Fly Rods : Determine Fly Rod Length

Fly Rod Length

Many anglers can spend days contemplating how long their fly rod should be, which is a pity as it takes away from time better spent on the water. By and large, selecting the right fly rod length is generally pretty straightforward. It all boils down to, basically, what you will be fishing for and where you will be fishing and what type of conditions you expect to encounter. Once you have that figured out, selecting the right fly rod length is simple. So let's break things down.

A small, spring creek that has lots of brush will do best when fished with a small fly rod (a shorter fly rod is easier to keep control of in the brush - and a heck of a lot less likely to get broken in-between two trees!). The problem with very short fly rods is that they do not have as much power as a longer fly rod does (they generate slower line speeds), and thus cannot cast as far or do as well in the wind.

Likewise, longer fly rods are best used when fishing situations that are not choked in by brush - which is most rivers, especially when float fishing. The longer fly rod allows for longer casts and greatly improved line mending.

For trout fishing on small to medium sized rivers, an 8-foot or longer rod is generally used. For larger rivers, a 9-foot fly rod is generally used. On very small rivers or spring creeks, small fly rods in the 7-foot range are generally the most effective and most used. Additionally, specialized fly rods have recently been designed for people such as float tubers, who sit as much in the water as outside of it. These longer fly rods make it easier to keep the line out of the water - thus making it easier to cast.

Quick Recommendation on Fly Rod Length

If you're still confused, here's a recommendation. For all around versatility, an 8-foot to 9-foot fly rod will satisfy the needs of most anglers. Get an 8-foot rod if you will primarily fish small to mid-sized rivers and that occasional spring creek. Get a 9-foot rod if you will spend most of your time float fishing, fishing on large rivers or casting in windy conditions. You can also "split the difference" and get an 8-½ foot rod, which is probably the most popular - if only because most anglers can't quite decide between the two!

Next Page : Summing Things Up!

Return to Fly Rod Buyers Guide

Top of Page