I routinely fish dry fly on a large river for spooky wild brownies. Getting a small fly GENTLY to them at distance has made me match a lighter line (4 weight) and a beefier rod (7/8 weight). I've tried longer leaders but anything over 12 feet brings other casting and back-cast problems in.
Anyone got another approach to fine and far off on rivers?

I would suggest looking for the longest rod the river (8'8", 9') with which you can roll cast longer distances (triangular taper line supposed to be good for this - might need a softer rod) - what you don't say is how strong the current is and across how many seams you have to cast because that will determine what kind of leader setup you need.

__________________
"Please God, don't let me die at the hands of the Swiss". English, J, Sir

Why didn't you put the #4 line on a #4 rod?

Thanks Dingbat. The river is not too fast or complicated current wise, just big and clear. Rod I use is nine foot six and way, way underlined. But every line weight I've dropped has doubled my catches, but it feels really odd!

Ive tried lighter rods but they don't have the oomph to get a line out across a big river.

Surely a 4# weight rod with a 4# line will be better than the setup you have. How can a 4# line load a 8# rod to cast at all ? Id imagine you'll be putting more effort in to actually cast it and make the presentation worse.

Are you using furled/Tapered leaders ?

__________________
Scott

Suggests you have issues with your cast. However, if it works for you...

how about a 10' #4 Rod , that should do the trick.

Surely the problem in hand is casting rather than rod length ? If you take a 9ft 5 weight with a 5 line a get a good back and front cast (including hauls or not) you should be able to target the fish with a delicate presentation ? Rather that busting a gut to get a 4 weight line across using 7/8 rods ?

__________________
Harbour lights fly fishers

I would check out using one of mr trout furled leaders - I've found them very good for roll casts - you can experiment with the tippet length and diameter. I remember being able to get the end of the leader to land first but the tippet still having the energy to land reasonably straight but very softly.

Having said all that I get some very soft landings and appreciable distance with a presentation taper from snowbee

__________________
"Please God, don't let me die at the hands of the Swiss". English, J, Sir