Small Stream Fly Rod

[Thursthouse]

I've been getting into hiking/fishing small wts here in NJ and have got on well enough with my 8'5" 5 wt, but was looking for something more adept to fishing these little streams with tight cover. I'm still new to the sport and don't want to spend too much $$, but at the same time don't want to waste money on something that's garbage. I saw this little 5'9" 3wt from LL Bean for only $99. I don't need anything fancy, just something a little more effective. As I'm new to the sport I would love any feedback on if this would be worth picking up or a waste of money.


Streamlight Ultra Two-Piece Fly Rod, 3-6 Wt.: Rods | Free Shipping at L.L.Bean

Thanks

 

[Rusty Spinner]

How small and tight-casting are the streams you want to fish? I typically get by with my 7 1/2' for 3 weight by roll casting or just dabbing, but I'm not that tiny stream guy either. I'll protect them and electro fish them, but I very seldom fish them.

 

[golden beetle]

I've been getting into hiking/fishing small wts here in NJ and have got on well enough with my 8'5" 5 wt, but was looking for something more adept to fishing these little streams with tight cover. I'm still new to the sport and don't want to spend too much $$, but at the same time don't want to waste money on something that's garbage. I saw this little 5'9" 3wt from LL Bean for only $99. I don't need anything fancy, just something a little more effective. As I'm new to the sport I would love any feedback on if this would be worth picking up or a waste of money.


Streamlight Ultra Two-Piece Fly Rod, 3-6 Wt.: Rods | Free Shipping at L.L.Bean

Thanks

The streamlight is a good rod, at least in a 5 weight.

I own it, and when I fish graphite, I fish LL Bean rods.

 

[JeffK]

I'm with Brian, I don't like rods less than 7' and generally don't go less than 7 1/2'. The short rods cast just fine, but I can't control the drift, mend, or set the hook well with a short rod. In fact, I like my 10' 3 wt for small streams since I can control the drift better while standing back a little. Of course one needs an open canopy woods to do this, but I'm not a fan of the very short, very light rods.

 

[Thursthouse]

How small and tight-casting are the streams you want to fish? I typically get by with my 7 1/2' for 3 weight by roll casting or just dabbing, but I'm not that tiny stream guy either. I'll protect them and electro fish them, but I very seldom fish them.

They're pretty small - often its a bow and arrow type cast - and very often any cast is made from a kneeling position. Would there be a disadvantage using a 5'9 as opposed to a 7'1/2 if I would strictly use if for small streams? Is it more difficult to roll cast using a shorter rod? I tend not to highstick nymph on these types of water..

and thanks for protecting the little streams!

 

[Trout Nazi]

I picked up a brand new 7 1/2 foot Sage TXL knocking around a bargin bin at a fly shop last year for twofity, its nice, generation 5 graphite, escpecially if you put a light reel on it. You should be able to find some on fleabay. The 8' 3" SLT in 3wt. is also nice, if you're not constrained as much by casting space, but the TXL loads better in close. The SLT is more medium-fast.

 

[JeffK]

Joe Humphries is probably the master of the bow and arrow cast and small stream fishing. He uses 7 to 7 1/2 foot 5 or 6 wt softer rod. The old school small stream rod was the Fenwick 756. The length is short, but not too short. The weight is larger than popular now because you need some weight to punch a cast accurately through a tight opening. You need to load the rod for a bow and arrow cast so you need something with some spring and not a broom stick. Joe Humphries made a great video on small stream tactics - watch it if you can. Maybe he uses the tackle he does because these techniques were developed back in the heavier, softer rod era, but there is no doubt they work.

 

[Thursthouse]

Just saw that they offer a 6'6 3wt for the same price. From what you guys are saying perhaps it'd be better to opt for the longer rod. They have 10% off today plus free shipping so for $89 it doesn't seem like a bad idea. Thinking may I should overline the 3wt rod with 4wt line. Any thoughts on overlining?

 

[Rusty Spinner]

Just saw that they offer a 6'6 3wt for the same price. From what you guys are saying perhaps it'd be better to opt for the longer rod. They have 10% off today plus free shipping so for $89 it doesn't seem like a bad idea. Thinking may I should overline the 3wt rod with 4wt line. Any thoughts on overlining?

I overline at least one or two of my fly rods. Helps load the rod in tight conditions, so it might be good for what you plan to do with it. The shortest fly rod I've ever cast was Agust's 6' bamboo one piece. It's good for tiny brook trout streams, but little else IMO. Tenkara is another option to consider....

 

[Alan_B]

I agree that anything less than 8' counterproductive. Don't think that one foot shorter rod is going to be better in keeping you from catching your backcast. An 8 footer will rollcast better and mend line better. My small stream rod is a Sage TXL F 7'10" 4 weight with a double taper line this rig does the job in any NJ WTS

 

[Trout Guy]

I have a st.croix avid 7'6" 2wt and it's honestly my favorite rod. And they can be had at a reasonable price. Their replacement policy is good aswell.

 

[lightenup]

You couldn't afford what I use.........That being said, I have an L.L. Bean kids rod.....It is a two piece, I'm guessing 6' 5"...they say it's a 5wt., but I know better, it is like a three wt.....It cast very well, you just have to slow down, as you will throw a lot of tailing loops, if you don't......I have never brought it fishing, just tried to teach my boy how to cast.....It seems like it would be a lot of fun with a fish on the other side.....so L.L. Bean makes good stuff, give it a try....

 

[Barleywine]

I'm with all of the other responses against getting an extremely short rod. I bought a TFO 6 foot 2 wt about 6 years ago thinking that it would be an ideal small stream rod. It felt like I was fishing with a toothpick, and after a couple of outings with it, I just left it home in favor of my 7 foot 9 3wt, or 7 foot 4 wt.

