Best Chesapeake Bay Watershed Podcasts (2025)

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Episode XX - Chesapeake Tales with the Braker Bros 1:31:56

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3y ago1:31:56

1:31:56

On the final episode of the first season of the Fly Fish Forever podcast, we have the opportunity to sit down with two young filmmaking brothers, Andrew and Eric Braker. Their previous film, "A Journey Upstream" served as an inspiration to FFI to celebrate the Chesapeake Bay Watershed in its entirety with the Chesapeake Bay Watershed campaign. We'l…

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Episode XIX - Return to the River with Rappahannock Chief Anne Richardson 1:00:09

3y ago1:00:09

1:00:09

On the penultimate episode of the first season of the Fly Fish Forever podcast, we have the chance to meet Chief Anne Richardson of the Rapphannock Tribe. We'll talk about the history and legacy of the Tribe's 11,000 years in the Rappahannock River watershed and what the Tribe is doing to pass along traditional skills and knowledge to its youth thr…

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Episode XVIII - A Lifetime of Fishing & Lefty Kreh with Bob Clouser 58:39

3y ago58:39

58:39

On this week's episode, we have a really special opportunity to hear from one of fly-fishing's living legends, Bob Clouser. Bob isn't only famous as the inventor of the Clouser Minnow or as the author of Fly Fishing for Smallmouth in Rivers and Streams, he is a true icon of the Susquehanna River, the largest tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. We'll h…

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Episode XVII - The State of Striped Bass with American Saltwater Guides Association 1:13:45

3y ago1:13:45

1:13:45

On this week's episode, we have the opportunity to meet with Willy Goldsmith, the Executive Director, and Will Poston, a Policy Associate, at the American Saltwater Guides Association. We'll go pretty in-depth into the Amendment 7 process, a regulatory update to the Striped Bass Management Plan, which occurred earlier this year and discuss its impo…

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Episode XVI - Fly-Fishing the Delmarva Peninsula with Joe Bruce 1:19:57

3y ago1:19:57

1:19:57

After a five week hiatus, the Fly Fish Forever podcast returns for the final five episodes of Season I: Chesapeake with a very timely and relevant subject: the mighty-mite of the Esox world, the Chain Pickerel, a native species to the Chesapeake Bay watershed, which just happen to be fantastic quarry in the cold winter months. We'll have a chance t…

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Episode XV - Fly Fishing & Conservation on the Rappahannock River with Bryan Hofmann 1:02:45

3y ago1:02:45

1:02:45

On this week's episode, we have the chance to meet with Bryan Hofmann, the Deputy Director of the Friends of the Rappahannock, a non-profit working to protect and restore the Rappahannock River Watershed, one of the largest tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay. We'll talk about what FoR is doing to improve habitat and water quality, the importance of …

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Episode XIV - Fisheries Science in the Field with Morgan Stum 57:05

3y ago57:05

57:05

On the 14th episode of the podcast, we get the chance to sit down with future fisheries biologist and current Penn State graduate student Morgan Stum. We'll talk about her work studying fish populations in the New and Delaware Rivers, two drainages that happen to not be a part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, but which share certain similarities an…

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Episode XIII - Trout Unlimited & Brook Trout with Dustin Wichterman & Seth Coffman 1:13:42

3y ago1:13:42

1:13:42

On this week's episode, we have the opportunity to meet Dustin Wichterman and Seth Coffman, two staff members of Trout Unlimited's Home Rivers Initiative. Their work is focused on protecting, reconnecting and restoring Brook Trout habitat throughout the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. But their work doesn't just benefit trout anglers, the downstream effe…

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Episode XII - The Chesapeake Conservancy with Joel Dunn 54:35

3y ago54:35

54:35

On this week's episode, we have the opportunity to meet with Joel Dunn, the President & CEO of the Chesapeake Conservancy, Dunn leads the Conservancy's efforts to increase public access for everyone and strengthen the connection between people and the Chesapeake Bay watershed to promote a greater appreciation for the need to conserve the Chesapeake…

