Fly Rods

The weight of a fly rod is the size of the fly line that rod is designed to cast. Heavier lines can be cast farther; can cut through wind on open saltwater flats and big rivers; and can help punch bigger and heavier flies through the air. Heavier lines put more force on a rod, and thus require a sturdier fly rod. Lighter-weight lines allow for delicate presentations of smaller flies, and so lightweight fly rods are built with precision presentation in mind. Choose your rod weight and fly line weight based on which type of water you’ll primarily be fishing. You can get by within 1 to 2 weights of the ideal rod/line weight for a piece of water. So if you’re fishing a big river for big trout and should be using a 6-weight rod and line, for example, you could get away with a 5- or 7-weight.

The best all-around fly rod weight for freshwater is a 4-, 5-, or 6-weight in 8’ 6” or 9’ lengths, and for saltwater an 8- or a 9-weight in a 9’ length. A tremendous variety of fishing can be accomplished with these options.

• Helios: If you’re an experienced angler who demands precision and accuracy, explore our Helios line of fly rods. We engineered the Helios rods to reduce the variables and harness the energy behind each cast—translating to impressive accuracy. No window is too small for this precise rod, thanks to the increased hoop strength that reduces vibration for a truly accurate cast. Place flies right where you want them—every time—with the enhanced power and pinpoint accuracy of our Helios fly rods. Cast the Helios D if you’re looking for reliably easy distance; it blends unmatched power with incredible accuracy. For tricky water, spooky fish, and tiny dries, rely on the finesse-focused Helios F, which will consistently present a fly at 60 feet, with a delicate presentation and surprising sensitivity. The Helios fly rod offers power, accuracy, and feel, whether you’re fishing a stream or the flats.

• Clearwater: In our bestselling Clearwater series, you’ll find the ideal weight and flex for any application. Our budget-friendly Clearwater Switch & Spey rods put the world of two-handed casting within reach.

• Recon: Our Recon series of fly rods is designed with the adventure angler in mind. Four-piece construction allows for easy storage, and convenient straps secure the rod to a backpack when trekking deep into parts unknown. This rod is incredibly lightweight, yet stands ready to tackle the toughest fish on the greatest adventures.

• Superfine: Our Superfine fly rods have the power and precision to accurately present flies with a delicate touch to avoid spooking fish. You’ll crave the crisp, clean cast and slow action offered by this fiberglass rod. Superfine glass boasts modern technology that mingles with a decidedly classic look in a fly rod you’ll want to show off.

• Encounter: Our affordable Encounter fly rod outfits are armed with high-grade components perfect for new anglers, and for seasoned anglers looking for a bargain on a spare. The Encounter fly rod outfit comes equipped with a large arbor Encounter reel, weight-forward floating fly line, backing, and leader.

Our fly rod selector tool can help narrow your search to specific rods of the right series, weight, and length, based on your fishing environment, target species, fly box, and other variables that are important to you.

Choose your fly rod weight based on your target species. The size of what you’re fishing for determines the weight fly line you’ll need, and your line weight matches your fly rod weight. For example, if you’re heading to a local stream for brook trout, a 5-weight rod with a 5-weight line will do. For chasing barracuda or permit in saltwater, you’ll need a 10-weight rod and line. Generally, 1- to 4-weight rods suit smaller trout. A 5-weight rod is a great all-around option, and a 6-weight is suitable for larger trout, bass, or smaller steelhead. Seven- to 9-weight rods are at the top of the freshwater spectrum, and rods weighted from 10 upwards are reserved for bigger saltwater species.

Use the fly rod weight that best supports the fly line that will handle your target species. In other words, you should choose your fly rod weight based on the type of fish you hope to catch. Here are some general guidelines for fish size and fight with the corresponding rod weight:

• 1–4 WT rod: smaller trout, panfish
• 4–6 WT rod: bass, average-to-larger trout
• 6–8 WT rod: carp, salmon, bass, monster trout, some smaller saltwater species like bonefish or redfish, steelhead
• 9–10 WT rod: big salmon, steelhead, striped bass, muskie
• 10–14 WT rod: tarpon, mahi-mahi, bluefin, giant trevally, sailfish

A heavier-weight fly rod does not guarantee a farther cast. As a rule of thumb and all things being equal, a longer rod will cast farther than a shorter rod, and a heavier weight line can go farther than a lighter weight line. A long 5-weight rod is capable of swinging as far as 90 feet, although most anglers will need to cast only to about 50 feet. In the end, what matters most for longer casts is proper technique.

A useful all-around fly rod, the 5-weight is good for trout, grayling, and bass.

A 7-weight fly rod is good for huge trout, carp, salmon, and bass.

Rod lengths vary greatly, but there are only a few variables to consider when deciding which length you need. Shorter rods between 6 and 8 feet perform well on small creeks with obstacles you’ll have to cast around, such as logs or rocks. Longer rods between 8 and 10 feet suit larger bodies of water where you need to make lengthier casts to reach fish, or gain added reach to avoid drag. If you’re a beginning fly fisher, any rod with the right line weight between 8 and 9 feet long is probably a reliable choice.