WFS 550 - Oklahoma Fly Fishing with Julie Mattson - Team USA, Broken Bow Lake, Lower Mountain Fork

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/550 

Presented by: Jackson Hole Fly Company, FishHound Expeditions, Drifthook Fly Fishing

Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors  

Julie Mattson of the US Women's Fly Fishing team talks about Oklahoma fly fishing, Broken Bow Lake, and Lower Mountain Fork. She also shares her love for the sport, her endeavors in competitive fishing, and the destinations that draw her attention.

Her journey, from tying flies with industry-notable Joan Wulff to representing Team USA in Norway and Canada, showcases her dedication to the sport and her continuous pursuit of knowledge and improvement. Join us in this episode as we delve deeper into her experiences and perspectives on fly fishing.

Episode Chapters with Julie Mattson on Oklahoma Fly Fishing

1:40 - Julie’s love for fly fishing started young, growing up in Montana, a state known for its fly fishing streams. Inspired by accomplished fly fisher Joan Wulff, Julie began her journey in fly fishing and hasn’t looked back since. We had Joan in the podcast in episode 100.

3:30 - Her passion for the sport took her to Alaska where she worked as an outfitter for 13 years. Then she eventually ended up in Oklahoma and has been guiding there for the past eight years.

4:53 - Julie is an integral part of Team USA's fly fishing team, where she has been deeply involved in the international competitive fly fishing scene. These competitions have taken her across the world, from Norway to Canada and soon to the Czech Republic.

10:35 - Oklahoma offers limited trout waters, with the Lower Mountain Fork being one standout river. Other rivers in Oklahoma, such as the Blue River and the Illinois River, open up during the winter.

11:37 - Julie tells us the fly fishing techniques she uses year-round in the rivers in Oklahoma.

13:18 - Broken Bow Lake is a popular destination for recreational activities and fishing. It offers a diverse range of fish species such as big bass and walleye, making it a great fishing spot in Oklahoma.

20:30 - Fishing in Ketchikan, Alaska is an exciting endeavor that Julie embarked on last year and will continue this year.

22:00 - The Texas Fly Fishing & Brew Festival is an annual event to be held in Mesquite, Texas from February 24 to 25. Julie has been attending this festival for the past three years. This will be Julie's third year of joining the event.

24:08 - Julie will also join in the Virginia Fly Fishing & Wine Festival on January 13-14.

24:34 - She talks about the techniques they use in fly fishing competitions.

26:34 - The Lower Mountain Fork is a great place for year-round fishing, thanks to the continuous hatches of various bugs. It is recommended to avoid fishing in March (spring break) and from July 15 to the end of August (hot weather). Guided tours are available in the early morning hours to minimize stress on the fish.

28:07 - Aside from her team at the On the Rivers, she also recommends the Beavers Bend Fly Fishing & Guide Service for anyone who wants to do a fishing trip in Oklahoma.

32:12 - We talk about the hatches in the rivers in Oklahoma. They have a huge black caddis hatch that happens in October. She says the dry dropper is the most effective during this time.

36:30 - It was in Alaska that she realized she wanted to pursue fishing as a career.

38:32 - Fishing in Ketchikan, Alaska is a unique and exciting experience for anglers. She mentions that it is a popular destination for fly fishing for species of salmon and trout. There she works with Family Air Tours from mid-June to around October or September.

46:24 - She describes what the mini competitions are for fly fishing teams.

49:08 - Julie talks about how people can show their support to the US Women's Fly Fishing Team (USWFFT). For those who want to donate or sponsor, you can check out USAngling.org/us-womens-fly-fishing-team/.

53:43 - We talk about the popular fishing spots in Oklahoma based on Drifthook's blog entitled "Top 16 Places to Fly Fish in Oklahoma and What Flies to Use". She also recommends using smaller flies when fishing in Oklahoma.

56:00 - For rods, she recommends a 9ft 5wt as a general rod and a 10 1/2 ft 3wt for euro fishing. Her go-to brands are Temple Fork Outfitters and Cortland. For the lines, she uses the ones from Scientific Anglers.

58:28 - She likes listening to outdoor podcasts and country music.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/550