| Fly fishing for native trout on a small stream in | | | | had me lift the rod high while keeping it parallel to |
| the back county can lead to one of the most | | | | the ground. I was trying to keep all of the fly line |
| rewarding experiences of a lifetime. Getting off | | | | and as much of the leader as I could off of the |
| the beaten path to find finicky fish in untouched | | | | water. This was creating, of course, a perfectly |
| waters is what the pioneers of the sport truly | | | | drag free drift. Occasionally I was able to lift the |
| intended. On the other hand, some small streams | | | | entire leader from the water so that the only |
| are just off the roadway but are just as willing, | | | | thing touching the water was my dry fly. This |
| or unwilling, to give up their inhabitants to the | | | | took a lot practice but I finally got the technique |
| skilled angler. The proper clothing, flies and | | | | down pat and caught a lot of fish. I made very |
| equipment can help you make the absolute most | | | | few overhead casts. I mostly flipped and rolled so |
| of your adventure. The fly rod may be the most | | | | the brush and trees were really not much of a |
| important aspect of your small stream set up. | | | | problem. |
| One question that I often hear is, "what is the | | | | Rod length is a very important consideration and, |
| perfect small stream fly rod". Well, allow me to | | | | in some situations, maybe even more important |
| clear this up right now... there is no perfect small | | | | than rod weight. As you can see, there is more |
| stream fly rod. There, now you have it. I should | | | | than one school of thought regarding the proper |
| stop here and leave it at that, but you know that | | | | rod length for small streams. The short rod |
| I won't. | | | | advocates are steadfast in their beliefs. The long |
| Be careful, there are many self proclaimed fly | | | | rod proponents are equally convinced there |
| fishing experts that are all too eager to give their | | | | technique is superior. I can see that both rods |
| opinion on the ideal rod for the smaller streams. | | | | have their place. This is where the character of |
| Don't be too hasty to accept their remarks as | | | | the stream itself will help you in determining the |
| gospel and run out and buy a rod simply base on | | | | best length for you in a given situation. |
| their opinions. I wish I could give you a cut and | | | | Shorter rods, 5 to 7ft, may be ideal for the |
| dried, etched in stone, answer and identify the | | | | tightest and brushiest of creeks. Best of all, these |
| specific rod that would be perfect for any small | | | | short rods are so cute and so sweet. On the |
| stream you may encounter in your fly fishing | | | | opposite side we may find the need for that long |
| lifetime... but I can't do that. Neither can anyone | | | | rod. An 8'6", a 9ft, or perhaps even longer rod |
| else. | | | | may be the best choice for the meadow stream |
| Most folks simply do not realize the factors | | | | that offers little casting impediments. Maybe you'll |
| involved in making a small stream rod selection. | | | | be high sticking to finicky trout and you need that |
| There are several things to carefully ponder | | | | extra reach. The Global dorbeR Group in Flippin, |
| before dropping the bucks for a new rod. That's | | | | Arkansas now produces a 10ft 1wt fly rod blank |
| exactly what we're going to do here. We'll discuss | | | | for this type of fishing. |
| several important rod and stream factors that | | | | Rod Action |
| govern a small stream rod selection. After arming | | | | If your time is going to be spent chasing Brookies |
| yourself with the proper information, it is you who | | | | s on a smaller stream, then a fast action may not |
| will end up making the ultimate decision as to | | | | be the best choice. Medium and slow action rods |
| which rod is best for you. | | | | are better suited for small streams. They offer |
| What's a Small Stream? | | | | better control, more accuracy, more tippet |
| First things first... we probably need to identify | | | | protection and softer presentations. I know there |
| exactly what constitutes a small stream. So, what | | | | are some fast action fanatics out there and that's |
| type of water will you be fishing? Is it a small | | | | fine. If a fast action rod feels good to you, then |
| stream, a spring creek or a narrow river? Are all | | | | by all means use it. Myself, I prefer a medium |
| three of these really the same thing? All fly | | | | action rod. The medium action just feels good to |
| fishers are not on the same page here. | | | | me. They offer more forgiveness of my |
| OK, look up "small stream" in the dictionary. What | | | | sometimes lazy casting stroke. They really do |
| do you find? Nothing, right? There is no formal | | | | offer the accuracy and the delicate presentations |
| definition of this term. I know what I mean when | | | | that I often need on these small creeks. The |
| I say "small stream". But do you see in your mind | | | | medium action rod slightly out performs the slow |
