For streams that you can wade across to maybe those a little bit larger that you cannot wade across- generally open casting room but sometimes you have to watch the trees- for your 10-12" trout as the average fish. Dry flies and nymphs. I sort of like a 9' rod because I think I can cast better and keep line off the water in certain circumstances- in any event- I like a 9' rod. For those that have fished both #5 or #6 wt rods- which do you prefer?
Give us a try!
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#5wt or #6wt for stream trout
- Thread starter red owl
- Start date
EtchaFly
New member
Hi there. To be in the position you mention above, I like 3wt - 4wt rods but would probably lean closer to the 4wt just in case I do approach some meatier looking water. For bigger water I like a bit more rod so I bring 5 and 6 wts. I like fishing the Saucon river in PA for which I bring 3 and 4 wt rods and I like fishing bigger rivers like the Beaverkill which I always bring the 5wt for. The 6wt rods aren't required around here but they do come in handy for chuckin streamers or for those ultra windy days, but even then you don't need a 6wt. What rods have you been lookin at?
sandfly
Just finished a River Runs Through it!
On a stream like Pine Creek either a 5 or 6 will do, big drys here nothing under a size 16 (blue quills) most are in the 8 - 14 range, (size 6 sometimes) lots of streamer and crawfish tossing too.
For streams like the Beaverkill a 4 or 5 wt. would do.
For streams like the Beaverkill a 4 or 5 wt. would do.
coolkyle
De nalgas!
Most modern rods are advertised as casting 80 feet no problem. In most Eastern rivers this means clearing the whole stream. Good luck getting a good drift with your line across the whole river.
The only place I've felt undergunned fishing for trout with a 4wt was the Bighorn running at 8,000 CFS. I was wishing I had a 10' 6wt on me.
The only place I've felt undergunned fishing for trout with a 4wt was the Bighorn running at 8,000 CFS. I was wishing I had a 10' 6wt on me.
Eagle Claw
Trout Hunter
I bought a 6 a while back thinking I would use it for challenging conditions such as wind, big nymphs, lots of weight, long distance and have found my
5 is a much more pleasant experience. Besides, what do you do when fishing
the 6 and BWO's show up in size 22 and require 6 or 7x tippet. I don't think I used the 6 once this year because the 5 always did the job. If you want a little more power I would get myself a second 5 in a faster action.
5 is a much more pleasant experience. Besides, what do you do when fishing
the 6 and BWO's show up in size 22 and require 6 or 7x tippet. I don't think I used the 6 once this year because the 5 always did the job. If you want a little more power I would get myself a second 5 in a faster action.
bugman
Just finished a River Runs Through it!
I went through the same thing as you are now. I wound up getting a 9' 4wt. from Shannon's. It is a JP Ross and I love it. I have yet to run into a situation where I could not use it. Well maybe a windy day up on the West Branch but it still worked ok. I even used it for steelhead in Erie but i won't recommend that.
New Flysey
New member
So, I just started fly fishing this summer. My Dad was great and gave me an 8 wt. for my birthday. I'm starting to think he outdid himself....
I live in northern NJ and I want to fish all the rivers, ponds, etc. in the area, should I send it back to LL Bean and exchange it for a 9 foot 5 wt.? From what this thread says I think I'm WAY over equipped.
Thoughts?
Thank you.
I live in northern NJ and I want to fish all the rivers, ponds, etc. in the area, should I send it back to LL Bean and exchange it for a 9 foot 5 wt.? From what this thread says I think I'm WAY over equipped.
Thoughts?
Thank you.
Eagle Claw
Trout Hunter
8 wt is definitly not for trout in the NY, NJ , Pa or Ct area. Some people even prefer going to 3 wt. If you can exchange it without hurting dads feelings
I would do it. Go for a 4 or 5, either will serve you well but I would not even go for a 6 which is an overkill.
I would do it. Go for a 4 or 5, either will serve you well but I would not even go for a 6 which is an overkill.
Pete
Trout Hunter
Different rods serve different purposes....
An eight weight is a good beginner's rod for Bass bugging in ponds and lakes.
In your place, I'd keep the eight weight, and start hinting about how a five weight trout rod (or the money to buy one) would make an excellent Christmas present.
BTW:
When you get "into" a sport or hobby, you will find that friends and relatives, who don't have the same interests, are not the best source of gear. You'll be wanting to pick it out yourself.
Hey,
I've got a 7'6" 4wt. that I use for 90% of my fishing. I used it on the Yellowstone this summer without any problem. I go to a five wt. 9' for fishing lakes and when using a sink tip to sling streamers. I need to learn to double haul so I can cast larger flys farther with the little rod. Most of the time I don't have to cast all that far, just accurately. If I were to own one rod, it would probably be a 9' 4wt.. Most of the time the rod you use has more to do with casting style and personal preference than anything else. I also have a 10' 5wt that I got for polish nymphing but don't use all that much at present. Happy holidays,Frogge.
I've got a 7'6" 4wt. that I use for 90% of my fishing. I used it on the Yellowstone this summer without any problem. I go to a five wt. 9' for fishing lakes and when using a sink tip to sling streamers. I need to learn to double haul so I can cast larger flys farther with the little rod. Most of the time I don't have to cast all that far, just accurately. If I were to own one rod, it would probably be a 9' 4wt.. Most of the time the rod you use has more to do with casting style and personal preference than anything else. I also have a 10' 5wt that I got for polish nymphing but don't use all that much at present. Happy holidays,Frogge.
Stimulator
So much water.....So little time.
In your post you indicated Dry Flies and Nymphs on rivers up to the size of the Beaverkill. A 4 wt is perfect then.
If you want to be able to fish large streamers than the 5 wt would be a little more versatile.
I also have a 6 wt and only use it for fishing larger streamers or on big rivers when the wind is really blowing, other than that I never use it.
The basic rule of thumb is that the size of the fly determines the line weight needed to cast it. For drys and nymphs the 6 would be overkill.
If you want to be able to fish large streamers than the 5 wt would be a little more versatile.
I also have a 6 wt and only use it for fishing larger streamers or on big rivers when the wind is really blowing, other than that I never use it.
The basic rule of thumb is that the size of the fly determines the line weight needed to cast it. For drys and nymphs the 6 would be overkill.
Drossi
If they can't take joke .....'em
I am a big 5wt proponent as I find it the most versitale for what I want to do. The only time I feel under gunned with a 5wt is when I'm trying to throw big streamers on the Delaware. That said I have 5wts ranging from 7.5 to 9', I have never felt over gunned in NJ whether it be on the Musky or a small wild trout stream.
you should keep the rod for salmon or saltwater fishing and contact LL Bean to send you an additional rod: 9' 4 wt.
