The thestillwateredge’s Podcast

Switch Fast Fish More Rigged & Ready

Switch Fast Fish More Rigged & Ready
Hook:Stillwater conditions change fast if you can't keep up, you're already behind. Here's how to stay in the game and catch more fish.
Intro:Welcome to the Stillwater Edge Podcast. I’m your host Greg Keenan, and today we’re digging into one of the most important super skills you can develop as a Stillwater angler how to switch your setup fast. This episode isn’t about efficiency for efficiency’s sake. It’s about catching fish when the conditions turn and the bite window opens. You need to be ready no hesitation, no fumbling. Let’s break down how to build a fast-switch system that keeps you fishing while others are still re-rigging.
Main Tips Covered:
Double Rod Setup:Always have at least two rods rigged and ready one with a floater (for indicators and dries), and one with an intermediate or full sink (for stripping patterns). Prep these before you hit the water so you can grab and go without delay.
Method Swapping Without Downtime:When switching methods, cast the next rod before you reel in the current one. Let one fish while you reset the other. That’s bonus time with your fly in the water.
Pre-Pick Your Backup Fly:Know your next fly before your current one stops working. Have it ready with tippet, nippers, and weight change fast and fish fast. Don’t waste 7 minutes second-guessing flies.
Run a System:Think like a system. Know your fly sequence, rigged rods, and method transitions ahead of time. A dialed process beats guesswork every time.
Outro:Stillwater fishing rewards the angler who stays ready. Fast transitions mean more time fishing, and more time fishing means more hookups. If you found value in today’s episode, tag us and share your own quick-swap systems. Stay sharp, stay prepared, and I’ll see you on the water. Tight lines.

The Fly Line Fix: 3 Easy Ways to Keep Your Cast Crisp

The Fly Line Fix: 3 Easy Ways to Keep Your Cast Crisp
You spent good money on your rods and reels so why are your fly lines turning to garbage?
Intro:Welcome back to the Stillwater Edge Podcast. I’m your host Greg Keenan, and today we’re diving into one of the most overlooked ways to improve your casting and extend the life of your gear: fly line maintenance. It’s simple, quick, and will make your setup feel brand new again. If you want better casts, more takes, and longer lasting gear, this one’s for you.
Key Points Covered:
Rinse After Every Trip
Not always realistic, but ideal especially in dusty, muddy, or slimy stillwaters.
Prevents buildup that ruins line float and performance.
Deep Clean Once a Month
Soak in lukewarm water with mild soap.
Clean while line is on the reel using a soft cloth.
Helps maintain coating on newer fly lines like SlickCast and AST.
Store It Right
Never leave your fly line coiled on a reel in a hot car.
Heat breaks down coating and locks in memory.
Store in a cool, dry space and stretch out occasionally.
Outro:Fly lines are expensive, but they don’t have to wear out fast. Stick to these three habits and your casts will stay clean and crisp all season long. Got your own maintenance tips? Hit me up on Instagram or YouTube and drop a comment I’d love to hear what works for you. Until next time, I’ll see you on the water. Tight lines.

Stealth Mode Activated: 10 Tips to Land More Fish on Stillwater Flats

Stealth Mode Activated: 10 Tips to Land More Fish on Stillwater Flats
Think you’re being sneaky on the Stillwater flats? Odds are, you’re blowing your shot before your fly even hits the water.
IntroWelcome back to the Stillwater Edge Podcast. I’m your host, Greg Keenan. Today, we’re dialing in your cast to avoid spooking fish and start hooking more of them especially in skinny, clear water where your mistakes don’t go unnoticed. Inspired by a recent chat with guides and lodges at the School of Fishing, we’re pulling proven tactics straight from the saltwater flats and applying them to Stillwater fishing. The goal? Stealthy, smart casting that actually converts. Let’s get into it.
Key Tips Covered in the Episode
Use a Longer Leader – Start with 10/12 feet to keep your fly away from your line’s shadow.
Stay Low and Move Slowly – Minimize your profile whether you're on the bank or bow.
Use Wind to Your Advantage – A light breeze at your back softens your fly landing.
Roll Cast When Fish Are Close – Avoid false casts and whip slapping the line.
Cast Beyond the Fish – Retrieve naturally into their path to avoid lining them.
Consider Clear or Low Vis Lines – Especially helpful on calm, high-pressure days.
Spot Before You Cast – Don’t blind cast use your eyes and polarized glasses first.
One Cast, One Chance – Make your first shot count or reposition before trying again.
Fish Low Light Windows – Early morning and late evening give you the stealth edge.
Slow Down and Observe – Less casting, more watching. Hunt your fish like a pro.
OutroThat’s a wrap on today’s episode. Remember, stealthy casting isn’t about being fancy it’s about being thoughtful. The fish are there. You just need to stop alerting them to your presence. Apply these tactics and you'll start seeing more hookups and fewer empty casts. Thanks for tuning in. Tight lines, and I’ll see you on the water.

