The thestillwateredge’s Podcast

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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.  

Podcast Show Notes (SEO optimized) Episode Title: intro: Too many anglers change flies too quickly. The DRP method—Depth Retrieve Pattern—gives you a proven system to locate Stillwater trout and stay consistent even on tough days. Episode Description: In this episode of the Stillwater Edge Podcast, Greg shares the DRP Framework (Depth Retrieve Pattern), a system he learned from Phil Rowley that transforms how you approach Stillwater fly fishing. By focusing on depth first, then retrieve, then pattern, you’ll unlock more hookups and avoid wasted hours. Perfect for trout anglers fishing chironomids, scuds, leeches, or balanced flies in lakes across BC and beyond. Key Topics Covered: Why depth matters more than fly choice How to adjust retrieves until trout respond When to change fly patterns and when to stay put Chironomid fishing tips using DRP Using DRP with indicators and sinking lines Lessons learned fishing with Phil Rowley More SWE: Subscribe to the Stillwater Edge Podcast for more trout tactics. Visit stillwateredge.com for free guides, courses, and guided trip optio

  Intro: A cluttered boat doesn’t just waste time—it costs you fish. In this episode, learn how a clean sweep and organized system can instantly make you more efficient and successful on stillwaters. Episode Description: Stillwater success often comes down to preparation—and nothing ruins your efficiency like a messy boat. In this episode of the Stillwater Edge Podcast, Greg Keenan breaks down why keeping your boat clean and organized is more than just aesthetics. From saving trophy shots to protecting expensive fly lines, every detail matters. Discover Greg’s guiding system for anchor management, rod storage, fly boxes, and tools—plus how a simple clean sweep can protect your investment, reduce tangles, and keep you safe on the water. If you’ve ever missed a fish because your line caught on gear, this is the reminder you need. Key Topics Covered: Why clutter costs you fish in critical hatch windows Efficiency equals more fish: the hidden formula Safety hazards of a messy boat Protecting your fly lines and gear investments Greg’s boat organization system (anchors, rods, tools, fly boxes) Small habits that turn into consistent Stillwater success More SWE: Want more Stillwater tips, gear breakdowns, and monthly giveaways? Subscribe to the podcast and grab free PDFs and courses at thestillwateredge.com.

You are getting the depth right but trout keep ignoring your fly. The problem is not your cast or your retrieve. It is size color profile and bead choice. In this episode I show you exactly how to match what trout are actually eating so your presentation gets eaten. Episode Description: Most stillwater anglers miss fish because their chironomid does not match the real thing. In this quick tactical breakdown I walk you through how to pick the correct size first then choose the right colours for season and light and finally dial bead material and visibility so your fly sinks at the right speed and stands out in the right way. You will learn a simple decision tree you can use in minutes so you stop guessing and start stacking fish when the midge hatch is on. Key Topics Covered: Size wins match silhouette before anything else Fast on water intel throat pump results and surface shucks Seasonal and light based color rules spring black and chrome summer naturals fall rust maroon red with adjustments for sun or cloud Beadheads that serve a purpose silver and nickel for gas bubble look black or matte for pressure and clear water Tungsten versus brass when to drop fast to bottom and when to cover the water column on the descent Slim realistic builds that do not overdo ribs gills or flash especially on pressured lakes Five step tie on process observe shucks match size confirm with pump adjust for conditions pick bead for sink rate and visibility test sizes up or down in short windows Want More: Want more stillwater wins and simple gear decisions Join the Stillwater Edge newsletter for monthly free PDFs gear checklists and giveaways and subscribe to the podcast. Ready to level up fast Book a guided day with me and get hands on instruction that shortens your learning curve. Visit thestillwateredge.com to subscribe grab the resources and book your dates.

Showing up to a brand new lake can feel overwhelming but it doesn’t have to. In this episode of the Stillwater Edge Podcast, guide and educator Greg Keenan shares a proven 30-minute system for breaking down any stillwater quickly and effectively. Learn how to identify the three key zones of a lake (littoral, transitional, and deep), locate structure, and use smart rigging strategies to cover multiple depths. Discover how to fish fast with purpose, read lake clues, and find trout without wasting hours guessing. Whether you’re fishing solo, with limited time, or just want to step up your stillwater game, this approach will help you fish smarter and catch more trout from the start. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to identify the 3 key zones of a lake Why the littoral zone is the #1 feeding area for trout How to spot structure and intersecting habitats that hold fish Rigging two rods to cover multiple depths at once How to fish fast but with purpose to dial in trout locations Key signs from the lake that tell you where the fish are feeding Want More: Want more Stillwater fly fishing tips, guides, and resources? Subscribe to the channel and visit theStillwaterEdge.com for free PDFs, courses, and guided trip options.

