The thestillwateredge’s Podcast

Late Fall Hunting Targeting Big Pre Winter Trout

As temperatures drop and winter approaches, trout feed aggressively to bulk up. This late fall window can be one of your best opportunities to connect with trophy stillwater fish if you know where to look and what to use.

Fly Line Backing Explained: Why Every Stillwater Angler Needs It

Think backing doesn’t matter? Think again. When a big trout blitzes your fly and peels every inch of line, that bright spool of backing is either your best friend—or the reason you lose the fish of a lifetime. Most anglers overlook it. In this quick-hit episode, I’ll make sure you’re not one of them.
Intro:Welcome to the Stillwater Edge Podcast. I’m your host, Greg Keenan, and today we’re talking about something that rarely gets the attention it deserves—fly line backing. This might seem like a small detail, but backing plays a massive role in stillwater success, especially when you're fishing deep, fighting big fish, or swapping lines throughout your season. In under five minutes, I’ll show you exactly what kind of backing to use, how much you really need, how to spool it properly, and what setups work best for your goals. Let’s get to it.
What You’ll Learn:
What fly line backing actually does—and why it matters in stillwater
How much backing you really need for trout, pike, carp, and lake trout
The right way to spool backing tight and level (and avoid nasty tangles)
Dacron vs. Gel Spun backing: when to use each
Real-world situations where your backing saves the day (and your fish)
Quick Tips from This Episode:
For most stillwater trout setups, 75 to 100 yards of 20 lb Dacron is ideal
Use your reel specs to avoid overpacking or underfilling
Always spool tight and level to prevent line damage
Use loop-to-loop connections for quick fly line changes
Dacron is your go-to for reliability and cost—Gel Spun only if you need space
Outro:Next time you're setting up your reel, don’t skip over the backing—it’s not just filler, it’s your safety net when it counts. If this episode helped you rethink your setup, make sure to subscribe to the Stillwater Edge podcast, follow us on Instagram, and check out our latest tips and gear on YouTube. As always, I’ll see you out on the water.
 

The Overcasting Trap: Why It’s Costing You Fish

The Overcasting Trap: Why More Casting Isn’t More Effective
Hook:Feel like you're working hard on the water but coming up short on hookups? You might be sabotaging your own success with one of the most common bad habits in Stillwater fly fishing—overcasting. In this episode, I’ll break down exactly why it kills your results and the five simple changes that helped me fix it for good.
Intro:Welcome to the Stillwater Edge Podcast. I’m your host, Greg Keenan. With over 20 years on the water, I’ve learned one thing for sure—great anglers don’t just cast more, they cast smarter. And today we’re diving deep into a habit that quietly ruins countless days on the water: overcasting. Whether you’re new to stillwaters or a seasoned angler looking to level up, this episode will help you make every cast count.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why Overcasting Hurts Your Success:
It spooks nearby fish
It drains your physical and mental energy
It robs you of valuable feedback from each presentation
It causes you to cast past prime feeding zones
It creates the illusion of productivity while wasting time
Five Fixes to Fish Smarter, Not Harder:
Fan Cast Grid: Mentally break the water into pie slices and work each zone methodically
Observe After Each Cast: Let your fly settle and pay attention to what happens next
Count Down Your Fly: Give it time to reach feeding depth before retrieving
Change Retrieve Before Changing Location: Vary your animation before moving on
Set a Cast Limit Per Zone: Keep yourself honest and focused with a 3-cast rule
Outro:Overcasting isn’t a rookie mistake—it’s a habit many anglers develop without even realizing it. But with a few adjustments, you can break the cycle and start fishing with intention. If this episode gave you something to think about, make sure to follow, rate, and share the Stillwater Edge Podcast. Got your own overcasting fix or a question about this episode? Shoot me a message. I’m always here to help. Until next time, I’ll see you on the water.

