The thestillwateredge’s Podcast

“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.

Drag Matters – Why Your Fly Reel Isn’t Just a Line Holder

Welcome back to the Stillwater Edge Podcast! In this episode, Greg Keenan dives into a topic many stillwater anglers underestimate — your reel’s drag system. It's more than just a backup plan for big saltwater fish; a well-tuned drag setup can be the difference between landing a trophy trout or adding another "one that got away" story to the pile.
🎙️ What You’ll Learn
What a drag system actually does (spoiler: it’s not just for show).
The three key reasons why drag systems matter in stillwater fly fishing.
Four real-life fishing situations where drag will save your setup (and sanity).
Why using light tippet without proper drag is asking for heartbreak.
Greg’s thoughts on dangles, float tubes, and why your reel might be the weak link.
🧠 Key Points
Drag Defined: Controls resistance as fish pull line — it’s your fish-fighting assistant.
Why It Matters in Stillwater:
Protects light tippets (think 5X, 6X) from snapping during runs.
Handles powerful runs from beefy stillwater trout.
Tires out fish effectively and ethically — especially if you're a catch & release angler.
When You Need It Most:
Fighting large trout (trophy water? Drag on!)
Fishing deep or with sinking lines
On the dangle (no drag = lost fish)
From a float tube (unless you enjoy being towed like a boat anchor…)
Episode Outro
Don’t sleep on your drag system — it’s not just for stopping fish, it’s for landing them clean, smooth, and with your tippet intact. Next time you’re heading to the lake, give your reel a once-over. Smooth drag? Set appropriately? Great — now go get that fish of a lifetime.
If you liked this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and help grow the Stillwater Edge community. And as always — see you on the water and tight lines till next time!

“Float vs. Sink Tip: Crack the Code for Stillwater Fly Success”

Episode Overview
Your fly line choice is not just a technical detail—it’s the gateway to catching more fish, faster. In this quick-hit episode, Greg lays out exactly when to grab your floating line or switch to a sink tip, and why making the right call can be the difference between fish in the net or a long, fishless drift.
Whether you're stripping buggers, wind drifting, fishing a chironomid, or hovering nymphs mid-column, knowing which line to use will instantly level up your stillwater game.
🧠 What You’ll Learn
🟩 When to Use Floating Line
Best for shallow water precision and keeping flies above bottom clutter
Mandatory for indicator setups—no exceptions
Dominates in calm conditions with slow retrieves or wind drifts
Essential for naked (non-indicator) techniques and controlled suspension
⚫ When to Use Sink Tip
Go-to for hitting deeper zones and drop-offs where fish are holding
Crushes it in wind and surface chop—stays in the strike zone
Perfect for keeping weighted flies (like buggers or leeches) in the column without crashing to the bottom
Offers stability and consistent depth control when you’re stripping or drifting
🎯 Greg’s Hot Tip
“It’s not just what fly you use—it’s how and where it travels. Your line makes that happen.”
💬 Final Thoughts
Floating lines and sink tips each shine in different moments. Knowing when to pivot isn’t guesswork—it’s strategy. Nail this decision and you’ll keep your fly where the fish actually are, not where you hope they might be.
🚨 Call to Action
If this helped clear up the floating vs. sink tip mystery, hit follow and leave a review. Got questions or your own fly line moment of clarity? Message Greg—let’s get the Stillwater community talking.
🎤 Till next time, keep your presentations sharp and your lines tight. See you on the water!

Mastering Windy Days on Stillwater"

