Cast West Radio is the thinking angler’s podcast.
Hosted by Montana guide Tim Suttles, this show blends tactical Western fly fishing strategy with real stories from the truck ride to the river. Each episode breaks down seasonal windows, river conditions, fly selection, and the small adjustments that consistently put anglers in position for big fish.
From the Yellowstone River to the Madison and Gallatin, Cast West Radio focuses on Montana’s Western rivers — but the lessons apply anywhere trout live. This isn’t random fishing talk or hero-shot storytelling. It’s preparation, education, and in
This episode focuses on the essential knots every beginner fly angler needs to master. Learn practical tips for tying reliable knots, common mistakes to avoid, and how to build confidence in your fishing setup.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Fly Fishing Basics
00:31 Understanding Essential Knots for Beginners
01:01 Simplicity in Knot Learning
01:23 Understanding the Basics of Knots
01:54 The Importance of Simplicity in Knot Tying
02:30 Essential Knots for Beginners
03:04 Mastering the Improved Clinch Knot
03:36 The Importance of Knot Confidence in Fishing
04:45 The Importance of Knot Tying in Fly Fishing
04:48 Understanding Fly Fishing Techniques
05:03 The Importance of Knot Tying in Fly Fishing
05:05 Understanding Fly Fishing Techniques
05:25 The Importance of Knot Tying in Fly Fishing
06:24 Introduction to the Conversation
06:27 Exploring Key Themes
06:30 Essential Knots for Beginners
07:26 Tying the Triple Surgeon's Knot
07:51 Mastering the Clinch Knot
07:52 The Importance of Knot Tying
07:57 Introduction to the Conversation
07:58 Exploring Key Themes
08:00 Understanding the Perfection Loop
08:02 Exploring Practical Applications
08:14 Introduction to the Perfection Loop
08:47 Practical Applications of the Perfection Loop
09:15 The Essentials of Knot Tying
09:45 Building Your Fishing Skills Gradually
10:15 Mastering Knot Tying for Fishing Success
12:18 Building Confidence Through Practice
12:34 The Importance of Knot Checking
13:06 Mastering the Knot Tying Process
13:38 Mastering the Basics of Knot Tying
14:09 Advanced Knot Techniques for Fly Fishing
14:53 Common Beginner Mistakes with Knots
16:25 The Importance of Proper Knot Techniques
17:13 Essential Knots for Beginners
18:13 The Importance of Simplicity in Fishing Gear
18:53 Essential Knots for Beginners
19:25 Understanding Flies in Fishing
resources
Fly Fishing Knots Guide - Orvis - https://howtoflyfish.orvis.com/fly-fishing-tackle/fly-fishing-knots/ (https://howtoflyfish.orvis.com/fly-fishing-tackle/fly-fishing-knots/)
The Complete Book of Fly Fishing - https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Book-Fly-Fishing-Second/dp/0811709274 (https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Book-Fly-Fishing-Second/dp/0811709274)
Fly Tying Tools and Materials - https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/fly-tying (https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/fly-tying)
Tim's Fly Fishing Tips on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/TimFlyFishing (https://www.youtube.com/user/TimFlyFishing)
7 May 2026
Beginner Series - Episode 3 - Rod Assembly
In this episode, we cover the basic system of setting up a fly rod from start to finish. We discuss the components of the fly setup, their functions, and how they all fit together to create a connected system. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding the basic chain of the fly setup and the confidence it brings to new anglers.
Takeaways
Understanding the basic chain of the fly setup is crucial for new anglers.
Setting up a fly rod is a confidence-building step for beginners in fly fishing.
Chapters
00:00 Understanding the Basic System
07:09 Threading the Line
14:14 Common Mistakes and Tips
23 Apr 2026
Beginner Series - Episode 2 - Gear
Episode 2 of the Cast West Radio Beginner Series is all about gear—what you actually need to start fly fishing, what can wait, and how to keep it simple. We break down rods, reels, fly lines, leaders, tippet, waders, boots, nets, packs, and the small essentials that make a big difference on the water.
This episode is built for the new fly angler who wants clear, practical advice without the confusion or pressure to buy everything at once. The goal is to help you understand what each piece of gear does, how it works together, and where to spend your money first.
If you have ever walked into a fly shop and felt overwhelmed, this one is for you. Simple, useful, and made to help you get rigged up and ready to fish.
Cast West Radio. Live Free.
9 Apr 2026
Beginner Series Episode 1
Episode 1: Beginner Fly Fishing Series | Where to Start
Welcome to Episode 1 of the Cast West beginner fly fishing series. This episode is built for the brand new angler who wants to learn fly fishing without feeling overwhelmed. We break down the basics of what fly fishing is, why it matters, and how to start with confidence. If you are new to fly fishing and looking for a simple, honest introduction, this episode is the perfect place to begin.
