Traveled #21 | Fly Fish Food Jimmy's with Madison Losee presented by Yellowstone Teton Territory

Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/677

Presented By: Yellowstone Teton Territory

Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/teton

Today, we explore Fly Fish Food Jimmy's, a top fly shop in the West, now under new management. Join us as we speak with Madison Losee, the new shop manager. She'll share tips for your next fly fishing trip, including ways to avoid crowds on the famous Henry's Fork and her preferred techniques over the dry dropper method in summer.

Madison will also share stories, including a surprise visit from a celebrity. Whether you're heading to Idaho or looking to up your fishing game, this episode is filled with insights you won't want to miss!

Episode Chapters with Madison Losee on Fly Fish Food Jimmy's

2:17 - Madison explains that after a changeover, the fly shop significantly increased its inventory, especially in fly selection, now offering four times as many flies as before. This expansion was aimed at accommodating the needs of both local fly tying enthusiasts and visitors preparing for fishing trips.

The shop is positioned as a central hub for anglers heading to famous fishing destinations such as the Henry's Fork and the South Fork of the Snake River, benefiting from its strategic location near major highways.

4:01 - She discusses her background and experience leading up to her first managerial role at Fly Fish Food Jimmy's. She explains that while this is her first position as a manager, she has a strong retail background from high school and has grown up working for her family's drift boat company, giving her a long-standing connection to the fly fishing industry.

6:47 - Madison talks about the experience of running a fly shop in Idaho Falls, which attracts both locals and tourists. Common questions from visitors include where to fish and what equipment to use. She also highlights the shop's proximity to prime fishing locations like Henry's Fork and South Fork, which are about 30 to 45 minutes away from town.

10:45 - She describes the team at the fly shop. Madison has been with the shop since June of the previous year. She enjoys interacting with regular customers, learning from experienced fly fishers, and staying updated on new products and gear, which she finds both fun and educational.

21:41 - We talk about Jimmy Gabettas, who was the owner of Jimmy's All Seasons Angler before it was bought by Fly Fish Food. Madison shares that Jimmy is enjoying his retirement by taking bucket list trips, including a recent one to Mongolia, and continues to engage in fishing and hunting. Despite retiring, he still visits the shop regularly to stock up on tying materials and shares his fishing experiences with the staff.

15:04 - Madison mentions spending considerable time fishing in Wyoming and expresses particular enjoyment in fishing the Snake River through Jackson, indicating it's a favorite spot.

17:02 - We talk about fishing in the Snake River area in western Wyoming, specifically through Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole. Madison explains that while having a boat allows for covering more water, it is not essential for fishing there, though caution is advised due to areas with strong whitewater currents.

19:13 - We get into the best times to fish the South Fork of the Snake River. She mentions that although fishing is possible year-round, her favorite times are May and June during runoff, and especially July during the salmon fly hatch. She explains that this hatch is influenced by water temperatures and can be followed through different sections of the river, typically lasting a couple of weeks from the end of June to early July.

20:24 - Madison shares her preference for using large dry flies rather than a dry dropper setup, highlighting her technique of casting close to overhanging trees and "twitching" the fly to attract fish. She emphasizes the importance of precision in casting, even at the risk of losing flies to tree branches, and describes the satisfaction of making a perfect cast.

She also explains her method of twitching the fly by wiggling the rod tip to create movement, which she finds effective in attracting cutthroat trout on the South Fork.

25:37 - She mentions the products available at the shop. Madison also recommends some gear to bring when you a plan a fishing trip to their area. When it comes to casting instruction, she mentions that due to the shop's downtown location, they don't offer in-person coaching.

28:01 - I briefly share about my recent interview with Chris Korich, the coach of renowned fly caster Maxine McCormick. Chris shared insights on how Maxine began casting at the age of nine and quickly won championships, attributing part of her success to the type of rod used. Our episode with Chris will be released in November.

30:46 - Madison describes the experience of visiting their fly shop, highlighting their extensive fly-tying materials section. The shop maintains its original structure, with enhancements for more inventory.

35:48 - She highlights her top flies, mentioning the Chubbys as a must-have. She also mentions the "Pink Albert," which she describes as a fly with a pinkish hue, resembling a pink PMD or potentially a brown drake subspecies.

37:07 - We delve into the gender dynamics within the industry, specifically in fly shops. Madison notes that there is a slim percentage of women visiting the shop, which she finds interesting considering her own background in the industry. She also shares her personal experience of being questioned about her fishing skills despite her position as a shop manager.

40:48 - We ask Madison about some local attractions in Idaho Falls. She recommends The SnakeBite, a well-known local restaurant, popular even among celebrities like Harrison Ford, who visits when he's in town. She also tells a story about encountering Ty Burrell from "Modern Family" at their fly shop, highlighting the area's appeal to celebrities. Beyond dining, she describes Idaho Falls as a hub for outdoor activities, including hiking, dirt biking, mountain biking, and hunting.

42:55 - We discuss fishing opportunities throughout the year in Southport, which remains productive, especially with mid-hatch nymphing. Madison explains that the water stays open, allowing for fishing without obstacles. We also talk about the proximity of steelhead fishing, noting it's about three hours away at the Salmon River, while the Clearwater River is six to seven hours away.

44:23 - Madison talks about how to make the most out of visiting a fly shop. She shares a perspective that visitors should consider spending money, as a form of appreciation for the advice received, instead of just collecting information and purchasing nothing. She also notes that fishing doesn't require expert skills everywhere, as even beginners can succeed.

46:22 - Madison admits she has never tried Euro nymphing, although she acknowledges its popularity. She explains her preference for fishing in her own style, even if it means not catching a fish.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/677