Stillwater tactics: fish the edges first

Stillwater can feel huge. Start with edges, wind lanes, and structure — then adjust depth before changing flies.

Begin near drop-offs, points, weed edges, and any structure that funnels cruising fish.

Wind is your friend: it stacks food and oxygen. Fish the downwind bank when safe.

Use a simple retrieve (slow figure-eight or strip-pause). Let pauses trigger takes.

If nothing happens, change depth before changing fly: add sink time or switch to heavier.

Keep notes: time, wind, depth, and retrieve. Patterns appear quickly.