Idaho is a fly fishing paradise, and part of what makes it so incredible is the wide variety of locations, species, and techniques that can be utilized. This means that someone can spend a lifetime fly fishing in Idaho and never become bored.
It can also mean that choosing the right equipment, like a fly rod, can feel overwhelming. In this guide we’ll help break down the different characteristics of fly rods and what to consider when choosing which one to use. Before we get started, remember, fly fishing can be extremely detailed and niche, but don’t let not having the “perfect” set up stop you from getting out!
Basic Fly Rod Characteristics – Length, Weight, Action
Asking what the best fly rod for Idaho is like asking what’s the best vehicle for Idaho. What will you be using it for – long drives, towing, passengers? What matters most – capacity, fuel economy, aesthetics? As you can see, before finding “a best”, you must understand the features and the pros and cons they present.
In fly rods, the main characteristics to consider are the length, weight, and action of the rod. Understanding these three areas, and how they work together, will help you make an informed decision on which rod would be “best”.
Rod Length
Rod length is the most straightforward and easiest to understand feature of the rod. It means exactly what it sounds like, how long the rod is. Fly rods can range anywhere from 6 feet to 14 feet (these extra long rods are two handed, single hand usually ends around 10 feet). The classic and most versatile length is a 9 foot rod.
Shorter rods are used on smaller creeks where distance casting isn’t required, and too much length would be prohibitive in relation to the water size. Longer rods can help with extra distance and power, and also provide some more control when mending your line – they can also take a little more practice to cast.
Rod Weights
In this context when we discuss rod weights, we don’t mean how much the rod physically weighs, but instead how powerful and thick the rod is. Weights can range from 1 – 16. For Idaho, a 5 weight is a very versatile choice that can cover the majority of fishing techniques and fish sizes anglers will encounter.
Weights 1-3 are very light and can be fun to use on smaller creeks with light flies and smaller fish. 4-6 is the most used range for trout. 4 weights are great for lighter flies and slightly larger fish, 5 weights are powerful enough to cast some larger flies and multi fly setups and fight most trout in Idaho. For bigger rivers, casting in heavier wind, and throwing larger streamers, a 6 to 7 weight can make life easier, but they might start to feel like they overpower average size trout. Anything over 8 is considered a heavy weight, and is for more specialized use.
Rod Action
Most rod actions fall into the categories of slow, medium, or fast. These designations describe how much a rod will flex while casting, and how fast it will recover after the motion is stopped.
Slow action rods will bend more throughout the length of the rod and take longer to load. This type of action is widely used on lighter weight rods that will be used to make delicate presentations.
Medium action rods will bend through about half of the length and will produce more power than the slow action rod. This action is still forgiving enough that if you aren’t perfect with your timing, your cast will still be ok. This is a very versatile action and can be great for beginners and a wide range of fishing styles.
Fast action rods have the most power and are ideal for casting larger flies or cutting through strong winds. The rods are usually less forgiving, requiring more precise timing during the cast. They will have a strong backbone which also translates to good fighting power. Typically fast action rods will be in heavier weights, and most saltwater rods will be fast to ultra fast.
While the other two features described are fairly objective, an angler’s preference for rod action can be much more subjective. An angler’s casting style, experience, and “fit” can all factor into what would be the best fit, so it’s recommended to go into a shop and cast a few different actions to get a sense of what you like the most.
Budget Considerations
Fly fishing can be as expensive as you want to make it…but it doesn’t have to break the bank. There are many rods to choose from, and with the advances in technology and materials most of them are very good.
You will see some high end trout rods approaching, or breaking, $1,000. These are beautiful, hand crafted, very nice rods. But there are also very good, functional rods for a fraction of the price.
If you are just getting started, don’t think you need to spend thousands on gear to have success. Most beginners won’t be able to feel the difference between an expensive rod and a more budget friendly one anyway. Consider starting with something you feel comfortable with and upgrade in the future as you become more experienced.
Idaho’s Most Versatile Rod
Now that we’ve covered the main features of a fly rod and how they apply to different types of water, you can begin to think about what rod would work best for your most frequent scenarios.
For a rod that can cover most fly fishing applications and allow you to fish the most water in the most ways, a 9ft 5 weight with a medium fast action will be your best bet. This rod will be an excellent choice for the majority of fishing situations, and while it might not be the perfect rod for every scenario, it’s a great place to start.
There are many rods on the market today, and most of them are very good. Here are three examples of good trout rods for Idaho, one at each price point.
Expensive – Sage R8
Mid Range – Guideline NT11 Trout
Budget – Orvis Clearwater
Now that you understand what rod choices are out there, it’s time to start putting them to the test! That’s the best way to learn about what is the best fit for you.