Intro: You’ve got the flies, the gear, and the perfect conditions yet the fishing is dead. The missing piece? It might just be the moon. In this episode, discover how lunar phases influence trout feeding windows and how to use them to your advantage. Episode Description: Moon phases don’t just matter for tides they also shape trout behavior in stillwaters. In this episode of the Stillwater Edge Podcast, Greg Keenan breaks down the facts versus the fluff around lunar cycles. Learn why full moons often lead to slower daytime fishing, why new moons can be a hidden gem for hungry trout, and how moonrise and moonset create short but powerful feeding windows. If you want to stack the odds in your favor, understanding the moon could be your secret edge. Key Topics Covered: Why moon phases matter (even without tides) Full moon myths and realities for daytime fishing Why the new moon is overlooked but productive How moonrise and moonset trigger short feeding bursts Combining moon data with hatches and weather for the best results Logging trips to spot lunar patterns in your fishing Want More : Want more proven Stillwater tips and gear strategies? Subscribe to the Stillwater Edge Podcast and visit stillwateredge.com for free guides, resources, and guided trip options.

If you fish spring and fall the same way, you’re leaving trout on the table. In this episode, discover the five key differences in trout behavior that will help you adapt your approach and catch more fish year-round. Episode Description: Trout may be the same species, but their behavior in spring and fall could not be more different. In this episode of the Stillwater Edge Podcast, Greg Keenan breaks down the five seasonal shifts every angler needs to understand: water temperature trends, food availability, depth and location, activity levels, and weather stability. Learn how to adjust your tactics so you’re not missing fish by using the wrong seasonal strategy. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been fishing stillwaters for years, these insights will sharpen your seasonal approach and get you dialed in faster. Key Topics Covered: Why warming vs cooling water temperatures change trout metabolism The seasonal diet shift: chironomids and scuds vs minnows and leeches How trout location and depth vary between spring and fall Behavioral changes: scattered fish vs schooling and aggressive cruising The role of weather stability and turnover in both seasons Practical tips to adapt your fishing strategy for more consistent success Want More SWE: Enjoyed this breakdown? Subscribe to the Stillwater Edge Podcast for more seasonal tactics, and visit stillwateredge.com for free guides, in-depth courses, and guided trip options.

Episode Title: Stillwater Leader Setup with Tippet Rings & Swivels Intro: Two tiny upgrades tippet rings and micro swivels can save leaders, reduce line twist, and keep your flies in the strike zone longer. Episode Description: Most stillwater anglers focus on rods and lines but ignore the micro gear that makes everything work better. In this quick episode, Greg explains how tippet rings and micro swivels upgrade your leader system. You’ll learn how they extend leader life, simplify rigging, prevent line twist, and improve presentations under indicators and while stripping flies. Key Topics Covered: Why tippet rings save leaders and speed up fly changes How micro swivels stop line twist and stabilize depth The best leader layout for indicator fishing Bonus tools every stillwater kit should have CTA: Want more stillwater gear tips and rigging breakdowns? Subscribe to the podcast and visit stillwateredge.com for guides, courses, and guided trip options.

Episode Description: When a hot bite dies for no clear reason, barometric pressure is often the culprit. In this quick tactical breakdown, Greg explains how high and low pressure systems change trout behavior and hatch timing, why fish sulk during fast drops, and the exact windows when feeding turns on again. You will get simple adjustments for tactics, flies, and retrieves so you can fish smarter through tough weather and capitalize when conditions bounce back. Want More SWE: Want proven stillwater tactics gear guides and checklists Subscribe to the podcast and visit thestillwateredge.com for free resources courses and guided trip options

Episode Description: Trout follow a seasonal food calendar, and understanding it can transform your fishing success. In this episode of the Stillwater Edge podcast, Greg Keenan breaks down the primary food sources trout rely on in lakes—chironomids, daphnia, scuds, damsels, dragonflies, mayflies, and back swimmers. Learn when trout key in on each, how they feed, and the best fly fishing techniques to match the hatch. If you’ve ever struggled to connect the dots between bug life cycles and trout behavior, this episode gives you the blueprint.

intro: Scuds might be the most overlooked food source in stillwater fly fishing but they’re often the key to consistent success. In this episode, Greg Keenan breaks down exactly when, where, and how to fish scuds so you can start catching more trout. Episode Description: Scuds, also known as freshwater shrimp, are one of the most important year-round food sources for trout in stillwaters. In this episode of the Stillwater Edge Podcast, Greg explains why scuds matter, the best times and places to fish them, and the proven techniques that turn them into trout magnets. From throat sampling to choosing the right colors, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to boost your success on the water. Key Takeaways Fast Points : Scuds are a year-round food source trout rely on for protein Best fished in spring and fall when trout need energy most Thrive in weedy, nutrient-rich lakes Throat sampling helps confirm scud presence Fish them tight to the weeds for best results Floating line with an indicator works well for scuds Vary retrieves to trigger more takes Olive is the most reliable scud color With the right setup, scud fishing is highly effective and fun Want More SWE: Want more stillwater strategies and cheat sheets? Subscribe to the podcast and visit stillwateredge.com for free guides, gear breakdowns, and guided trip options.

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.

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 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.

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.