Short Driftless Rod?

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David Dornblaser	Short Driftless Rod?		Lead	[-]
Posts: 271 02/03/2009 18:52	Tags : None I have been thinking about adding a short, 7'ish rod to my quiver. My shortest rod is currently a 7'5" 4 wt and I am well equipped with 7'6" - 7'9" 4 & 5 wts. I spend 3 days, roughly every 3 weeks in SW WI. Maybe it's February cabin fever, but a shorter rod would seem to round out my quiver for the feeder streams and the wood sections. I have been a little hesitant of 3 wts and short rods because when I leave the vehicle I feel more comfortable with a rod that can handle some wind, nymphs, etc., or whatever the morning, afternoon or evening session may bring. I have always felt, rightly or wrongly, that a 7'6" 4 wt is the minimum configuration to handle most conditions. Any thoughts from those who fish small streams, particularly those streams in the Driftless Area? Those that fish short rods, do you ever feel under gunned? - David www.UpperMidwestFlyFishing.com - fly fishing in the Upper Midwest. Spring Creeks to Smallies to Steelhead.
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joaniebo		#1	[url]	[-]
Posts: 1767 02/03/2009 19:21	David I do virtually all my fly fishing in the Cheese Country's Driftless Area and have several shorter cane rods (a little over 6 ft to 7 ft+) ..... all use 4 or 5 weight lines (usually DTs plastic or silk although I do have / use a couple WFs also). Also use some plastic rods [ especially to irritate the "elderly gentleman(?)" when we *"Gofish"*ing] up to 9 ft, also 4 & 5 wgts. Have yet to have any significant problems in fishing the DA's waters ...... unless, of course, I consider "the company I keep" when fishing! Cheers Bob
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nativebrownie		#2	[url]	[-]
Posts: 650 02/03/2009 19:59	David, How small is small? I fish eastern waters very much like your Driftless streams. For the headwaters ( 8 -15 feet across) of my waters, last year, I really enjoyed a 6.5 3 weight - handled #16 - 24 dries, small beadheads, and #12 streamers just fine - too my surprise, I admit. 95% of these casts in those headwaters are within 30 feet and most are withi 20 feet. I must admit that the short rod was really fun and allowed those small wild ones to show off a bit. I plan this season to try the 6.5 on the lower , still small, waters later in the season. NB
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MontyMontana	Try this one	#3	[url]	[-]
Posts: 453 02/03/2009 20:17	David.. I was just this afternoon looking at my arsenal, looking at what I have and really don't use and maybe this would fill your bill. Orvis 1pc. 6' rated for a 6 but throws a 5 much better and handled a 4 wulff TT pretty well to boot. But in the wind it really likes a wf5. if interested send me a note....just a coincidence I was thinking this today...I really don't have much need out here on the West Coast for this short of a rod. Monty Montana Your Signature ... I fish via our criminal justice system..."Catch and release"
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tedgolden		#4	[url]	[-]
Posts: 2696 02/03/2009 20:39 Moderator	I have been fishing the area for about 25 years, at least a week a year. I'm not a native so I usually bring enough rods to cover any possibility or need. I have refined the rods down to a manageable number and a minimum of three is what I would consider. Specifically; the general purpose 7 1/2 foot 5 wt. for reasons you mention. A second rod, would be 7 1/2 foot 4 weight, always a RW Summers 275. I can't leave that one at home. Thirdly, a 7' 4 wt., where I prefer a Payne 97 or a Granger 7030. A fourth rod (did I say three?) which I always bring but seldom use in an 8 1/2 5 wt. Granger/Philllipson type.. This is used in the event of heavy rains which may color the water and big streamers are the order of the day. I don't think I have had occasion to use that one for several years, but it's there if I need it. I used to add a 6 1/2' 3 wt but found it seldom left the tube. Too much wind too often. Same thing for a Leonard 38L. Too much wind too often. I could see adding a shorter rod, 6 1/2' - 6' but it would be only to add variety, not from need. More likely I'd add a Gragner 8040 or a 8' 4 oz. Winston.