| the same thing that I see? Maybe, maybe not. | | | | action in the hook set, yet the slow action |
| The Cimarron River in, New Mexico is no doubt a | | | | remains another great choice for fishing for small |
| narrow river but don't let the word "river" fool | | | | fish. |
| you. It consists mostly of small stream attributes. | | | | Material |
| Most of the public water is lined with willows, | | | | I suppose our basic choices here are bamboo, |
| cottonwoods and alders and provides anglers with | | | | fiberglass and graphite. Most rods sold today are |
| undercut banks, riffles, runs, bend pools and | | | | graphite. Overwhelmingly so. Graphite rods are |
| pocket water. I fish this river as a small stream. | | | | lighter in weight, more sensitive, and have a |
| The St. Vrain River in Colorado is another great | | | | faster response than a bamboo or fiberglass rod. |
| example. There is no place on its banks where | | | | More than likely you'll end up with a graphite rod |
| you can't comfortably roll cast to the other side. | | | | and your decision to do so will be sound and safe. |
| When the water is clear, there is no place where | | | | It is important though to not overlook fiberglass |
| you can't see the bottom. On the other hand, | | | | and bamboo. With glass and bamboo, you have a |
| Young's Creek in Montana is about the same size | | | | solid structure consisting of fibers with varying |
| and in some areas it is much wider than many | | | | densities. With graphite you have a hollow tube of |
| stretches of the Cimarron and St. Vrain Rivers. I | | | | uniformmaterial. The result is that glass and |
| fish all three basically the same way. | | | | bamboo is smoother, closer to natural action and |
| Let's just say that a small stream is one that you | | | | a little less tiring. |
| can cast across easily just about anywhere on it, | | | | You may hear that bamboo rods are heavier. |
| that you can wade, often cross in hip boots, that | | | | This is true, however, this relatively small increase |
| is way too small for boats, and has most of its | | | | in weight is also one of its advantages, for this |
| structure exposed to view. Also, most | | | | additional weight gives these rods an inherent |
| importantly, we'll assume it has trout in it. | | | | loading characteristic that makes them very |
| Back to the Rods | | | | smooth casting. Split bamboo rods are also a fly |
| So now, what about the rod and stream factors? | | | | fishing work of art. They certainly have an |
| I will break things down by discussing each factor. | | | | aesthetic advantage over glass and graphite. One |
| As you study these bits of information, you | | | | problem is that they're usually quite expensive. |
| should begin to develop a picture, in your mind, of | | | | Glass rods may be a better alternative to |
| what type of small stream fishing you'll be doing | | | | bamboo. Doug Macnair, long time casting instructor |
| and what rod you'll be needing. You may find that, | | | | and fly fishing writer, says "In the short rod |
| for you, one rod simply won't get the job done. | | | | format, fiberglass handles very much like bamboo |
| You may discover that you need two or more | | | | and in my opinion beats graphite every time. I |
| rods to satisfy your small stream desires. How | | | | would suppose that my all time small stream |
| bad could that be? You have now given yourself | | | | favorite is the Little Betts fiberglass 6-footer |
| an excuse, and hopefully permission, to buy more | | | | from 1963." You'll probably not find many 1963 |
| rods. | | | | Little Betts around but you can still get good |
| Our rod selection factors include weight, length, | | | | fiberglass rods today. Diamondback's Diamondglass |
| action, material, sections, color and several stream | | | | rods are a perfect example of modern fiberglass |
| characteristics. We must also spend a little time | | | | fly rods at their best. |
| on fly lines because this may also impact our rod | | | | Sections |
| choice. Also, there is no need to get fancy with a | | | | I have a 7pc 3wt fly rod that packs down into an |
| small stream rod. Terms such as modulus, IM | | | | 18" rod tube. I thought it would make a great |
| whatever, titanium, and other high-tech sounding | | | | small stream rod because it disassembled into |
| terms frequently make their way into the fly rod | | | | such a concealed package. I could store it |
| shopping process. The good news is that these | | | | anywhere. The last time I used it I was with a |
| are things that should not worry you during you | | | | friend who had a 2pc rod. We drove up to only a |
| selection process. You don't need the X15 Super | | | | few yards from the creek. We started rigging up |
| Modulated Ballistic Fly Rod designed to cast a | | | | for the fish. In a matter of what seemed like |
| quarter mile on any small stream. Let's just keep | | | | seconds, my friend was catching fish while I was |
| it simple. | | | | still assembling my fly rod. |
| Rod Weight | | | | So, how many sections should your new small |