Thermocline Tactics That Catch Fish when Nothing Else Does

Thermocline Tactics That Catch Fish when Nothing Else Does
Struggling to find trout when the lake heats up? They didn’t disappear they just dropped into the thermocline. Here’s how to follow them down and stay in the zone all day.
Show Notes:In this episode of the Stillwater Edge Podcast, Greg breaks down how to fish the thermocline a critical zone where trout retreat during warm summer days. You’ll learn what it is, why it matters, and how to consistently reach and fish it using the right lines and techniques.
What You'll Learn:
What the thermocline is and how it affects fish behaviour
Why fishing just above or below it can mean the difference between a skunk and a banner day
Which fly lines work best for targeting the thermocline (intermediate, hover, type 3/5/7 full sinks)
How to use the countdown method and fish finder to locate the zone
Greg’s go to method: the dangle with a full sink line
How to make small adjustments to your setup that keep your fly in the strike zone longer
Closing:The fish didn’t shut off they just moved down. Learn how to follow them, fish effectively at depth, and turn slow summer days into success. Got questions or tips on understanding the thermocline better! Tight lines until next time.

Fan Casting for Stillwater Trout How to Cover Water and Find Fish

Fan Casting for Stillwater Trout How to Cover Water and Find Fish
Stillwater has no current and no structure telling you where fish are. If you are just casting straight ahead and hoping, you are missing out. Fan casting is the methodical strategy that will help you locate active fish faster and cover more water with purpose.
Episode Transcript
Welcome to the Stillwater Edge podcast. I am your host Greg Keenan. Today we are going to talk about a deadly little strategy for finding fish and that is called fan casting. This one is easy and fun but incredibly effective.
So what is fan casting exactly? Picture yourself standing on a clock face. Straight ahead of you is twelve o'clock. You are in your boat or on shore and you cast to that twelve o'clock position. But instead of just casting in one direction, you begin casting in a fan pattern. Ten o'clock. Eleven o'clock. Twelve. One o'clock. Two o'clock. Three. You are working that entire arc in front of you.
Why do we do this? Because fan casting is a methodical organized way to cover water. Stillwater is not like a river. There are no currents or riffles telling you where fish are holding. Fish in stillwater are always moving. They are constantly cruising to find food. If you are only casting at twelve o'clock, you might be fishing dead water all day. Meanwhile the fish could be passing by at ten or two o'clock. Fan casting eliminates guesswork and increases your odds of intersecting with fish.
So what makes fan casting so effective? It helps you identify structure and depth changes. Each direction might have different bottom composition. Maybe there is a drop off at one o'clock. Maybe a weed bed sits at three. Each cast gives you data. Every retrieve is information. If you get a take at two o'clock, that is a clue. If it keeps happening, now you know that is where the fish are moving.
It is also about angle of presentation. A fish might ignore your fly from one angle but crush it from another. A leech retrieved head on looks small. A leech retrieved broadside looks like a full meal. Fan casting helps you hit those different angles until you find what triggers a strike.
Let me give you a few pro tips for better fan casting.
First, use a marker on land to keep your casting angles consistent. Pick a tree, a mountain, a rock, anything. Use it to define your twelve o'clock and work your arc from there.
Second, change your depth, not your direction. If you are not getting bites, do not stop the fan casting pattern. Instead, try a faster sinking line or use a countdown to let your fly sink deeper.
Third, track your hits mentally. Know where the strikes are happening. If you keep getting action at one angle, keep coming back to it.
Fourth, let your fly rest after it lands. This mimics natural behaviour and gives the fly time to reach the proper depth. This is especially effective with attractor patterns.
Finally, keep moving. If your fan casts produce no results, shift your position slightly. Make a new arc. Fish move constantly in stillwaters and you need to move with them.
That wraps up this episode. Fan casting is simple but powerful. It helps you cover water, map the lake in your mind, and find fish without electronics. So next time you are on the bank or boat, use the fan casting approach and fish smarter.
Thanks for tuning in to the Stillwater Edge. Leave a comment or review if this episode helped you out. And if you have your own fan casting tips, I want to hear them. Let’s help each other grow. Until next time, tight lines and I will see you on the water.

