Ed:

I am anxiously awaiting my first McFarland rod which will be a 7'0" 3pc 4wt with all the trimmings.

I decided on a 4wt because I like the versatility of a 4. I spoke at length to Mike and his rods are supposed to be very similar to the now defunct Winston Retro series. I own a 6'6" 3wt Winston Retro and it is my main go to rod for small streams when I don't use cane. The Retros loads with barely any line out of the tip top yet can throw a surprisingly long line when needed once you get the stroke down. I can easily throw 60+ feet of line with no problem.

Mike told me to expect the same thing with his rods. Just be prepared, these rods are S-L-O-W but ideal for the conditions you describe and a dream to cast and catch a decent fish on.

A Diamondback Diamondglass rod is considerably faster glass rod. If you can get you hands on a Diamondglass rod and it feels too slow, don't get a McFarland. If the Diamondglass feels too fast, order your Spruce Creek!