Many anglers arrive at a stillwater and immediately cast as far as possible. However, some of the most productive water can often be found only a few metres from the bank. Trout regularly patrol the margins searching for food, making them one of the first areas that should be explored before casting into open water.
The margins are rich in natural food. Weed beds, reeds and shallow shelves support buzzers, damsel nymphs, freshwater shrimp, corixa and countless other aquatic insects. Terrestrial insects blown from bankside vegetation also accumulate here, while small fish frequently shelter amongst the weed. This combination creates a reliable food source throughout much of the season.
Time of day has a major influence on margin fishing. Early mornings and evenings are often particularly productive, as lower light levels encourage trout to move confidently into shallow water. During the warmer months, however, the margins can become less productive as the day progresses. As shallow water warms, trout will often move out into deeper, cooler water where temperatures and oxygen levels are more comfortable. Shaded margins, deeper shelves and areas with a fresh wind can still hold fish, but it is important to recognise when conditions suggest it is time to follow the trout away from the bank.
Wind can make the margins even more productive. Food is often blown onto the windward bank, attracting trout looking for an easy meal. Rather than automatically choosing a sheltered area to make casting easier, it is often worth investigating the bank where the wind is pushing food.
Stealth is important. Trout feeding in shallow water are often only a rod length from the bank and can be easily disturbed by heavy footsteps, careless casting or standing directly on the skyline. Approach quietly, stay back from the edge where possible and fish the water closest to you before making longer casts.
Different methods can all be effective in the margins. Dry flies work well when trout are taking insects from the surface, while nymphs, buzzers and washing line setups cover fish feeding just below it. Lures can also be very productive, particularly early and late in the season when trout are searching for larger food items.
Do not leave the margins too quickly. Trout often patrol close to the bank throughout the day, even when the majority of anglers are concentrating on open water. Before changing location, spend time fishing the water immediately in front of you using different depths and retrieves.
At Peaks Fly Fishing, one of the first places we fish is the margin. Time and again, anglers are surprised to discover trout feeding only a few feet from where they are standing. Fishing the margins first is a simple habit that regularly produces fish before the first long cast has even been made.
## Recommended Equipment
### Rods
* A 9ft 6in #6 rod is a versatile choice for most margin fishing.
* A #7 rod can be useful when fishing larger lures or in strong winds.
### Fly Lines
* Weight Forward Floating.
* Intermediate lines can be useful when fish are feeding just below the surface.
### Leaders & Tippet
* Match the leader length to the method being used.
* Longer leaders suit dry flies and buzzers.
* Shorter leaders are often better for lure fishing close to the bank.
## Peaks Fly Fishing Tips
* Fish the water at your feet before making a long cast.
* Approach quietly and avoid standing on the skyline.
* Investigate the windward bank before choosing a sheltered area.
* Cover the margins with more than one method before moving on.
* Do not assume trout leave the margins once the sun gets higher.