Stillwater trout fishing is a demanding game requiring plenty of forward planning and well organised tackle. In particular it is most important to carry a range of fly lines. From the bank I would never be without a floater, a sink-tip and some kind of intermediate. Boats call for these lines and some serious fast sinkers such as the Greys Deepseeker. Fast sinking lines not only reach depth quickly but while drifting in heavy winds its far easier to maintain control of the flies. Storing lines on a cartridge-type reel such as the Hardy Demon allow for quick changes when required.
Rod length is largely personal preference, although 10' powerhouses with a fast action, such as the Greys Platinum XD Competition Special are popular. If you are going to fish large stillwaters on a regular basis then it is also worth investing in a 10' model capable of carrying an eight weight line. This may seem excessive but the extra length provides great control over the flies, while during a stiff breeze casting will be a pleasure. All fishing demands that we match our tackle to the conditions and stillwaters are no exception.
There is wide range of leader material on the market, but in essence its only two main products - copolymer and fluorocarbon. Explained simply, the copolymer is ideal for fishing near the surface with dry flies. It is often supple, knots easily and most important of all, copolymer sinks slowly. Hardy leader materials have been developed over many years and,will not let you down. With copolymer leaders you can add another piece of essential tackle to the list - leader sink. Use a putty variety, moisten it thoroughly and smear the length of the leader to degrease it, assisting the line's passage through the surface film. Dry flies connected to a floating leader are very likely to meet with suspicion and it often results in an aborted take.
When fishing sub-surface, it is highly recommended to do so with fluorocarbon. A relative newcomer to the fly fishing scene, this leader material has taken lake fishing by storm and is used worldwide for many species. The key advantage fluorocarbon offers over copolymer is that the amount of reflected light is greatly reduced. This is a major asset when fishing very slowly with buzzers and other imitative patterns in clear water conditions. However, there is a disadvantage that makes fluorocarbon unsuitable for dry flies - it sinks. Therefore carry both varieties in breaking strains of ten, eight and six pounds to enable the tying of tapered leaders which should be in the region of 14' to 16'.
Stillwaters provide anglers with a huge range of techniques and tactics requiring a decent fly collection. Every box should contain buzzers (midge) a food item that makes up a massive proportion of a trout's diet. All stages of the buzzer should be considered including the bloodworm which resides on the lake bed. Pupa are the most dominant phase and can be fished throughout the water layers. I ensure I have a good stock of Olive and Black incorporating several variations just in case the fish start to grow wary of a particular pattern. Red is another popular colour and as with all fly fishing ensure a range of sizes from # 16 to # 8 are available. There are two more subsurface patterns that boast suggestive imitative qualities; Crunchers and Diawl Bachs. Use these in teams of two, three or four mixed with buzzers to fish several layers of water while providing the fish with options. Fishing on the surface with imitative patterns is dealt with using CDC Hoppers, Harry Potters and Bobs Bits tied in a variation of formats; big and bushy for a decent wave, sparse for a gentle ripple or flat calm.
Stocked trout in particular are aggressive creatures, although their wilder cousins are also inquisitive and likely to react to flies that may look like nothing on earth! Sinking lines in particular lend themselves to techniques such as the washing line that would not be possible without a buoyant pattern such as the Booby. These weird creations are deadly and available in a huge array of colours and sizes. Utilising plastazote or similar the eyes which give the fly its name can also be varied to create a highly buoyant pattern or one that will sink steadily. I would also never head to a stillwater without a variety of lures in black, orange and white.
Boat or kayak anglers should always carry a drogue such as the new product released by Greys in 2009. This is a large, square section of fabric that is thrown out behind the craft once the chosen drift has been set. A rope connects the drogue to the boat allowing the fabric to create an underwater parachute effect, the drag helping to slow the boat. The journey can be enjoyed at a reduced pace allowing an angler to experiment with depth. Of course, you may prefer to use the boat merely as a casting platform, positioned in a likely taking area. Many boats let out by commercial fisheries provide anchors to those who wish to adopt a static approach, but I like to carry my own in the knowledge that it's available when the boat needs to be held stationary. Of course it goes without saying that any angler venturing out on the water should always wear a suitable buoyancy aid or lifejacket. Extreme weather could capsize the vessel and there is always the chance of falling overboard so an appropriate safety device really could be the difference between life and death.
Back on the shore a fly angler's essential kit should be pared down to as little as possible. Many venues respond well to the mobile approach and so it makes sense to wear a waistcoat, both Hardy and Greys offer products that have stood the test of time. A small bag maybe required and I like to keep things dry, so opt for the Greys Waterproof GRXi luggage range, simple, but effective. With everything close to hand and well organised all that remains is to find a fishy looking spot and begin the process of finding the right depth and retrieve. This can take a while and may require several changes of leader so carry a piece of foam rigged up with varied leaders in both copolymer and fluorocarbon. Fly patterns can be attached so that alternative tactics can be instigated in a moment without the need to tie knots throughout the day, which after all wastes valuable fishing time!
