The World’s Strangest Trout Stream: Fly Fishing Yellowstone’s Firehole River with Craig Mathews, Part 1
Episode 167 of the Destination Angler Fly Fishing Podcast – March 26, 2026
In Part 1 of a two-part episode, our destination is Yellowstone National Park’s Firehole River—a strange world of geysers and fumaroles, grizzlies and bison, and trout, along with the Gibbon and the Upper Madison. With angler, fly designer, author, and 1% for the Planet Co-Founder, Craig Matthews who shares expert fly fishing techniques, along with stories of grizzly bear charges, his life as West Yellowstone Police Chief, and the surprising origins of his iconic fly shop, Blue Ribbon Flies. Stick around to the end for great story of a trout that took 19 days to catch.
With host Steve Haigh.
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Contact Craig: https://www.craigmathewsyellowstone.com/ Instagram: @CraigMatthewsYellowstone
Craig’s latest book : Pheasant Tail Simplicity @patagoniabooks | @patagonia_flyfish
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Recorded Mar 5, 2026
