On The Rivers: With Julie Mattson
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Season 1-Episode 3
Episode Description
Professional guide and U.S. Women's National Fly Fishing Team member Julie Mattson joins Mayfly Rising to share her journey from a young angler in Montana to representing Team USA on the world stage. Along the way, she discusses guiding, mentorship, competition angling, and the experiences that shaped her life on the water.
Julie and Kimberly explore the importance of confidence, education, and creating welcoming spaces for women in fishing. They also discuss the realities of competitive fly fishing, the challenges facing female athletes, and why mentorship plays such an important role in helping new anglers find their place in the sport.
Plus, Julie debuts her new recurring segment, On the Waters: Tips & Tricks, where she shares practical advice to help anglers feel more confident on the water.
Photography: Leann Gatz
Music by Jonas Blakewood
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Key Moments
Inspired by a Fly-Fishing Legend
"Joan Wulff was my hero."
Julie shares how watching one of fly fishing's most influential women inspired her own journey into the sport.
Learning to Guide in Alaska
"You learn quickly out there."
Julie reflects on the challenges, adventures, and lessons learned while guiding in remote wilderness environments.
Winning Gold for Team USA
"It's something I'll never forget."
Julie discusses representing the United States and helping Team USA earn gold on the international stage.
The Cost of Chasing a Dream
Most competitive anglers fund their own participation.
Julie provides an honest look at the financial realities behind international fly-fishing competition.
Helping Others Find Confidence
"Everybody starts somewhere."
Julie explains why teaching and mentorship have become some of the most rewarding parts of her career.
Julie's Tips & Tricks
Julie demonstrates proper fly rod and reel setup and shares simple techniques to help anglers avoid common mistakes.
That format is much closer to the Mayfly Rising style you've been using. But to do it properly, I need the actual chapter list or transcript so the highlights match the episode exactly rather than my assumptions.
Timestamps
2:35 — Meet Julie Matson
4:07 — Early Fly Fishing Roots
6:05 — Joan Wulff Inspiration
7:06 — From Montana to Alaska Guide
8:51 — Earning Respect as Guide
10:40 — Guiding Advice and Safety
12:14 — Most Memorable Client Trip
13:37 — Why Guiding Matters
17:12 — Handling Tough Days
19:46 — Female Guides and Stigma
24:11 — Wildlife Close Calls
27:06 — Where Julie Guides Now
28:09 — Jump to Competition
30:31 — Bad Days Fishing and Resetting
35:32 — Training Like Competitor
36:56 — Craziest Beats at Worlds
40:11 — Guide Frustrations
40:39 — Scariest Moment Airborne
41:46 — Float Planes and Rainbows
43:44 — Worlds Prep and Camaraderie
45:57 — Celebrating Gold Medal
48:25 — Funding Competition
52:27 — Future for Women Fishing
54:06 — Building a Safety Funnel
59:01 — Teaching with Empathy
1:00:57 — Female Representation in Media
1:07:16 — Tips and Tricks Segment
1:08:29 — Rod and Reel Setup
1:12:59 — Final Thanks and Support
1:14:13 — Closing and Contacts
