Small Stream Big Value Fly Rods
There’s nothing like small stream fly fishing. Tossing an attractor dry to eager trout offers a wonderful diversion from the workaday world. The required presentations demand medium-to-slow action rods in shorter lengths to help avoid the streamside brush and overhanging trees. Here are three 4 weight rods that fit the bill:
L.L. Bean Double L Rod – Although L.L.Bean isn’t one of the big names in fly rods, they make a great quality product. The Double L delivers a medium to slow action in a good-looking package . Don’t overlook L.L.Bean when planning your next rod purchase. See full review.
Redington Classic Trout Rod – Redington’s Classic Trout rod provides real value in the category. At $149 MSRP, the Classic Trout was easily the least expensive in the test. But I found no compromises in the rod’s performance or quality. See full review.
St. Croix Avid Rod – The St. Croix Avid has been in my arsenal for several seasons now. It’s the only rod in the test built in the United States and comes with a slightly higher price tag ($240 MSRP). A nice medium action and understated cosmetics are this rod’s calling cards. See updated review.
I had the chance to test these rods on the small streams of the American River drainage in the Western Sierras, and on the Upper Deschutes River and a great spring-fed creek – the Fall River – outside Sunriver, Oregon. Give them a try yourself and you won’t be disappointed.