Stillwater Leader Setups How to Build for Every Technique

Stillwater Leader Setups How to Build for Every Technique
The right leader setup can make or break your day on the water. From dry fly finesse to deep water stripping and naked line tactics, learn exactly how to build leaders that match your technique and maximize hookups.
Episode Intro
Welcome back to the Stillwater Edge podcast. I am Greg Keenan and today we are tackling a topic that often gets overlooked but is absolutely critical to your success on stillwaters. Leader construction. I will walk you through the exact leader setups I use for dry fly fishing, indicator rigs, deep water stripping, and the naked technique. You will also learn when to use mono versus fluorocarbon, how long to make your leaders, and how to dial in each rig to get more fish in the net.
Key Takeaways
Why Leaders Matter
Leaders transfer energy from your line to your fly
Control depth, drift, presentation, and strike detection
Each fishing style demands a unique setup
Dry Fly Setup
Use twelve to fifteen foot leader
Build from a nine foot tapered mono leader with added three to five X tippet
Nylon mono floats better and provides softer presentation
Perfect for spooky fish in calm water
Deep Water Stripping Setup
Use five to eight foot leader, six foot six inches is ideal
Fluorocarbon eight to twelve pound test
Sinks fast, transmits energy efficiently, improves hooksets
Matches with sink three to sink seven lines
Indicator Rig Setup
Use a short butt section to no butt like Rio Stillwater Indicator Leader
Add a barrel swivel and two feet of fluorocarbon tippet
Fluorocarbon sinks quickly and resists drag
Swivel helps prevent tangles and adds subtle weight for natural vertical drift
Naked Technique Setup
Use nine to twelve foot tapered leader
Add twenty five percent extra fluorocarbon tippet for natural arc
Designed for subtle drifts without indicators
Fluorocarbon helps sink flies naturally and improves tension detection
Mono Versus Fluorocarbon
Mono floats and has stretch ideal for surface techniques
Fluorocarbon sinks faster more sensitive nearly invisible great for subsurface
Outro
That wraps up this episode on Stillwater leader building. It does not need to be complicated but it does need to match your fishing technique. Tailor your rig and you will instantly improve your presentation and catch more fish. If this episode helped simplify your setup share it with a friend or tag me on Instagram with your own leader system. Let’s keep learning together. Until next time tight lines and I will see you on the water.

Fly Rod Length for Stillwaters Short Versus Long Rods Explained

Fly Rod Length for Stillwaters Short Versus Long Rods Explained
Choosing the right fly rod length can completely change your Stillwater game. Whether you fish from a boat or the bank, this episode breaks down when to reach for a short rod and when a long rod makes all the difference.
Episode Intro
Welcome to the Stillwater Edge podcast with Greg Keenan. In this episode, we are talking about one of the most overlooked but crucial decisions in Stillwater fly fishing rod length. If you have ever wondered whether a nine foot or ten foot rod is better for your fishing style, this breakdown will give you the clarity you need to choose the right tool for the job.
Key Takeaways
Short Rods Nine to Nine and a Half Feet
Great for accuracy at short to medium distances
Easier to use in tight spaces or while bank fishing
Lightweight and less tiring on long days
Excellent for small structured waters or short punchy casts
Downsides include less control with indicators and long lines and limited leverage at a distance
Long Rods Ten to Ten and a Half Feet
Offer better reach and line control
Ideal for indicators long leaders and boat fishing
Handle wind and slack better
Superior for managing fish during the fight
Can be heavier and more tiring if not well balanced
Awkward in tight spaces and more challenging to transport
When to Use EachUse a short rod when:
Fishing from shore with limited backcasting room
Making short accurate casts into pockets
Targeting fish in close on small stillwaters
Prioritizing comfort and portability
Use a long rod when:
Fishing from boats tubes or on windy water
Using indicator or long leader setups
Lifting and recasting long lines frequently
Fighting fish around obstacles or using the hang
Greg’s RecommendationIf you want one rod that does it all go with a ten foot six weight. It covers most Stillwater scenarios and performs across techniques. But if you are mostly bank fishing or in small areas a shorter rod will serve you better.
Outro
That wraps up today’s episode. Rod length might seem like a minor choice but it plays a major role in your success on Stillwater. If this helped clarify your gear setup share the episode with a fishing buddy. Thanks for tuning in to the Stillwater Edge. I will see you on the water.

Dead Drift Tactics: The Silent Weapon for Slow Days on Stillwaters

Dead Drift Tactics: The Silent Weapon for Slow Days on Stillwaters
When trout refuse to chase, dead drifting can save the day. If you’ve ever faced flat calm water, lethargic fish, or high pressure lakes, this underrated technique might be your new best tool.
Episode Intro
Welcome back to the Stillwater Edge Podcast. I’m Greg Keenan, and today we’re talking about a method that doesn’t get enough attention dead drifting. It’s slow, it’s subtle, and it works when nothing else does. If you’ve been struggling with picky trout or pressured water, dead drifting offers a natural, energy free presentation that fish can’t resist. It’s not flashy, but it gets results and I’m going to show you exactly how to make it work on your next outing.
Key Takeaways
What is Dead Drifting in Stillwaters?
Letting your fly drift naturally with wind and current
Mimics helpless insects like midges, scuds, and nymphs
No stripping, twitching, or aggressive movement just patience
Why It Works
Perfect for lethargic fish in cold or pressured conditions
Natural presentation sits right in the strike zone
Fish don’t have to chase just react
How to Set It Up
Use a floating line or midge tip with a long leader
Go natural with fly patterns: micro leeches, scuds, small nymphs
Avoid flashy attractor flies subtle works best
Execution Tips
Cast across the wind and let it drift naturally
Minimal mending just enough to stay in contact
Watch for subtle takes: twitches, line dips, or tension changes
Stay patient long pauses matter more than frequent casts
Confidence is key: believe in the fly and the drift
Dead drift shines with slow sink lines like a midge tip setup
Outro
That wraps up this episode on dead drifting a slow but deadly method for Stillwater success. Next time the bite goes cold, try this technique and let the results speak for themselves. If you found this helpful, share the podcast, tag a fishing buddy, and leave a review. Tight lines and I’ll see you on the water.

