Any recommendations for best rod for smaller streams and blue lines?

F

flyfisherdon

Smolt
Hi,

I have a 9' Sage X 5 wt and a 10' ESN. I am looking for a lighter and smaller rod for smaller waters on an upcoming cross-country road trip including both western and eastern waters. I am thinking a 3 wt would compliment this set nicely. Maybe 7'6? I wonder if you might share any thoughts on this decision and recommendations for the rod to get? I need this in the next 2 weeks, since we depart on Sept. 3. The treasurer in our family says I should get whatever I want since this may be our final trip across the country (I am 75) and I am due a birthday present. (How great is that!!??). Thanks for sharing any thoughts you may have. I find this group to be very knowledgeable, wise, and thoughtful.

Cheers,

Don
 
2 week schedule means probably relying on local shops unless you make a quick decision. Alot of people are going to slower flexing or glass rods for small rivers as they are easier to control. Just a thought.
 
flyfisherdon said:
Hi,

I have a 9' Sage X 5 wt and a 10' ESN. I am looking for a lighter and smaller rod for smaller waters on an upcoming cross-country road trip including both western and eastern waters. I am thinking a 3 wt would compliment this set nicely. Maybe 7'6? I wonder if you might share any thoughts on this decision and recommendations for the rod to get? I need this in the next 2 weeks, since we depart on Sept. 3. The treasurer in our family says I should get whatever I want since this may be our final trip across the country (I am 75) and I am due a birthday present. (How great is that!!??). Thanks for sharing any thoughts you may have. I find this group to be very knowledgeable, wise, and thoughtful.

Cheers,

Don
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Lots of us love our Redington CTs.
 
Wetswinger said:
2 week schedule means probably relying on local shops unless you make a quick decision. Alot of people are going to slower flexing or glass rods for small rivers as they are easier to control. Just a thought.
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Yes, or fly shops near the Yak (1st stop) or Dillon, MT (second stop).
 
Wetswinger said:
Alot of people are going to slower flexing or glass rods for small rivers as they are easier to control. Just a thought.
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I would second the slower 7'2'' to 7'6' 3 wt glass or cane rod (if cane is in the budget) - fun to cast on small streams where you don't have any need to bomb it out there and they make the smallest feesh feel big - have great trip and please do post reports and pics if it's in you.

cheers
 
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flyfisherdon said:
Is there a better brand for a glass rod. Not sure if there is time to obtain a cane rod, right?
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In addition to the aforementioned rods, if you can check out the Orvis Superfine Glass series, there's not a bad rod in the bunch. For glass and small streams, I've always gone with a 4wt (in glass) because it's more versatile yet you'll still get a nice deep bend even on smaller fish. The 7'6" 4wt Orvis Superfine Glass is my favorite of the series (the 8wt being a close second).

Regarding the CTs, there have been a ton of threads about that series. Talk about a rod that performs way above its pricepoint....
 
As others have mentioned, I too have the Classic Trout in 9ft and 8.5ft. I use them in tandem for lake fishing primarily but also some resident trout rivers and dont think you can find a better value under $250. They bend extremely well, swing relatively light, ample accuracy and enough power to run full sink lines.

I would also recommend fiberglass especially since some of those rivers might have big fish. Glass can be forgiving on large loads.
 
flyfisherdon said:
Hi,

I have a 9' Sage X 5 wt and a 10' ESN. I am looking for a lighter and smaller rod for smaller waters on an upcoming cross-country road trip including both western and eastern waters. I am thinking a 3 wt would compliment this set nicely. Maybe 7'6? I wonder if you might share any thoughts on this decision and recommendations for the rod to get? I need this in the next 2 weeks, since we depart on Sept. 3. The treasurer in our family says I should get whatever I want since this may be our final trip across the country (I am 75) and I am due a birthday present. (How great is that!!??). Thanks for sharing any thoughts you may have. I find this group to be very knowledgeable, wise, and thoughtful.

Cheers,

Don
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I usually just bought what I could afford. I have one 3 wt.. A TFO 7'9" that I use in the summer time. I use this rod for dry flies. It fishes good. Besides the fish you catch don't care what you paid for the rod that you use. I also have a GL2 7'6" 4 wt. I used this for nymph's on small skinny water. But I don't think these rods are made anymore. You might be better off with a newer CT rod.
 
I greatly appreciate all the thoughtful ideas here. Thinking about going glass. No one has mentioned the 3wt Sage Sonic. I am biased a bit toward PNW companies and fly shops. Good choice or not?
 
flyfisherdon said:
I greatly appreciate all the thoughtful ideas here. Thinking about going glass. No one has mentioned the 3wt Sage Sonic. I am biased a bit toward PNW companies and fly shops. Good choice or not?
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I’ve never used it. But how often does Sage make a truly BAD rod? It may be pricey and probably won’t be the best value. But that’s more about individual budgets than quality.
 
I have a 6'6 fenglass 3pc that I absolutely love. Shes delicate but precise, can handle a decent bugger or a small double rig just fine out to 50ft with my shit casting skills. A 6" cutt in current will bend her to the cork, and I've also landed 5lb smallmouth on it. However the entire time the smallie was on it I was convinced she was gonna shatter.

For small water and smaller fish, all glass all the time.
 
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I would take the ESN and not buy anything new. A 10ft 3wt is a great rod, for blue lining.

When the creeks open up, you have the full gamut of tight-line and conventional techniques at your disposal.

When the creeks get tight, overhead casting doesn't work (regardless of rod length) and roll casting causes too much disturbance. Being able to do a 20ft+ bow and arrow cast, of nothing but leader, is the most effective way to fish.



 
I also use my 3wt euro rod for pretty much everything trout-related now. Any type of fly (minus 6" streamers), and any type of water. I've been thinking about getting a 10' 2wt euro rod for small streams around PDX.

But, if you want an excuse to buy a new rod, a short 3wt glass rod would be a lot of fun.
 
clarkman said:
In addition to the aforementioned rods, if you can check out the Orvis Superfine Glass series, there's not a bad rod in the bunch. For glass and small streams, I've always gone with a 4wt (in glass) because it's more versatile yet you'll still get a nice deep bend even on smaller fish. The 7'6" 4wt Orvis Superfine Glass is my favorite of the series (the 8wt being a close second).

Regarding the CTs, there have been a ton of threads about that series. Talk about a rod that performs way above its pricepoint....
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+1 on the 7’6 4 wt superfine glass, such a fun rod to fish
 
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