How to Fish Terrestrials in Stillwater Lakes (Step-by-Step Guide)

What if I told you trout aren’t just eating under the surface? Some of the most explosive eats come from above when hoppers, ants, and beetles hit the water. If you’re not fishing terrestrials, especially on windy summer days, you’re missing out on some of the wildest topwater action Stillwaters have to offer.
Intro:Welcome to the Stillwater Edge Podcast. I’m your host, Greg Keenan, and today we’re flipping the script and heading topside. While most anglers obsess over chironomids and subsurface flies, the truth is, trout are opportunistic and when wind knocks in a hopper or a flying ant, it can trigger aggressive surface takes. In this episode, you’ll learn when, why, and how to fish terrestrials in lakes, including my favorite patterns, presentation tips, and one bonus setup that will double your chances.
Episode Highlights:
1. Why Terrestrials Work in Lakes
Trout are opportunistic and will crush land bugs that get blown in
Bugs behave differently than aquatic insects, often struggling on the surface making them easy targets
2. Prime Conditions for Fishing Terrestrials
Late spring through fall is best
Focus on windy afternoons, overhanging vegetation, and post-thunderstorm calm
Target the littoral zone and zones with visible topwater action
3. Best Terrestrial Patterns to Pack
Hoppers: High-floating and great for summer bank work
Beetles: Ideal for calm surfaces; look for foam-bodied versions
Ants: Deadly during flying ant falls just know trout may shut down for a day or two after a heavy feed
4. How to Fish Them
Use floating lines and 9ft+ leaders
Cast tight to the bank, trees, and drift zones
Try letting them sit, twitching them, or giving them movement like a panicked insect
Trout often study the bug before committing be patient
5. Bonus Tactic: Dry Dropper Setups
If regs allow, run a small nymph dropper below your terrestrial
Size down tippet on glassy days for stealth
Watch for slow sips and explosive takes
Outro:Don’t ignore what the wind brings to the lake. A well-placed hopper or ant can turn a slow day into a memory-maker. If this episode sparked ideas or helped you rethink your surface game, please like, subscribe, and share the podcast. Your support helps me grow the show and keep bringing you valuable, on-the-water-tested strategies. Thanks for tuning in and I’ll see you on the lake.

The Secret Advantage of 10ft Fly Rods in Stillwater Fishing

f you’re serious about Stillwater fly fishing, there’s one rod length that could instantly upgrade your setup—and most anglers are sleeping on it. The 10-foot rod isn’t just a niche tool—it’s a Stillwater weapon. Better control, longer reach, stronger hook sets, and superior presentations. Today, we’re diving into why this rod should be your go-to for lake days.
Intro:Welcome back to the Stillwater Edge Podcast. I’m your host Greg Keenan, and in this episode, we’re talking gear—specifically, a piece of gear that most lake anglers overlook but shouldn’t: the 10-foot fly rod. I’ll break down four clear advantages and one important drawback so you know exactly when and why to use this longer rod on Stillwaters. If you’ve been fishing with just a 9-footer, this episode might change your entire approach.
Key Points Covered:
1. Why Stillwaters Demand a Longer Rod
Stillwater conditions often require long slack line presentations.
The 10-foot rod gives more control over line, drift, and depth.
Essential for managing long leaders in deep or windy conditions.
2. Where the 10 Foot Rod Excels
Indicator Rigs: Handles 20-foot leaders with ease.
Boat and Float Tube Fishing: Extra reach avoids spooking fish and helps fight them away from the craft.
Long Range Coverage: Cast further, stay connected during retrieves.
Suspended and Slow Strip Patterns: Better sensitivity and hook detection with leeches, chironomids, and nymphs.
Fish Control: Applies more pressure when it counts—steering fish away from anchors, structure, or neighboring boats.
3. Versatility Beyond Indicator Work
Works great for Lock style fishing, naked line tactics, and slow suspends.
Sensitive enough to detect subtle eats at depth.
4. The Downsides to Know
Heavier in the hand during long sessions.
Can be cumbersome in tight shore quarters.
Harder to travel with—most cases are built for 9-foot rods.
Less precise at short ranges, making them less ideal for bank work or quick target casts.
5. Greg’s Setup TipMatch your rod, reel, and line to your casting style. It takes experimentation, but it’s worth the effort. A well-balanced 10-foot setup will feel smooth and powerful—like casting butter.
Outro:Thanks for tuning in to the Stillwater Edge Podcast. Whether you’re just getting serious about lake fishing or looking to level up your rig, the 10-foot rod might just be your secret weapon. Rethink your gear, rework your setup, and give yourself the edge on Stillwater. Until next time, tight lines—and I’ll see you on the water.

