"How to Read Surface Activity and Catch More Trout"

Show Notes:

Episode 16: Unlocking the Secrets of Surface Activity

Welcome back to The Stillwater Edge! Today, we’re diving into a game-changing skill for stillwater fishing—reading surface activity.

If you’ve ever been on the water and noticed ripples, swirls, rising fish, or birds swooping down, but weren’t sure how to react, this episode is for you. Instead of blind casting, learning to read the water and target actively feeding fish will take your success rate to the next level.

In this episode, I’ll cover:
✔ Why surface activity matters and what it tells you about fish behavior
✔ How to recognize key surface clues like ripples, rise forms, and hatches
✔ When and where to expect surface activity
✔ How to adjust your strategy and capitalize on rising fish

By the end, you’ll know how to read the lake, find feeding trout faster, and adapt your approach for maximum success.

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Key Takeaways:

Why Surface Activity Matters

✔ Real-time insights – Surface activity tells you when and where trout are actively feeding.
✔ Targeted fishing = higher success – Casting where fish are feeding increases hookups.
✔ It’s visually exciting – Watching a trout take your fly on the surface is one of the most thrilling moments in fishing.

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How to Read Surface Activity

1. Look for Ripples and Swirls

• Small ripples and rings = Fish feeding just below the surface.
• Larger swirls = Bigger fish feeding aggressively.
• Frequent disturbances = A strong hatch in progress—get ready to match the hatch!

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2. Recognizing Different Rise Forms

• Gentle sips – Fish feeding on midges, mayflies, or small emergers.
• Aggressive splashes – Fish hitting damselflies, caddis, or terrestrials.
• V-wakes – Cruising trout actively hunting—perfect for sight casting.

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3. Watch for Hatch Activity

• Bugs hovering over the water = Fish are tuned into emerging insects.
• Fish rising consistently = Switch to a dry fly or emerger.
• No visible hatches? Try a subsurface emerger pattern.

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4. Use Bird Behavior to Your Advantage

• Swallows diving at the surface = A hatch is happening—get over there and fish it.
• Seagulls circling an area = Possible baitfish activity, which can attract predatory trout.

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5. Timing and Conditions Matter

✔ Best times for surface activity:

• Early mornings and late evenings when trout feel safe rising.
• Overcast days can extend hatch activity.

✔ Avoid high noon in bright sun—fish will often move deeper.

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How to Adjust Your Approach

✔ Switch to Dry Flies or Emergers – If trout are rising, match what’s hatching.
✔ Move to Where the Action Is – If you’re not getting bites and fish are feeding elsewhere, reposition and adapt.
✔ Use Polarized Sunglasses – Helps spot movement and rising fish through glare.
✔ Be Stealthy – Approach rising fish quietly to avoid spooking them.

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Call to Action (CTA):

Reading surface activity is one of the most valuable skills in Stillwater fishing. The next time you’re on the water, pay attention to the clues trout are giving you and fish smarter—not harder.

Try these strategies and let me know how they work for you!

• What’s your best tip for spotting rising fish? DM me on Instagram (@stillwateredge) and share your experiences.
• Subscribe to The Stillwater Edge for weekly expert Stillwater fishing tips.
• Share this episode with a fishing buddy who needs to dial in their dry fly game!

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Episode Outro:

That’s it for today’s episode! Learning to read surface activity will completely change how you fish—it’s the key to unlocking more trout and making every cast count.

By staying observant and adjusting to what’s happening on the water, you’ll be able to target feeding fish instead of guessing where they are.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, subscribe, leave a review, and follow me on Instagram (@stillwateredge). I’d love to hear how you use these tips on your next trip!

Until next time, tight lines and happy fishing!