How to Choose a Fly Rod

When fly fishing, Fred Telleen’s motto is, "any fish, anytime, on the fly." Fred is a veteran fly fisherman. He has been fishing fly rods for almost 40 years, and has guided fly fishing trips for 27 years. Since Fred is one of our resident experts, we asked him, how do you choose a fly rod?

Fred suggests that there a few factors anglers need to consider when choosing a fly rod. To begin, anglers should choose the fly rod that best matches the conditions they are fishing in. Anglers need to ask themselves the following questions...

Where will you be fishing?

You need to ask yourself what type of water you will be fishing on. Will you be fishing small streams and ponds, a large river or lakes? For example, if you are casting on a small stream, you may want choose a slow action rod that is flexible and easy to cast. Action refers to the flexibility of a rod. For example, according to Fred, "Fast action rods bend near the tip, medium action rods bend to the middle and slow action rods bend all the way to the handle." This brings us to another question anglers need to ask themselves.

In addition, to knowing your water type, you will need to know your wind conditions. Will you be fishing in open windy areas? Or, will you be fishing in sheltered locales? Fred states, "Similar to fly size, a heavier line/rod combo casts with more power. You can also choose from a moderate or fast action rod.  A faster action rod is better in wind."  So, that takes us to fly size, another question anglers need to consider.

What size of flies will be used?

Fred asks, "What size of flies will the angler be using?" Simply put, fly line weight casts the fly. Fly line measures in grains from ultralight to heavy and above. Making sure you have the appropriate fly line weight for the fly you are using, allows for precise casts. Fred explains that, "lightweight fly line is better for small flies, while heavier line carries larger flies."

What lengths of casts will be done?

Next, ask yourself, how far are you casting? Fred states, "Casting length is determined by the conditions." For example, small water means short casts and slow or moderate action rods. Remember, action refers to flexibility.

So, in bigger water and with open windy conditions, you will need to use a more powerful fast action rod. Fred says, "If you are fishing a place like, Otter Creek, you might be casting 5-20 feet. On the Missouri River however, you might want to cast 60 feet or more. Beyond ability, casting for distance is usually easier with faster actions and more expensive rods."

A side note on fly rod cost

More expensive rods tend to weigh less. The materials and resins used to make more expensive rods tend to be stronger too. This allows for the use of less materials when making the rod of the same length. Fred adds, "Higher priced rods should provide a smoother, more powerful cast."

What will be the target species and size of fish?

Once you’ve determined the length of casts that will be done, you’ll then need to determine the target species and common fish size you’ll be fishing for. Fred explains it this way, "Everything from tiny mountain stream trout to large salmon and steelhead are common targets.

Warmer water fish such as bass, pike/muskie and carp are as well. Many of our customers also take trips to saltwater.  Common sizes for trout are 8-inches to 20-inches... you can find bigger fish in larger waters. 3 or 4 wts rods are popular for small streams (smaller fish/ smaller flies). The medium-fast 5 wt is our most popular all-round first time fly rod.  A faster 5 wt is great on the Missouri.

A 6 or 7 wt is common for larger trout flies (streamers).  8 wts are popular for bass/pike/carp and saltwater bonefish.  9 wts are good for larger pike, muskie and saltwater permit. Then we have Spey rods for trout, salmon and steelhead.  That's a whole different conversation."

What length of fly rod to use?

Finally, you may ask yourself, what fly rod length should I choose? Once an angler takes into consideration the water type, the wind conditions, the size of fly, the length of the cast, and the fish species; choosing the fly rod length is straightforward. Like with all the other factors, fly rod length is chosen based on the conditions you will be fishing in. Longer fly rods make longer casts with heavier fly line. Shorter fly rods make for shorter casts with lighter fly line.

So there you have it anglers, a five question guide to help you solve the question of how to choose a fly rod. If you have any questions, be sure to stop by our North 40 Outfitters Fly Shops. The awesome staff will be more than happy to help answer any questions you may have about how to choose a fly rod.