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David Dornblaser		#5	[url]	[-]
Posts: 272 02/03/2009 21:35	nativebrown, are waters are similar. monty montana, thanks but a 6' is shorter than what I was thinking of. Ted & Bob, thanks. Ted, I always have 2- 3 rods plus 2 for my wife as well. We live closer and have the luxury of selecting rods based on the weather forecast the day we leave. I was thinking of a Payne 97 clone as well; along with a Sweetgrass 7' 4 hex, 6'11" Scott SC, etc., all 7'ish 4 wts. I was also interested in hearing comments about Tom Nigor's 7' 4 wt hex. - David www.UpperMidwestFlyFishing.com - fly fishing in the Upper Midwest. Spring Creeks to Smallies to Steelhead. Last Edited By: David Dornblaser 02/03/2009 21:38. Edited 1 time.
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joaniebo		#6	[url]	[-]
Posts: 1769 02/03/2009 21:40	David I plan on being at the West Fork Sportsclub's campgrounds the last week in April (Wednesday thru Sunday) fishing the DA waters before the "early season" ends. If you can make it there at that time, look me up, ok? Best Bob
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David Dornblaser		#7	[url]	[-]
Posts: 273 02/03/2009 22:01	Thanks Bob, that's a generous offer. I will be up with my wife the week-end before but I might be pursued to take a short trip up again. - David www.UpperMidwestFlyFishing.com - fly fishing in the Upper Midwest. Spring Creeks to Smallies to Steelhead.
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quashnet		#8	[url]	[-]
Posts: 2414 02/03/2009 23:08 Moderatus Muscae	I spent only one day (albeit a long and enjoyable day) fishing in the Driftless region. I took with me a 7'6" 5 wt (PHY Martha Marie) and a 7'6" 4 wt (Summers 275) and these were just right for the rivers I fished. When the wind came up in the afternoon I was happy to have the Martha Marie. During the day there was only one other rod that I wished I had with me, and that was a 7'2" Driggs marked for HDH or HEH that I fish with a DT5F for short to medium distances. It certainly would be a shorter rod that would give you a little more punch when required. Quashnet's Paul H. Young Rod Database has photos and descriptions of over 420 PHY Co. rods, plus catalogs, accessories, etc. Thank you to all who continue to send me PHY rod photos and info.
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bbamboo		#9	[url]	[-]
Posts: 142 02/04/2009 04:20	quashnet I will second that the Driggs is a great rod for small streams. Also have a look at the PHY midge. both rods have plenty of muscle. www.nichobamboorods.com
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Gnome		#10	[url]	[-]
Posts: 1893 02/04/2009 09:59 King of the Gnomes	David, another taper to consider is the Dickerson 6611, Jeff
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Chuck441		#11	[url]	[-]
Posts: 28 02/04/2009 11:42	another taper to consider is the Dickerson 6611 +1 on the 6611. I use mine with a 4 weight, and it has enough punch for those shortish presentations on a moderately breezy day. Chuck
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spruce grouse		#12	[url]	[-]
Posts: 1227 02/04/2009 11:55	I fished a Driftless area stream last May that was 2' wide in spots with the wider runs being 5-10' wide. Getting a fly on water 2' wide with 3' tall grass on the banks was tough. I would also check out the 6'8" FE Thomas taper. It can be a 3 or a 4 wt. depending on the rod and a number of makers build them. Also, Bill Taylor makes a nice 6'6" 4 wt. quad.
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David Dornblaser		#13	[url]	[-]
Posts: 275 02/04/2009 12:00	Has anyone cast Tom Nigro's Edwards Model 25 quad? - David www.UpperMidwestFlyFishing.com - fly fishing in the Upper Midwest. Spring Creeks to Smallies to Steelhead.