Show Notes:
Welcome back to the Stillwater Edge Podcast with your host, Greg Keenan. In this power-packed episode, Greg dives into one of the most misunderstood—and often avoided—elements in stillwater fishing: the wind.
While most anglers see wind as a problem, Greg shows you how to flip the script and turn it into one of your greatest allies on the water. If you’ve ever packed up early because of the breeze, this episode will change the way you fish windy days forever.
In This Episode, You'll Learn:
1. How Wind Affects Fish Behavior
Wind creates surface disturbance that reduces light penetration, making fish feel safer.
It pushes food like insects and plankton into specific areas, concentrating the trout's food source—and your opportunity.
2. Reading Wind to Predict Fish Location
Windward Shores: Where the wind hits—more oxygen, more food, more fish.
Leeward Shores: Often calmer, less food activity—fish may be deeper or more scattered.
Islands & Breaks: Fish often stack up around structure that interrupts wind flow.
Drift & Scum Lines: Foam, bubbles, and debris show you where bugs (and trout) collect.
3. Positioning Yourself for Success
Use the wind to your advantage by drifting naturally along productive lanes.
Smart anchoring with wind at your back helps you fish food-rich zones more effectively.
4. Casting & Presentation Adjustments
Shorten leaders to improve control.
Use heavier flies and sinking lines when needed.
Adapt your casting: roll casts, double hauls, and letting floating lines ride the wave.
Don't fight the wind—let it bring your fly to life.
Outro – Wrap-Up & Action Steps
Wind doesn’t have to end your day—it can make your day. Remember:
Understand what the wind is doing to the lake.
Use it to locate fish and food.
Position smartly and adjust your gear.
Let the wind work for you, not against you.
 Found this episode helpful? Share it with a fellow angler who’s been battling the breeze. And don’t forget—next time you’re on the water, lean into the wind and let it guide your success.
Until next time, tight lines and we’ll see you on the water.

“Strategic Trolling: Stillwater’s Most Underrated Weapon”

Trolling with a fly rod is often written off as lazy—but when done right, it’s one of the most calculated, high-yield methods to find fish fast on stillwaters. In this episode, Greg breaks down how trolling can be one of the deadliest tools in your stillwater fishing arsenal.
🎙️ Episode Intro:
"Hey, welcome to the Stillwater Edge podcast. I'm your host, Greg Keenan. Today, we’re diving deep into one of the most underrated techniques in stillwater fly fishing—trolling with a fly rod. Whether you’re working drop-offs for big trout or covering water between slow periods, trolling can help you find fish fast. Let’s strip away the misconceptions and learn how to do it right."
🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why trolling isn’t lazy—it’s lethal when done right
The exact type of fly line you need to succeed (hint: sinking is king)
Leader setups: short vs long leaders and when to use each
The best flies for trolling (think: leeches, streamers, and Gomphus)
How structure like drop-offs, humps, and weedy edges are your trolling goldmines
The power of inside and outside turns to trigger more strikes
The ideal trolling speed to mimic natural prey in different water temps
🐟 Greg’s Key Tips:
Use a Type 5 or 7 full sinking line – Floating lines won’t cut it.
Experiment with leader length – 6’ for better control, 12’ for stealth and natural movement.
Bigger flies work best – They create more vibration and hold up better at speed.
Target structure zones – Drop-offs, humps, shoals, and weedy edges are fish magnets.
Master your speed and direction – 1.2–1.8 mph is the sweet spot; use turns to mimic fleeing or injured prey.
🎣 Outro:
"Trolling a fly isn’t just dragging a bug behind your boat—it’s about strategy. It’s about reading the water, dialing in your depth, and using movement to trigger the strike. If you’ve got tips, experiences, or trolling stories to share, drop them in the comments. I’d love to hear from you—and so would the new anglers listening in. Until next time, tight lines. I’ll see you on the water."

"Why Fly Line Weights Matter More Than You Think"

Struggling with your casting? It might not be your technique—it could be your line. In this episode, we break down why matching your fly line weight to your rod is crucial for better performance, accuracy, and presentation. Whether you're new or need a refresher, this is the quick hit you need to fish smarter.
🎙️ Episode Intro:
Welcome back to the Stillwater Edge Podcast, where we deliver bite-sized, high-impact lessons to help you become a better stillwater angler. I’m your host, Greg Keenan, and today we’re talking about something that can make or break your casting game—fly line weights. Matching your line to your rod isn't just a suggestion, it's a foundation of great fly fishing. By the end of this episode, you'll understand exactly why it matters and how to get it right.
📝 Show Notes:
Episode 33: Why Fly Line Weights Matter More Than You Think
Overview:Greg dives into one of the most commonly asked questions by anglers: “Why does fly line weight matter so much?” Learn how this simple detail affects casting, accuracy, distance, and your entire fishing experience.
What You’ll Learn:
What fly line weight actually is (hint: it's all about the first 30 feet)
5 key reasons to match your fly line weight to your rod:
Casting Performance – Proper flex and energy transfer.
Accuracy – Control your loops and hit your targets.
Distance Control – Reach fish at different depths and ranges.
Ease of Use – Less fatigue, more fun.
Fly Presentation – Make your dries land soft and your streamers punch through wind.
How to choose the right line:
Match it to your rod’s weight rating.
Consider the rod action—fast vs. slow.
Adjust for conditions (wind, big water, etc.).
Overweighted lines for fast action rods (most modern setups are designed for this).
Real-World Tip: If your casting feels off, don’t blame yourself first—check your fly line. A mismatched or worn-out line could be the issue.
🎧 Episode Outro:
That’s it for today’s episode of the Stillwater Edge Podcast. If this helped you rethink your fly line setup, do me a favor—share it with a buddy who’s been struggling with their cast or thinking about upgrading. Sometimes the fix is as simple as swapping a line. As always, tight lines, and I’ll see you guys on the water next time.

