Advice for travel rod?

Think Ive been bit by the Flyfishing bug again.

My wife and I backpack somewhat often in the Appalachian mountains, and I've always had the urge to fish the streams. Growing up it was always a dream of mine to fish mountain streams for trout, but I never went. Now Ive noticed we are going quite often and I dont have a rod with me!


I grew up flyfishing/fly tying, so I am mostly familiar with things, but I have essentially zero experience fishing tight, tiny streams.


I have 3 rod setups currently for warm water fishing, but they are 5-7wts and all 8'6"+. I assume I'd want something like a shorter 3-4wt setup, I'll have to settle on one rod for now to get started and don't really want to get something that isn't ideal since they aren't exactly cheap.


If you had to pick a backpack friendly rod/reel setup for fishing small to midsize trout streams, what would you consider an ideal "all around'er"?

Virtually all fly rods made today are "travel" (4-pc) rods. If you want something even shorter, Cabela's has a 6-pc rod:

Cabela's Online Store - Quality Hunting, Fishing, Camping and Outdoor Gear

Orvis makes a 7-pc, and Echo makes an 8-pc, but they are more expensive.

What's your budget?


On the other hand, you might want to try a tenkara set-up. Chris Stewart owns the Tenkara Bum website. He is a member here and a good guy.

https://www.tenkarabum.com/

I still use my Browning 4 piece from 10 to 15 years ago. Great travel rod.

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I had not really noticed most were 4 pc rods now adays. That would be plenty short Im sure, I'm not looking to fit one in carry on's so much as just fit along side a backpack and be safe from brush/trees.


My budget is dependant on what I can get as a balace of good quality and price, I'd be hesistant to spend more than 300-$400 on a rod/reel/line setup.


Mainly want to ensure I buy a rod that will be a good match for the streams and small rivers I'd be wanting to fish, with as much versatility as possible.

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Originally Posted by binfordw

I had not really noticed most were 4 pc rods now adays.

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Yeah, it's the standard now. Most of the big boys are not even making 2pc rods anymore.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by binfordw

I have 3 rod setups currently for warm water fishing, but they are 5-7wts and all 8'6"+. I assume I'd want something like a shorter 3-4wt setup,

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FWIW:

"Like many new anglers, I spent a lot of time getting hung up in the streamside brush. To correct that, I built a smaller rod — a 6-footer that I was immensely proud of. However, I essentially traded one problem for another. I stayed out of the trees, but I had trouble with drag, because I couldn’t keep enough line off the water.

I went back to my longer rod, a custom-made nine-footer. To stay out of the trees, I choked up and moved my casting hand up and down the butt section, using shorter lever for tight casts and a longer lever for line control."

How to Fly Fish for Trout on Small Streams - Temple Fork Outfitters

Quote:

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Originally Posted by binfordw

My budget is dependant on what I can get as a balace of good quality and price, I'd be hesistant to spend more than 300-$400 on a rod/reel/line setup.

Mainly want to ensure I buy a rod that will be a good match for the streams and small rivers I'd be wanting to fish, with as much versatility as possible.

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There are lots of outfits that would work for you. How about an Orvis Clearwater or TFO Finesse?

Clearwater Freshwater Fishing Rods | Orvis

Finesse Trout & Glass Fly Rods - Temple Fork Outfitters

I actually bought this one:
Quarrow Fly Combo Kit | DICK'''S Sporting GoodsProposition 65 warning iconProposition 65 warning icon

It has traveled west on a plane, twice. It fits pretty good in my backpack. It’s caught Brookies in the Smokies and Cutthroats in Montana and Wyoming. In other words, it does the job, for me!

The link doesnt work for me. what weight/length is it?

I went through my rods last night, I do have a Pflueger Medalist 5wt @ 8'6". Believe I've had it for 25 yrs or so. Winds have been crazy here the past few days, I might dust it off, clean the line and make some casts when I get a calmer day.

Unfortunately its a 2 pc rod, so still wont fit the bill for riding on my pack, but I can always hit the river here and practice not snagging trees in the meantime.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by binfordw

Unfortunately its a 2 pc rod, so still wont fit the bill for riding on my pack ...

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Any of these would work fine. Just pick one.

Cabela's Online Store - Quality Hunting, Fishing, Camping and Outdoor Gear

Quote:

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Originally Posted by binfordw

The link doesnt work for me. what weight/length is it?

I went through my rods last night, I do have a Pflueger Medalist 5wt @ 8'6". Believe I've had it for 25 yrs or so. Winds have been crazy here the past few days, I might dust it off, clean the line and make some casts when I get a calmer day.

Unfortunately its a 2 pc rod, so still wont fit the bill for riding on my pack, but I can always hit the river here and practice not snagging trees in the meantime.

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8’6” 5 weight. 5 piece

Took a trip to Cabelas today just to see if they had cheap suitable rods to replace what I've been using for catfishing. They didnt have anything I wanted, but they did have some flyfishing stuff on sale.

They had the Stow-away 6pc's in the bargain cave for $100 in a nice rod tube. Really nice, wanted it bad, but I wound up taking home a cabelas "synch" combo, 8'6" 4wt 4pc in carry tube for $111. Its definitely nice enough for my tastes, and will help me wet my feet for some mountain trout during some hikes.

Put it together here in the yard and boy does new line shoot good! All I need to do is a little practice on tight water, tie a bunch more random nymph patterns, and go hiking!

Thanks for the advice so far guys. I'm sure I'll probably be buying another rod soon.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by binfordw

Took a trip to Cabelas today just to see if they had cheap suitable rods to replace what I've been using for catfishing. They didnt have anything I wanted, but they did have some flyfishing stuff on sale.

They had the Stow-away 6pc's in the bargain cave for $100 in a nice rod tube. Really nice, wanted it bad, but I wound up taking home a cabelas "synch" combo, 8'6" 4wt 4pc in carry tube for $111. Its definitely nice enough for my tastes, and will help me wet my feet for some mountain trout during some hikes.

Put it together here in the yard and boy does new line shoot good! All I need to do is a little practice on tight water, tie a bunch more random nymph patterns, and go hiking!

Thanks for the advice so far guys. I'm sure I'll probably be buying another rod soon.

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You got a good outfit. Have fun!

Picked up an Orvis clearwater 10' 3wt today! Paired it with a Battenkill I reel.

Also snagged a Renzetti traveler vice, tied a couple so far on it, man the rotary is golden. Its going to make so many flies so much easier.

Think I'm all geared up now. Cant wait to try this stuff out on some mountain streams!