
Bending Hooks on the Youghiogheny River with Rob Walters
05/02/24 • 84 min
Our destination is the revered Youghiogheny River in Southwestern Pennsylvania with expert fly angler, Rob Walters, head guide for Laurel Highlands Guide Service. Once polluted from abandon mines, the “Yawk” as it’s called, has undergone a remarkable transformation into a world-class tailwater with a reputation for big trout and tremendous hatches.
Rob grew up in Delaware fly fishing on local trout streams and stripers in the surf. In 2005, he moved to Pittsburgh and traded in the salt life for the mountain life of Western PA and has been guiding and fly fishing the Yawk ever since.
Today Rob dials us in to the quality trout waters in the 11 mile middle section, tips on matching streamers to water types and temperature, pike on the fly in the UK, and some great stories of trout so big they straighten your hook.
With host, Steve Haigh
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Destination Angler on YouTube
Pictures from the Yawk
Contact Rob:
- https://laurelhighlandsguideservices.com/ | 412-715-8461 | [email protected]
- Instagram & Facebook @laurelhighlandsguideservices
Please check out our Sponsors:
The number one fishing app, helping trout anglers avoid the crowds and explore new public water. Download it for free in the app store today!
Facebook @troutinsights Instagram @TroutRoutes
THE trusted source for quality fly fishing gear, built to last at an affordable price. Waders, Nets, Outerwear.
Facebook & Instagram @Adamsbuilt
Elevating the coffee experience for the fly-fishing community & anglers everywhere with small-batch coffee delivered to your doorstep.
Facebook & Instagram @anglerscoffeeco
Crafting world Class fly-fishing adventures specially designed to your level of experience and budget.
Facebook @GotFishingAdventures Instagram @GotFishing
Destination Angler Podcast:
· YouTube
- New podcast! Destination Angler ADVENTURES Podcast
- Instagram & Facebook @DestinationAnglerPodcast
Comments & Suggestions: host, Steve Haigh, email [email protected]
Available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Recorded Feb 22, 2024. Episode 117
Our destination is the revered Youghiogheny River in Southwestern Pennsylvania with expert fly angler, Rob Walters, head guide for Laurel Highlands Guide Service. Once polluted from abandon mines, the “Yawk” as it’s called, has undergone a remarkable transformation into a world-class tailwater with a reputation for big trout and tremendous hatches.
Rob grew up in Delaware fly fishing on local trout streams and stripers in the surf. In 2005, he moved to Pittsburgh and traded in the salt life for the mountain life of Western PA and has been guiding and fly fishing the Yawk ever since.
Today Rob dials us in to the quality trout waters in the 11 mile middle section, tips on matching streamers to water types and temperature, pike on the fly in the UK, and some great stories of trout so big they straighten your hook.
With host, Steve Haigh
Be the first to know about new episodes. Become a subscriber
Destination Angler on YouTube
Pictures from the Yawk
Contact Rob:
- https://laurelhighlandsguideservices.com/ | 412-715-8461 | [email protected]
- Instagram & Facebook @laurelhighlandsguideservices
Please check out our Sponsors:
The number one fishing app, helping trout anglers avoid the crowds and explore new public water. Download it for free in the app store today!
Facebook @troutinsights Instagram @TroutRoutes
THE trusted source for quality fly fishing gear, built to last at an affordable price. Waders, Nets, Outerwear.
Facebook & Instagram @Adamsbuilt
Elevating the coffee experience for the fly-fishing community & anglers everywhere with small-batch coffee delivered to your doorstep.
Facebook & Instagram @anglerscoffeeco
Crafting world Class fly-fishing adventures specially designed to your level of experience and budget.
