Choice of Rod for Valley Creek

[salmo]

I am thinking of hitting Valley in the next week or two. I hope to throw some small nymphs and/or dries. I was wondering what rod the members would suggest: Orvis 6'6" 4 wt. flea rod or Sage 8' 4 wt? I will probably fish in the park above the iron bridge. I will have both rods with me in case the wind makes my selection for me or if I decide to fish far upstream.

 

[gfen]

9' 5wt is perfect.

 

[mikesl]

Depends on your style I guess.
My rod choice has evolved from 7' 3wt to 9.5' 3wt (even for dries) on this creek

I am far from a technicque / gear expert, but I like the length of the rod for line / drag control, and casting lighter line farther.

 

[wildtrout2]

That Sage will be perfect for Valley.

 

[Chaz]

The 8 foot rod is big enough, I would be fishing Valley with a 7'6" 4 weight if it were me, but I do have an 8'.

 

[FlyForFun]

i fish valley with a 7'6" 4wt and it has treated me well but don't take my word for it....i have only gone fly fishing like 6 times.....

 

[AFB2989]

The 8'4wt sounds about right, a good all around rod IMO

 

[JMG]

8 ft. 4 wt. will be just fine for the Valley but have done with a 7' 6" 4wt. Colton rod as well. Ones fishing style has a lot to do with rod choice. Best of luck!!

 

[geebee]

i use a 9ft #3 to get a better drift for small nymphs, emergers and dries.

imho #5 is overkill.

 

[brookieaddict]

I use my 5'9" glass rod for valley.

 

[Mike]

The brand name does not matter; fish can't read. If you are substantiallyinto adjusting rod lengths, you may want both for fishing above or below the confluence of Little Valley Ck.

 

[pcray1231]

For me, anyway, in the park I'd opt for a 9 footer. In the mid-sections (above Little Valley), an 8 footer is more appropriate. It's not so small as to need a short little brush rod like you'd use on a brookie stream. But it gets small enough up there that a 9 footer can be a bit unwieldy.

 

[Foxgap239]

pcray1231 wrote:
For me, anyway, in the park I'd opt for a 9 footer. In the mid-sections (above Little Valley), an 8 footer is more appropriate. It's not so small as to need a short little brush rod like you'd use on a brookie stream. But it gets small enough up there that a 9 footer can be a bit unwieldy.

Pat, I have used my 8 footer up above LVC but love using my 6'6" up there. Even with WB-ers, I find it easier controlling roll casts in all that brush. Like I did yesterday when I snuck all of work at lunch time.

 

[Love2fish]

I like an 8' 3 or 4 weigh it is a good balance for me

 

[brookieaddict]

This is not a snipe it's a question. Why would you want to change rod lenghts in a tiny stream like the Valley??????

 

[salmo]

Valley in the Park is wider and more open to casting. Above Little Valley the stream is pretty narrow and has more overhanging trees and bushes.