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Episode XI - The Anacostia River with Phong Trieu 1:01:11

3y ago1:01:11

1:01:11

On the 11th episode of the Fly Fish Forever podcast we have the opportunity to meet Phong Trieu. Phong is a fisheries conservationist, working with the Anacostia Watershed Restoration Partnership, an intergovernmental body devoted to restoring the Anacostia River, America's most urbanized watershed. We'll talk about the work that the Partnership an…

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Episode X - Fly Fishing the Chesapeake Bay with Zack Hoisington 1:31:03

3y ago1:31:03

1:31:03

The tenth episode of Chesapeake brings us halfway to the end of the first season of the Fly Fish Forever Podcast. On this episode, we have the opportunity to meet with Zack Hoisington, a fly-fishing guide and environmental educator based out of Annapolis, Maryland. Zack has been fishing the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries for his entire life and…

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Episode IX - West Virginia Fly Fishing with Pamela Dunlap 40:46

3+ y ago40:46

40:46

On this week's episode, we have the chance to meet Pamela Dunlap. Pamela is the founder of Women, Wine and Waders, a fly fishing group based out of West Virginia. Pamela is also the co-founder of International Women's Fly Fishing Day, and was recognized by the state of West Virginia as one of the state's "50 Wonder Women". Pamela is a teacher and m…

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Episode VIII - Urban Fly Fishing with Chris Wood 55:30

3+ y ago55:30

55:30

On this week's episode, we have the chance to sit down with Chris Wood. Chris is the President and CEO of Trout Unlimited, America's leading coldwater conservation organization, based in Washington, DC. However, don't expect to hear too much about Trout or Salmon on this episode. Instead, we're going to explore Chris's (not so) secret obsession wit…

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Episode VII - Cobia on the Lower Bay with Wayne MacMasters 1:29:28

3+ y ago1:29:28

1:29:28

On this week's episode, we have the chance to meet Wayne MacMasters. Wayne is a fly-fishing guide based out of the Hampton Roads area who specializes in catching Cobia on the fly. Cobia are a migratory species, making their way from the waters of Northern Florida, up the East Coast each spring, and spending their summers in the waters of the Chesap…

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Episode VI - Shenandoah River Smallmouth and Conservation with Mark Frondorf 1:20:07

3+ y ago1:20:07

1:20:07

On the sixth episode of the podcast, we meet with Mark Frondorf. Mark is a longtime fly fishing guide on the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers, the Shenandoah Riverkeeper, as well as the host of the annual Mid-Atlantic Smallmouth Bass symposium. It's fair to say that there may not be a single person in the watershed as tuned in to the ebbs and flows of…

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Episode V - Central PA & The Penn State Fly Fishing Program with George Daniel 51:17

3+ y ago51:17

51:17

On this week's episode of the Fly Fish Forever podcast, we have the opportunity to meet George Daniel. George is one of the most celebrated and visible fly fishers of the past two decades, having written many articles and several books on the subject, with a particular emphasis on trout. However, this episode isn't going to be just a how-to type of…

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Episode IV - The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay with Kate Fritz 52:46

3+ y ago52:46

52:46

On this week's episode of the Fly Fish Forever podcast, we meet with Kate Fritz, the CEO of the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. Kate has spent most of her life living, working and recreating across the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and took up the sport of fly-fishing a little over a year ago. We'll get a chance to learn about the work that the Allian…

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Episode III - Tangier Sound and Speckled Trout with Chris Karwacki 1:02:14

3+ y ago1:02:14

1:02:14

On this week's episode, we have the chance to sit down with Captain Chris Karwacki. Chris is a fly-fishing guide focused on Speckled Trout and Striped Bass in the waters of Tangier Sound. The Sound is known as one of the gems of the Chesapeake Bay, stretching along the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia and providing habitat for a diverse rang…

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Episode II - Bowfin and Snakehead with Grant Alvis 1:24:17

