Stillwater fly fishing for trout is one of the most popular forms of fly fishing in the UK. Whether you are fishing a small commercial trout fishery or a large reservoir, success comes from understanding where trout are likely to be feeding, how they move around the water and how changing conditions influence their behaviour.
Stillwater fly fishing covers a wide variety of disciplines. Some anglers prefer to fish from the bank, while others fish from a boat to cover larger areas of water. There is also a thriving competition scene, where anglers constantly refine techniques, tackle and presentations to maximise their catches. Many of the methods now widely used on UK stillwaters have developed from this competitive background before becoming popular with recreational anglers.
Unlike river fishing, where the current carries food to the fish, trout in stillwaters are free to move throughout the water. They constantly patrol in search of food, often changing depth and location as light levels, wind, water temperature and insect activity change throughout the day.
One of the biggest differences between successful and unsuccessful stillwater anglers is the ability to locate fish. Before choosing a fly or changing lines, spend time observing the water. Look for rising fish, cruising trout, wind lanes, bird activity, insect hatches and any areas where food may naturally collect.
Depth is usually the first puzzle to solve. Trout may be feeding close to the surface, suspended in open water or holding much deeper. Rather than changing flies repeatedly, it is often more productive to establish the correct depth first, then refine the retrieve and finally adjust the fly pattern if required.
Wind plays a major role in stillwater fishing. It concentrates food, oxygen and insects, often encouraging trout to patrol the windward bank or follow distinct wind lanes across the water. Rather than seeing the wind as an inconvenience, experienced anglers often use it to narrow down where the fish are most likely to be feeding.
Stillwater trout are opportunistic feeders. Depending on the time of year they may feed on buzzers, sedges, terrestrials, shrimp, corixa, fry or other aquatic life. They may also switch quickly between food sources, which is why observation throughout the day is often more valuable than relying solely on what worked previously.
One of the greatest advantages of stillwater fly fishing is the variety of methods available. Dry fly fishing, nymph fishing, lure fishing, bung fishing, washing line fishing, popper fishing and loch style fishing all have their place. The most successful anglers understand when to change methods rather than simply changing flies.
At Peaks Fly Fishing, we encourage anglers to think systematically. Find the fish, establish the depth, choose the correct method, refine the retrieve and finally adjust the fly pattern if necessary. Following that process consistently produces better results than making random changes every few casts.
## Recommended Equipment
### Rods
* A 9ft 6in #6 rod is the most versatile outfit for larger fisheries and reservoirs.
* A #7 rod is useful for heavy lines, larger lures and windy conditions.
### Fly Lines
* Weight Forward Floating.
* Intermediate line.
* Sinking lines for deeper water.
### Leaders & Tippet
* Match the leader length to the method being used.
* Longer leaders generally suit dry flies and buzzers.
* Shorter, stronger leaders are often better for lure fishing.
## Peaks Fly Fishing Tips
* Find the fish before worrying about the fly.
* Solve the depth before changing the pattern.
* Let the conditions dictate the method.
* Pay attention to the wind, as it often tells you where the trout will be.
* Keep notes of successful depths, retrieves and methods throughout the season.