“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:

1. Use a Type 5 or 7 full sinking line – Floating lines won’t cut it.

2. Experiment with leader length – 6’ for better control, 12’ for stealth and natural movement.

3. Bigger flies work best – They create more vibration and hold up better at speed.

4. Target structure zones – Drop-offs, humps, shoals, and weedy edges are fish magnets.

5. 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."