Overcasting in Stillwater Fly Fishing (And How to Fix It)

Intro:Welcome to the Stillwater Edge Podcast. I’m your host, Greg Keenan. Today, we’re diving deep into one of the most common—and costly—mistakes anglers make on stillwaters: overcasting. Not only does it spook fish and waste energy, but it’s also one of the fastest ways to miss feedback and kill your confidence on the water. I’ll walk you through how to recognize it, why it happens, and exactly how to fix it with smarter, more intentional casts.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
What overcasting actually is (and why it’s not about distance)
How casting too frequently kills your chances
Why casting without feedback leads to frustration
When overcasting shows up most (new lakes, slow periods, watching others)
Simple adjustments you can make right now to fish smarter
How fan casting, retrieve variation, and countdown tactics change everything
Why shorter, calculated casts often catch more fish than long bombs
The mindset shift: fish the zone, not the impulse
Top Takeaways:
Every cast should serve a purpose
Shorter casts = more control = more feedback
Change retrieves to animate the fly differently
Slow down, count down, and read your line
Build confidence through precision, not repetition
Outro:Overcasting kills your confidence. Precision builds it.If this episode hit home, let it be your sign to slow down, rethink your approach, and get intentional with every single cast. Stillwater fishing is about connection—not chaos.Thanks for listening to the Stillwater Edge Podcast. If this topic resonated with you, shoot me a DM on Instagram @thestillwateredge and let me know if you’re an overcaster in recovery. I always respond.Until next time, I’ll see you on the water.

“Night Fishing for Stillwater Trout: Top Flies, Tactics and Safety Tips”

Episode Title:Moonlight Monsters: Night Fishing for Stillwater Trout
 
Intro:Welcome to the Stillwater Edge Podcast. I’m your host, Greg Keenan, and in this episode we’re diving into a rarely talked about but wildly productive tactic night fishing on stillwaters. I’ll cover why nighttime is the right time, where to fish, what flies work best, and how to do it all safely and effectively. Whether you're chasing a trout on a mouse fly or looking for that lights-out bite, this episode will help you unlock a whole new side of the lake.
What You’ll Learn:
Why Night Fishing Works
Less pressure, cooler temps, and rising oxygen levels make fish feel safe—and aggressive.
Big predatory trout come out to ambush prey after dark.
Where to Focus
Skip the middle—hit shoals, weed lines, shallow flats, and windward shores.
Focus on structure and areas that were too warm during the day.
What Flies to Use
Big dark silhouettes like black leeches, woolly buggers, mouse and frog patterns.
Attractor patterns for bold, aggressive strikes.
How to Fish Them
Slow retrieves with long pauses are deadly.
Figure-eight retrieves help stay tight to the fly for those sudden hits.
Gear and Safety Tips
Use headlamps, short leaders, and glow indicators (with caution).
Be visible, wear a PFD, and know your surroundings—it’s dark out there for real.
Best Times to Night Fish:
Hot summer nights
Post-storm calm evenings
When leeches, minnows, and gomphus are active
Outro:If you’ve been ignoring stillwaters after dark, it’s time to rethink your approach. Night fishing unlocks less pressure, more action, and some of the most memorable hookups you'll ever have. Thanks for listening to the Stillwater Edge Podcast. If you found this episode helpful, follow the show, share it with your fishing partner, and I’ll see you on the lake maybe even after dark.

The Fly Size Fix: Match Your Fly to Water and Fish Behaviour

The Fly Size Fix: Match Your Fly to Water and Fish Behaviour
Struggling to get eats on your go to pattern? It might not be the fly itself it could be the size. This episode breaks down the three key factors that should always influence your fly size on stillwaters.
Intro:Welcome back to the Stillwater Edge Podcast. I’m your host Greg Keenan, and today we’re hitting a topic that’s often overlooked but absolutely critical fly size. We’re going to break down how to choose the right size of fly based on three things: water clarity, depth, and fish activity. This is one of those small adjustments that can unlock big results. Stick around, and make sure you catch the announcement at the end.
Key Points Covered:
Water Clarity
Clear water: go small and natural fish have time to inspect
Stained or murky water: size up for visibility and presence
Depth
Shallow water: match the hatch precisely
Deeper water: bigger flies sink faster and stay visible longer
Fish Activity
Sluggish or picky fish: go subtle and smaller
Active, aggressive fish: size up with bold flies like leeches or boobies
If you're not getting follows or takes, your fly may be too big downsize
Quick Takeaways:
Clear water = smaller flies
Murky or deep water = bigger flies
Aggressive fish = bold, larger patterns
Picky fish = subtle and natural
Outro:That’s it for episode 50 of the Stillwater Edge. If you’ve ever been unsure about fly size, I hope this episode gave you a clear framework for making the right call. And on a personal note, thank you for being here this marks the 50th episode, and I appreciate every single one of you who tunes in. More content is coming, more tips are on the way, and I’ll see you on the water. Tight lines.

