"Cracking the Code: Fly Fishing Success During Ice-Off and Spring Turnover"

how Notes:

Episode 11: Fishing the Ice-Off and Spring Turnover Period

Welcome back to The Stillwater Edge! Today, we’re tackling one of the most frustrating yet rewarding times of year for Stillwater anglers—spring turnover and ice-off.

When the ice melts, the lake completely resets, leading to murky water, scattered fish, and unpredictable bites. But with the right knowledge and tactics, you can turn this challenging time into some of the best fishing of the season.

In this episode, we’ll cover:
✔ What spring turnover is and why it affects fish behavior
✔ The three biggest challenges anglers face during ice-off
✔ Where to find fish when everything seems scattered
✔ The best fly patterns and techniques for success

If you’ve ever struggled with slow fish, cold water, and murky conditions, this episode will give you the game plan you need to adjust and start catching more fish.

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Key Takeaways:

Understanding Spring Turnover

• What is it? When ice melts, the lake mixes from top to bottom, disrupting oxygen levels, fish locations, and food sources.
• Why does it matter? Fish that were deep in winter now scatter, making them harder to locate.
• What does this mean for anglers? You must target oxygen-rich areas and adjust your presentation.

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Challenges During Ice-Off and How to Overcome Them

✔ Scattered Fish – Trout aren’t concentrated in one area, so finding them takes strategy and patience.
✔ Cold Water & Slow Metabolism – Fish are sluggish, meaning slow presentations work best.
✔ Murky Water & Low Visibility – Trout rely more on vibration and movement than sight, so fly selection is key.

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How to Find Fish During Spring Turnover

💡 Focus on Oxygen-Rich Areas

• Shallow bays – Warm faster, bringing fish in.
• Inlets & creek mouths – Fresh water increases oxygen levels.
• Wind-blown shores – Wind pushes food and oxygen toward these areas.
• Drop-offs near shallow zones – Fish move between depths throughout the day.

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Best Flies for Ice-Off Fishing

🎯 Early Season Go-To Patterns:
✔ Tiny Chronomids & Bloodworms (Size 18-20) – Fish them under an indicator with slow, static presentations.
✔ Scuds & Leeches – Slow hand-twist retrieve near the bottom.
✔ Woolly Buggers & Rubber-Legged Leeches – The perfect searching pattern for murky water. Add a bright hot spot for visibility.
✔ Flies with Movement & Vibration – Rubber legs, flash, or hot colors help fish locate your fly in dirty water.

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How to Fish Effectively in Spring Turnover

✔ Use Floating and Intermediate Lines – Keep flies in the strike zone without sinking too fast.
✔ Slow Down Your Retrieve – Fish won’t chase aggressively, so keep movements subtle.
✔ Time Your Fishing Right – Late morning to afternoon is best as water warms up.
✔ Stay Mobile – Fish are scattered, so move frequently until you find them.

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Call to Action (CTA):

Spring turnover doesn’t have to be frustrating—if you adapt your tactics, you’ll find fish when others are struggling.

Try out today’s tips and let me know your success!

• Have an ice-off success story? DM me on Instagram (@stillwateredge) with your go-to flies.
• Subscribe to The Stillwater Edge so you never miss an episode.
• Share this episode with a fishing buddy who needs help cracking the ice-off code.

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Episode Outro:

That’s it for today’s episode! Spring turnover can be one of the most challenging times of year, but with the right strategies, it can also be one of the most rewarding.

Remember: find oxygen-rich areas, slow down your presentation, and use flies that stand out in murky water. If you do that, you’ll be ahead of the game while others are packing up early.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and follow me on Instagram (@stillwateredge). I’d love to hear about your ice-off experiences and what flies have worked best for you.

Until next time, tight lines and happy fishing!