Is there a way to tell, weather it be an online chart, or a formula to tell what size flies works best with such wt’s of rods? I found a somewhat local fryshop close by with lots of building supplies and tons of flies. So I’ll be purchasing lots in the near future and would like to know how to balance my flies to my line.
Much thanks,
Shane
There is no straight formula for this. The rod/line weight is only roughly related to the fly size. Most of the fly fishers I know match the rod/line to the spiecies/presentation and situation rather than size of the fly. On top of it there can be big difference in the weight of the fly patterns in the same size - let’s say unweighted size 10 spider can be deliverd by the means of rods ranging from 00 to 5 but I would not use anything less then 5 wt to deliver size 10 Closser Minnow…
Most of the “matching” knowledge comes from expirience that’s all.
With that said here is a formula from internet but myself I do not find it very usefull.
Rod/Line Weight Fly Size Range
3 …12-28
4 …10-26
5 …8-24
6 … 6-20
7 …4-16
8 …1/0 - 12
9 …2/0 - 10
10…3/0 - 8
11 …4/0 - 6
12 …6/0 - 4
One good thing to remember is that the more air resistant the fly (bulky), the heavier the line weight required to throw it. a size 8 nymph or soft hackle is fine on my 4wt, but I usually need a heavier rod to handle the same size deer hair bug. So, the size of the hook isn’t always the most important consideration. The action and power of your particular rod will have a lot to do with it as well. If you only take one rod with you and want to cover as many possibilities as you can, it’s important to keep in mind that you can throw small flies on a heavier rod easier than you can throw big flies on a light rod. It also doesn’t hurt to consider the size and species of fish, wind conditions, size and depth of water you’ll need to cover, your casting skill, etc. You just can’t build a reliable chart that covers it all, I’m afraid.
Bluegill 222 said it well.
IMO, the average fly fisher who is chasing average sized fish with average sized flies (boy am I going to get into trouble for this one) can survive with a 5/6 wt fly rod. Once you become more accomplished or want to be more species specific, you can add rods and corresponding flies both larger and smaller.
There, now it’s clear as mud.
Joe
Joe, you’re married to a “Linda”, so you WOKE UP IN TROUBLE, this post has nothing to do with it!
But, I digress… what you said, makes perfect sense, is spot on for good information and cuts to the core of what Ottodita asked.
And, as Mikeyfiin also stated…“Most of the “matching” knowledge comes from experience that’s all”.
Those of us, that have finally grown into wearing long pants, can probably “cast anything, WITH anything”, but not necessarily all that pretty perhaps.
“Trial and error on the water, with your rod and an assortment of flies of varying sizes, weights and designs”, will very quickly tell a fisherman “what works with what”.
Joe mudding up the water again LOL
I hear your very good at that. 
Thanks for making it clear for me:) I know I’ve been having issues with some of my bass and pike flies. It’s obvious why since they’re massive and I only have a crappy 7wt. But, I know they won’t cast at all with my 2wt haha.
So, just trial and error. Eventually I’ll figure it all out with experience then:)
Thanks a bunch guys,
Shane
Joe,
You are right on so no need to worry about getting in trouble.
We always tell beginner fly fishers to start with a 5 or 6 wt 9 foot rod, assuming they are not going after salmon or other larger fish. Trying to learn to cast with an 8 wt rod is a killer for most people and can cause massive frustration; hence they may give up the sport without really giving it an honest chance.
After they learn the basics of fly casting then they can start thinking of going to a specialty rod, meaning any rod that is not 9 foot 5 or 6 wt.
Larry 
—sagefisher—
If you had a 3, 6 and 9 wt, you would be able to handle just about about anything you would likely encounter in fresh water, and a big chunk of saltwater fishing too.
Otto,
You’ve gotten some really sound advice from all who have posted on this thread. MikieFinn’s chart should be particularly helpful. The only thing that I would add in is the factor of casting skill and experience. As you gain casting experience and practice with heavier lures, you can cast considerably larger and bulkier lures with the #4, #5, #6 and #7 weight outfits. Please be careful and wear safety glasses and a hat with a brim when you start experimenting with heavier stuff. It takes some practice. 8T
when you get comfortable at casting then buy 1 of each weight! also a bunch of reels, fly tying stuff , rod building stuff and when you wake up in the dog house you know you have made it!
Hi Otto,
Some great advise above from Mikie, Bluegill, Joe, and all the rest.
One thought I had, essentially very similar to the above, is that it is no fun to try to throw a really heavy nymph such as a big stone nymph, or a heavy Klauser either. The weight is a problem on these heavy type flies, even if they don’t catch much air. It can get to the point that it feels like you are using a spinning rod. With heavy flies, such as those described above, a heavy rod makes life much easier and more pleasant.
For bluegills, and the typical flies I use for bluegills and crappies, the 5 weight I use is fine. On those few occassions that I have fished with heavy bass flies, a 5 weight was inadequate, and an 8 or 9 weight was totally superior.
Regards,
Gandolf