Nymphing and Dry Fly General Purpose Trout Fly Rod

speedbird

speedbird

Life of the Party
I managed maybe 4 or 5 resident trout outings but had some of the most fun I've had fishing in a long time doing it. I got into four fish, all smaller than 10 inches and loved it. My 6wt Echo Boost Blue was definitely overkill but the fish were still fun. I think I can definitely justify the money on a rod just for trout in rivers. My favorite local fly shop suggested the Echo Trout X 5wt. It comes in at the upper end of my budget, but still within it. That said, I question if I would rather purchase a lighter rod weight. I looked at the rod and it was significantly more limber than my 6wt. My original idea was to pick up a 3 weight, but it seems rather difficult to find a longer rod and I think that would certainly help with my casting.

A sample of the trout fisheries I am interested in are Pass Lake, Alpine Lakes, the Cedar, Yakima, Naches system, Methow, Snoqualmie Forks, and Upriver Sea Run Cutthroat. While I have a lot of fun blue lining streams where a small rod would be all I need, I don't think I am good enough at it to justify the money on a dedicated small stream rod. The advantage of the 5wt would be a rod I could use in all of these fisheries, and do anything from nymph, throw dries, and streamers with. I could probably get away with it as a backup Salty SRC rod too. The downside of a 5wt would be a rod that seems close to the 6wt I have now. I like a punchier rod for throwing streamers anyways, and it doesn't seem like I have much luck on bigger fish regardless.

Would a 4wt be enough rod for the fisheries I intend to use it on? Or would I end up overplaying a lot of fish, and not having enough rod for the type of fishing I normally do
 
speedbird said:
I managed maybe 4 or 5 resident trout outings but had some of the most fun I've had fishing in a long time doing it. I got into four fish, all smaller than 10 inches and loved it. My 6wt Echo Boost Blue was definitely overkill but the fish were still fun. I think I can definitely justify the money on a rod just for trout in rivers. My favorite local fly shop suggested the Echo Trout X 5wt. It comes in at the upper end of my budget, but still within it. That said, I question if I would rather purchase a lighter rod weight. I looked at the rod and it was significantly more limber than my 6wt. My original idea was to pick up a 3 weight, but it seems rather difficult to find a longer rod and I think that would certainly help with my casting.

A sample of the trout fisheries I am interested in are Pass Lake, Alpine Lakes, the Cedar, Yakima, Naches system, Methow, Snoqualmie Forks, and Upriver Sea Run Cutthroat. While I have a lot of fun blue lining streams where a small rod would be all I need, I don't think I am good enough at it to justify the money on a dedicated small stream rod. The advantage of the 5wt would be a rod I could use in all of these fisheries, and do anything from nymph, throw dries, and streamers with. I could probably get away with it as a backup Salty SRC rod too. The downside of a 5wt would be a rod that seems close to the 6wt I have now. I like a punchier rod for throwing streamers anyways, and it doesn't seem like I have much luck on bigger fish regardless.

Would a 4wt be enough rod for the fisheries I intend to use it on? Or would I end up overplaying a lot of fish, and not having enough rod for the type of fishing I normally do
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I do most of my stream fishing with a 4wt or 3wt.

If you have a 6wt, I'd say get a 4wt. My favorite rod is an 8' 6" 4wt. The Redington Classic Trout rods have a great feel and aren't very expensive.
 
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👆 ........that right there. 4wt of something moderate action that agrees with your casting stroke & preference. Or you could grab a 10' 3wt euro rod like the Echo carbon XL or something of that nature that'll be pretty versatile with both bobbers, euro and dries. My current favorite trout rod is some no name blank (built up by Shane Gray so I suspect it's a 247 blank--e.g. IM6, super moderate action), but I like it cause it's super versatile (11' is definitely NOT for everyone....but 10' is great for most) as with all of the above. Not super sensitive, but if you're euro-style fishing, you should be watching the sighter more anyway....that's almost it's own subject.

I'm sure that it's been covered ad nauseum here, but those shorter rods are definitely easier to land fish when you're by yourself. Trying to land a summer steelhead on my 11'er isn't the most fun thing in the world, but it's been done rather quickly, just not fun.

Anyway, sorry for veering slightly....for a great all arounder, it's really tough to beat those Redington CTs like @Zak mentioned.

If your budget allows, adjust accordingly.
 
👆 depends...
 
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Agree with the 4wt Redington CT advice. I've been happy using that or a Echo Carbon XL 376 in several of the fisheries you mention. Both are incredible values IMO. I'd probably start with the 4wt CT for slightly more versatility and add the 3wt in a year or two.
 
I, too, am in the camp of moderate action rods. My favorites are Loomis IM6 rods. My Loomis 4wt 9' is used a lot for dries and smaller nymphs and streamers when it is not windy. I also use it on the Yak. It is surprising it handles larger 20" trout. Moderate action rods are more capable than what I was anticipating. Moderate action rods protect the tippet better for sure.