3+ y ago1:24:17

1:24:17

On this week's episode, we are joined by Grant Alvis from Richmond, Virginia. Grant is a fly-fishing guide with a particular affinity for two species that are often mistaken for one another, the Northern Snakehead and the Bowfin. The former is a recent addition to the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, illegally introduced to Maryland waters in the early 20…

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Episode I - Susquehanna Smallmouth with Brian Shumaker 1:13:44

3+ y ago1:13:44

1:13:44

On the very first episode of the very first season of the Fly Fish Forever Podcast, we have the chance to meet Brian Shumaker, one of the top fly fishing guides on the Susquehanna River. The Susquehanna River is the single largest tributary to the Chesapeake Bay, contributing around 55% of all of its freshwater. We go in-depth into Brian's lifetime…

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March: Early Spring Fish 6:38

3+ y ago6:38

6:38

Welcome to our last episode of "Chesapeake Almanac." Cold weather is losing its grip on the Chesapeake, but though the water is still cold, the earliest born Norfolk spot are making their way north, just as much a benchmark of spring as the first crocuses on land. It's March madness, which for finfish means renewed traffic and spawning on the Bay a…

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March: River Geography 6:06

3+ y ago6:06

6:06

There is no other estuary in the world with a network of rivers like the one that feeds Chesapeake Bay. Every square inch in the drainage basins of those rivers is connected directly to the Bay. The Chesapeake itself is a river, after all. It is the drowned valley of the Susquehanna, a 200-mile-long tidal river mouth. In this episode, John Page Wil…

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March: Barnacles and Springtime 5:15

4y ago5:15

5:15

In March, you can see the tiny, wedge-shaped larvae of barnacles catching early spring plankton. They scull about with their six legs, not yet ready to settle and grow into the barnacles we know. Most Bay lovers have at least one good barnacle story. Invariably these tales involved hands cut by sharp shells, or speed- and fuel-robbing crust on boat…

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March: Copepods - Keystones of Spring 7:52

4y ago7:52

7:52

Copepods. They are among the most abundant multicellular animals on earth and generally regarded as the most numerous in the Chesapeake, with numbers routinely as high as 30,000 per cubic meter of water in some areas. They are a keystone food source for virtually every fish species in the Bay. But it takes a 3X hand lens to bring them clearly into …

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February: Cold Water Brings a Quiet Season 4:23

4y ago4:23

4:23

While February is the shortest month of the year, to many anglers it can seem like the longest. What happens to the Bay's species when the cold water of winter sets in? In this episode, John Page takes us beneath the surface of February's Bay--who hibernates; who settles into deep, warmer waters; who heads out to sea. If you liked this episode, ple…

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February: Sea Ducks Relish Winter on the Chesapeake 6:21

4y ago6:21

6:21

Winter brings several diving ducks from Canada and Alaska that thrive on the open Chesapeake. In this episode, John Page introduces us to four sea duck species attracted to the Bay's historically rich bottom food stores found in oyster beds. If you liked this episode, please give us a thumbs up and share your comments, it really helps us to spread …

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February: Otters Are Busy Now 7:51

4y ago7:51

7:51

The Chesapeake has a healthy population of otters. In fact, every river system has at least one family. Otters are perhaps the wildest, most elusive mammals on the Chesapeake. They certainly see more of us than we do of them. However, if you are lucky enough to spot one, watching an otter play on the ice if February is sure to be one of the highlig…

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February: Eagles Nesting 8:37

4y ago8:37

8:37

Did you know it's likely that most members of every population of bald eagles on the East Coast visit the Chesapeake at some point in their lives? In this episode, John Page Williams shares information about bald eagles in the Bay, where you can find them, and tips for identifying them, even if they are immature or too far away to distinguish their…

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December: Miocene Fossils 6:29

4y ago6:29

6:29

Fossils put Bay time into perspective. Features of today's region were already recognizable when the Atlantic Ocean flooded the mouth of the Susquehanna River system 15,000 years ago. In this episode, John Page takes us back to the Bay during the Miocene Epoch and points out spots where fossils from that time can still be found, as well as resource…

