Fly Fishing: Small Streams

One of the primary fishing differences between Minnesota and Michigan is that Michigan has a steeped and rich history of trout fly fishing, an area that is very undeveloped in Minnesota except the very southern part of the state.  Michigan is one of the premier states in the US for catching trout on the fly, boasting world class rivers such as the Au Sable, the Muskegon, and the Manistee.  As an avid fisherman, this is great news for me, just moving to the Michigan area not far from the Muskegon and the St. Joseph.  These rivers boast incredible fishing for lake-run fish from the Great Lakes and offer excellent opportunities to catch 20 pound steelhead (migratory rainbow trout) and spawning upriver salmon (including several varieties such as kings and cohos).  The amount of funding that the state pours into stocking these gamefish doesn't hurt either.

However, Michigan is also known for it's small stream trout fishing.  Almost anywhere in the state, there is a decent chance that there is a decent trout stream in the vicinity carrying either brown trout, rainbows, or brookies.  Although these fish in small streams rarely get much over a foot long, taking a wild trout on the fly is one of the quintessential fishing experiences for the cultured angler.  

With this in mind, I've been doing a lot of research lately with the idea of picking up a small stream rod.  Although my Sage Flight  5 weight is a beautiful rod, it's also nine feet long... too long for small stream fishing when many of those streams are barely nine feet across, with tree limbs hanging close in.  

So I looked for a smaller rod in the six to seven and a half foot range.  And I decided to take the weight down a size to a four - trout in small streams don't usually get as large and a four weight is delicate enough for subtle presentations, yet gives me more piece of mind than a three weight if I happen to hook a larger brown or a smallmouth.  Finally, I'm looking for a moderate action rod... I don't really like slow action rods because it messes up my cast, and a fast action rod is too stiff for small streams and delicate presentations.  

My two favorite companies, Orvis and Sage, both sell top of the line products.  However, their rods are pricey enough (usually $500-1000) that I would only spring for one if it was exactly what I wanted, and what I looked at from them were closer to the eight foot range, a little long for small streams.  Cabela's also seemed to have rods that were too long for what I wanted.

I found a couple good options selling at L.L. Bean. They are:

Pocket Water Outfit:  Specifically, the 6'10" four weight.  Perfect size, nice looking, good reviews, moderate action.  This is my first choice of the two.  A big plus is that this one comes in a four piece setup opposed to the following listed, which comes in a two piece.  This rod was designed for exactly the fishing that I plan on doing this summer.  Runs at $290 also, which is a good price if it lives up to expectations.  

Streamlight Ultra Outfit:  Also from LL Bean.  6'11" four weight.  This rod is slightly less specialized than the Pocket Water and marketed more towards beginners in fly fishing.  However, I feel like I would be able to take advantage of the versatility and the accompanying lower price range.  Basically a cheaper version of the Pocket Water while remaining a good rod for the price.  Runs at $169.

Both good options for my needs and whichever one I choose will become the third weapon in my arsenal.  Am asking for the Pocket Water for my birthday in February and if I do not get it then will probably buy the Streamlight.

Techniques for small streams:  (Note: I am new to fly fishing and am NOT experienced) As I don't have a huge selection of flies or expertise, I rely on a small selection of strategies for small streams.  In the spring, fall and winter I would use a nymph.  Number one choice would be a Pheasant Tail but could also try a Hare's Ear in larger streams or a Prince Nymph as an attractor pattern.  Almost all of my small stream fly fishing will be in the summer, though, so I will go heavy on terrestrial patterns.  Primary rig? Number 14 hopper or beetle pattern, eighteen inches of 5X tippet, and a beadhead Pheasant Tail size 16.  Good solid bet for small summer streams.  If the water is dirty, try a small colorful Woolly Bugger.

Tight Lines,

Bradley