What Fly Line for Trout?

[Pinecone]

So I used to fly fish quite a bit, then got out of it, and now I want to get back into it...I've got the rods and reels, but need to replace my line. There's SOOO many choices out there, I Thought I'd get some guidance on what to get. I've got a 5/6 wt rod and reel that I can cast well, I've also got a 4 wt that I haven't used yet but would like to. I would mostly be fishing for trout, but wouldn't mind "accidently" hooking into a steelhead once in a while (not with the 4 wt. obviously....:D)

I'd really like to try some catch and release cutthroat fishing on the coast this summer/fall.

Also, I know the difference physically between double taper and weight forward line, but what situations call for the use of each? I never really understood that. Any input on this would be helpful as well.

I'm sure this question has been asked before, so forgive a new fly fisherman for not checking the archives first...:D

anyway, any suggestions would be greatly appriciated. Thanks!

- Joseph

[AndyK]

Also, I know the difference physically between double taper and weight forward line, but what situations call for the use of each? I never really understood that. Any input on this would be helpful as well.

A double taper is best for delicate presentations; it is also easier to mend.

A weight forward line is easier to cast and most fly fisherman can cast a double taper further.

If you are swinging a fly through fast water or fishing a streamer, the advantage is with the weight forward. If you are fishing a "spring creek" or low, clear water, the double taper has the advantage.

[Pinecone]

Thanks for the info AndyK, great information. That helps a lot.

Anyone have any insight on brands/etc, for fishing cutts and rainbows? I know it's largely a personal preference type of thing, but I'm just trying to make an informed decision instead of just going out and buying any old 5 or 6wt WF or Double Taper line....The sportsmans show is coming up and I was hoping to have some good info by then (one stop shopping!)....Thanks! I searched the archives, but didn't really find anything.

-Joseph

[Fire Fighter]

I'm partial to the RIO lines and a few of the Airflow products. It seems the prices of fly lines are just going through the roof so, value wise I would opt for the SA or Cortland. I have not had a chance to throw any of the Jim Teeny products but, I have heard good reviews. Good Luck!

[Skunked]

I have an Airflo ridgeline and I can cast it noticeably further than my other cortland and SA lines (all double tapers). It just seems like it shoots through the guides with very little friction.

Anybody else tried airflo?

[clarkman23]

I've never really liked Airflo. I had the ridgeline on my 3 wt. and could cast it really well but I've noticed that it (plus one other airflo line I have) seems to not be as limp as my Cortland 444 (which I use for the majority of my trout fishing)...it's just got too much memory for me. I actually really like Cortland 444 classic taper (I prefer DT) and I also think that SA mastery is a great line as well. My suggestion is to try out several if you can and then decide. Everyone's preferences are different...

In my opinion, for trout fishing, distance should be your last concern. I can cast all of those lines 50' with relative ease but can't remember the last time I ever had to cast further than that while trout fishing. In fact, the vast majority of my trout fishing occurs within 30 feet. (I don't fish stillwaters very often and that's a whole different ballgame)...

~R

[D3smartie]

I like Rio, Sage, SA and Cortland lines. Have tried some Airflo lines but have not liked them. To be honest, if you get a good line from a proven company it should work fine for you. the only time this hasnt been true for me is with a couple Orvis wonderlines which i hated.
I dont fish any double taper lines. I fish a WF line all the time, and just look at the length of the head and how aggressive a taper it is. Then match that info to the type of rod i have.
If you arent familiar with lines and how they will match your rod and match your style of fishing, go to your local fly shop and have someone explain it to you in person and get their reccomendation.
From what you have said, i would get a Rio Gold or a selective trout.

[motoxaaron03]

Weight-forward floating 6wt. line is perfect for most trout fishing applications. As for a brand, I know there are hundreds of choices out there, but the stuff they sell at B-Mart, Scientific Angler is the brand, works just fine for me. Sure you can spend a bunch more on “better” line, but I don’t see why.

[Abalone]

I've got a 5/6 wt rod and reel


What that means is that you have a 5 wt tip with a 6 wt. Butt. So consider the action of the rod to be a 5 wt. A 5 wt. rod is a good all around rod for Stillwater around here. On the Big D. it will work provided
there isn't a lot of wind to contend with. If you were to fish the L. Deschutes during the summer months you would want to go with a 6 wt. or 7 wt. :twocents:

[Pinecone]

I've got a 5/6 wt rod and reel


What that means is that you have a 5 wt tip with a 6 wt. Butt. So consider the action of the rod to be a 5 wt. A 5 wt. rod is a good all around rod for Stillwater around here. On the Big D. it will work provided
there isn't a lot of wind to contend with. If you were to fish the L. Deschutes during the summer months you would want to go with a 6 wt. or 7 wt. :twocents:

Thanks for the info Abalone, good to know. I don't get over to the Big D much (once every few years maybe....) so I don't think I'll really have a problem there. I'll mostly be doing smaller streams around the area, and coastal streams for cutthroat in the summer/fall.

Thanks everyone for their input as well! any other opinions are more then welcome. The more info the better!

- Joseph

[Abalone]

For coastal Cutts your 4 wt. would be perfect.... I like a dry line and an intermediate.

[LaterPeter]

gee, I always thought that the multiple designation (5/6 for example) stood for the suggested aftma line weights.... in this case DT5 WF6.
Most beginner's classes suggest starting with a WF line because it is easier to feel the rod load, cast & show the improvement earlier.
After a learning curve/period of time you will see that the fly line is the second most valuable piece of equipment (after your rod). That is the main reason folks are spending $60 & up for "good" lines.
anyway, go out & have a good time...
Later,
Peter