| Anything from a 0wt to 5wt will work well | | | | stream rod break into? It is a matter of |
| depending on the situation. The ultimate choice of | | | | preference as well as functionality. A 2pc rod is so |
| the rod weight has a lot to do with the size fish | | | | convenient. You only have two sections to worry |
| you'll be after. Many small streams only support | | | | about. Aligning the guides during assembly is so |
| small trout. Some streams, of course, have larger | | | | simple. A 7 or 8pc rod is also convenient in its |
| fish. I've caught some healthy 16 inchers in | | | | own way. Their tubes are very short which |
| streams, like Bear Creek in Southwest Colorado, | | | | makes for a great travel or pack rod. If you are |
| which you can almost jump across. Generally | | | | hiking or backpacking any significant distance to |
| though, you're probably looking at catching fish | | | | the back country stream then these rods are |
| from 6 to 10 inches. You'll get an occasional 12 | | | | ideal. It just takes a little longer to assemble them |
| incher and several Jack Fish. Oh... what's a Jack | | | | in a manner so that the guides are all lined up. It's |
| Fish you ask? These are the fish, generally called | | | | probably safe to say that the largest selling rods |
| fry, that are so small that when you set the | | | | come in 4 sections. |
| hook you jack them up out of the water and | | | | It's a good idea to consider how you will usually |
| they sail back over your head. | | | | be traveling to you fly fishing destination. Will you |
| So, the fight of a small fish feels better to the | | | | fly or drive? If you fly, well, that opens up a |
| angler if they're using a lightweight fly rod such as | | | | whole other can of worms. We're not talking San |
| a 2 wt. The 16 inchers will feel great on a 2 wt | | | | Juan worms either. This can get pretty nasty |
| rod also but there are some distinct | | | | sometimes. Generally there is no problem flying |
| disadvantages with this scenario. One is that by | | | | with a four piece rod, without reel, as carry on. |
| the time you get the big fish landed, it may be | | | | But like a lot of carry on rules today, a lot |
| exhausted to the point of no return and may | | | | depends on who is working the security check |
| soon die after its release. If you're going to eat it | | | | point at the time you pass through. Trying to |
| then that is really mute point. Secondly, you run | | | | carry on a reel is a big no-no today. Airline officials |
| the risk of breaking your rod from the strain. If | | | | have said there is enough fly line and backing to |
| you're deep in the wilderness fishing a delightful | | | | tie up a whole flight crew. The thing to remember |
| little stream, the last thing you need is for your | | | | is that the enforcement and interpretation of |
| stick to break. | | | | these rules are very inconsistent. |
| Another thing to consider is hook set. The lighter | | | | One very good solution is to purchase one of the |
| weight flimsy fly rods offer you little help in | | | | new rolling duffels that have a dedicated space in |
| setting the hook. I have a 1wt rod that is a joy | | | | the bottom to hold several four piece rod tubes |
| to use. The problem is that I lose a good amount | | | | and check it as luggage. Fishpond, Orvis and |
| of fish within two seconds of the hook set (or | | | | Cabela's have luggage with this feature. Just check |
| lack there of). If you're using this type of rod you | | | | the luggage and hope for the best. It should arrive |
| had best make sure your fly hooks are debarbed | | | | safely. On the other hand, if you try to carry it |
| and honed needle sharp. I can use my 2wt with | | | | on and get stopped at the terminal and are |
| little problems of getting the hook set properly. | | | | requested to check your fly rod tube, the |
| I am a 2 and 3wt fan when it comes to small | | | | chances of never seeing your rod again have just |
| stream rods. I like the lightweight feel of these | | | | increased |
| rods. I like to feel the fish fight. For me, there | | | | One other solution is to FedEx or UPS your |
| lighter weight rods allows me to present a fly | | | | equipment to the lodge or hotel ahead of your |
| more delicately. The play in the rods offers me | | | | arrival and arrange for a prepaid pick up after you |
| some leader protection on days when I must use | | | | leave. This also offers better insurance coverage |
| very fine tippets. Unfortunately, I don't catch | | | | than hassling with an airline if something is lost. |
| many behemoths on the small streams that I | | | | Fly Line |
| frequent, so over fighting the fish is usually not a | | | | Now that I have enlightened you on some factors |
| problem. | | | | and characteristics to strongly consider when |
| Castibilty is another issue with rod weights. A 5wt | | | | purchasing your new fly rod I am finished, right? |
| rod is much easier to cast than a 1wt rod... period. | | | | Well, in all good conscience, I can't just turn you |
