Rod for Spring Creek
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I think any rod between 7.5-9 feet would be OK on Spring. Line weights from 3-5 would also be appropriate. Unless you enjoy the feel of a three-weight, though, I would opt for the heavier side of the range I indicated as there are some heavy fish there that might be easier to control with a 4 or 5. So, I guess your thinking is in line with my ranges-- I would think beyond Spring, though, and choose the rod that may have applications elsewhere. Since you have a 9-6, why not look for a 8-4, which would be handy on smaller waters as well?
ezpickins
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What jackm says is true.
But This subject can be touchy - everyone has a personal preference.
I would opt for an 8' 4 wt. as a good overall rod for that stream. That's what I use, and it works for me. I'd make sure that it was a 4-wt with some back-bone though. Fishing Spring Creek can involve a lot of nymphing and a "soft" or slow rod can make nymphing a little more difficult.
That said, an 8 or 8.5' 5-wt is good for Spring creek too, but since you already have a 6-wt...
As far as getting a 9-ft rod, that would be great for nymphing spring creek - but as mentioned previously it can be limiting on smaller, tighter streams.
Maybe I'm going out on a limb a little here - but another thing to think about as a newer flyfisher - accurate casting is easier with a shorter rod.
I would recommend casting rods before hand - don't just mail order a rod based on reputation, go to a shop where you can cast it, and see what you like.
I'm sure others will have other good opinions too.
But This subject can be touchy - everyone has a personal preference.
I would opt for an 8' 4 wt. as a good overall rod for that stream. That's what I use, and it works for me. I'd make sure that it was a 4-wt with some back-bone though. Fishing Spring Creek can involve a lot of nymphing and a "soft" or slow rod can make nymphing a little more difficult.
That said, an 8 or 8.5' 5-wt is good for Spring creek too, but since you already have a 6-wt...
As far as getting a 9-ft rod, that would be great for nymphing spring creek - but as mentioned previously it can be limiting on smaller, tighter streams.
Maybe I'm going out on a limb a little here - but another thing to think about as a newer flyfisher - accurate casting is easier with a shorter rod.
I would recommend casting rods before hand - don't just mail order a rod based on reputation, go to a shop where you can cast it, and see what you like.
I'm sure others will have other good opinions too.
GreenWeenie
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I would also recommend an 8 foot 4 weight rod especially since you have a 9 foot 6 weight rod. I think there would be too much overlap with a 5 weight rod and a 3 weight rod would probably be too far on the light duty range and leave a gap in the medium duty range so you probably would find yourself using your 6 weight more that you like. A medium or medium-fast action 8 foot 4 weight is a great all around medium duty trout rod. I’ve got numerous rods of different line weights and lengths and my 8 foot, 4 weight medium action rod is the one that gets used probably 70% of the time.
Most importantly, try different rods to see which one you like best and cast them at distances you will be fishing at. Also, when test casting, a lot of fly shops put on line one size heavier and use leaders that are short and heavy – and then tie on a piece of yarn for the fly. This isn’t how you will be fishing but since you probably don’t have 4 weight line, at a minimum make certain that the store is putting on a 4 weight line but most importantly, bring along your own leader and a fly (clip the hook) and use this to test cast so you can really see how the rod performs.
Most importantly, try different rods to see which one you like best and cast them at distances you will be fishing at. Also, when test casting, a lot of fly shops put on line one size heavier and use leaders that are short and heavy – and then tie on a piece of yarn for the fly. This isn’t how you will be fishing but since you probably don’t have 4 weight line, at a minimum make certain that the store is putting on a 4 weight line but most importantly, bring along your own leader and a fly (clip the hook) and use this to test cast so you can really see how the rod performs.
Very Good point on taking your own leader and fly. I will definitely include that on my things to do as I test rods. I am currently fishing a 5wt 8' and I think the extra length will help on the nympth. I'll keep the 5wt 8' for skinnyer water. I am not concerned on the lenght for casting. I throw a 10' 8wt for steelhead with no problem. Thanks for the input.
Padraic
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You didn't say if you fish nymphs and streamers a good deal (which is a good strategy for Spring Creek). Or if you are exclusively a dry fly fisherman (which is your choice, of course! and Spring Creek offers plenty of that too).
If you fish nymphs and streamers a good bit, than you might like the 6wt.
If you are a dry fly only kind of guy, that a 4wt might suit you well.
That's why most guys split the difference and go with a 5. It's heavy enough to cast weight, and light enough to give a nice presentation.
My thinking is, if you are new to fly fishing, don't be in too great a hurry to collect rods. Your own preferences will develop in time, and then you'll have a better base to make your decisions from. Of course, no one follows this advice in their own life, so do what pleases you best. 🙂
If you fish nymphs and streamers a good bit, than you might like the 6wt.
