The thestillwateredge’s Podcast

Fishing the Margins How to Find Big Trout in the Shallows

Most anglers row right past the best Stillwater water. In this episode, Greg reveals why the lake margins consistently hold big trout—and how to fish the shallows with confidence. Get the full breakdown and grab your free Stillwater resources at https://thestillwateredge.com
 
Most anglers overlook the margins—but that’s where the food is, and where trout naturally cruise. In this episode, Greg explains why the shallows are one of the most productive zones on any Stillwater and breaks down how to approach the edges with stealth and purpose.
You’ll learn when trout move shallow, the features that consistently hold fish, how wind and light influence margin activity, and the clean simple setups that excel in skinny water. This episode will help you rethink the shoreline and turn more edge water into fishable opportunity.
Key Topics:• Why margins are prime Stillwater habitat• When trout push into the shallows• The role of weeds, insects, and structure• Stealth, angle of attack, and boat control• Fly line selection for skinny water• Proven patterns for weed edges and drop offs
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Stealth Casting: How to Catch More Trophy Trout by Staying Invisible

Most anglers spook trophy trout before the fly even hits the water. In this episode, discover how stealth casting can turn every cast into a catch.
 
 
Stealth casting is one of the most overlooked skills in stillwater fly fishing but it’s the difference between watching trout scatter and watching them eat your fly. In this episode of The Stillwater Edge Podcast, Greg Keenan breaks down how to approach, deliver, and control your presentation without spooking fish. Learn why patience, positioning, and precision matter more than distance or power when you’re hunting trophy trout in clear, shallow water.
Key Topics Covered:
The #1 mistake that spooks trophy trout before your fly even lands
How to make your first cast count every time
Why distance and accuracy beat power in stillwater casting
Leader and line setup tips for stealthy presentations
How to read trout behavior and approach feeding zones quietly
The small adjustments that separate average anglers from trophy hunters
 

How to Travel Light Without Leaving Crucial Gear Behind

Most anglers overpack for the lake and it’s costing them time, space, and fish. In this episode, Greg Keenan shares his proven minimalist Stillwater fly-fishing system to help you travel light without leaving behind what matters. Learn how to streamline your gear, pack smarter for float tubes or boats, and focus more on catching fish than managing clutter. Tune in and discover how to stay efficient, organized, and ready for any Stillwater situation.

The Perfect Stillwater Landing Net What to Buy and Why It Matters

The right stillwater landing net can be the difference between landing a trophy trout and losing it at the boat. In this episode, Greg breaks down what makes the perfect net—hoop size, handle length, mesh type, and the key feature every stillwater angler needs to avoid chaos around anchors and motors.
Visit thestillwateredge.com for stillwater gear guides, checklists, and guided trip options.

The Secret Power of Clear Camo Fly Lines in Stillwater Trout Fishing

Clear camo fly lines aren’t a gimmick they’re a stealth weapon. Greg explains how this translucent line helps you fool pressured Stillwater trout by cutting shadows and blending into the water. Learn when and how to use it to catch more fish in calm, clear lakes.Get free monthly Stillwater PDFs and trip info at thestillwateredge.com.

Fishing the Overlooked Stage: Top 4 Emerger Patterns for Stillwater Trout

Trout often ignore your nymphs and dries because they’re feeding in the emerger zone just below the surface film. In this episode, Greg Keenan shares four deadly emerger fly patterns that trigger strikes when nothing else works.
Learn how to fish Chironomid, Callibaetis, Caddis, and Damsel emergers, when to switch lines, and how to present them perfectly for Stillwater success.
Perfect for anglers looking to master that overlooked feeding zone where big trout feed most aggressively.
Grab your free Stillwater PDFs and book your guided trip at thestillwateredge.com.

Recognizing Trout Stress and Fishing Ethically on Stillwaters

Description:Are you fighting trout too long without realizing it’s hurting the fish? In this episode, Greg Keenan breaks down the signs of trout stress, how water temperature impacts survival, and simple ways to fish more ethically on Stillwaters. Learn how small changes like keeping fish wet, using barbless hooks, and fishing during cooler periods can protect the fisheries we all love.
CTA:Subscribe to the Stillwater Edge Podcast and visit www.thestillwateredge.com for free Stillwater guides, gear breakdowns, and trip info

5 Easy Stillwater Fly Patterns You Should Tie This Winter

What if you could catch more trout next season with just five simple fly patterns? In this episode, Greg Keenan shares his top five Stillwater flies to tie this winter no exotic materials, no advanced techniques, just proven confidence patterns that work.
Discover why simplicity beats complexity at the vise, the color variations that matter most, and how to set up your winter tying sessions for success.
For free Stillwater resources and upcoming course launches, visit thestillwateredge.com and subscribe to the newsletter.
New episodes every Tuesday. Book your 2026 Stillwater guiding trip early spots fill fast!

The Fall Retrieve That Triggers Big Trout

Intro:When water temperatures cool in the fall, trout change their feeding patterns and the same retrieve that fooled them in summer won’t cut it anymore. In this episode, I’ll share the one retrieve that consistently produces aggressive takes during fall stillwater fishing.
Episode Description:Fall is prime time for targeting big stillwater trout, but only if you adjust your approach. In this episode of the Stillwater Edge Podcast, I break down the single retrieve that has transformed my success in autumn. You’ll learn why trout feed differently in fall, how to mimic their preferred prey, and exactly how to execute the retrieve that triggers savage strikes.
Whether you’re fishing leeches, minnows, or dragonfly patterns, this retrieve will help you turn short strikes into hookups and boost your fall catch rates.
Key Topics Covered:
Why trout feed aggressively in fall and crave bigger meals
The “Coast and Burst” retrieve and how it mimics natural prey
Step-by-step: how to execute long pulls with sudden bursts
Best fly lines and depth strategies to fish this retrieve effectively
Real-world results and how this method doubled my catch rate
How to adapt the retrieve to different flies and water conditions
More SWE:Want more fall fishing tips and proven stillwater strategies? Subscribe to the podcast and visit thestillwateredge.com for free guides, monthly gear giveaways, and guided trip options.

Pros and Cons of Bank Fishing in Stillwaters

Hook:Do you really need a boat to catch big stillwater trout? In this episode, Greg breaks down the real pros and cons of fishing from shore and when bank fishing can actually out fish a boat.
Episode Description:Fishing from the bank often looks simple you just walk up and cast. But there’s more to it than meets the eye. In this episode of the Stillwater Edge Podcast, Greg Keenan explores when shore fishing is your best option, the advantages that make it effective, and the limitations you need to know.
From accessibility and low cost to seasonal advantages in spring and fall, bank fishing can open the door to big fish without the expense of a boat. But there are challenges too—limited casting range, wind, brush, pressured shorelines, and seasonal drop-offs in summer and winter. Greg also highlights legendary bank-fishing destinations like Pyramid Lake and Jurassic Lake that prove just how effective fishing from shore can be.
Key Topics Covered:
Why accessibility makes bank fishing ideal for beginners and quick trips
Cost savings compared to float tubes and boats
Seasonal advantages: spring and fall shoreline zones
Stealth benefits of fishing from shore
Limitations: casting range, angle restrictions, and mobility issues
Seasonal challenges in summer heat and winter cold
Famous lakes where bank fishing produces trophy trout
More SWE:Want more Stillwater strategies and gear breakdowns? Subscribe to the podcast and visit stillwateredge.com for free guides, gear checklists, and guided trip options.