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.