Episode Details

There's a difference between visiting a wild place and actually knowing it.

In this episode, Ross explores one of his favorite approaches to backcountry fly fishing: incremental exploration. Rather than constantly chasing new destinations, incremental exploration is about returning to the same rivers, canyons, and wilderness areas over months or even years, gradually pushing farther, discovering new water, and developing a deeper understanding of the places we love.

Drawing on nearly a decade spent exploring one remote Colorado canyon, Ross discusses how individual trips build on one another, how familiarity opens the door to new adventures, and why some of the most rewarding discoveries happen in places you've already visited dozens of times. He also breaks down his four-step approach to exploration: planning, scouting, pushing, and logging, including how he uses tools like TroutRoutes and onX to identify access points, evaluate terrain, and uncover new opportunities.

But incremental exploration is about more than finding untouched water or catching more fish. It's about building relationships with wild places, developing the competence and confidence to explore them more deeply, and discovering that familiarity doesn't have to diminish adventure. Sometimes it makes the experience even more meaningful.

Because the goal isn't always to find somewhere new. Sometimes it's to discover how much you still don't know about a place you thought you knew.

-----

Want to try a free month of TroutRoutes Pro? Use this link: https://qrco.de/bh36IJ

-----

If you're enjoying the show, don't forget to follow us and (if you're feeling gracious) leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.

Have questions or suggestions for the podcast? Email Ross at backcountryflyfishingpodcast@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_flyfishing_podcast/