Indicator Size Matters: Small, Medium, Large When to Use What?

Indicator Size Matters: Small, Medium, Large When to Use What?
Stillwater anglers often ask: does indicator size really matter? The answer is yes and picking the wrong size can cost you fish. This episode breaks down exactly when to use small, medium, or large indicators to match your conditions and fly setup.
Episode Intro
Welcome to the Stillwater Edge Podcast, I’m your host Greg Keenan. Today we’re tackling a crucial but often overlooked topic: indicator size. Whether you’re fishing tiny chironomids on glassy water or chucking big balanced leeches in a wind chop, using the wrong indicator can mess up your presentation, kill sensitivity, and reduce hookups. I’ll walk you through the specific times and reasons to use small, medium, or large quick release foam indicators especially for BC style Stillwater setups.
Key Takeaways
Small Indicators: When Stealth Counts
Ideal for calm conditions, clear water, and light flies
Less water disturbance = better stealth
Sensitive to subtle takes, great for spooky fish
Natural drift in glassy water
Best for spring/summer cruising fish near the surface
Medium Indicators: The Daily Driver
Best all around choice for mixed conditions
Handles light chop, heavier flies, and variable depths
Supports tungsten beadheads and longer leaders
Great visibility without being intrusive
Saves time when switching flies or depth on the same rig
Best option when you're unsure or exploring new water
Large Indicators: Built for Tough Conditions
Use in strong wind, rough surface, or when visibility is critical
Perfect for deep water, long leaders (20+ feet), and heavy flies
Buoyant enough to suspend heavy rigs without sinking
Easy to track in low light or at a distance
Go big when fishing wind lanes, drop-offs, or bulky gear
Outro
Indicator size isn’t just preference it’s a performance tool. Match your size to the conditions, fly weight, and depth to maximize your chances on the water. Small = stealth, medium = balance, large = stability in rough weather. If this helped, follow the podcast, share it with your fishing crew, and hit me up with your indicator questions on Instagram or my website. As always tight lines, and I’ll see you on the water.

“Stillwater Fly Design: How Realistic Is Real Enough?”

Episode Intro:
Welcome back to the Stillwater Edge Podcast—your go-to source for quick, tactical tips to elevate your stillwater fly fishing game. I’m your host, Greg Keenan, and today we’re diving into a hot topic that’s been circling fly benches for years: how much detail do your flies really need? Especially when it comes to one of the most essential stillwater patterns—chironomids. Do you need to tie with surgical precision, or is close enough actually good enough? Let's find out.
Key Points Covered:
✅ Pros of Highly Detailed Flies:
Selective Trout Behavior:In calm, clear water during hatches, trout have time to scrutinize your fly. Accurate segmentation and color can absolutely matter.
Angler Confidence:Sometimes detail isn’t just for the trout—it’s for you. Believing in your fly can change how effectively you fish it.
Competitive Edge on Pressured Lakes:Trophy trout have seen it all. A fly with just the right UV flash, ribbing, or translucency can trigger strikes that generic patterns won’t.
❌ Cons of Overly Detailed Flies:
Profile & Size Matter More:Studies show trout react to silhouette and size first—not micro details.
Deeper or Murky Conditions:At 12+ feet or in wind-rippled water, fine details vanish. Movement, color, and contrast become more important.
Time vs. Efficiency:Tying ultra-detailed flies can slow you down. If simpler flies catch fish just as well, why burn time on perfection?
🎯 The Verdict:
Balance wins.Use realistic, detailed flies when trout are picky and conditions are clear. But in most cases, start simple and only adjust if you’re getting refusals. Don’t chase perfection—chase performance.
Episode Outro:
That’s a wrap for today’s episode of the Stillwater Edge Podcast. What do you think—are picky trout worth the extra tying effort, or are we just overcomplicating things? I want to hear your thoughts. Shoot me a message or tag me online—let’s keep this convo going. And as always, I’ll see you on the water.Until next time, tight lines.