Episode #109
Trout Wrangler Podcast | Season 2, Episode 109 | Building Arizona's All-in-One Fishing Shop
Get a FREE month of TroutRoutes Pro https://troutroutes.onelink.me/NvfJ/6au6z3i3 Get FREE shipping with Cordina Eyewear Use code: RYS_FLIESCLT https://cordinaeyewear.com/RYS_FLIESCLT On today's episode of the Trout Wrangler Podcast , I sit down with Ian Silver , founder of Dirty Verde Outfitters , to talk about his journey from fishing the swamps and rivers of Louisiana to guiding and building a fishing community in northern Arizona. Before starting Dirty Verde Outfitters, Ian spent years chasing redfish, gar and bass throughout Louisiana. After moving west, he brought those bayou roots and years of experience to Arizona's desert waters, where he now guides anglers for everything from trout and bass to hard-fighting carp. We get into what brought Ian to Arizona, how the fishing around Sedona, Oak Creek and the Verde River differs from the fisheries he grew up on, and what surprises anglers most about fishing in the desert. We also discuss the versatility it takes to target multiple species using both fly and conventional tackle. Ian shares the story behind Dirty Verde Outfitters and its growth from a guide service into an all-in-one fly shop, tackle lounge and community gathering place in Camp Verde. The business offers guided trips, casting instruction, equipment and local fishing knowledge while working to create a welcoming home base for anglers of every experience level. We also talk about guiding beginners and families, creating fishing content, building an outdoor business and the responsibility that comes with representing local waters. Ian explains why honesty and effort matter when guiding, especially when changing weather, water conditions and unpredictable fish ultimately determine how each day unfolds. Along the way, we dive into the diverse fishing opportunities found in northern Arizona, including rainbow trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rock bass and carp. We wrap things up with five songs for the Trout Tunes Spotify playlist , followed by final thanks and plugs. Whether you're interested in desert fly fishing, guiding, fishing culture or building a local fly shop from the ground up, this is an episode you won't want to miss.