Cracking the Code of Dry Fly Days

Cracking the Code of Dry Fly Days
Ever wonder why some days trout crush dry flies and other days they ignore them completely? It’s not random and I’m breaking down exactly when, why, and how to time it right.
Intro:Welcome to the Stillwater Edge Podcast. I’m your host, Greg Keenan, and today we’re diving into one of the most exciting and overlooked tactics in stillwater fly fishing dry fly fishing. Watching a trout sip a fly off the surface is a thrill, but it only works if you know when and how to fish it. In this episode, I’m giving you four key factors that will help you master dry fly timing so you stop wasting time and start connecting with fish.
Key Points:
Time of Day Matters
Focus on early mornings and evenings those light transition zones are when trout feel safe rising.
Conditions Tell the Truth
Calm, cloudy, and clear water create perfect dry fly conditions. Wind and bright sun ruin the game.
Read the Rise Forms
Sips, splashes, and swirls all mean something different. Learn what the trout are eating based on how they rise.
Don’t Ignore the Surface Film
That thin layer just under the surface is the deadliest zone when trout are porpoising. Fish it right or miss the action.
Outro:Dry fly days are rare but magical if you’re paying attention. Watch the light. Read the rise forms. Fish the film. And most of all, let the lake tell you what’s happening. If this episode helped sharpen your surface game, do me a favor subscribe, leave a review, and share the Stillwater Edge Podcast with another angler. I appreciate every single one of you. Until next time, I’ll see you on the water. Tight lines.

Green Gold: Fishing the Weed Bed Edges

Green Gold: Fishing the Weed Bed Edge
If you're ignoring weed bed edges, you're skipping the buffet line of Stillwater fishing. Learn how to spot them, fish them, and load up on ferocious trout takes.
Intro:Welcome to the Stillwater Edge podcast. I’m your host, Greg Keenan. In today’s episode, we’re diving into what I call the “Green Gold” of Stillwater fly fishing  weed bed edges. These underwater highways are where trout ambush food, and if you’re not fishing them, you’re leaving opportunity on the table. We’ll break down how to find them, what lines to use, the flies that work best, and how to fish them for explosive results.
Main Takeaways:Why Weed Bed Edges Matter:
Subsurface weed beds are high-traffic feeding zones for trout.
They act as transition areas between cover and open water.
Insects hatch and congregate in these areas  trout know this.
How to Spot Weed Edges:
Look for color transitions from green to dark blue water.
Use polarized sunglasses to see subsurface weed texture in 5–8 feet of water.
Turn up sonar sensitivity to mark weed lines. They’ll show up as static or tall columns.
How to Fish Weed Edges:
Cast parallel to the edge and retrieve along the structure.
Target pockets and irregularities in the weedline.
Focus on ambush zones where trout cruise and hold.
Fly Line Recommendations:
Hover, intermediate, or slow sink lines give you crucial depth control.
Parabolic lines and clear camos are highly effective in 4–12 feet of water.
If you only have a floating line, use a long 12-foot leader.
Best Fly Patterns:
Top 3: Damsels, leeches, and dragonfly nymphs like the gomphus.
Bonus: Small baitfish patterns and booby flies, especially in fall or spring.
Strip a damsel along the edge or suspend a chironomid outside the weeds.
Retrieves That Work:
Faster “pause and go” strip retrieves.
Slower hand twist figure-eight retrieves for a subtle presentation.
Bonus Conditions to Watch For:
Wind pushes food into weed edges, concentrating feeding zones.
Low light: dawn, dusk, and cloudy days light up the action.
On pressured or trophy lakes: go long leader, quiet casts, and stealth mode.
Lakes Mentioned:
Corbett Lake: known for productive weed pockets and big trout.
Island Lake and Tunkwa Lake: excellent examples for stealth weed-edge fishing in skinny water.
Outro:Weed bed edges aren’t obstacles they’re opportunities. Mastering this zone will add a deadly tool to your Stillwater toolbox. If this episode helped, share it with your crew, drop a rating, and tag me when you stick a tank off a weed line. Thanks for listening to the Stillwater Edge podcast. See you on the water and tight lines.