Northwest Fishing Reports

Beginner Alert!!!!! So I got my rod and now Im getting my reel (some know from previous post between the two reels)... When I order my reel AND line I get free backing... What kind of fly line is recommended? Targeted species is high mtn lake and stream trout. Im also getting a spare spool (I should get one right? )

Sorry everyone Im totally new to this, Im taking lessons in March so I will have a better understanding then. But I want to use my stuff and be prepared when I go.

Also if I need to get anything else all input is AWESOME!!!!!

Thanks!

for backing, go with 20lb dacron
What rod do you have in the 5wt? What brand and model? depending on the rod, your line choices will vary ALOT. Matching the right line with your rod will make or break your casting.

If it's a fast action rod, you want to go with a slightly heavier grain weight forward line. Some examples would be Rio Grand, SA GPX. If you have a medium/fast rod, then standard WF lines such as Rio Gold will be great. Double taper lines are still around but WF will just be easier for beginners to start with as you'll feel the line load your rod on front and backcast.

You don't really need a spare spool...unless you plan on fishing a full sinking line or something but these days you can get by just as easily by fishing sink tips or long leaders.

As for anything else you need... a few spools of tippet in 2x to 5x or just use 2lb or 4lb test. A tapered leader is crucial in delicate presentation. 15ft tapered mono leader. Do not use standard mono line. The taper in the leader will allow your fly to roll over instead of just plopping down on the water.
and everything else you can get by I suppose.

I bought a 5wt Fetha Styx True Hero Custom Rod Series, STX 7000 Graphite, fast action, 9ft, 4 piece rod.

Hm, not too familiar with the rod but if its a fast action rod, I'd check out the Rio Grand. It's a great line for beginners to feel the load of the rod since the line is roughly 1.5x standard grain of a 5wt. So you'll feel the rod load better and with the right cast, you'll get some distances out of it. Very slick and shoots line great. SA GPX is another great one: http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templ ... tid=133192

I usually stick with SA, Rio, Airflo for all my lines. All great lines, can't go wrong but as a beginner I'd stick with the Grand or GPX.

For the high mountain lakes buy a weight forward floater. It'll fish drys and if you use a longer leader and degrease it so it will sink, will also let you fish wet flies and will also work well on the lowland lakes fishing chironomids under an indicator.
A weight forward 10' sink tip will work well for fishing nymphs for trout on the rivers.
As you progress in the sport and spend more time at it you would be wise to pick up a slow sink intermediate line for sunk fly lake fishing.
2 spools? Definitely.

I also would go with the WF floating line and the 10' sink tip for starters.

One thing to keep in mind is that there is a significant difference in the cost and quality of lines. I have thrown away a lot of cheap line over the years because it has either started splitting, has stretched or has a permanent coil that affects casting and fishing.

I'm sure you can get several opinions on brands, however most will agree that a premium line will be a good investment in the long run. My preferences for brands are Rio(sinking and sink tip) and Airflo(floating and intermediate).

Tight Lines!!

I've had good results from Rio over the last 20 years.

I agree with you guys, go with a sink tip line for a second line. Sometimes the fish are cruising at about 8-10 feet below the surface.

I have three spools, WF floating, sink tip and full sink.

In the high mountain lakes, there isn't the abundant insect life near the bottom because there are very few weeds and the water is much colder. The fish feed primarily on hatches near the surface. For dry flies, a selection of mayflies and gnats works well. Using a light tippet is important, say a 5 or 6x. The water is very clear and the fish have a tendency to spook easily, especially in beaver ponds.

Up in the high mountains, the fish don't get real big, but they are sure fun to catch.

I myself am no veteran when it comes to fly fishing but I have been doing it for about 2 years now. I have Cortland 555 weight forward floating on it and I love it. I have tried some lower to mid level RIO lines and was not impressed. The Cortland is easy to shoot and has low memory. Again this post is just my opinion so all you pros out there try not to tear me up.

I have used Cortland's 444 for many years and switched to Rio. The 444 would crack after about 3 seasons. Perhaps they have improved their line with the 555.