In the Bucket #20 | Steelhead Stewards of the Pacific Northwest with Trevor Covich and Ed Fuhrken of Waters West Fly Fishing Outfitters
Episode Show Notes
In today’s episode of In the Bucket podcast, we’re joined by Trevor Covich and Ed Fuhrken of Waters West Fly Fishing Outfitters. Both are long-time stewards of Pacific Northwest steelhead, guiding anglers while battling issues like habitat loss, hatchery impacts, and river access.
They talk about what it’s like behind the fly shop counter: the tension between preserving wild runs and serving a growing demand for steelhead experiences. You’ll hear stories about closures, managing stock versus wild fish, and how trout tactics don’t always translate to steelhead crisis zones. Trevor and Ed also reveal the subtle art of timing your swings, staying wet when it counts, and treating every steelhead encounter like it matters—not just for you, but for the rivers downstream.
Along the way, you’ll pick up practical advice: what fly anglers can do to reduce mortality, how to engage with managers and neighbors about river health, and why education and access matter just as much as gear. If you care about fish, fair futures for rivers, and how fly fishing can be part of the solution, this episode lands hard and hopeful.
Episode Recap
00:00 – 07:10 — Brian Niska opens the show, introduces Trevor Covich and Ed Fuhrken from Waters West Fly Shop, and sets the stage with their shared history in guiding and steelhead culture.
07:10 – 17:45 — Trevor and Ed talk about life at Waters West, balancing shop responsibilities with guiding, and the unique challenges of fishing in Port Angeles.
17:45 – 28:30 — The conversation shifts to steelhead closures, hatchery programs, and the impacts of predator dynamics. They unpack the balance between fishing opportunity and conservation.
28:30 – 36:55 — Guide life realities: dealing with pressure on rivers, early mornings, and the art of timing your swing to make the most of short windows.
36:55 – 47:40 — Social media, secrets, and ethics: how online sharing changes fisheries, and why protecting places matters as much as protecting fish.
47:40 – 56:15 — Conservation and advocacy: the role anglers can play in educating others, pushing for sustainable management, and keeping steelhead part of the Northwest identity.
56:15 – End — Closing reflections on community, mentorship, and what it means to be a steward of the fish and rivers they love.
Resources Noted in the Show
Waters West Fly Fishing Outfitters — waterswest.com
Waters West Fly Shop Instagram — @waterswestflyshop