DRY FLY SETUP
Hatches. We plan our lives around them—vacations, workdays, weddings, birthdays, probably even some births. Though trout fishing is a multi-faceted pursuit—and thank goodness for that—it’s hard to deny the allure of the head-dorsal-tail rise of a brown trout feeding in a way that deserves its own entry under “finicky” in the dictionary. Sometimes it’s easy, more often it’s hard, but no matter what, putting the pieces together for that perfect dry fly eat is invariably satisfying. Finding the right tool to match both conditions and casting style will vastly improve your dry fly experience. Dive in and explore gear perfected to the dry fly game, and find the right tool for you.
TROUT LL
The moderate action of TROUT LL gives anglers the utmost in sensitivity and facilitates a slower overall approach to the dry fly game. The relatively supple tip maximizes light tippet protection and gives way to a smooth easy-loading mid-section that increases feel and feedback throughout the casting stroke. This rod will excel at short-moderate length presentations.
Suited to the more traditional angler with a slower casting stroke and more soulful approach to dry fly fishing. Presentations are often at short to moderate distances.
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Moderate line speeds and more open loop-shapes facilitate a lighter and more delicate presentation.
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Short-moderate length presentations, average leader lengths, single-dry rigs.
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R8 CORE
The fast action of R8 CORE provides capability to stay tight to the line and in control of the presentation, while high line speeds drive a tight loop that assists in laser accuracy in technical dry fly situations. With the ability to handle dry fly lines with long heads - increasing loop control when carrying long lengths - this makes for precise casts to rising fish at range.
Suited to the modern angler with a faster and more technical approach to dry fly fishing looking for a rod with maximum accuracy at a variety of distances.
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High line speeds provide tight-loops and the ability to carry longer lengths of line - offering supreme accuracy and the quickest in fly-to-fish delivery.
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Longer presentations, longer leaders, quick shots, double-dry rigs.
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DRY FLY SETUP HIGHLIGHTS
Tailwater
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 CREEK
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
FREESTONE
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
