190. Wrong Way, RISE & Giving Back to the River

In this episode, Joshua sits down in person with Joe Balcken and Shelton Steele, the founders of Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins, to hear the story behind the unique riverside destination they’ve built along the French Broad. From their days as river guides to turning a shared vision into a place centered around adventure, community, and the outdoors, Joe and Shelton talk about the journey of building Wrong Way and what makes it so special.Then Nate Jordan joins the conversation, and the guys dive into the RISE Fly Fishing Festival, happening September 26 at Wrong Way. RISE brings together fly fishing, live music, brews, BBQ, tattoos, raffles, and the larger fishing community, but it’s about more than just having a good time. The festival was created as a way to give back to the watershed that has given so much to the fly-fishing community.It’s a conversation about building something from the ground up, the people and places that make fly fishing special, the French Broad River, and what it looks like when a community comes together to give back.If you love fly fishing, the outdoors, Western North Carolina, or just hearing the stories behind people who are building something meaningful, you’re going to enjoy this one.Get your Dads On The Fly Merch in our online store .Check out our sponsors:⁠https://turtleboxaudio.com/⁠https://nativesflyfishing.com/https://saludabeads.com/https://rambler.co/https://www.advntraccessories.com/

What started in a garage with a 3D printer and an idea has grown into ADVNTR Accessories, a company creating innovative gear for rafters and fly fishermen. But the best part of the story isn’t just what they’re building, it’s who they’re building it with.In this episode, we sit down with Evan and Ash DeHaven, a father-and-son team behind ADVNTR Accessories. We talk about how the idea started, what it’s like building a business together, the lessons they’ve learned along the way, and what happens when a dad and his son turn their shared love of the outdoors into something bigger.From garage experiments to a growing business in Bozeman, this is a conversation about entrepreneurship, fly fishing, family, and the adventure of building something together.Get your Dads On The Fly Merch in our online store .Check out our sponsors:⁠https://turtleboxaudio.com/⁠https://nativesflyfishing.com/https://saludabeads.com/https://rambler.co/https://www.advntraccessories.com/

What if you stopped waiting for the perfect fishing trip and simply made the most of the time you have?That's the idea behind After Work Fish Club.In this episode, we sit down with Sean Nguyen to talk about building a community of anglers who love chasing fish whenever life gives them the chance. Sean shares the story behind After Work Fish Club, how a simple idea grew into a movement of people who believe fishing isn't reserved for guides, influencers, or those with unlimited free time—it's for anyone willing to clock out and get on the water.We also dive into Charleston's incredible redfish fishery, the wildly unique Red Spot Round Up tournament, and why sometimes an hour spent stalking tailing reds is exactly what we need after a long day. Along the way, we talk about balancing work, family, and fishing, building meaningful community in the outdoors, and creating space for people to belong.Whether you're a saltwater junkie or just looking for permission to fish more often, this conversation will inspire you to quit waiting and start casting.Get your Dads On The Fly Merch in our online store .Check out our sponsors:⁠https://turtleboxaudio.com/⁠https://nativesflyfishing.com/https://saludabeads.com/https://rambler.co/https://www.advntraccessories.com/

This week we're joined by bestselling author and longtime fly angler Monte Burke, whose acclaimed book Lords of the Fly chronicles the unforgettable pursuit of the world-record tarpon and the larger-than-life personalities who helped shape modern fly fishing. Monte is also the author of Saban, Sowbelly, Rivers Always Reach the Sea, and has written for The New York Times, Garden & Gun, The Drake, Outside, and many more. Our conversation goes well beyond the pages of Lords of the Fly. We dive into the history and culture of fly fishing, the places and people that have left the biggest impression on Monte, and why the stories surrounding our sport matter just as much as the fish themselves. We also talk about traveling in search of new waters, the importance of introducing kids to fly fishing, the unique community that surrounds the sport, and what keeps all of us coming back to the water.Whether you're obsessed with chasing trophy fish or simply love spending time on the water with family and friends, this episode is packed with stories, perspective, and plenty of reasons to grab a fly rod and head outside.Get your Dads On The Fly Merch in our online store .Check out our sponsors:⁠https://turtleboxaudio.com/⁠https://nativesflyfishing.com/https://saludabeads.com/https://rambler.co/https://www.advntraccessories.com/

This week we're sharing stories from a summer full of fishing—from Caleb's unforgettable two-day trip with his boys chasing bluegill and smallmouth to our ongoing quest for trophy bronzebacks and our newest challenge of chasing carp on the fly.Along the way we talk about encouraging kids to try hard things, celebrating growth over success, and why intentional time together often matters more than what's at the end of your line.Whether you're a dad, an angler, or just someone who loves a good fishing story, we think you'll enjoy this conversation.Get your Dads On The Fly Merch in our online store .Check out our sponsors:⁠https://turtleboxaudio.com/⁠https://nativesflyfishing.com/https://saludabeads.com/https://rambler.co/

