Spring Secret Weapon – Mastering Bloodworms on Stillwater

Spring’s Secret Weapon: Mastering Bloodworms on Stillwater"

Show Notes:

 Spring Secret Weapon – Mastering Bloodworms on Stillwater

Welcome to The Stillwater Edge. In this episode, we unlock one of the most under utilized yet powerful flies for early-season stillwater fishing—the bloodworm. As trout emerge from winter, these bright red larvae become a key food source, making them a must-have in your fly box. I’ll break down why bloodworms work, when to fish them, and the best techniques for maximizing your success.

Key Takeaways:

Why Bloodworms Are Essential in Early Spring

• Bloodworms thrive in muddy bottoms and serve as a consistent food source.
• Their high hemoglobin content provides trout with much-needed energy.
• Trout actively seek them out, making them a prime early-season target.

When to Fish Bloodworms

• Early mornings and late afternoons are peak feeding times.
• Look for trout tailing and stirring up sediment—this is a clear sign they’re hunting bloodworms.

Where to Find Them

• Target lakes with muddy bottoms, silty bays, and weed beds.
• Use polarized sunglasses to spot fish digging in the mud.

How to Fish Bloodworms Effectively

1. Static Indicator Setup

   • Simple and effective for beginners—set a bloodworm under an indicator.
   • Use a natural colour bloodworm with a tungsten bead under a desired depth fluorocarbon leader.
   • Works best when trout are feeding low and slow.

2. Active Retrieve Methods

   • Use a clear camo or full sink line to slowly retrieve bloodworms along the bottom.
   • Effective for covering water and targeting larger trout.
   • The key is to stay in contact with the bottom to mimic a natural bloodworm movement.

Bloodworm Color and Size Selection

• Start with red and maroon, but also carry olive or greenish variations.
• Match the hatch. If red isn’t working, switch colours

Additional Tips

• Use long fluorocarbon leaders for a stealthier approach.
• Pay attention to trout behavior—they will show you where the action is.

Call to Action:

Bloodworms are an essential tool for early-season stillwater fishing. Take what you’ve learned today and apply it on the water. Try out these techniques and see how they work for you. And let me know!

Follow me on Instagram (@stillwateredge) for more Stillwater tips and behind-the-scenes content. Subscribe to The Stillwater Edge and leave a review to help more anglers find the show.

Episode Outro:

That’s a wrap on today’s episode. Bloodworms are one of the most reliable early-season food sources, and learning to fish them properly will take your success to another level. Whether you prefer the simple indicator method or want to experiment with retrieve techniques, the key is to stay patient, observe, and adapt.

Thanks for tuning in to The Stillwater Edge. Make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and follow me on Instagram (@stillwateredge) for more stillwater fishing insights. Until next time, tight lines and happy fishing.