Rod Size for White River AR Trip

[jmako]

The planning for my trip to the White River in Arkansas is coming together. I have 4, 5 and 6 weight flyrods. Do I need to take something as heavy as a 7 wt?

[FlyFishingTexas]

JMako,

You should do fine with a 4/5/6 wt. I typically fish a 5 Wt on the white. a 7 wt would really only be necessary if you're planning on going after monster browns.

Alas, I have not had the fortune of hooking a large enough brown to merit the need of a 7 wt.

[DaleW]

When traveling to the White River for some serious trout fishing, my usual entourage of fly rods cover from a 4wt, 5wt, 6wt to a 7wt ... don't want any bases left uncovered!

Although I usually content that a 5wt does me right for trout fishing ... far, far be it that I would not really enjoy fishing the White with my 7wt ... I mean really enjoying it!

How did that sports ad read ... "just do it"!


Dale

[RG/AR]

If you plan on fishing at nite with large streamers, bring the 7wt. Otherwise, the 5 and 6 should do you well.

[Terry Lightle]

I fish a 6 while my son and friend both use 5 weights

[RonMT]

Use 9 foot rods as it will make it a lot easier on you. Big water. Ron

When I fished it with my buddy RG I used a 9' 4 wt

Jerry

[biot midge]

I usually use a 9ft 4wt when I fish it during the day. I will go to a 6wt for throwing bigger flies at night.
Steve

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"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went"-Will Rogers

[jmako]

Thanks for the responses. Sounds like a 6wt is big 'nuf but if I have room in the pickup I'll carry the 7wt too.
By the way, this is really a great web site with a lot of helpful, knowledgeble people. No wonder I keep coming back to it.

[SilverMallard]

I think the 7wt. is "marketing hype." Guides toss that on the end of their recommendations to make you think you're gonna catch a 20 lb. fish. First of all, a 6wt. will land anything a 7wt. would. So that's not the issue. Rod weight is a function of fly size. You don't need anything bigger than a 6wt. on the White. I usually fish it with a 4wt. On generating water below our dams, a 6wt. will do the job just fine.

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My New Year's resolution is to have more fun...even if YOU don't.