“Booby Trap: My Personal Proven Leader Setup for More Hookups”

Want to get the most out of your booby fishing sessions? It's not just about the fly—your leader setup can make or break your day on the water. In this episode, I break down the exact leader system I use that keeps my booby fly in the strike zone and fish on the line.
🎙️ Intro:
Welcome to the Stillwater Edge Podcast. I'm your host, Greg Keenan, and today we’re diving into one of the most effective stillwater techniques—booby fishing. But here’s the twist: it’s not just about the fly. The secret sauce? Your leader setup. I’m sharing the exact system I use to consistently catch fish when they're feeding near the bottom.
📌 Key Points:
Sinking Line ChoiceUse a Type 5 or Type 7 full sink line depending on water depth and speed. Type 7 sinks faster for deeper zones.
Leader SimplicityTrim your fluorocarbon leader to exactly 5 feet for better control, faster sink rate, and higher strike detection.
Tippet SectionAdd 12–18 inches of fluorocarbon tippet—invisible underwater and abrasion-resistant.
Barrel Swivel BenefitsA small barrel swivel connects your leader and tippet for:
Fewer breakoffs.
Reduction in line twist.
Better fly movement and presentation.
Retrieval TipsUse slow retrieves, figure-eight, or slow strips with pauses. Strikes often come on the pause, as the fly rises slightly due to its buoyancy.
Why This Setup WorksSimple, strong, and highly effective—this system maximizes your chances in deeper water where trout are hunting close to the bottom.
🎣 Outro:
If you found today’s episode helpful, hit that subscribe button so you never miss another Stillwater tip. I’d love to hear what your go-to setup is for booby fishing—DM me or drop a comment. Until next time, keep it tight and I’ll see you on the water.

“Fly Line Color—Myth or Must-Have? What Really Matters in Stillwater Fishing”

Welcome back to the Stillwater Edge Podcast!In today’s episode, Greg Keenan dives into one of Stillwater fly fishing’s most debated topics: Does the color of your fly line actually matter?
From bright neon lines to stealthy camo setups, anglers are divided. Greg breaks it all down with real-world insight, drawing from your feedback on Instagram polls, field experience, and a deep understanding of how fish behave in still waters versus rivers.
In this episode, you'll learn:
When fly line color might spook fish (and when it doesn’t)
Why presentation, leader, and tippet choices matter more than line color
How fly line visibility changes between stillwater and river environments
Why bright lines can be an advantage for new anglers and casting practice
The best color choices for specific water conditions and techniques
Whether you're a “high-vis line is fine” angler or part of the stealth camp, this episode will give you a fresh perspective.
👉 Key Takeaway: Fly line color sometimes matters, but not nearly as much as solid presentation, smart leader choices, and smooth, stealthy movement.
🎯 Call to Action:If this episode helped you rethink your fly line setup, hit subscribe, leave a comment with your thoughts, and don’t forget—tight loops, tight lines, and I’ll see you out on the water.

