May it never be said that trout are the only species that demand fly fishing nuance.

Whether it be due to location or preference, some anglers routinely pursue species like bass. Additionally, the waters they frequent aren’t the typical wide smallmouth rivers or vast largemouth lakes. Our nation is covered with small steams that contain robust populations of bass and other warm water fish,

Typical “bass fly gear” will absolutely work for small stream smallies, rock bass, shoal bass, etc. Similarly, larger trout tackle will be serviceable. But if given the choice or opportunity, might it be worth finding gear that fits the fly fishing you’re engaging in? If your local creek is where you’re going to be spending a lot of time, isn’t the right rod the right choice?

If so, maybe you’re up for looking into a small stream fly rod for bass. Here are three things to consider:

Enough Backbone,  Not too Stiff

Where warm water tactics deviate the most from trout fishing is  fly patterns. Flies don’t just get bigger. They don’t just get heavier. They get more air resistant. Even the smaller poppers, sliders, and deer hair bugs necessitate a rod that can cast these flies well (as opposed to just throw them out there). On smaller warm water rivers you’re probably not going to need to account for weighted lines. Plenty of occasions will call for a dumbbell-eyed streamer or a poly leader. Any rod that can push these rigs will need some strength in the mid-section.

Thus, flex can’t be ignored. A broom pole is going to be overkill for most casts. It is also going  to inhibit your effectiveness with all the panfish and carp. You’ll send the former flying and mess up the hook set on the latter with an excessively fast-action rod. For most anglers, medium leaning towards medium-fast should be the sweet spot.

The Numbers Game

Personally, I’m pretty confident in recommending a 6-weight for most small stream bass fishing. While an 8-weight is a no-brainer on bigger rivers, downsizing to a 6 on moderate sized waters makes sense. First and foremost: it is very likely that you already have a fly rod that fits this criteria.* A medium-fast 6-weight is such a common trout rod on larger rivers. Fishing for bass, the flies get heavier but the casts get shorter. The trade off evens those variables out.

Cast distance is an important criteria to remember. On a smaller river, you’ll be making 20- to 30-foot casts. Adjustments to presentation cast trajectory can mitigate excessively hard landings when fishing heavy flies. And, let’s not forget, there are plenty of times when bass want an excessively hard landing.

I know some people who love to fish a faster 5-weight for smallmouth. I totally understand this approach if you’re using dry flies or unweighted, smaller streamers. A 5-weight is a great thing to have on hand, but it isn’t going to be as versatile as most 6-weights will be.

Length Doesn’t Matter Much, but…

Virtually every fly rod that checks the boxes I’ve created above will be produced in a 9-foot length. First and foremost because virtually every 6-weight is produced in a 9-foot length. Especially if you’re wading, nine feet of rod isn’t going to be an issue on most streams. Most rivers that hold warm water fish large enough to eat size 2 poppers will be open enough for every cast.

If you can get under nine feet, it might be helpful. There are some casts (under limbs, around rocks, etc.) that will be a little easier with a half-foot less of rod length. Also, a shorter rod will aid in casts from the bank or when up against stream side trees. Graphite 8- and 8.5-foot 6-weights are out there, but there are many more options in fiberglass.

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*If you already have a trout rod that looks like what I’ve described, you might consider getting another line for warm water fishing. A streamer-specific taper will noticeably assist in turning over those heavy or air resistant flies.

There are plenty of excellent fly rods that will perform well for small stream bass fishing. Moreover, each angler has a casting stroke and preference that fits certain rods better than others. Here are two rods that I always carry when I’m chasing smallies or rock bass in close quarters:

• Orvis Superfine Glass 8’6″ 6-weight
• Sage VPS 9′ 6-weight

Do you have a favorite fly rod for small stream bass fishing? Let me know in the comments below.