Small-stream technique

[Billy Belsom]

I was reading the thread started by Glenn Court about his trout fishing, and the pictures looked like much of the fishing was on smaller streams and in pocket-waters. In a reply, ZM asked whether Glenn was using short-light rods, and Glenn replied:

“Zach
It’s perfect 2-3# short rod country,but the first pic is of Juan Del Carmen fishing a 10 footer Czech nymphing and he kicked our arse that day

[Zach Matthews]

To me, the biggest factor is in maneuverability in getting to and then moving around on the stream.

[spencer ballard]

I also think that short rods keep a lower profile on smaller waters where stealth is important and high stick nymphing wouldn’t be compromised when you are only casting 10′ and less.

[steve gallas]

Spencer hit the key point”where stealth is important”.,as it is on

[Abe Mathews]

My small stream rod now is a 3wt XP, 8′ long.

[David Anderson]

I like short rods on the small waters, I think they give you a better connection to the fly and are easier to cast under the bushes and in the tree cover.
I use a Scott F703 where I only need short casts and a Sage TXL 7′ #3 where I might need longer casts.
Late last season I also got a 5’5 F #2 for really nasty stuff and it’s a very sweet LITTLE stick, a 12′ trout bends it right into the grip.

I don’t mind a longer 2 or 3 weight for open small water where a bit of mending can come in handy.
Last summer an SLT 8’2 #2 was my choice for that sort of fishing or when I want to use a very light rod on a river.

We have a lot of under fished very tight small trout water in Australia that most people drive right by because they don’t realise that they can be fished with a little rod and a bit of tricky casting.

I like the streams where the first section off the road is an absolute nightmare to fish – it keeps the suckers out !

www.dsaphoto.com

A picture is thousand words that takes less than a second while a thousand words is a picture that takes a month.

[Author]

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