I have read Redington CT rods are a great rod, especially for the price. Used rods are an alternative for sure. Sage LL series are something on my wish list. Someday...
 
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speedbird said:
I managed maybe 4 or 5 resident trout outings but had some of the most fun I've had fishing in a long time doing it. I got into four fish, all smaller than 10 inches and loved it. My 6wt Echo Boost Blue was definitely overkill but the fish were still fun. I think I can definitely justify the money on a rod just for trout in rivers. My favorite local fly shop suggested the Echo Trout X 5wt. It comes in at the upper end of my budget, but still within it. That said, I question if I would rather purchase a lighter rod weight. I looked at the rod and it was significantly more limber than my 6wt. My original idea was to pick up a 3 weight, but it seems rather difficult to find a longer rod and I think that would certainly help with my casting.

A sample of the trout fisheries I am interested in are Pass Lake, Alpine Lakes, the Cedar, Yakima, Naches system, Methow, Snoqualmie Forks, and Upriver Sea Run Cutthroat. While I have a lot of fun blue lining streams where a small rod would be all I need, I don't think I am good enough at it to justify the money on a dedicated small stream rod. The advantage of the 5wt would be a rod I could use in all of these fisheries, and do anything from nymph, throw dries, and streamers with. I could probably get away with it as a backup Salty SRC rod too. The downside of a 5wt would be a rod that seems close to the 6wt I have now. I like a punchier rod for throwing streamers anyways, and it doesn't seem like I have much luck on bigger fish regardless.

Would a 4wt be enough rod for the fisheries I intend to use it on? Or would I end up overplaying a lot of fish, and not having enough rod for the type of fishing I normally do
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Excuse me in advance as I’m not sure of the ethics of posting this..but
I’ll be building both a 8’6”/4# and a 9’/5#, from a No. Fork Composite Classic Series blank in Moderate flex this Winter. They may be a good fit for you for not too much cash. Just a thought..
 
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Wetswinger said:
Excuse me in advance as I’m not sure of the ethics of posting this..but
I’ll be building both a 8’6”/4# and a 9’/5#, from a No. Fork Composite Classic Series blank in Moderate flex this Winter. They may be a good fit for you for not too much cash. Just a thought..
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I have three @Wetswinger -built rods and they are really nice (and a real bargain)! I think @speedbird would be very happy with the upcoming 8’6”/4#.
 
I have 5, 6, and 7 wt rods, and when I wanted to try a light line outfit I got a Redington Classic Trout 8' 6" 3 wt. I love fishing with that rod, and it's handled larger trout on occasion. But take a look at the 4 wt Wetswinger mentioned.
 
speedbird said:
Would a 4wt be enough rod for the fisheries I intend to use it on? Or would I end up overplaying a lot of fish, and not having enough rod for the type of fishing I normally do
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Overplaying fish is independent of rod weight.
I've watched thousands of folks play fish over the years, and had many intermediate/advanced fly anglers respond to my coaching by telling me the "proper way" to fight fish...as I watch them do what essentially amounts to taking their pet fish for a walk on a mostly slack leash.
Fly rods are tools, and as you learn more about the tool, you will understand how to use it to your advantage.
My preferred tools for my local non-salmon fisheries (streamer/dry/indicator) are both 3wts. The 10' ECHO Shadow II 3wt 4 pc gets a lot of use as an indicator/dry twig, and a 9' 2pc Loomis IMX handles small streamers like a champ. Char (both salty and river) up to 25"-27" are the usual targets for these fishpoles.
If I was to pick out one factor that makes me move up to a 5wt, it would be wind. 3wts (especially 10' 3wts) are challenging in gusty conditions.
 
Matt B said:
8’6” 4 wt CT will do you right for not too much dough.
So, ditto.
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an 864 Classic Trout is my go to at the local, casting size 20 midges on 12' leader of 7x as well as drifting small nymphs under NZ wool indicators. I also use it at East Lake on the boat throwing Callibaetis dry's during hatches, or naked lining a Cali nymph, and it's a hoot when a chunky grabs hold.
 
speedbird said:
A sample of the trout fisheries I am interested in are Pass Lake, Alpine Lakes, the Cedar, Yakima, Naches system, Methow, Snoqualmie Forks, and Upriver Sea Run Cutthroat.
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You could get one rod that covers all of this, but you often won't be fishing effectively.

A 10ft 4wt could cover most of it reasonably well, but I wouldn't be jazzed about it.

A 10ft 3wt and a 9ft 6wt covers almost all trout fishing, without compromise.
 
The blue boost is stiff and fast? I think the 9' 5wt in more limber would be a good choice. It's a rod you can continue to cast. I find a 5 casts a heavy nymph and indicator rig much better than a 4. I live in a windy area and the 5 is better, plus enough stick for the occasional sea run fish.
Pick up a 10' 3wt and learn euro nymphing. Oh, if you keep fishing your gonna end up with a bunch of rods, just consider these as your next rods, not the last perfect stick.
Although that 9.5' 5wt Loomis I'm fishing now is a super all around stick for me here.
 
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