The wind is one of the most important factors in stillwater fly fishing. While many anglers see a strong wind as something to battle against, experienced stillwater anglers often welcome it because it concentrates food and helps predict where trout are most likely to be feeding.
As the wind blows across the water, it pushes floating insects, terrestrials, emerging buzzers and other food towards one bank. This creates natural feeding areas where trout can patrol efficiently, often making the windward shore one of the most productive places on the fishery.
The wind also moves the surface water. As this water is pushed across the lake or reservoir, it creates subtle currents beneath the surface that transport food throughout the water column. Trout learn to take advantage of these currents and often patrol along wind lanes where food naturally accumulates.
Not every wind is beneficial. A light ripple can break up the surface, making trout feel more confident and helping conceal the angler. A stronger wind can further concentrate food, but it also makes casting more difficult. In extreme conditions, fish may move into more sheltered bays, corners or along banks where they can feed without fighting the full force of the waves.
Wind direction can also influence insect activity. Terrestrial insects are frequently blown onto the water, while hatching insects often accumulate where the wind naturally carries them. This makes the windward bank an excellent place to search with dry flies, buzzers or washing line setups.
Boat anglers also use the wind to create productive drifts. Rather than fighting the breeze, they position the boat so it drifts naturally across likely feeding areas, covering fresh water with every cast. Well-planned drifts often catch more fish than repeatedly covering the same water.
The best wind direction depends on the venue. Some reservoirs consistently fish well on a south-westerly wind because it pushes food towards productive banks, while smaller fisheries may favour completely different directions. Over time, keeping records of successful sessions helps build an understanding of how individual waters respond to different winds.
At Peaks Fly Fishing, one of the first things we do on arrival is assess the wind. It influences where we start fishing, which methods we choose and how we expect the trout to behave. Understanding the wind is often the difference between fishing at random and fishing with purpose.
## Recommended Equipment
### Rods
* A 9ft 6in #6 rod is a versatile choice for most stillwater fishing.
* In severe winds, a #7 rod can make casting much easier, particularly when fishing larger flies or heavier lines.
### Fly Lines
* Weight Forward Floating for dry flies, buzzers and washing line methods.
* Intermediate lines provide excellent versatility for covering the upper layers.
* Sinking lines allow trout feeding deeper in the water column to be reached.
* In strong winds, a fly line with a shorter front taper can help generate higher line speed and tighter loops, making it much easier to turn over larger flies and maintain accuracy.
### Leaders & Tippet
* Shorten leaders slightly in stronger winds to improve turnover.
* Match tippet strength to the flies, conditions and expected size of trout.
## Peaks Fly Fishing Tips
* Fish the wind rather than avoiding it.
* Check the windward bank before heading elsewhere.
* Watch for wind lanes where food naturally concentrates.
* If the wind becomes very strong, investigate more sheltered areas.
* Remember that the wind changes throughout the day, so keep reassessing where trout are likely to be feeding.