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joaniebo		#14	[url]	[-]
Posts: 1770 02/04/2009 12:30	One of these days, just for the heck of it, I'm going to take with me, and fish, one of the two-piece, solid cane poles that I bought for my nephews (Gander Mtn. - $4.98 each) ...... strung with 15' - 20' of mono, tie on a weighted nymph and take it when I hit the Cheese Country waters. Will see if I can fling a BH with it and see how it feels to catch a Spotted Dace on a solid cane pole. Hmmm, maybe I'll even use a length of an old level silk line that I have ... get back to the basics .... plus, then the "elderly gentleman (?)" won't complain about me fishing plastic! Cheers Bob
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bamb00zler		#15	[url]	[-]
Posts: 27 02/04/2009 12:47	If you wanna double your pleasure and double your fun I would go even lighter than what has been suggested. Look, you've already got an arsenal to cope with the wind, now you're looking for something to handle the small feeder streams and in the woods. 90% or so, of my fishing is done on Wisconsin's Prairie, Eau Claire and Plover Rivers and I've gone to either a Kusse Baby Catskill 6'0" one-weight, a Payne 95 6'0" 2-weight or a Leonard Fairy Catskill 7'6" 3-weight---and I have never felt undergunned. Granted, I'm fishing for native brookies with #16 and smaller flies and it's done in a woodsie environment which of course buffers the wind. As a matter of fact my fishing fun factor has gone up exponentially with these light line rods. The only time the 7'0" 4-wt. and larger rods come out is when there's a lot of wind or it's brown drake, hex or hopper time. You ought to give the little rods a try---you may be pleasantly surprised! Last Edited By: bamb00zler 02/04/2009 12:51. Edited 1 time.
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David Dornblaser		#16	[url]	[-]
Posts: 276 02/04/2009 13:10	bamb00zler wrote: If you wanna double your pleasure and double your fun I would go even lighter than what has been suggested. Look, you've already got an arsenal to cope with the wind, now you're looking for something to handle the small feeder streams and in the woods. 90% or so, of my fishing is done on Wisconsin's Prairie, Eau Claire and Plover Rivers and I've gone to either a Kusse Baby Catskill 6'0" one-weight, a Payne 95 6'0" 2-weight or a Leonard Fairy Catskill 7'6" 3-weight---and I have never felt undergunned. Granted, I'm fishing for native brookies with #16 and smaller flies and it's done in a woodsie environment which of course buffers the wind. As a matter of fact my fishing fun factor has gone up exponentially with these light line rods. The only time the 7'0" 4-wt. and larger rods come out is when there's a lot of wind or it's brown drake, hex or hopper time. You ought to give the little rods a try---you may be pleasantly surprised! I know your waters. I have fished the Prairie at other times, but I normally fish it in August for either tricos or white flies and I spend some time on the East Branch as well. - David www.UpperMidwestFlyFishing.com - fly fishing in the Upper Midwest. Spring Creeks to Smallies to Steelhead.
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TXTrout		#17	[url]	[-]
Posts: 250 02/04/2009 13:16	David, I would suggest a slow action 7' 4/5wt Howells type taper. They will flex with a small fish, but can buck a wind when needed. Many people don't realize that one of Gary's favorite rods was a 7' 5wt. I often fish small streams in NM for smaller trout, but the 5wt is very nice with the wind. It also allows you to turn over a long light leader when needed. I would suggest a 7' 4wt that has enough tip strength to handle a 5wt for close work and long leaders. Robert. "Some paths are best not taken alone" John W. Barfield
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driftless	Three Paul Young Rods	#18	[url]	[-]
Posts: 64 02/04/2009 13:38	Since I live in the Driftless, and do 80% of my fishing here, I use three Paul Young model rods. Granted, they are clones & are of my own making, but they do the job. Depending on the weather, wind, time of year, the undergrowth, what's hatching, etc, I will fish either a Perfectionist, a Driggs or a Midge. None of these rods is on the slow side. Rather, the actions are crisp, yet capable of surprising delicacy. Some of the streams around here are downright claustrophobic, so pinpoint casting accuracy is usually required. The Perfectionist & Driggs are very good roll-casters, which is a neccessity here, too. Paul Julius Cross Plains, WI Last Edited By: driftless 02/04/2009 14:07. Edited 1 time.
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Stomias		#19	[url]	[-]
Posts: 83 02/04/2009 14:07	The Prairie The DA
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David Dornblaser		#20	[url]	[-]
Posts: 277 02/04/2009 14:14	That's a beautiful picture of the Prairie. That's higher up than I normally fish. - David www.UpperMidwestFlyFishing.com - fly fishing in the Upper Midwest. Spring Creeks to Smallies to Steelhead.
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