| So, for the beginner, I would not recommend and | | | | loose right now without at least mentioning fly line |
| extremely light weight rod. Perhaps a 4wt would | | | | and how it will affect your small stream rod. |
| be a better choice at this stage of skill level. But | | | | First of all, let me make this perfectly clear, I |
| then, on the other hand, many small streams are | | | | usually advocate staying with the manufacturer's |
| so small that you're really not casting anyway. | | | | suggested line recommendations or, in the case of |
| You're only flipping and dapping with an occasional | | | | the heavier weights 6-9, underlining by one weight |
| roll cast. If you look at it that way, first class | | | | depending on the circumstances. Wait a minute... |
| casting skills are not overly important. It depends | | | | did I say underline? Yes I did. Macnair opened my |
| upon the size of the stream, brush, trees and | | | | eyes to this concept. You see, it's in the amount |
| even wind as to how much real casting you may | | | | of line you aerialize in making the cast. Consider |
| or may not be doing. For example, a typical small | | | | for a moment that while you and I now know the |
| meandering stream that snakes through a valley | | | | weight in grains for the first 30-feet of our line, |
| meadow will likely have no trees and minimum | | | | we don't know the weight of the remainder that |
| brush to contend with. However, the wind may | | | | typically includes the rest of the head, its rear |
| create a problem when trying to cast a 2wt. You | | | | taper, and the running line ... An interesting |
| may actually need a 4 or 5 wt in order get the | | | | thought? It should be, because for every ten to |
| fly where you want it. | | | | fifteen feet we add to the initial 30 hanging in the |
| You can see that when it comes to the ideal rod | | | | air, we effectively add another line weight to the |
| weight for small streams opinions vary. One single | | | | load carried by the rod. Said another way: a |
| rod weight is not going to be ideal for every small | | | | 5-weight line becomes the equivalent of a |
| stream application. I will venture to say that most | | | | 6-weight when 40-feet of line are aerialized, a |
| of the anglers that I know use a 3 or 4wt rod in | | | | 7-weight with 60 to 65-feet in the air, etc. At |
| this situation. These are good all-around rod | | | | some point, of course, our 5-weight rod will |
| weights that will handle a large variety of small | | | | overload resulting in either a collapsed cast or |
| stream applications. | | | | worse, a broken rod. Then, as Doug would say, |
| Rod Length | | | | the Ancient Fishing Gods will be laughing. |
| My very first small stream fly rod was a 2/3 wt, | | | | OK, so what does this concept of underling a 7wt |
| 7ft rod. I once took a fishing trip to the Cimarron | | | | fly rod have with a small stream rod? Plenty... the |
| River where I booked Doc Thompson of High | | | | same concept applies but in reverse. Let's say |
| Country Anglers. We fished the Cita which is a | | | | you're using a 3wt rod with a 3wt line on a small |
| private stretch of the Cimarron just bellow the | | | | stream. Most of your casts are going to be less |
| Cimarron Canyon State Park entrance. This | | | | than 15 or 20 feet. Take away the leader and |
| section is a classic small stream just loaded with | | | | you only have about 10 feet or so of fly line |
| hungry Browns. I met Doc at the trail and started | | | | aerialized. Well that's not enough line weight to |
| to assemble my gear. He patiently watched as I | | | | allow the rod to perform as designed. So, in this |
| assemble my 7ft rod. He then calmly said, "Why | | | | case, its makes perfect since to overline your |
| don't you leave that rod here, we'll take my 9ft | | | | rod. Ten feet of a 4wt line might give you |
| 4wt instead". I was bit confused and my feelings | | | | enough aerialized weight to allow the rod to |
| were a little hurt. I was taught that you need a | | | | perform better and thus improve your casting. So |
| short rod for small streams and this is definitely a | | | | think about it. You may want to overline your |
| small stream. However, I figured he was the | | | | new rod depending on how far you think you'll be |
| expert on this river so I'll take his word for it. We | | | | casting. |
| were soon on the bank and Doc pointed out a | | | | Conclusion |
| nice pool to cast to. | | | | OK... there you have it. Now, have I covered |
| After I made a few drifts, he said, "Here, let me | | | | every possible aspect of selecting the ideal creek |
| see your rod for a minute". He then taught me | | | | rod? Probably not... but you know have enough |
| how to properly high stick. I then saw the | | | | information to assist you in selecting the best |
| advantages of a long rod on a small stream. Doc | | | | stick for your specific applications. I think you now |
| had me to cast out with only about 1 or 2 feet | | | | realize that no single rod will do. |
| of fly line hanging out of the end my rod. He then | | | | |