Emerging

What does it take to shape the conversations that define modern fly fishing? In this episode of Emerging, we sit down with Kirk Deeter. Writer, editor, author, conservation advocate, and one of the most influential voices in the fly fishing industry. Over the course of his career, Kirk has helped shape how anglers think about fisheries conservation, outdoor media, fly fishing culture, and the future of the sport. Kirk shares insights from decades spent at the intersection of fly fishing, journalism, and conservation. We discuss the evolution of outdoor media, the changing landscape of the fly fishing industry, what makes a compelling fishing story, and why effective communication is more important than ever for the future of our rivers and fisheries. Along the way, Kirk reflects on mentorship, authenticity, and the responsibility anglers have to protect the resources they enjoy.

Blueprint is a film directed and produced by 5 rivers student Finn Hall. The film follows the 2025 TU Costa 5 Rivers Ambassador Summit. During this event, college anglers from across the country come together for a week of conservation, fishing and community on the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming. Hosted annually by Trout Unlimited, Costa Sunglasses, Indifly, and the Wind River Fish and Game Department, the Summit connects 5 Rivers student leaders with meaningful work. Over the course of the week, students engage in conservation projects, teach fly fishing, and build relationships grounded in a shared respect for rivers and the communities that depend on them. Tune in to hear first hand from Finn all the BTS of the film! Blueprint

Emerger and Emerging were destined to connect someday—and we’re glad it finally happened. Emerger Fly Fishing creates some of the world’s premier handcrafted fly fishing bags. Each one is unique, thoughtfully designed, and built with care to last a lifetime. No detail is overlooked, and no customer is left unsatisfied. Tune in to hear about sourcing, engineering, and everything that goes into building a truly exceptional bag.

David Brotzman has burst onto the fly fishing scene with serious momentum. As the creator behind the alias Very Good Fly Fishing (VGFF), he’s built one of the most down to earth, relatable, and genuinely funny characters in our industry. What sets VGFF apart is the balance! Equal parts skill, storytelling, and not taking it all too seriously. It’s the kind of content that makes you want to grab a rod and just go fish. And it doesn’t stop at short-form. Beyond the reels, Very Good Fly Fishing has carved out a space on YouTube as well, producing longer-form videos that dive into van life, winter camping, and full-on fly fishing adventures! Check out All the content below: Instagram Youtube All The Goods!

Connor Murphy is the Founder of the CSU 5 Rivers club, and an all around fishy dude. Connor spends his time with Fly Water Inc, Emerger Fly Fishing, and St.Peters Fly Shop doing a little bit of everything! In this episode we talk all things fishing, euro, social norms, food, and phish? Tune in and share the show! Enjoy

Jake Thornburg, better known as “Jakey Two Tips,” is a true Gunnison River aficionado and an all-around Colorado Western Slope fishing bum. Though he didn’t grow up fishing, Jake found his way to the river later in life—and once he did, it took hold. What started as curiosity turned into obsession, and eventually into a career built around the very waters he now calls home. In this episode, we talk about how Jake carved out his place on the Western Slope, what makes the Gunnison such a special fishery, and how he has found a love for fishing the bobber.

In this Episode we are joined by Jon Coudriet, a self proclaimed brand aficionado who specializes in fly fishing photography. In this episode we talk about Jon's passion for being in the right place at the right time. How he has made a career out of photography, and how the best camera is the one that you know how to use! Find some of Jon's work at joncoudriet.com Fly Fishing photography Cameras Surfing Striped Marlin Photo Editing Adventure Travel Los Locos

Nelson Oxley is a TU Costa 5 Rivers alumnus from St. Lawrence University who has continued to make a meaningful impact in the fishing industry well beyond his time as a club member. In this episode, we sit down with Nelson to unpack his journey as an angler, from his early days on the water to how the 5 Rivers program helped shape his path and open doors within the industry. This conversation explores personal growth, industry insight, and what it really takes to turn a love for fishing into a lasting career. Mayfly Outdoors 5 Rivers Musky Fishing 25 on the Fly Carp Fishing Fly Lords Fly Fishing Colorado

