Choosing the best fly rod for trout fishing can mean the difference between success on the water or being frustrated. Because trout swim in many areas in the western United States, if you live in the West you are probably close to some trout fishing near you. Much like hunting or golf, you need tools that are specifically designed to the task you want to accomplish. Here is some advice on choosing the best fly rod for fly fishing for trout in the western United States.

Know the weights. Fly rods are categorized by the weight of the fly line they are meant to cast. They range from zero weights on up to 14 weights. Most rods are two to seven-weight category, with four to six weights being the preferred choice. Eight- to 10-weight rods and up are for larger waters, cast large flies with ease, and handle beefier species of fish such as bass, bonefish, steelhead and permit. Eleven-weight rods and up are for big-time fish and the larger flies often required to catch them.

A five weight is ideal, but four- and six-weight rods are OK, but they can be under-gunned or over-matched. If you want one rod to do it all—the true workhorse rod for most trout waters. A four-weight rod can cast single dry fly mayflies well and might be first choice to do so, but if the oh-so-frequent wind kicks up, turning over a 12-foot 5X leader with a four weight is tough. If you fish weighted nymphs or streamers, fishing a four weight shifts from fun to work. A six weight is a good choice for a double-nymph rig or for dragging streamers; however, if the wind calms, flies hatch, and it’s time to fish single dries to rising trout, a six weight is like trying to park a Suburban in Manhattan.

Nine foot length is best. Rods come in many lengths. A 9-foot long rod is a good choice for most rivers in the West. This length allows for maximum mending efficiency and if you spend anytime floating rivers and fishing, a 9-foot rod is a great choice. This length is also versatile because fishing double-nymph rigs or streamers is less of a chore than when fishing shorter rods. Longer rods offer less sensitivity for smaller waters or situations where small flies and light tippets are necessary, such as a spring creek.

A medium, or medium-fast action rod is the best choice for most anglers. Rod action is how it flexes when cast or when a fish is hooked. Slow-action rods may struggle in heavy wind or be outmatched for double nymph rigs. Rods that are too fast or too stiff can't protect light tippets by having a flexible tip if a big fish is hooked. Pick a rod with a medium or medium-fast action because they offer the widest range of casting ease and fish sensitivity.

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