Fly Rod Length For Small Streams

The 7 1 2 foot length is awesome for small streams but don t underestimate the power of this rod.

Fly rod length for small streams.

Shorter rods such as 6 6 or 7 will allow you make overhand casts in all but the tightest canopies. Fiberglass is also tough as hell which is nice when you re crashing through heavy brush or setting the hook under low cover. Conventional wisdom on small stream flyrods dictates a very short rod usually 7 or under fast action concentrated in the tip and light line so that the small trout in these streams are more fun. The reel seat on a fly rod is close to the butt the guides are small and length varies from 5 to 10 feet in general use though special circumstances call for 12 to 14 foot or longer rods.

Three major areas to think through are length weight and action. Fly rod length choosing the proper length rod is extremely important. The rod is designed to build momentum during a cast to propel the fly with that heavy line to its intended target. There are fast action semi hollowed short rods between 6 3 7 6 in 3 5 made specifically for the italian casting style tlt which was developed for fishing small streams and being able to present the fly first under tree branches and rods in 7 6 8 6 for big water fishing as well as switch and doublehanded scandi or skagit style rods.

If you only own a 9 6 fly rod you might want to do some shopping because you will have a difficult time casting in the typical small stream environment which is most often characterized by dense trees a prevalence of bushes and tight spaces. Where you fish particularly the density of overhead foliage should determine your rod length.