This year I am going to fish a few tributarys, some very small and by small I mean, literally streams with small pot holes which have small brown trout in them.

I want a rod, as thin and light as possible for this very delecate fishing.

The streams are literally no bigger than a couple of foot wide.

Just wondering, what is the best rod out there for the job?

Hardy Flyweight 6ft, #2, weight, I have one! You wont regret buying one.

I also have a 6ft, cane rod #3. But there are lots to choose from.

I occasionally fish very small streams up on Exmoor and I find a 9' 4 weight better suited to the job than little 6' brook rods. The longer rod helps keep the line clear of the thorn bushes and bracken while I'm crouching down out of sight. On steep sections one of the biggest problems is the line being pulled down the the falls at the tails of the pools and causing massive drag on the fly. With the longer rod you can hold the line off the pool tails more easily. Of course if you are fishing under a canopy of trees the short rod will be far better.


Andy

v ?

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Nicely illustrated Splashtest
It's the second type that I think of when someone says "highland stream".


Andy

Ps. Where are they?

Hello Bootsy,

if you're looking for the lightest rod in terms of line weight you might consider the Sage TXL. They make a 7'10" for a #000 line that weighs 41 grammes! You'll have to buy a Sage line with it, cause to my knowledge no one else makes a #000 line .
However, when fishing such small streams you'll often find yourself in a situation where you will be casting very little or even no line at all. To cast and turn over only a leader and a light fly properly you'll need a rod with a bit more mass (inherent weight). Just ended an interesting debate on the subject here :

Rods & rods

Like Mostyn, I would opt for a nice splitcane...but tastes can differ...Vision Cult comes in a 7'6" #3 (nice rod too)

regards,
Johan

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Johan Janssens

Wow Johan -that is light!

These highland streams are usually windy places indeed we pray for wind as it keeps the dreaded highland midge at bay. I'd be using a heavier set up for that reason: a 4 or even 5 weight line on a rod somewhere around 8ft would be perfect at different parts of the stream. Not a stiff 4 or 5 weight but something that will cast very little line at need would be perfect - something with a bit of mass to it.

You're right Malcolm, didn't think of that. Here in our wooded valleys wind isn't much of an issue. At least not on the small streams...

Johan

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Johan Janssens

i use a Greys Streamflex 6' 6" 3wt, i've used it on the Isle of Lewis a couple of times and got away with it without any problems

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8.5ft to 9ft long using a #5 line

richard

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