A switch outfit for trout?

[wypatch]

I`ve been really think`in hard about getting a switch rod setup for fishing the Bighorn and Wind River Canyon for BIG trout. Seems to make al lot of sense if I could learn to spey cast and get were I need to w/ no room for a back cast...The water moves from 750-7500cfs with an average of 1400cfs. Right now I use a 9' 6wt Scott and that works well but I just cant get them bigger bugs were I need`em all the time. I`ve looked at the other threads on switch rods and that info was helpfull. I plan on getting a combo in 2 weeks and I`m look`in hard at the Echo or the TFO. Thing is, I dont think I need a reel that frig`in big. Both rods are a little heavier than I`de like and w/ that reel it`s over 1lb. Guess thats the price to pay. Any suggestions? I know that learning to spey cast on a swich rod might be a crutch but it would be good when the fish start rise`in, also, walking though big boulders and heavy brush a 10'10" rod makes sense. How about an Echo 7wt combo w/ the Rio switch line and a #4 Ross instead of a #5, think it`de work?

[MoscaPescador]

You would be surprised how much backbone that the Echo 6 weight switch has in terms of handling fish and throwing hardware. One of my friends uses his 6 weight with the 390 grain Airflo Skagit Compact line with 10 feet of T-8 or 7.5 feet of T-11. When he wants to indicator fish, he puts on a 10 foot Rio floating MOW tip. Last week he landed three Steelhead ranging 23 to 26 inches on Intruderish style flies.

You may want to lean towards a 7 weight if you want to sling T-11 and T-14.

If you want to throw Spey style casts with larger flies, I would not recommend the Rio Switch line. It is a better nymphing line than a Spey line due to the longer belly. A shorter Skagit style head will throw large flies easier which means it should be easier on you.

As for reel sizes, a #4 Ross Momentum LT or CLA can hold shorter Skagit heads up to 425 grains with ample backing. If you desire more capacity, you can use a super braid line as backing. Keep in mind that you can also gain capacity by cutting 10 to 20 feet of running line.

MP

[wypatch]

Maybee a 6wt would better suite me. Thanks for the info on the line too. This spey casting will be all new to me so bear with me, two years ago I didnt know what nymph`in was(still a bit new to flyfish`in) but its all took off like wildfire after spinfishing all my life...Whats T-11? I got a vid comeing in the mail on switch rod tech. so I`ll have a better idea of what I got look`in at me. Cant say how much I miss steelies! These Wyo trout make up for em good though.

[MoscaPescador]

T-lines are level tungsten impregnated lines that are used for sink tips. T-8 is a tungsten line that weighs 8 grains per foot. T-11 is a tungsten line that weighs 11 grains per foot. T-14 is a tungsten line that weighs 14 grains per foot.

I use a 6 weight switch here in Northern California. I probably target more resident Rainbow Trout than I do Steelhead. I find it suitable for the flies that I throw and the fish that I target. It's comforting to know that it has enough backbone for the local Steelhead as well.

MP

[Bigfly]

Wypatch, Don't even hesitate.
In a season, you will be wondering how you ever lived without it.
And like I always say, when you go back to a 9' rod you will have much more game on.
MP is quite correct on line choices.
Ask yourself 2 questions. 1. do I Nymph more, than swing streamers, and 2. what is the maximum distance you may have to chase a fish downstream. Good idea to lose a little running line, but backing can be key.
Oh, and the 6wt is probably enough. Lighter, and you can always get the 7wt later.
Good luck, keep us posted.

Jim

[mikel]

Originally Posted by Bigfly

And like I always say, when you go back to a 9' rod you will have much more game on.
Jim

Jim, what do you mean by this?? What skills would I pick up and transfer to using a 1 hander?

Thanks! -Mike

[Bigfly]

Mike, It is a rare day when I aerialize my casts now. Even with a dry fly. (Except distances over 50-60ft.)
Far fewer tangles, and much more efficient fishing.
Every false cast you make is generally a cast wasted.
As a friend told me years ago, "ya can't catch fish with your line in the air". Don't hook bushes either.
I put a little fatter line on my 5wt. XP and do most things the same way as the switch.
If you come up this way, give a holler, we will walk the water.
It'd be good to see you. Keep up the fish photos!!!!

Jim

[mikel]

Gotcha, thanks. Apologies to the OP for hijacking...-Mike

[Bigfly]

Mike, hijack any time.
Better wait a bit to walk water, Winter has seriously returned.
But it can't last forever.........

Jim

[wt bash]

I fish a 5wt Batson Switch for trout and smallmouth, with a homegrown Skandit style head I cut from a RIO Grand 8wt. I took the line and cut to form 18' after a little experimenting I cut it again to 15'. Couple that with poly leaders and a sparsely tied bunny leach it'll reach out to 60' with a properly timed cast. 20" bows and smallies are a flat out blast and the little guys are fun too.