There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question “what line weight should I use for trout?” The same holds true for smallmouth, pike, striper, panfish… you name it. Every species, and any circumstance you might find yourself in while fishing for that species, can be pursued with a range or rod and line weights.
While it is certainly fun to try to see how much you can get away with while using the lightest rod possible, there is merit to jumping up to a heavier rod.
And if one is better…
Here are three situations that warrant jumping up not one, but two line sizes.
Fly Diversity
There is something incredibly beautiful about a finesse dry fly presentation on a small stream using a diminutive 2-weight. What’s more, hooking into a modest trout is still quite the battle. Unfortunately, there is a good chance that same rod wont be nearly as effective if you come across a deep pool or riffle that requires a weighted nymph or streamer.
A 4-weight will hardly overpower a small fish or leave you feeling like you can’t feel anything. But it will allow you to use your entire fly box (within reason). If you know you’ll only use small dries, stick with the lighter rod. If you want the opportunity for diversity, bump it up to the 4.
Delicate at Distance
That same 4-weight might be a great all-around trout rod. It may be your go-to in every traditional fly fishing setting. It can cast the flies and it can handle the trout.
But what if the trout are just a little farther out? A good 50+ foot cast with a 6-weight is a lot easier to pull off than that same cast with a 4. And, if you cast well your midges and tiny dries will still be laid out with the delicacy necessary. In fact, the power you get with the heavier rod will probably mean that you can roll over a longer leader at distance.
That Wind
Casting on open water (a big lake, a wide river, or the open ocean) can be wonderful. No obstructions means that you can let those casts fly. Until the wind picks up, that is. Then it can be frustrating at best, dangerous at worst.
Wading the coast, an 8-weight is usually sufficient. Going to a 10 will allow you to punch heavy and wind-resistant flies into all but the stiffest winds. The other benefit of this change is that you’ll probably be able to make the same cast with one fewer false cast. Over the course of the day, this might offset the number of total casts… leaving your arm equally tired either way.
Can you get away with using gear on the lighter end of the spectrum? Absolutely. But having a little more rod will take away some of the complicating variables and optimize your angling.
interested in hearing more thoughts on the topic? Check out the most recent episode of the podcast.