Thomas is a good friend of Emerging and the OT manager of the infamous St. Peter’s Fly Shop in Fort Collins, Colorado. In this episode, we talk about shop life and what it’s like being part of a fly shop that plays a major role in its local fishing community. We dig into the day to day rhythm of working in a shop, connecting with anglers of all experience levels, and how a shop becomes more than just a place to buy gear. We also cover Thomas’s 5 Rivers journey and his involvement with the CSU Fly Fishing Club, touching on how both experiences helped shape his path in fly fishing. Destination travel is another key part of the conversation, focusing on fishing new places and how travel influences perspective on the water. From local shop conversations to bigger-picture ideas about fly fishing, this episode keeps things grounded and experience-driven. Tune in to learn more.

The Braker Bros are favorite filmmakers in the fly fishing world. Based out of Fort Collins, Colorado, brothers Andrew and Eric Braker have taken the initiative to create films that conserve. Their motto says it all: “Using outdoor storytelling to spark sustainable change.” Every Braker Bros film centers around a compelling story, and many of those stories support causes far bigger than the screen. From AI-powered trout identification to mountain lion conservation, these guys are always pushing boundaries and exploring new ideas. Tune in to hear about their film projects, fishing adventures, film tour experiences, why brown trout are trash, and a whole lot more!

Bonefish & Tarpon Trust's mission is to conserve bonefish, tarpon, and permit—the species, their habitats and the larger fisheries they comprise. BTT pursues this mission through science-based conservation, education, and advocacy across Florida, The Bahamas, Belize and Mexico, as well as in coastal states from Texas to Virginia. Learn more at: www.BTT.org. Our Guest Isabel is originally from Middlebury, Vermont, Isabel grew up in a family of environmentalists and fly anglers spending summers in Twin Bridges, Montana. After graduating with a literary studies degree from the New School in New York, New York, she moved to Sarasota, Florida, to be on the Gulf Coast and take up the arduous task of learning to cast a salt fly rod. Her career in digital marketing and social media management has led her through the worlds of publishing, fine art, museums, and higher education. Through her work at BTT she shares her passion for wildlife conservation through engaging digital storytelling. BTT FACTS relevant to the podcast: Spinning fish in the Florida Keys were first reported to BTT by concerned guides in late 2023. BTT and partners jumped into action beginning January 2024 (more info is available here). An economic impact study by BTT shows that flats fishing for bonefish contributes more than $169 million annually to the Bahamian economy. An economic study by BTT shows: $240 million BZE from flats fishing tourism ($120 million USD); this is 6.7% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), supports 200 + guides in the country, and a further 4000 jobs supported by flats fishing tourism.

Captain Frank Praznik is a national treasure. We took a deep dive in to his nuanced past in the fly fishing (and beauty) industry, from founding a fly shop to ruling the hackle market for some not so fishy reasons. Now, Frank is one of Louisiana's finest redfish guides and is poling the flats every day reeling in monster reds. Listen in to hear all about it! Redfish on the fly State of the fishery Frank Praznik Captains for Clean Water Founding a Fly Shop Working in the beauty industry Ice fishing Fort collins

Jon “JK” Kłaczkiewicz is the founder of Fish Camp and has over 20 years of experience in high-impact filmmaking and branded content. JK is a passionate and motivated media professional with a proven track record of leading and executing film, commercial, and marketing projects from development to distribution, while managing resources, budgets, crews, and talent. As a director and producer, he has created dozens of films and campaigns that have won awards, reached millions of viewers, and inspired action. His credits include the critically acclaimed snowboard epic, “The Fourth Phase” for Red Bull Media House, the impact documentary “Tribal Waters” for Patagonia, and the annual signature ski and snowboard film projects for Teton Gravity Research. He loves collaborating with creative professionals, growing strong teams, and tackling a variety of challenges along the way with the goal to tell stories that matter. In 2018 Jon directed “Beyond The Horizon” winning the Best Film at the Fly Fishing film awards. In this Emerging episode we talk about all of JK's film expirence, and his newest endeavor - FISH CAMP