What Weight Fly Rod For Brook Trout: For Every Condition
The right weight fly rod for brook trout will depend on the size of the water body they are in and the size of the brook trout. Since many brook trout are 6 to 10 inches long a 2 to 4 weight fly rod is good for most streams.
The fly fishing method and the size of the flies can also dictate the best weight of fly rod for brook trout.
These are the guidelines when looking for the right rod weight.
- Small brook trout in small rivers – 2 to 4-weight
- Euro nymphing for small to medium-sized brook trout – 2 to 3-weight
- Nymphing with indicators – 4 weight
- Streamer fishing, lake fishing, or very large brook trout – 5-weight
If I had to choose one brook trout rod to do it all, it would be a 9-foot, 4-weight fly rod. But that might not be what you need, so consider these things:
I break down the right weights based on methods and water bodies below
What Kind of Fly Rod Should To Catch Brook Trout?
Brook Trout inhabit streams, rivers, estuaries, ponds, and lakes. They also vary in size quite considerably. Due to all these factors, the equipment and techniques best suited to Brook Trout fishing differ radically, too.
Brook trout fly anglers need suitable fly rods and reels combined with the right floating fly lines.
No matter how experienced, no angler can single out one type of fly rod or specific line-weight range. See my article on the 15 best rated fly rods.
What Weight Fly Rod For Brook Trout to Use in Different Water Environments?
Conventional trout rods tend to be on the ultra-light to light side and so should a fly rod. The exception would be lake fishing from a boat, which requires long casts and bigger flies.
Fishing tiny little brook trout creeks that average 5 feet wide with dry flies, I’ve had a blast using a 2 weight fly rod.
I change the weight of the fly rod in different water environments.
Brook Trout in Small Streams & Brooks
The average Brook Trout in most small streams is between 7 and 12 inches long. In fact, on many streams, a 12-inch brook trout is considered big. For these brook trout, a fly rod weight in the 2 to 4 weight range is ideal.
In my opinion, an 8.5 to 9-foot, 3-weight fly rod is a perfect choice for throwing small flies such as smaller dries and nymphs. It is accurate and provides a subtle presentation.
If I am primarily nymphing, then a 2 or 3-weight 10-foot nymphing rod is best.
Rod For Brook Trout In Small Rivers
A 3-weight rod can work just as well in small rivers as in small streams up to 50 feet wide, however, on these larger rivers there is potential for larger brook trout, or the use of streamers and nymphs, so a 9-foot 4-weight is best.
Fly Rod for Brook Trout In Big Rivers
There are a few longer rods that are 3-weight but made especially for nymphing big rivers such as Orvis Helios 3wt 10’6″.
However, if you are looking for a rod that can cast dry flies, nymphs, and streamers on larger rivers, I use a standard 9-foot, five-weight, medium-action rod, such as the already mentioned Ovis Helios 3D.
Brook Trout Rod For Fishing Ponds & Lakes
Fishing for Brook Trout in lakes and ponds, get a standard 9-foot, 5-weight fast-action rod. It is a versatile weight for fishing in other freshwater environments, too.
The heavier rod will helps further and helps cast in windy conditions. It is also best when using larger streamers.
This is also a good weight for brook trout fishing from watercraft. It will make lifting the line off the water easier for a better backcast.
What Weight To Use Depends on The Fishing Technique?
I change my rod size depending on the type of fly fishing I am doing.
As an example, I use a lighter rod when dry fly fishing, a heavier rod when chucking an indicator rig, and an even heavier rod when tossing big streamers and mouse patterns at giant brook trout.
What Weight Rod When Dry Fly Fishing
A 2-weight or a 3-weight rod is a safe choice for small streams and rivers. It is suitable for casting decent-sized dry flies and strong enough to target a Brook Trout up to 18 inches.
For a dry / dropper rig, I use a 4-weight rod.
What Weight For Nymphing
I nymph a lot, so I want a longer rod in the 10- to 11-foot range. a 4-weight is best when targeting hefty Brook Trout in big, fast-flowing rivers. The Hardy Ultralite 10 Foot 3 Weight is an excellent choice for most rivers.
In fact, many of the large trout you see on this website that are over 24 inches were caught on my 10 foot 2 weight, and 10 foot 3 weight fly rods.
What Brook Trout Rod For Streamer Fishing
Streamer fishing is one of my favorite methods for fishing large trout.
A 5-weight or 6-weight rod is my preferred choice when throwing streamers into wide-open big rivers with the potential for higher winds.
The 5-weight is plenty for streamers, however, if the brook trout are very big and I am throwing very large streamers with sink tips or sinking lines, then a 6-weight fly rod is a better option.
Match that up with my most effective streamer flies for trout and you are good to go.
What Weight For Size Of Fish
The size of the brook trout will also determine the right weight fly rod.
As an example, the small brook trout found in the spring creeks of Pennsylvania require a smaller rod, but when fishing northern Ontario or Northern Quebec where the average brook trout is 4 to 6 pounds, I use a heavier rod.
What Weight Fly Rod For Small Brook Trout
Small stream Brook Trout angling usually yields smaller fish. Therefore, a 2-4 weight rod will do just fine. The most popular choice among experienced Brook Trout anglers is a 3-weight rod.
What Weight Fly Rod For Big Brook Trout
For larger rivers and big Brook Trout over 19 inches, I recommend a 9-foot, 5-weight medium-action “trout rod.”
Tight Lines
Graham
