Not every river yields twenty-inch trout with consistency. Especially in smaller waters, footlong fish are the norm. As contentment in fly fishing is subjective, trout like these are targeted and celebrated.

It is for good reason that fly fishers love to use light line weights for these trout. 4-weights and under are preferred when angling in medium to small creeks. They aid in casting and presentation.  Fighting smaller fish is also a more engaging experience. Often, light line weights are accompanied by short rod lengths. In the tight conditions of mountain creeks or headwater tributaries a 7’6″ rod (or much shorter) can come in handy.

Consequently, people buy short rods for their light lines but opt for lengths around 9′ for 5- and 6-weights. Depending on where you fish, you might want to consider adding a longer lightweight rod to your arsenal. Contemporary technology allows for well-balanced rods such as 8’9″ and even 9′ 3-weights. These rods are built to cast. They can still be used to flip a fly into a tight spot or dap in a plunge pool, but they’re uniquely capable of unrolling 50′  of light line. Plus, in the hands of a skilled angler they are able to handle a surprise twenty-inch trout.

Here are 3 situations that warrant a longer lightweight fly rod:

Open Canopies

Some of the rivers I fish in northern New England run very high in the spring. Consequently, the river beds get scoured out. Throughout most of the year up to half of the stream bed is “dry”. It looks like a river, but fishes like a small stream. This also means that there aren’t many overhanging trees.

Streams in open meadows present the same opportunity. Virtually all casting is unobstructed. It’s the perfect setting for a longer rod. An 8’6″ or 9′ rod in a 4-, 3-, or 2-weight line is going to allow for longer, accurate casts.

Tiny Dries

Hopefully you’re embracing the size 18 BWO hatches just as much as those moments when you get to throw size 12 March Browns. Smaller dries, including sub-20 midge patterns, are fished very well on light-lined rods. Delicate casts are less likely to spook wary fish, and finesse tapers protect narrow tippets.

If the bugs coming off are 18 or smaller, consider dropping down to a light line. A longer rod will help in some integral ways. Casting, mending, and picking up line for the next cast will all be easier and quieter.

Mountain Ponds

Whether I am in a float tube or on foot, I always feel like I could use a few more feet of casting distance when fishing remote trout ponds. (Admittedly, I’ll always want a few more feet of casting distance.) Generally a longer rod will help – especially when roll casting from  the bank. And when out in the water, riparian foliage isn’t a concern.

When fishing longer presentations, keeping as much line off the water as possible makes for better control and hook sets.

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If you only have shorter rods in the lighter line weights, consider casting an 8’6″ or 9′ model at your local fly shop. I guarantee you’ll enjoy it. More importantly, based upon where and how you fish, it might be a great addition to your rod selection.