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:
April
April 7 | 6–7:30pm
Great Smoky Mountains Trout Unlimited
Social Fly Tying Night at Printshop Brewery - SM Blackbird
April 11 | 9am-3pm
Knox Girls Who Fly Fish Clinch River Fly Fishing Day + Talk with Ian Riley
Spend a spring day learning and fishing the Clinch River with Knox Girls Who Fly Fish—starting on the water and ending with an educational talk, food, and drinks at Clinch River Brewing Company.
April 11 | 7:30 AM
Clinch River Trout Unlimited
Aquatic insect survey Miller Island, Norris TN
April 23 | 4 - 7:30 PM
Orvis Knoxville Trout Tour - Film Night
Join us in store for a fun, laid‑back evening celebrating fly fishing, great storytelling, and our local angling community. Orvis is hosting a Fly Fusion Trout Tour Film Night, featuring beautiful short films that capture what we all love about chasing trout—along with drinks, giveaways, and exclusive event‑night savings. 4–6 PM | Happy Hour Grab a drink, talk fishing, and connect with fellow anglers. 6 PM | Film Starts Enjoy Fly Fusion’s Trout Tour film, with gear giveaways during intermission. Wrap‑up around 7:30 PM.
April 24–26
Hiwassee Trout Unlimited
Spring Women’s Fly Fishing Retreat Sevierville, TN
April 25 | 8:30 AM
Clinch River Trout Unlimited
Women on the Pond Ashby Pond, Strawberry Plains, TN
May
May 28 | 6-7:30
Knox Girls Who Fly Fish Community Gear Night
Join us at Alliance Brewing for our first annual Knox Girls Community Gear Night — an evening to circulate gear, support one another, and make fly fishing more accessible for every woman in our group.
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.