My 8’Orvis Silverlable 3wt is in need of line replacement. I fish it on the small spring creeks here in Mn. I have no complaints with the Wonderline that I had on the rod but was thinking about trying a different line.
Any suggestions to look at?
Thanks
TaG
I’m curious why you want to try a new line. Are you looking for some changes in performance? If not, why not stick with what works for you?
Chuck
See if you can identify the things you like in a three weight line. Does the Wonderline have them all? If not, what exactly might be better about it? Such as, with any line, it has a nice hard finish that screams through the guides, but that also makes it like a ‘slinky’ in cold weather. Or, just how often might that be a problem? Isolate and identify.
I like the Orvis lines and some of the Mastery Lines. Was a huge fan of the Wulff Triangle taper for long roll casts but have found the Rio lines to be great. Here is another review.
The only knock I would have is that it does seem to have more “memory” ie coiling in colder temps. That may be the case for anyline, but I have wonderline on all my rigs so don’t know for sure. It seems more of a problem on my 3 than my 4 or 6.
Maybe I need to get two diff lines one for warmer weather and a cold weather line :lol:
The Sci Angler Mastery XPS is a very good limp line and should perform well on a Silver Label.
After that a Rio Selective Trout also is very limp although it has a longer front taper than the XPS and I don’t know how it would perform on your rod.
you can spend money on the Rio Selective Trout DT line… I use it on my 3 weights.
Later,
Peter
The coils are smaller on the threeweight, right? So a tendancy to coil, not a big problem on a larger line, might be a problem in a smaller size… 
?
The 3wt and 4wt are on the same model reel so count that theory out. 
The 3 is a year older line so may have something to do with the fact it is loosing its coating and coiling more with water retention?
Keep the info coming as I am learning a great deal about fly lines.
Thanks
I would say either Rio Selective Trout WF, which I can personally vouch for, or SA Mastery XPS WF, which a buddy of mine thinks is great. Either land lightly and have low memory.
I think the Rio Selective Trout turns a fly over a little better, and SA Mastery XPS has a more delicate landing.
mAngler
In the spirit of this I’ll offer this:
I believe some of the line models when they first came out had memory problems which were then better addressed by the manufacturer so newer models of the same line may have less problems.
Also it makes sense to me that when we wind line onto our reels we should make it as tension free as possible…in other words not too tightly…consider the worst case scenario if one wound the line on with stretch.
Three weight, I would look at SYLK or Superfine by “O” 
I’m a big fan of the Rio Selective Trout Line. I’ve got the DT on my 3 wt and it’s a wonderful line for small stream work and delicate presentations.
I’d go along with FlyGoddess on the Sylk suggestion but I’d also add the Cortland 444 all purpose, wonderful DT peach line.
G’luck
Bill
Well… take my advice for what it’s worth (almost nothing!) but I’ve had bad experiences with Sylk, but it was in the first year of production, and they might have improved since then. I like the 444.
Not sure if you can get these lines in the US but the Snowbee Prestiege XS are very good , was chatting to Hywel Morgan (ex world champion fly caster) and this is the line he uses for his fly-fishing. Failing that the Cortland 444 peach floater is a tried and tested line and I would have no qualms about threading one through any of my rods.
Since you like the Orvis line your using now and you say you fish mostly spring creeks with this rod why not try the Orvis Spring creek line I think its still available. I bought a used Batenkill 3/4 disc (English made)2 yrs ago, with a used spring creek 3wt dt line on it. I love the line with both my 6’6" 2/3 Lon Blauvelt and Orvis Seven/Three rods.It has a more delicate taper and its a little softer than the stiffer gen 3 lines.
Tom
I’m with Fly Goddess & littlebrook
They don’t make the Spring Creek anymore, that is where the Superfine comes in. Only WF, but I like it a lot more than the Spring Creek. Nice smooth coating on it, but I think it is perfect for all smaller rods. The one of my choice on my Once Ounce, 2 wt. 3 wt. and my glass and Boos.
I fish a 3 weight quite frequently. On mine I have Scientific Anglers XPS Weight Forward. The XPS Taper is specifically made for fishing small spring creeks. From what you describe it may be perfect for you. It is NOT a distance line. Rather, it delivers the fly with exceptional delicacy. On the average distances that I cast on small streams (30 feet or less), I find it is ideal. It floats extremely well and comes in two colors - sunrise orange and olive green. I’ve got the orange because I find that it aids me in detecting strikes when nymph fishing.
Anyway, it’s worth checking out. It goes for $59.99 at most fly shops. Hope this helps.
-Darryl