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December: Muskrats and Winter Marshes 6:20

4y ago6:20

6:20

In this episode, John Page introduces us to the Chesapeake's most abundant aquatic mammal and one of the few that are active in winter--muskrats. Curious how a warm-blooded mammal can live in an aquatic habitat in the dead of a Chesapeake winter? Learn that and more. TRANSCRIPT Subscribe to Chesapeake Almanac, find us on your favorite podcast platf…

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December: Swan Time 9:32

4y ago9:32

9:32

When the cold fronts push into the Chesapeake region, you can expect to see (and hear) large flocks of tundra swans sweeping in after them. These are creatures of habit, or some may say tradition, flying more than 1,000 miles to the same wintering grounds each year. In this episode, John Page shares some of the reasons these birds select the Chesap…

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December: The "Other" Mollusks 9:09

4y ago9:09

9:09

We all know the iconic Chesapeake oyster. But studying less well known members of the Bay community is often a good window into understanding it better. Softshell clams, hard clams, brackish-water clams, hooked mussels, ribbed mussels, and the stout razor clam each have their own niche and specialty--and guidance for eating. In this episode, John P…

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November: Oysters 6:55

4y ago6:55

6:55

Sometimes it can be easy to forget that oysters share the basic processes of life with us--like eating. In this episode of "Chesapeake Almanac," John Page Williams explains the intricate system of how oysters eat and what makes them so plump in November and December (prime time for oyster stuffing and oyster stew!). TRANSCRIPT Subscribe to Chesapea…

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November: Diatoms - Cold-Water Jewel Boxes 6:47

4y ago6:47

6:47

In this episode of Chesapeake Almanac, John Page Williams introduces us to a group of microscopic plants that live in the Bay thrive over the fall and winter. Diatoms--microscopic algae--are stunningly abundant this time of year. In Edwardian England, those interested in natural history made a hobby of collecting diatoms, looking at them under a mi…

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November: Loons - Fall's Finest Fishermen? 6:20

4y ago6:20

6:20

Loons are as well loved in summer by people on North Country lakes as ospreys are by us here. But at this time of year, they descend on the Chesapeake Bay in the thousands. In this episode, John Page shares his personal introduction to the Chesapeake's fall loons and their extraordinary "banquets" of menhaden. TRANSCRIPT Subscribe to Chesapeake Alm…

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November: Menhaden Migrations 7:20

4y ago7:20

7:20

Where do the menhaden go as they get older? And how do we know? Tagging fish that are caught by the tens of thousands requires an ingenious system. What about winter migrations? In this episode, John Page shares observations of scientists and watermen about the most important fish in the sea. [To find out why menhaden are considered "the most impor…

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October: River Meanders 8:00

4y ago8:00

8:00

Vienna is an old town built on the outside of a sweeping curve, called a meander, in the Nanticoke River. In this episode, John Page explains how meanders shape the landscape, why so many early settlements were established on the outsides of these curves, and why wildlife habitat flourishes on the insides. TRANSCRIPT Subscribe to our Chesapeake Alm…

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October: Oyster Toadfish: A Success at Parenting 6:48

4y ago6:48

6:48

From an angler's point of view, the oyster toadfish might not be good for much. But their parenting technique varies greatly from most of the fish that end up on the dinner table. In this episode, John Page reflects on how his father shared the story of a why a fish with a face only a parent could love deserves some parenting respect. TRANSCRIPT Su…

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October: Harvesttime 9:01

4y ago9:01

9:01

As fall sets in, it's harvesttime around the Chesapeake. Finfish have fattened up on summer's bounty and the marshes provide a bumper crop of nutritious seed. Those who will enjoy this harvest are a remarkably varied lot. In this episode, John Page paints an autumn picture of the cornucopia of the Bay and the varied and ever-moving species partakin…

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October Travelers: Ospreys and Canada Geese 5:18

