What if I told you trout aren’t just eating under the surface? Some of the most explosive eats come from above when hoppers, ants, and beetles hit the water. If you’re not fishing terrestrials, especially on windy summer days, you’re missing out on some of the wildest topwater action Stillwaters have to offer.

Intro:
Welcome to the Stillwater Edge Podcast. I’m your host, Greg Keenan, and today we’re flipping the script and heading topside. While most anglers obsess over chironomids and subsurface flies, the truth is, trout are opportunistic and when wind knocks in a hopper or a flying ant, it can trigger aggressive surface takes. In this episode, you’ll learn when, why, and how to fish terrestrials in lakes, including my favorite patterns, presentation tips, and one bonus setup that will double your chances.

Episode Highlights:

1. Why Terrestrials Work in Lakes

• Trout are opportunistic and will crush land bugs that get blown in

• Bugs behave differently than aquatic insects, often struggling on the surface making them easy targets

2. Prime Conditions for Fishing Terrestrials

• Late spring through fall is best

• Focus on windy afternoons, overhanging vegetation, and post-thunderstorm calm

• Target the littoral zone and zones with visible topwater action

3. Best Terrestrial Patterns to Pack

• Hoppers: High-floating and great for summer bank work

• Beetles: Ideal for calm surfaces; look for foam-bodied versions

• Ants: Deadly during flying ant falls just know trout may shut down for a day or two after a heavy feed

4. How to Fish Them

• Use floating lines and 9ft+ leaders

• Cast tight to the bank, trees, and drift zones

• Try letting them sit, twitching them, or giving them movement like a panicked insect

• Trout often study the bug before committing be patient

5. Bonus Tactic: Dry Dropper Setups

• If regs allow, run a small nymph dropper below your terrestrial

• Size down tippet on glassy days for stealth

• Watch for slow sips and explosive takes

Outro:
Don’t ignore what the wind brings to the lake. A well-placed hopper or ant can turn a slow day into a memory-maker. If this episode sparked ideas or helped you rethink your surface game, please like, subscribe, and share the podcast. Your support helps me grow the show and keep bringing you valuable, on-the-water-tested strategies. Thanks for tuning in and I’ll see you on the lake.