Light-Weight/Pack Rod

[Dan360]

While scouting for elk, I found several nice streams. I just happen to have an ultra-light spinning outfit (gasp) with a float and some nymphs. I began catching lots of very spirited, but somewhat small fish. They were a ball on the ultra-light. I would really like to fish some of these out-of-the-way streams on my scouting trips with a fly rod. Right now, the lightest rod I have is a G. Loomis GL3 9ft 5wt. I want something with more feel and something that is more maneuverable. I also want something that can go into the scabbard on my pack, so I'm thinking a 4 piece.

The streams were fairly small, sometimes no more than 20 feet wide. However, most had fairly deep holes. The water was very cold and clear on all of them. Casting distance wouldn't be too much of an issue, but precision would be paramount. The fish run from 8 to 12 inches, but are very spirited.

With that info, what kind of rod would you suggest? I've been looking at 3wt and 4wt rods. Am I looking in the right direction? I'm guessing a 7'9 to 8'6, 4-piece rod would fit the bill.

If you fish these kinds of streams, what do you use?

Any advice or info would be really appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[AndyK]

There are two theories about the best rod on a small stream.

Some like short, light rods so casting is easier in brushy stream banks. A 3 or 4 weight rod that is 7 – 8 feet meets this style.

Others like a longer (8 – 9 foot) 4 weight so you have better line control.

Whatever style, casts are usually short. I like the heavier (and longer) rod because you never know when you’ll connect with a surprisingly large fish. Also, there is a greater variety of fly lines available for a four weight.

I’d check out several different rods at a local fly shop so you can feel the rod’s action. There are some 3 and 4 weight rods you’ll want to stay away from that are just too heavy.

If I were shopping for a small stream rod today, I would seriously look at the Loomis Whisper Creek series. They run from 2 to 5 weight.

[bbaley]

Others like a longer (8 – 9 foot) 4 weight so you have better line control.


I too vote for the longer (4wt?).
It's not that your standing out in the stream and need casting line control so much as hiding behind rocks and trees or behind grass and dappling or "lopping" line over.

that and it works better for the bow/slingshot cast !

[clarkman23]

You're going to run into a bunch of different opinions on this...

personally, depending on the stream, I'll take either my 7'6" 3 wt. (pretty slow action for a graphite) or an 8' 5wt glass (or the bamboo) rod. The 3 wt. is definitely better for the spring creek type waters I might encounter but I usually go with the 5 since it loads with no line out, it is heavy enough to handle the occasional large fish with ease, it is also heavy enough to punch through the wind, should I encounter that. The thing I love about the glass is that it's sensitive enough to still make smaller fish feel like fish yet has plenty of backbone.

I do love casting the little 3 wt. wand though...

~Randy

[skaha]

-- longer rod in 5 piece, if you've got the money Winston LT-5 series 2 weigth and up.

--4 wt would be more versatile if you are going to use the rod in other fishing situations.

--These multy piece rods will fit in carry on luggage in case that busness trip gives you a few hrs of free time, breathable waders fit in a suitcase rather well also.

--If going shorter than 8 ft might want to conscider just two peices this gives you much more options and with a good metal case the extra length isn't to much of a pain if you have it attached to a back pack or carry in one hand if in heavier brush.

--I learned the hard way that a few extra minutes to pack up the rod when moving to another spot can save a broken tip.

--In anticipation of this learning curve many manufacturers include the second tip with your original purchase.

--Carry case with reel attached to keep bulk down also an option.

[kigercreek]

Yep, lots of opinions on this topic!

I've been having a love affair with my Scott G-Series 5-pc 4wt rod for several years now. You can delicately place a tiny dry with accuracy at a fairly good distance, yet it loads nicely for those short, "under the brush" kinds of casts. And, it even has the backbone needed should you find that big bruiser in the deep holes. In fact, I find myself using this rod frequently when I visit the Owyhee chasing browns just because I love the feel of the rod.

[Wiggley1]

I use a 3 piece 3#, 7'6". It's a good fun rod that I've caught great fish with.

[dubl_t]

My all-around rod is a 4wt Thomas & Thomas, so not having any 'bank' to break, I went with a TFO 2wt 6', for spring creeks and beaver ponds, and am TICKLED PINK:) I LOVE that little rod. If you want to take it for a test spin, let me know (but the only place 'we' can test it is on the creeks you're talking about;) ).

[Dan360]

I really appreciate all of the advice. Its a lot to think about. I can see how a light/short rod would be excellent for these streams. I also think that there is plenty of opportunity to use a longer rod because casts are going to be fairly short which means I won't have a whole lot of line out. It seems like it would be easier to use the longer rod to flip a short bit of fly line than to try and load a shorter rod in tight quarters with very little line.

I'm going up north this weekend to check out a few shops in Seattle. He has an Orvis TLS 8'4 3wt that seems intriguing.

BTW, It would be cool to have a partner if anyone wanted make the trip up. The fish aren't that big, but you probably won't run into another fisherman and the scenery is beautiful.