If you are a dry fly only kind of guy, that a 4wt might suit you well.
That's why most guys split the difference and go with a 5. It's heavy enough to cast weight, and light enough to give a nice presentation.
My thinking is, if you are new to fly fishing, don't be in too great a hurry to collect rods. Your own preferences will develop in time, and then you'll have a better base to make your decisions from. Of course, no one follows this advice in their own life, so do what pleases you best. 🙂
I’d be interested in current opinions on a rod for Spring Creek - 15 years after this OP.
Has current tech/trends like lighter material, faster action graphite, 10’ rods, and euro-nymphing specific rods changed what you would consider if buying a new rod specifically for Spring Creek?
Has current tech/trends like lighter material, faster action graphite, 10’ rods, and euro-nymphing specific rods changed what you would consider if buying a new rod specifically for Spring Creek?
6xAdams(Jones)
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15 years ago, the OP only got five replies - very unusual for this board where dozens of different posters can have dozens of different opinions. New trends in materials, actions, method-specific rods, etc. aren't likely to override JackM's and others' 15-year-old advice. Try out what you're already using on Spring and expand your rod collection based on that (or don't). You'll likely find that Talent > Tools anyway. It's unlikely that you'll only use only one rig for only one creek.
If you dont want to dump a lot of money into it right away, I would recommend an Orvis Clearwater 8.5 ft 4wt outfit. Great rod combo for the money.
JG63
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Yup! Modern “fours” are yesterday’s “sixes” anyhow with this whole “line and a half” marketing ploy - I use a vintage Sage 690 RPL for most of my mid state fishing (Penns, LJ, Spring, Kish - etc). It weighs 3 ounces and has plenty of casting power for small streamers, nymph rigs and such. It throws “modern” WF5F or a “true” WF6F just fine - and will drop a #16 super spinner as gently as needed on a 6X point with plenty of lifting (fish fighting) power to boot. Most “modern” four weights aren’t even that light and feel like a broomstick when marketed as “fast action” - is it the best rod? Maybe not for everyone - but it is for me
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PennKev
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9' 4wt is dang near a perfect rod for Spring.
I do not find a shorter rod beneficial on Spring.
My secondary recommendation would be a 10' euro nymph rod.
PennKev
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+1
Echo Lifts are also a good choice that is even less expensive and offers a very different action compared to the Clearwater.
dudemanspecial
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I have pretty much narrowed my rod use down to 2 for all trout fishing on any stream.
8'6" 5 weight for real fly fishing.
10' 4w in the winter or if the water is super high and I expect to nymph or streamer fish.
8'6" 5 weight for real fly fishing.
10' 4w in the winter or if the water is super high and I expect to nymph or streamer fish.
This is what I was expecting more of. The advantage I see in newer rods is how lightweight they can make 10’ rods without being noodles. 10’ 3 wt and 4 wt particularly.
dudemanspecial
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I have a 10' 3w Recon. I bought it a few years ago for euro nymphing and I found that I don't enjoy fishing that way and it's a little too weak for my taste to toss around heavier nymph rigs with a fly line.
I have had a 10'4w cortland competition nymph rod for years and I like it for nymphing when hatches aren't likely, even using the flyline drop shot style nymphing that I do. I have started farting around with jig streamers too and it seems okay so far but I have a lot to learn there. My next rod purchase will likely be an upgraded 10' 4w that is designed as an actual fly rod, not a euro nymph rod.
If there is any shot at hatch matching, so basically from April until November, I either fish my 8'6" Sage VPS or my 8'6" Wright& McGill Grainger Aristocrat bamboo. I nymph with them too when the need arises but really enjoy casting dries and soft hackles.
I don't have anything against 9 foot 4 or 5 weights, I just don't have any that trip my trigger to fish them.
So to answer your question, I lean towards traditional style fly fishing with fly line and split shot for weight, so I prefer rods that are considered more traditional.
Redfin
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I think like said above. 8’ 4wt or a 5 is a good sweet spot on smaller streams. Thats what i use and i have 7.5’ and a 6’ 3 wt for small water.
Use that 6 wt for days you may like to play around throwing streamers or heavy nymphs. Plus its good for smallmouth too.
Use that 6 wt for days you may like to play around throwing streamers or heavy nymphs. Plus its good for smallmouth too.
I’m curious what you end up with. I too had the 10’ 3 wt Recon and decided to move it on for a 10’ 4 wt. I’ve test cast a few and noticed a significant amount of difference between different brands in this configuration - much more than I expected. Still have not found the right one for me.
Made me appreciate the 10’ 3 wt Recon more now than when I had it.
