Rod and reel recommendations for GSMNP.

[LROjunky]

I would appreciate any suggestions on a rig for the mountains

[D-Drake]

Jim,

My favorite setup just to use in the mountains or small streams is a medium to slow action 8 foot 4wt rod. It is short enough that I don't feel crowded in tighter cover but it is still long enough that I have a good amount of reach and control over the line once it is on the water. It is light enough that I can feel even the small fish but has enough line weight to throw nymphs and small streamers.
A nice small light reel is the way to go. The Orvis Battenkill BBS II is perfect though I would love to have a little Bauer for my rod.

Daniel

[Chuckwalla]

My fav small stream setup:
4 pc 6.6' 2wt
3wtDT line
3' Furled leader

Mid size stream setup
2 pc 7.5' 5wt
5wtF line
4' Furled leader

[Woody]

Small streams setup:

3 wt TFO Finesse Seris
4 Wt Triangle Taper (white) w/ the first foot, foot and half cut off the tip.(pinpoint accurate) "trim the tip".
Reel - Makes no diffrence it just holds line. I like the he Orvis Battenkill MA II. If I wasn't so hard on equipment I would get a Bauer. That is a very nice reel as well.
6X tapperd leader 7-1/2 to 9'-0.
Fly's #14 #16 #18

Good fishing to you

[Woody]

Small streams setup:

3 wt TFO Finesse Seris
4 Wt Triangle Taper (white) w/ the first foot, foot and half cut off the tip.(pinpoint accurate) "trim the tip".
Reel - Makes no diffrence it just holds line. I like the he Orvis Battenkill MA II. If I wasn't so hard on equipment I would get a Bauer. That is a very nice reel as well.
6X tapperd leader 7-1/2 to 9'-0.
Fly's #14 #16 #18

Good fishing to you

[BamaBum]

4wt 7.5ft St. Croix Avid with 3-4wt Sage 1600 is my favorite set up for most Park Rivers

[flyred06]

I agree with the 4wt suggestion. I have an orvis superfine 8'0 4wt 6.0 flex and love it. I also have a 5wt 8'6" winston but find it over kill. I used a 3 wt 7'6" orvis silverlable 4.0 flex but never trully liked it. My opinion is the 8' 4wt is perfect.