No, this fish didn’t take me into my backing. No, he isn’t going to get me on the master anglers list. No, I didn’t even need a net to land him. However catching him and numerous cookie cutter bows just like him entertained me for hours yesterday evening as I stood in the middle of a Hendrickson hatch. One of my favorite things to do, especially this time of year when the bugs are cooperating, is to grab a light weight rod and fish small streams, creeks, and tributaries, for feisty, acrobatic trout that take dry flies with aggression. With a light weight, small rod you can cast smaller flies with more grace and accuracy, putting the fly exactly where the fish are rising and with a more flexible rod even a 8 inch trout feels like a whale on the end of your line. Also a shorter length rod allows you to cast more effectively in tighter situations without getting tangled in surrounding brush. Here is a list and review of my favorite rods for small streams.
Redington Classic Trout Models ($160): This is a great small stream rod at an even better value; this rod offers a delicate feel perfect for short casts with light tackle.
Recommended Models:
7’ 6”-2wt
7’6”-3wt
8’6”-3wt
8’6-4wt
Temple Fork Outfitters Finesse Series ($179.95): With help from Lefty Kreh, TFO designed this rod with “finesse” in mind. Its soft action is perfect for accurate dry fly presentation, laying down casts with precision and grace where needed. The 1wt and 2wt can be a TON of fun with small brookies, and blue gills.
Recommended Models:
6’9”-1wt
7’3”-2wt
7’9”-3wt
7’9”-4wt
7’9-5wt
Sage TXL($560): This could be my favorite all around small stream rod, although it starts at a “triple ought” the rod is surprisingly fast, with enough guts for casting into a stiff wind, fishing drys, weighted nymphs or small streamers this rod has power yet is smooth and light.
Recommended Models:
7’10” 000wt,00wt,0wt,1wt,2wt,3wt,4wt
Helios Ion($750): Being the lightest fly rod in the world, Orvis designed the Ion to be about the same weight as a pair of hemostats. This rod offers a fast and light thermoplastic blank with a cork and ring reel seat and recoil guides. This rod is very sensitive, very quick to load and is a ton of fun to cast.
6’0”-2wt
7’6”-3wt
7’0”-4wt
7’9”-5wt
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