Show Notes:
Episode 18: Mastering the Pyramid Anchor for Stillwater Fly Fishing
Welcome back to The Stillwater Edge! Today, we’re diving into a game-changing skill for Stillwater anglers—proper boat anchoring.
If you’ve ever struggled with drifting out of position, battling wind, or keeping your flies in the strike zone, this episode is for you. A solid anchor setup ensures precision, control, and maximum efficiency when fishing Stillwater.
In this episode, I’ll cover:✔ Why anchoring is critical for Stillwater fishing
Show Notes:
Episode 18: Mastering the Pyramid Anchor for Stillwater Fly Fishing
Welcome back to The Stillwater Edge! Today, we’re diving into a game-changing skill for Stillwater anglers—proper boat anchoring.
If you’ve ever struggled with drifting out of position, battling wind, or keeping your flies in the strike zone, this episode is for you. A solid anchor setup ensures precision, control, and maximum efficiency when fishing Stillwater.
In this episode, I’ll cover:
✔ Why anchoring is critical for Stillwater fishing
✔ Why the Pyramid Anchor is the best choice
✔ The best anchor setups for solo and two-angler boats
✔ Pro tips to improve your anchor hold in deep water or strong wind
By the end, you’ll have everything you need to fine-tune your anchor system and fish more effectively.
Key Takeaways:
Why is Anchoring Essential in Stillwater Fly Fishing?
✔ Boat Control – Eliminates unwanted drifting so you can fish a specific area effectively.
✔ Stable Presentation – Keeps your flies in the strike zone longer, preventing unnatural movement.
✔ Efficiency – Allows you to work a productive area without constantly repositioning.
✔ Wind Management – A proper anchor setup reduces frustration and keeps you locked in place.
Why the Pyramid Anchor is the Best Choice
Not all anchors are created equal. The Pyramid Anchor is the gold standard for Stillwater fishing because:
✔ Designed for soft lake bottoms – Digs into mud, sand, and silt for a strong hold.
✔ High holding power – Prevents dragging, even in windy conditions.
✔ Compact yet heavy – Provides a solid hold with less weight.
✔ Reduces boat sway – Keeps your boat stable for better line control and fly presentation.
Setting Up Your Anchor System
1. The Primary & Secondary Anchor Setup
✔ Stern Anchor = Primary Anchor – Always deploy first for stability.
✔ Bow Anchor = Secondary Anchor – Locks in your position, reducing sway.
If you only have one anchor, place it in the stern.
2. Choosing the Right Anchor Rope
✔ Use a 50-foot, high-quality, non-floating poly rope.
✔ Avoid floating ropes (like yellow poly rope) – They cause drag and interfere with your fly lines.
✔ Invest in a quick-release system – Allows easy adjustments and retrieval.
Best Boat Positioning for Anchoring
1. Solo Angler Positioning (Bow into the Wind)
✔ Drop the stern anchor first, then move forward and deploy the bow anchor.
✔ Keeps the boat streamlined with the wind and prevents excess drift.
✔ Allows fishing from the stern without interference.
2. Two-Angler Positioning (Crosswind Setup)
✔ Both anglers fish from the same side of the boat with the wind at their back.
✔ Stern anchor holds the main position, while the bow anchor stabilizes the boat.
✔ Maximizes casting space and keeps flies in the zone longer.
How to Improve Your Anchor Hold in Wind & Deep Water
✔ Add Extra Weight – Use a 5-10 lb secondary weight clipped to your anchor rope to increase holding power.
✔ Lower the Anchor (Don’t Drop It) – Prevents disturbing fish and helps the anchor set properly.
✔ Adjust Position Until You Find a Solid Hold – If the anchor won’t hold, reposition to a better bottom structure.
Call to Action (CTA):
Mastering your anchor setup will change how you fish Stillwater. A properly anchored boat means better fly presentation, less frustration, and more fish in the net.
Try these anchor techniques and let me know how they work for you!
- How do you set up your anchor system? DM me on Instagram (@stillwateredge) and share your setup.
- Subscribe to The Stillwater Edge for weekly expert Stillwater fishing insights.
- Share this episode with a fishing buddy who struggles with boat positioning!
Episode Outro:
That’s a wrap for today’s episode! A well-set anchor is one of the most underrated tools in Stillwater fly fishing.
By positioning your boat correctly, using the right anchors, and fine-tuning your setup, you’ll spend more time fishing and less time fighting the wind.
If you enjoyed today’s episode, subscribe, leave a review, and follow me on Instagram (@stillwateredge). I’d love to hear about your anchor setup and what’s working for you!
Until next time, tight lines and happy fishing!