2 Apr 2026
Pre-Runoff on the Madison River
Runoff changes everything on the Madison River — from water clarity to trout positioning and fly selection. In this episode of Cast West Radio, we break down how to read rising flows, find productive water, and adjust your approach to stay successful during spring runoff.
Whether you're floating or wading, this practical guide covers early-season tactics, proven flies, and real-world strategy to help you fish the Madison with confidence.
Cast West. Live Free.
I am a Montana fly fishing guide, not a licensed outfitter. Under Mont. Code Ann. § 37-47-101(7), a guide is a person employed by or independently contracted with a licensed outfitter, and under Mont. Code Ann. § 37-47-404(3), guide services may not be offered unless those services are obtained through an endorsing outfitter. I do not offer or book outfitting services directly. Any guided trip or guide service must be arranged through a licensed Montana outfitter. Further, under Mont. Code Ann. § 37-47-301(1), no person may represent themselves to the public as a guide or outfitter without the appropriate license. All podcasts, videos, posts, and related content are provided solely for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes and are not intended as advertising or solicitation for guide services. Any lawful booking for guide services must be made through a licensed Montana outfitter.
18 Mar 2026
Pre-Runoff Gallatin River - Could be here sooner versus later
In this episode of Cast West Radio, we break down pre-runoff fishing on the Gallatin River in Montana and what anglers should expect before spring flows begin to rise. We cover how the Gallatin River fishes in the weeks leading up to runoff, where trout tend to hold, what water to focus on, and how changing conditions can affect your approach. You’ll also hear about productive pre-runoff fly patterns, seasonal strategy, and common mistakes anglers make when targeting the Gallatin this time of year. If you’re looking for practical insight on fly fishing the Gallatin River before runoff, this episode will help you fish with more confidence this spring.
https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/USGS-06043500/#dataTypeId=daily-00010-0&period=P1Y&showFieldMeasurements=true
Talked about items in the show:
https://i0.wp.com/blog.vailvalleyanglers.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/tippet-rings-why-and-how-to-use-them-1.jpg?w=720&ssl=1
These guys have a great photo of the entire setup
12 Mar 2026
Montana Guide vs Montana Outfitter - IMPORTANT PLEASE LISTEN
In this episode of Cast West Radio, I break down an important topic for anyone following along with Montana fly fishing content: the legal distinction between a licensed guide and a licensed outfitter in Montana. I cover what Montana law says, why guided trips must be arranged through a licensed outfitter, and how that applies to the content shared on this page and through this podcast.
This episode is meant to provide clarity and transparency around how guide services are structured in Montana. I also explain why Cast West Radio is intended for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only—not as direct advertising or solicitation for guide services. If you have ever wondered how guiding, outfitting, and media content intersect in Montana, this episode lays it out clearly.
I am a Montana fly fishing guide, not a licensed outfitter. Under Mont. Code Ann. § 37-47-101(7), a guide is a person employed by or independently contracted with a licensed outfitter, and under Mont. Code Ann. § 37-47-404(3), guide services may not be offered unless those services are obtained through an endorsing outfitter. I do not offer or book outfitting services directly. Any guided trip or guide service must be arranged through a licensed Montana outfitter. Further, under Mont. Code Ann. § 37-47-301(1), no person may represent themselves to the public as a guide or outfitter without the appropriate license. All podcasts, videos, posts, and related content are provided solely for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes and are not intended as advertising or solicitation for guide services. Any lawful booking for guide services must be made through a licensed Montana outfitter.
12 Mar 2026
Pre Runoff on the Yellowstone River
In this episode of Cast West Radio, we break down what anglers need to know before runoff hits the Yellowstone. We cover current river conditions, how fish are behaving, where to focus your efforts, productive flies for this window, and how to make the most of one of the best early-season opportunities in Montana. Whether you’re a local or planning a trip, this episode will help you fish the Yellowstone with more confidence before the water starts to rise.
11 Mar 2026
Cast West Trailer - Start Here
Welcome to Cast West Radio.
This short trailer introduces the show and what you can expect from future episodes.
Cast West Radio is the truck ride to the river — a place for anglers who want clear, practical insight into fly fishing the rivers of Montana and the West. Each episode focuses on helping anglers understand river conditions, seasonal strategy, common mistakes, and the small adjustments that often make the biggest difference on the water.
You’ll hear tactical breakdowns, guide perspective, and occasional stories from days on the river — all with the goal of putting anglers in position to catch better fish.
New episodes drop every week, along with short weekly river updates to keep you dialed in.
If you enjoy practical fly fishing knowledge without the noise, you’re in the right place.
Cast West. Live Free.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Contact Cast West Radio
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Cast West Radio?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