You mentioned going up a line weight for small streams. I think that has a lot to do with the rod's action. You might want to go up in weight on a faster action rod, but since both of my small stream rods are medium action, I use the specified line weight with good results. If you're not sure, I've got reels spooled with 3 and 4 wt line. Just bring it on by and see what casts better for you before you buy a line.

 

[Trout Guy]

I'm with all of the other responses against getting an extremely short rod. I bought a TFO 6 foot 2 wt about 6 years ago thinking that it would be an ideal small stream rod. It felt like I was fishing with a toothpick, and after a couple of outings with it, I just left it home in favor of my 7 foot 9 3wt, or 7 foot 4 wt.

You mentioned going up a line weight for small streams. I think that has a lot to do with the rod's action. You might want to go up in weight on a faster action rod, but since both of my small stream rods are medium action, I use the specified line weight with good results. If you're not sure, I've got reels spooled with 3 and 4 wt line. Just bring it on by and see what casts better for you before you buy a line.

I agree, it's thought to determine if you should over line the rod. You really need to experiment with the rod and see what action you want it to have. I over lined my 2wt because it was too fast to delicately place small flies accurately.

But all rods are different and it's a tough call regarding to over line or not to. It's really up to you to find out how you want the rod to perform and what your used to casting.

 

[NJpatbee]

I have used a 7 1/2' Orvis Tippet Rod for a 3 wt and a 7 1/2 Orvis Brook Trout for a 4wt for all of my small and mid-size stream fishing. I do have to admit than on some of the smaller brooks I fish I lose quite a few flies and have been considering something in the 6 1/2 foot range (for about 20 years). 5'9" sounds like it might be difficult to control the line so you might want to check for any reviews of the rod. I have neve fished an LL Bean rod but I suspect they are good quality.

If you go with the 5'9" let us know how you make out.

 

[Johnw]

I have used a St Croix Avid 6 foot 3 weight which Is overlined with a 4 weight double tape for 5-6 years. I love this rod and use it on every occasion that is practical. No problem with roll casting. Price around $150-160 last I checked.

 

[emoussa]

I use a 7'6" 3wt redington ct. It's got a nice slow action so it loads nicely with little line out. I love it. I do t need to over line because of the action and it even casts dries great in larger waters. I'd recommend it. I'm over in paramus, not too far from you. If you ever wanted to take it out for a whirl, you'd be more than welcome.

 

[strike proof]

Considering how many rods I want to own right now (or can afford) was part of my decision. I thought I wanted a 3wt, but ended up with a Greys Streamflex 8ft 4wt (can probably go cast it at Shannon's!). It is big enough to stretch across lots of small streams I fish, and is much more versatile than some smaller rods I checked. I fish it for almost everything I do -- trout, small smallmouths (not of the Delaware, obviously), ponds with sunnies and largemouth. If I know I'll be standing in a bigger river fishing streamers, I use a heavier rod. Otherwise, I love it. It is also very packable (4 section).

There are days that I throw a rod in the car and fish more than one type or size water (brook and river early in the same outing, for example, then pick up my son and go to a pond). I don't know if I could do that with a 2 or 3wt.

I am sure that I will become a specialist at some point and have a collection of rods. For owning a few, I think versatility is key.

 

[Thursthouse]

First I want to thank all of you for your help.. saved me a lot of headache and wasted money.

I decided I'm not going less than 7'6 based on what you guys have told me (i bought the 6'6 but thats going back).

I found a TFO Lefty Kreh 3wt for $120 (wish I could afford a more expensive rod but its not in the cards for me). The rod is 3.0 oz.

Is there a way to determine what weight reel I should get to balance the rod? I have my eye on the Orvis Battenkill II. Its 2.9 oz.

I have a feeling I might be over thinking this all for a 3wt rod, but since I have you all at my disposal... haha

 

[BRK TRT]

A TFO Signature 6ft 2wt, and the St. Croix Avid 6ft 3wt are the finest small stream rods I have ever fished with.
They handle streamers, dries and that wind that will work up through a small stream. If you encounter a stretch of heavy brush they will roll cast flawlessly. These rods balance very well with an Orvis LA Trout 1, and the Ross Fly Rise.
I believe a rod over 7ft is to long.

Brk Trt

 

[Agust]

First while I greatly respect Jeff K and Rusty, and a strong case can be made that they are much better fisherman than myself, I must disagree. I like small rods, i think they are very enjoyable and when used properly and in the right conditions are much more effective than long rods. While I like a 9ft 5wt for big water like the Beaverkill or West Branch, on small streams like the designated WTS I will use a 5' or 6'6" three weight. On mid sized river like the Gorge or Musky I use the 6'6" 3weight or a 6' 5weight .

Short rods are more demanding to cast, you have to use a faster stroke and your stops must be precise. They are not very good for mending if you are nymphing, but I seldom do on those small streams. Where they shine is on maneuverability, especially after you hook a fish. Anyone having tried to fight a trout with a 9ft rod in a rhododendron enclosed stream knows what a PITA the extra 3 feet are.

Short rods are not for everyone, but they are very effective and a ton of fun to fish if you can get used to them. Lastly Joe Humpheries used to tour around and give presentations on fishing small streams, he advocated using a 9' rod on even the smallest streams. One of his mentors was Ed Shenk arguably on of the finest small stream anglers ever, he also toured around giving presentation on fishing small streams. He claimed the best tools were rods in the 5'6" - 6'6" range.

 

[JeffK]

I've seen Agust handle his little 3 wt and he handles it well. Ed Shenk was a hero of mine; loved his simple fly patterns. He used incredibly short rods and caught a whole lot of fish on very tough waters. They do fit some people well.