Facebook @GotFishingAdventures Instagram @GotFishing
Destination Angler Podcast:
· YouTube
- New podcast! Destination Angler ADVENTURES Podcast
- Instagram & Facebook @DestinationAnglerPodcast
Comments & Suggestions: host, Steve Haigh, email [email protected]
Available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Recorded Feb 22, 2024. Episode 117
Previous Episode

Deep into the Thorofare in Yellowstone National Park with Paul Weamer
Our destination is the Thorofare Region of Yellowstone National Park, considered the most remote spot in the lower 48, with expert fly angler, guide, and author, Paul Weamer, Coordinator of the Yellowstone Fly Fishing Volunteer Program. Paul and a group of 14 researchers ventured deep into the Thorofare to discover if the efforts to reduce the lake trout population in Yellowstone Lake are positively impacting cutthroat populations. The answer may surprise you.
Paul is a contributing writer for Fly Fisherman Magazine and has written seven books on fly fishing including Favorite Flies for Yellowstone National Park: 50 Essential Patterns from Local Experts. Today he shares his epic adventure in the Thorofare through quicksand and mudholes, blown downs and swamps, not to mention the challenges of traveling over 140 miles on horseback. Would he do it again? Let’s find out!
With host, Steve Haigh
Be the first to know about new episodes. Become a subscriber
Destination Angler on YouTube
Pictures from the Thorofare
Contact Paul:
· Yellowstone Volunteer Fly Fishing Program | [email protected]
Please check out our Sponsors:
Crafting world Class fly-fishing adventures specially designed to your level of experience and budget.
Facebook @GotFishingAdventures Instagram @GotFishing
The number one fishing app, helping trout anglers avoid the crowds and explore new public water. Download it for free in the app store today!
Facebook @troutinsights Instagram @TroutRoutes
THE trusted source for quality fly fishing gear, built to last at an affordable price. Waders, Nets, Outerwear.
Facebook & Instagram @Adamsbuilt
Elevating the coffee experience for the fly-fishing community & anglers everywhere with small-batch coffee delivered to your doorstep.
Facebook & Instagram @anglerscoffeeco
Destination Angler Podcast:
· YouTube
- New podcast! Destination Angler ADVENTURES Podcast
- Instagram & Facebook @DestinationAnglerPodcast
Comments & Suggestions: host, Steve Haigh, email [email protected]
Available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Recorded April 4, 2024. Episode 116
Next Episode

Genghis Khan, Taimen and Fly Fishing Mongolia with Michael Caranci
Our destination is Mongolia, the land of Genghis Khan, in search of the legendary Taimen, the world's largest trout species, with Michael Caranci from Mongolia River Outfitters. Visiting Mongolia feels like stepping back in time. About the size of Texas, it’s the least densely populated country in the world. Here, Taimen thrive in its pristine rivers growing over 50 inches.
Michael first visited Mongolia in 2015 and fell in love with its people, culture, and fly fishing, and has returned ever since. A published writer with over 20 years’ experience managing fly fishing lodges, Michael shares insights on Taimen, their diet, habitats, and how to go after them, fly rod in hand. We also delve into Mongolian culture and the unique experiences it offers. If you are looking for an adrenaline-fueled adventure, this episode is for you.
With host, Steve Haigh
Be the first to know about new episodes. Become a subscriber
Destination Angler on YouTube
Pictures from Mongolia
Contact Michael:
- www.mongoliarivers.com
- www.fishmongolia.com
- Instagram @fishmongolia
- Facebook @Fish Mongolia
Please check out our Sponsors:
THE trusted source for quality fly fishing gear, built to last at an affordable price. Waders, Nets, Outerwear.
Facebook & Instagram @Adamsbuilt
Elevating the coffee experience for the fly-fishing community & anglers everywhere with small-batch coffee delivered to your doorstep.
Facebook & Instagram @anglerscoffeeco
Crafting world Class fly-fishing adventures specially designed to your level of experience and budget.
Facebook @GotFishingAdventures Instagram @GotFishing
The number one fishing app, helping trout anglers avoid the crowds and explore new public water. Download it for free using Destination20 promo code in the app store today!
Facebook @troutinsights Instagram @TroutRoutes
Destination Angler Podcast:
· YouTube
- New podcast! Destination Angler ADVENTURES Podcast
- Instagram & Facebook @DestinationAnglerPodcast
Comments & Suggestions: host, Steve Haigh, email [email protected]
Available on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Recorded March 8, 2024. Episode 118
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