Fly Fishing Tech Tips: Thinking About Light Trout Fly Line Tapers for Fishing In Small Creeks

When we get down to 3 wt. and lighter, there's not a lot of options for manufacturers to get creative with the tapers. In this video we'll take a look at how 3 wts. compare to heavier lines, some leader choices and how all of this impacts our light line trout fishing in small creeks.

[markliu]

This makes so much sense, now that I've watched this. I used to be puzzled why my 3 wt, 9' leader combo just couldn't turnover consistently. And why all the interesting tapers aren't available below 6 wt. Glad you posted!

[hectatusbreakfastus]

My fly vise arrived yesterday. Got it set up and tied 6 flies tonight. Might tie another few before bed. Tied 2 dries with cdc, and 4 nymphs. I can't wait for spring!!!!

[Kelberi]

2:56 PVC has more taper options such as to be thicker than PU due to their manufacturing differences.

They all have their places, I like low float clear PU fly lines for saltwater, and SA mpx for its aggressive front taper.

[iaov]

I use a 000 Sage with a 1wt. line and throw a lot of big terrestrial flies on the San Juan.. I take a 9 ft. tapered leader and cut off the first 18 inches of the butt section. I almost always am using 6x or 7x tippets ( I don’t want to but the fish in this river can be extremely leader shy) and this rig seems to work very well. I suspect that a lot of this has to do with the Sage rod being really good at loading.

[themazamen]

I have to be honest, when I'm using my 7' 2wt, it's because I'm on a really small stream where traditional casting is impossible because of tight cover. I'm generally roll casting or bow n arrow casting at really short distances (~ 10' or 15'). So turnover is not a big concern. Otherwise, I'm probably using my 9' 4 wt.