Welcome to The Leaky Wader
The Leaky Wader is a Knoxville-based fly fishing podcast and community space rooted in family, friendship, and time spent on East Tennessee waters.
Hosted by Greg Patterson and Jayme Hanna, the show blends easy conversation, husband-and-wife banter, and local river talk with stories from anglers, guides, and neighbors who shape our fishing community.
At its heart, The Leaky Wader exists to help people feel welcome outdoors — wherever they are on their fishing journey.
What We Do
The Leaky Wader exists to support and connect the local fly fishing community in and around East Tennessee.
Through our podcast and events, we:
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Share local river updates, seasonal insights, and fishing culture
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Highlight fly fishing events, meetups, and classes
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Talk with guides, anglers, conservation partners, and local voices
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Create an approachable entry point for beginners, families, and curious newcomers
Whether you’re brand new to fly fishing or have been waist-deep for decades, there’s room for you here.
Local Fly Fishing Events
We love sharing what’s happening around Knoxville and the Smoky Mountains. Here’s what’s coming up:
March
March 7
Knox Girls Who Fly Fish
DINNER, Community, and Smokies Insight with Charity Rutter
Charity shares stories from guiding, her travels, lessons learned on the water, and a look ahead at her upcoming retreats.
March 7
Fly Tying 101 at Orvis-Knoxville
Learn fly-tying basics in one of our free Fly Tying 101 classes. The 2-hour class will cover tools, materials, and techniques. You will learn to tie the famous Woolly Bugger to take home and try your next time out on the water.
March 7
Gatlinburg Trout Facility
Fly fishing competition on River Road with 40 anglers
March 8 | 12-2pm
Orvis Knoxville - THREE NIGHTS, THREE STATES, ALL BASS, NO BRAKES
Join us in store as Virginia smallmouth experts Wesley Hodges and Brady Buchanan share their knowledge from two of the Southeast’s finest rivers—the New and the James. Learn early‑season tactics, topwater summer patterns, fall streamer approaches, and even a taste of Virginia musky talk. Whether you’re gearing up for pre‑spawn or planning a summer river trip, this session will set you up for success.
March 10 | 6–7:30pm
Great Smoky Mountains Trout Unlimited
Social Fly Tying Night at Printshop Brewery - Apple Green Caddis Emerger
March 26 | 6–7:30pm
Knox Girls Private Fly Fishing 101 at Orvis
We’re hosting a private Fly Fishing 101 at Orvis just for our Knox Girls community. Perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to brush up on their skills. All women in our group are invited.
April
April 11 | 7:30 AM
Clinch River Trout Unlimited
Aquatic insect survey Miller Island, Norris TN
April 25th | 8:30 AM
Clinch River Trout Unlimited
Women on the Pond Ashby Pond, Strawberry Plains, TN
April 24–26
Hiwassee Trout Unlimited
Spring Women’s Fly Fishing Retreat
Want your fly fishing event featured?
Contact us below! We're happy to help spread the word.
About Us
The Leaky Wader is a family-run project created by Greg and Jayme, inspired by years on the water and life shared with their son, August.
Greg brings guiding experience, deep river knowledge, and a love of teaching. Jayme brings naturalist roots, community-building, and a passion for helping people feel more comfortable outside. August brings curiosity, joy, and a reminder that the future of our rivers depends on how we invite people in today.
Get in Touch
Follow along with upcoming events, conservation updates, and podcast releases.
If you’d like your fly fishing–related content featured on our site or our podcast, send us a message, we love sharing community stories and events.