4y ago5:18

5:18

Two of the Bay's best-loved birds are traveling this month. Ospreys are migrating to South America, following their pattern of seeking endless summer. Canada geese are arriving for a more moderate wintering from the Ungava Peninsula in Quebec. In this episode, John Page provides some interesting insights into the October lives of these fall travele…

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September: Terns: Bright Sparks of Life 8:55

4y ago8:55

8:55

Terns' flying skills make even ospreys look slow and ponderous--and make them captivating to watch. In this episode, John Page introduces us to some of the various species of terns in the Chesapeake--where they get their strength for their aerial acrobatics, their diet and habitat. And why human population pressure is harder on these bright sparks …

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September: Daylight and Water Temperature 5:22

4y ago5:22

5:22

Summer is ending, fall is on the way. Even though the days may still be warm and the landscape green, we have our calendars, our Labor Day holiday, our school schedules--event the Halloween decorations in storefronts--that signal the seasons they are a changin'. But what cues do the birds and fish of the Chesapeake have? The seasonal migrations hav…

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September: Smartweeds Have Much to Teach 6:17

4y ago6:17

6:17

Welcome to Biology class. In this episode, John Page paints a vibrant picture of a high school class learning the skills of observation from aboard canoes in the freshwater marshes of Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge. A closer examination than students expect reveals quite a lot about smartweed (Polygonum punctatum) and tearthumb (Polygonum sagi…

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September: Cattails and Big Cordgrass 4:57

4+ y ago4:57

4:57

While we often think of the Chesapeake's marshes for their rich food stock, like wild rice, acres of tall, tough cattails (Typha angustifolia) and cordgrass (Spartina cynosuroides) offer another fall benefit to wildlife--habitat. In this episode, John Page introduces us to those plants that often fade into the background of the marsh and gives us a…

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September: The Wild Rice Is Ripe 6:04

4+ y ago6:04

6:04

In this episode, John Page introduces us to wild rice. Stands of ripe wild rice in tidal fresh marshes along the Bay--and the blue-winged teal, red-winged blackbirds, and bobolink that enjoy it--are tell-tale signs of fall along the Bay. TRANSCRIPT Subscribe to our Chesapeake Almanac playlist. Or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or visit…

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August: Bay Marshes at Summer's End 8:31

4+ y ago8:31

8:31

In this episode, John Page peels back the layers of Bay marshes. At the end of summer, the growth of marsh plants is lush, thick with ripe seeds and colorful flowers. But below the surface a maze of systems has adapted marsh plants to thrive in some highly challenging environments. Next, read our blog, "Late Summer Glory in Tidal Fresh Marshes." TR…

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August: What Good Are Sea Nettles? 7:42

4+ y ago7:42

7:42

In this episode, you might not get a good answer to this question, but you will find out a lot of interesting things about these pesky creatures. Also called stinging nettle and jellyfish, Chrysaora quinquecirrha are related to corals and sea anemones. Find out how sea nettles reproduce, what weather patterns keep them at bay, and how they function…

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August: A Challenging Month for Osprey Chicks 8:14

4+ y ago8:14

8:14

At eight weeks old, osprey chicks are nearly as large as their parents. But learning the skills they need to fly--indeed, just taking that first step--is a daunting challenge. In this episode, John Page shares the skills these youngsters need to learn before they start their migration to South America late next month. And make sure to listen for hi…

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August: Sea Turtles in the Bay 6:28

4+ y ago6:28

6:28

Sea turtles have been roaming the world's oceans for millions of years. The Atlantic loggerhead (Caretta caretta) is one of just a few that use our estuary, especially in the lower Bay. But like all wandering sea turtles, they have an air of mystery about them and are difficult to trace. Join John Page Williams as he introduces us to some of the my…

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July: The Proud Red Badge 5:33

4+ y ago5:33

5:33

The Chesapeake Bay's best-loved creatures are generally animals we can catch and eat, like blue crabs and oysters. They are followed by species that command our attention, like ospreys and herons. Then there are those whose prominent coloring, distinctive song, and abundance throughout the region mark them as essential to the watershed. In this epi…