeco     Destination Angler Podcast:   Website YouTube Instagram & Facebook  @DestinationAnglerPodcast  Comments & Suggestions:  host, Steve Haigh, email [email protected] Available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Recorded November 7, 2024