Most fly fishing guides are just focused on finding fish. Carter Allison is focused on building community.In this episode, we sit down with Charleston, South Carolina fly fishing guide Carter Allison to talk about chasing redfish in the Lowcountry, becoming a guide at a young age, and his vision for creating a stronger community among guides and anglers in the Charleston area. Carter shares how a love for fishing turned into a business, what he's learned from spending countless days on the water, and why relationships matter just as much as the fish we catch. While Carter isn't a dad yet, his passion for mentorship, serving others, and investing in people made this conversation a natural fit for the show. Whether you're a fly angler, a guide, a business owner, or simply someone who loves hearing stories about following your passion, you'll find something to enjoy in this episode.https://www.flyfishingofcharleston.com/InstagramGet your Dads On The Fly Merch in our online store .Check out our sponsors:⁠https://turtleboxaudio.com/⁠https://nativesflyfishing.com/https://saludabeads.com/https://rambler.co/

On this episode of Dads On The Fly, we sit down with author, fly fishing guide, and storyteller Ryan Johnston for a conversation packed with laughter, meaningful stories, and a deep love for the outdoors.Ryan shares how his dad first introduced him to fishing and the outdoors at an early age, shaping a passion that would eventually lead him into guiding, writing, and mentoring others through the sport. We dive into several unforgettable fishing stories from his years on the water, including the chaos, humor, and lessons that only come from a life spent chasing fish.We also talk about Ryan’s books, including A Reel Job and Reelly, where he captures the real-life experiences of guiding and the unique culture surrounding fly fishing. And we look at his new book Reel SaltyOne of the most meaningful parts of the conversation centers around Cast Hope, the nonprofit Ryan helps lead, which uses fly fishing and the outdoors to invest in kids and create life-changing experiences and mentorship opportunities.This episode is full of great stories, genuine perspective, and a reminder of why the outdoors has such a powerful way of bringing people together.Get your Dads On The Fly Merch in our online store .Check out our sponsors:⁠https://turtleboxaudio.com/⁠https://nativesflyfishing.com/https://saludabeads.com/https://rambler.co/

This week, we break one of our own rules… and it was absolutely worth it.We sit down with Del Munro of Davidson River Outfitters. Del is a true student of the river. While he may not be a dad, his knowledge of smallmouth bass fishing earns him a seat at the table.We dive into Del’s journey in the fly fishing world, what makes smallmouth so addicting, and how chasing bronze backs is a completely different game than the trout most of us cut our teeth on. From reading water to dialing in flies and approach, Del shares practical, hard-earned wisdom you won’t find in a textbook.If you’ve ever thought about making the jump from trout streams to smallmouth rivers (or just want to become a better angler overall,) this one’s packed with insight.Plus, we swap a few stories, talk local waters, and get a glimpse into what makes Western North Carolina such a special place to fish. Get your Dads On The Fly Merch in our online store .Check out our sponsors:⁠https://turtleboxaudio.com/⁠https://nativesflyfishing.com/https://saludabeads.com/https://rambler.co/

In this episode, it’s just Caleb and Joshua behind the mic as they recap a full slate of spring break adventures with their families.Caleb shares stories from a camping trip in the mountains with family and friends, along with a recent guide trip that reminded him why he loves helping others experience fly fishing for the first time.Joshua reflects on a trip to the Masters, some time spent at the beach, and an unforgettable redfish trip alongside former guest Justin Ravenel that you won’t want to miss.From fairways to fly rods, this episode is all about making memories with the people you love and finding time to get outside along the way.Get your Dads On The Fly Merch in our online store .Check out our sponsors:⁠https://turtleboxaudio.com/⁠https://nativesflyfishing.com/https://saludabeads.com/https://rambler.co/

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Letchworth of Fox Hollow Outdoors, a brand and outdoor movement built on something deeper than just fishing and hunting—it’s about legacy.Michael shares the story behind Fox Hollow Outdoors, a father-and-son journey that started with time in the woods and on the water and has grown into a lifestyle rooted in family, tradition, and the outdoors. What began as simple moments together has evolved into a platform that celebrates real adventures, authentic storytelling, and the kind of lessons you can only learn outside. We talk about raising kids in the outdoors, why those experiences matter more now than ever, and how intentional time together can shape not just skills—but character. From early mornings chasing fish to shared meals after a hunt, this conversation is a reminder of what it really means to pass something down to the next generation.If you care about the outdoors, your family, and making memories that last, this one’s for you.Get your Dads On The Fly Merch in our online store .Check out our sponsors:⁠https://turtleboxaudio.com/⁠https://nativesflyfishing.com/https://saludabeads.com/https://rambler.co/