[mkwerx]

My favorite tiny stream outfit was a 6' 2wt by TFO. It was a 2 piece, so broken down each section was only 36" long. Makes little fish fighters and larger (normal) size fish felt like trophies. Largest fish I landed on that outfit was ~15 inches, but it didn't take long - it's all about using every bit of backbone those rods have. The light rod + the stretch inherent to light mono makes it easy to pressure the fish without snapping the line, it didn't take any longer to get the fish in with the 2 weight fighting them like that then it did a 4 or 5 wt using the same tippet. The lighter rods let you put the pressure on the fish without the risk of snapping the tippet like the heavier rods would. Casting upto size 10 flies was easy for the distance involved on such a small stream. I could get in under the thickest brush. Line control wasn't an issue either - when fishing those tight little streams you don't generally face long drifts. Just gentle stalking and short precise casts or short drifts.

I miss my 2 wt. Sold it and regret doing so. Should've sold my 5 weight instead.

The 2 wt is great for bluegill/crappie fishing also. :)

Since selling the 2 wt, I use the next best rod in my arsenal - my 3 wt which is an 8' 2 piece WW Grigg.

[Dan360]

I ended up with a Sage Launch 7'6 3wt. Its a 2-piece, but its not any longer than my spinning rod for packing. It goes away in the rifle scabbard just fine.

[sothereiwas]

My pack rod is a TFO Pro 7'6" 3wt 4pc. Lined with a 4wt DT its sweet on small creeks, or with an SA GPX WF3F it has some decent reach.

[mkwerx]

Sounds like you got a nice rod Dan. Any chance of some pix on your next outing with it?

[Dan360]

I will try and get someone to snap some pictures on the next trip. Should be this weekend.

[Dry Fly]

My favorite tiny stream outfit was a 6' 2wt by TFO. It was a 2 piece, so broken down each section was only 36" long. Makes little fish fighters and larger (normal) size fish felt like trophies. Largest fish I landed on that outfit was ~15 inches, but it didn't take long - it's all about using every bit of backbone those rods have. The light rod + the stretch inherent to light mono makes it easy to pressure the fish without snapping the line, it didn't take any longer to get the fish in with the 2 weight fighting them like that then it did a 4 or 5 wt using the same tippet. The lighter rods let you put the pressure on the fish without the risk of snapping the tippet like the heavier rods would. Casting upto size 10 flies was easy for the distance involved on such a small stream. I could get in under the thickest brush. Line control wasn't an issue either - when fishing those tight little streams you don't generally face long drifts. Just gentle stalking and short precise casts or short drifts.

I miss my 2 wt. Sold it and regret doing so.

I bought that very same rod three weeks ago. I've brought in over a dozen fish with it so far, the largest being a few 13 inchers. It's a wonderful little rod IMO. Mine is paired up with a little Pflueger 1942, and it has a great balance. It's definitely a specialty rod, but it's so fun that I plan to use it a lot in spite of its handicaps.

For a back pack rod, I've got a Cabelas Stowaway 5 7'6" 4wt. It breaks down smaller for long hikes, and is a little more versitile a handling whatever I might find when I get there (wind, distance, big fish, bushy flies, etc). I'm not crazy about the rod being a 5 peice, but I got it on sale. It's a good rod for the money I think.

[mkwerx]

That TFO I had was mated up with the Albright 2/3 size reel - TINY! The spool was IIRC only 2.5" diameter. I had maybe 40 yards of backing behind a double taper #2 line. Sweet rod though. Felt like a feather in the hand and the action was just right for those leader-only casts in tight quarters.

[Pelhament]

I have a 7 piece Orvis Frequent flyer rod and it is the ultimate pack rod. Made to fit in a brief case you would be hard pressed to find a more packable rod. The rod I have is a 8'6" 3wt and it would be perfect for the scenario you have described.

[Dry Fly]

Apparently the coffee hadn't kicked in this morning------------my Pflueger is a 1492, not a 1942. Almost a Freudian slip, considering how many decades the Medalist has been on trout streams! :D

[mkwerx]

Hmm, someone inadvertently revealing their age???

[hook jaw]

I have a few rods in this category that I enjoy for different purposes. As you'll see, I generally like slower rods for smaller water:

1) TFO professional 3 wt, 8'6" 4 piece. Fairly soft and roll casts well. Enough length to reach out and over when needed. Casts to 40-50 feet very well. Good for any small water and planters in still water.
2) Cabelas Clear Creek 1wt. 7ft (I think). Great for panfish and little brookies. Nice to 25 feet or so w 2wt DT line. A 12" smallmouth will bend it double. :D
3) Lamiglas "honey" fiberglass 7'6" 4wt 3 piece. Nice and slow old school design. Fun to sling around and unlikely to break the tip if you hit branches occasionally like I do. :cool:

Last - I've not made the investment yet, but I love the Sage TXL rods in the 7'10" length. The ZXLs are very smooth as well.

[Dry Fly]

Hmm, someone inadvertently revealing their age???

Naw, I'm a relative youngster-----------just very coffee dependent. :D

I AM a sentimental, nostalgic sort however, so I find myself drawn to the older, classier gear.