Slower water, dancing micro-currents, consistent bugs, and discerning trout - all characteristics of targeting trophy trout on our favorite tailwaters. Fish are spooky and require long leaders and longer presentations. Double-dry rigs are the norm not the exception, and fly boxes are filled with subtle variations of emergers, duns, parachutes, and spinners. Due to the length of casts necessary on most tailwaters - in addition to the need for mending capabilities, both on the water and aerial - a rod in the 9 foot range is the go-to tool. In addition, pinpoint accuracy is a must, and for these reasons we prefer a faster rod that will generate higher line speeds and tighter loops.

Rod: R8 CORE 590-4
Reel: ARBOR XL 4/5/6
Lines: RIO Elite Technical Trout WF5F
Flies: Most mayfly and caddis imitations.
Fisheries: Missouri River, Delaware River, Henry's Fork

Spring creeks often provide some of the most impressive dry fly fishing opportunities for the technical angler – but they don’t come without their challenges. Stealthy approaches from the grass, shorter precise presentations, small microcurrents wreaking havoc on an otherwise perfect drift. Spring creek trout are weary in their small-quarters home, and the rod, reel, and line need to match that. Short rods allow better, more accurate casts at short range, and often the case for us, a rod with a deeper load and slower action allows for heightened sensitivity and the most subtle of presentations.

Rod: TROUT LL 486-4
Reel: CLICK 3/4/5
Lines: RIO Elite Gold WF5F
Flies: CDC Emergers, Rusty Spinners, Purple Haze
Fisheries: Armstrong Spring Creek, Depuy's Spring Creek, Letort Spring Run

Pocket water, undercut banks, log jams – just a few examples of the water types you might encounter on a freestone stream. Freestones can be unpredictable and their currents swift – a rod setup that can quickly and accurately place a dry fly is critical. Since presentations to likely water are often short - both in length and opportunity - a shorter and faster rod is often times the preferred tool, providing higher line speeds and quicker fly-to-fish performance.

Rod: R8 CORE 586-4
Reel: SPECTRUM LT 4/5
Lines: RIO Elite Gold WF5F
Flies: Purple Haze, Elk Hair Caddis
Fisheries: Blackfoot River, Gallatin River, Roaring Fork River