Why John Boats Are a Game-Changer for Trout Anglers

Stillwater Edge Podcast - Episode #30: Why John Boats Are a Game-Changer for Trout Anglers
Hook: If you’re serious about stillwater trout fishing, your boat choice can make or break your success. John Boats? They might just be the ultimate weapon for the job. Let’s break down why!
Episode Highlights:
Why John Boats?
Built for stability, stealth, and shallow-water access, making them perfect for trout fishing.
Originally designed for hunting but adapted for fishing due to their unmatched versatility.
Key Features That Set Them Apart:✔️ Flat-bottom design: Minimal water displacement, allowing for a stealthy approach.✔️ Lightweight aluminum build: Makes them easy to handle and transport.✔️ Customizable setup: Modify your boat with rod holders, tackle storage, and seating for ultimate comfort.
💡 Practical Tips for Choosing the Right John Boat:✅ Match your boat to your fishing conditions. Bigger waters need a longer boat!✅ Test before you buy. Borrow a friend’s boat, check stability, and assess real-world performance.✅ Plan customizations ahead of time. Think about the features you’ll need before making a purchase.✅ Budget wisely. New or used, make sure you get the best value for your investment.
Join the Conversation!
I want to hear from YOU! What’s your go-to John Boat? Any custom mods that changed the game for you? Let’s swap stories and help each other get the most out of our boats!
DM me or comment with your thoughts!
Enjoyed this episode?
Subscribe, share, and tell a friend!Follow for more Stillwater fishing insights!
 See you on the water! #StillwaterEdge #JohnBoatFishing #TroutFishing #FishingGear #BoatLife

Why the Balanced Leech is a Must-Have Fly

Stillwater Edge Podcast - Episode #29: Why the Balanced Leech is a Must-Have Fly
Hook: If you’re not fishing a Balanced Leech, you’re missing out on one of the most effective Stillwater patterns out there. This fly works year-round, triggers subtle but deadly strikes, and can be fished multiple ways. In this episode, I’m breaking down why it works, when to use it, and the best techniques for fishing it successfully.
Key Takeaways from This Episode
Why Does the Balanced Leech Work So Well?
Suspended Presentation – Unlike standard leeches that hang vertically, the balanced leech sits horizontally, imitating a natural swimming motion.
Lifelike Movement – Wind and subtle rod twitches give it a realistic, pulsing action.
Versatile Across Seasons – Whether it’s spring, summer, fall, or winter, this fly works when trout are targeting leeches.
When to Fish the Balanced Leech
✅ Cold Water Periods (Spring & Fall) – Trout key in on leeches as an easy, high-protein meal. Fish it under an indicator near drop-offs and shallow bays.
✅ Midday Lulls – When the bite slows, a slow hand-twist retrieve or an indicator setup can trigger subtle takes.
✅ Deep Water Suspension (Summer) – Hang a balanced leech under an indicator in 20+ feet of water or use a hover/sinking line to get down to feeding trout.
✅ After a Cold Front – When trout are sluggish due to weather shifts, the slow presentation of a balanced leech can be the key to success.
How to Fish the Balanced Leech Successfully
1. Under an Indicator – The easiest and most effective method. The fly moves naturally with the water, and even the slightest twitch on the indicator could be a fish.
2. Slow Retrieves with a Floating Line – Strip, pause, strip to mimic a leech swimming. Works best in shallow water (3-6 feet).
3. Hover or Sink Line for Deep Water – Use a sinking line to get the leech into deeper zones without an indicator. The dangle method (letting your fly hover motionless just off the bottom) is deadly for big trout.
Top 3 Tips for Balanced Leech Success
Use the Right Leader Setup – Fluorocarbon tippet adds stealth and durability. Adjust your indicator depth in 6-12 inch increments until you find fish.
Match the Hatch – Use black, brown, and olive in clear water, and go for red, purple, or white in stained water. If you see black leeches in the lake, fish a black leech.
Be Patient – Long pauses under an indicator almost always outperform active retrieves. If you’re fishing two rods, try one under an indicator and another with a slow strip to see what works best.
Final Thoughts
The Balanced Leech is a Stillwater essential. Whether you fish it under an indicator, with a slow retrieve, or suspended in deep water, it just works. If you're struggling to get bites, tie one on and fish it with confidence.
Call to Action:Tried the Balanced Leech before? Let me know your favorite colours and techniques! Reach out to me on Instagram @StillwaterEdge and let’s talk.
If you found this episode helpful, share it with your fishing buddies and help grow the Stillwater Edge community.
Until next time, tight lines—see you on the water