Traveled #20 | Exploring the East Idaho Fly Tying Expo with Bruce Staples - Yellowstone, Fly Tying, Trout

Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/626

Presented By: Yellowstone Teton Territory

Bruce Staples, author of multiple books on fishing in the Yellowstone area, is back to take us to the East Idaho Fly Tying Expo.

You'll find out what you can expect for the next one in 2025. You'll also get some of the best flies for fishing in Yellowstone Country and a little insight into Sheridan Lake and other lakes around the country.

You'll also hear about some of Bruce's favorite books and the people you should follow this season.

Episode Chapters with Bruce Staples on the East Idaho Fly Tying Expo

Planning a large fishing event is no easy task. I've planned smaller trips and schools that have required considerable effort, and it's hard to imagine what planning a fly fishing tying expo would be like.

Bruce Staples did just that and has brought back and created one of the biggest fishing expos of its kind.

2024 East Idaho Fly Tying Expo

03:18 - Bruce says that the 2024 East Idaho Fly Tying Expo was a huge success with a massive crowd and fly tyers from all over, even Florida and Ohio.

They had around 40 commercial vendors and kept the same layout from 2023.

05:09 - For 2025, they plan to start prepping in September. They've signed a three-year contract with the Mountain America Center that will end in 2025.

Bruce said they will likely renew because the center is a great venue. It is used for many community events, including hockey games by the Spud Kings, concerts, and basketball tournaments.

Books by Bruce Staples

08:39 - Bruce first started writing in the 1990s. His first three books were done for Frank Amato Publications:

Snake River Country: Flies and Waters (1991) Yellowstone Park (1996) Trout Country Flies: From Greater Yellowstone Area Masters (2002) Later Works: Flies for the Greater Yellowstone Area Fly Fishing the Greater Yellowstone Backcountry Fly Fishing West Yellowstone: A History and Guide

12:30 - Bruce shared how "Fly Fishing West Yellowstone: A History and Guide" came together. He teamed up with Bob Jacklyn, who provided valuable historical insights and photos. Craig Mathews also contributed his expertise.

Check out our episode with Bob here and with Craig here!

21:05 - Bruce shared some hidden fishing spots from his "Fly Fishing the Greater Yellowstone Backcountry" book.

28:32 - Bruce discussed fishing at Eagle Ridge Ranch. The owner, Frank VanderSloot, is a prominent figure in Idaho known for founding Melaleuca, a wellness company.

34:15 Sheridan Lake is a moderate-sized lake offering good fishing. Fishing techniques include using midges, snails, leech patterns, and streamers, which are especially effective in the fall.

More About The East Idaho Fly Tying Expo

38:20 - There are also workshops and demos by expert flytyers like Steven Fernandez and iconic figures like Mike Lawson. There are tying workshops, commercial vendors, and an annual banquet with a live auction.

48:31 - Bruce talks about the exciting plans for the 2025 event. The website will soon have info on vendors and activities starting in February. Many participants from 2024 will return because it was a success.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/626