Best 6wt fly rod

[Fly fishing Alberta]

I have been fly fishing for a few years now using a 8wt rod. I used to fly fish for pike but I've gotten into trout fishing recently and the 8wt is a little overkill. So I'm kinda looking for a good 6wt rod, I'm not concerned about budget. I fish mostly on the bow and small hike in alpine lakes in k-country. If anyone has any suggestions or advice that'd be appreciated
Thanks.

[FlyTheory]

The Loop opti coast is my fave. I'd highly recommend it, and it has some awesome features too.

[spurly]

The Sage one 6 wt. is a fantastic rod, and they are now on clearance pricing.
Another Rod that I own, and like a lot is the TFO impact, great Rod for the price, as well as warranty in Calgary.

[Jason.seaward]

Go with the Sage X 590-4!!

[Scott N]

Have you considered a 5 weight? It might make a more versatile companion to your 8 wgt than a 6 wgt might. I have 4, 6, and 8 weight rods, and I use the 4 wgt almost exclusively for trout fishing, other than chucking heavy stuff on the bow.

[fishman]

Loaded question. Everybody has there favorite. There is many good rods out there. The secret is to find one that suits u and the way u cast. Could be from a super fast to still rod

[ÜberFly]

Winston BIIIx or BIII LS!!

As a guide that specializes in mountain lakes, a 6 wt is way too much for that purpose! Maybe consider a 5 wt instead of a 6 wt for your general trout rod (and would work "better" for mountain lakes). Use the 8 wt as your streamer rod for the Bow and the 5 wt for a nymphing and dry fly rod. Then, when you can afford it, go with a 4 wt in the future as your specialty rod for mountain lakes in a 5 or 6 piece.

The Winston BIIIx is a fast action (stiffer) rod and the BIII LS is a medium/fast action (softer) rod.

Either way, be sure to test cast a bunch of different rods! They will all cast differently with your casting stroke and personal preference.

Feel free to contact me if you have any specific questions.

Peter

[morinj]

Originally Posted by Scott N

Have you considered a 5 weight? It might make a more versatile companion to your 8 wgt than a 6 wgt might. I have 4, 6, and 8 weight rods, and I use the 4 wgt almost exclusively for trout fishing, other than chucking heavy stuff on the bow.

X2 I also use a 4weight exclusively for trout fishing, however if the area I'm fishing is showing signs of bull trout, I will switch to my 5weight. The 5 weight is your one stop shop for trout fishing. If you like a stiffer fishing rod, I would go with a St Croix, but a overall great casting rod will be found in a Sage!

[lds]

I like to step 3 wts. between. 2, 5, 8, 11 I think those are the funest wt. do do whatever you need.

[fishman]

Told u that was a loaded question
There is probably 20 different brands that r worth buying
Just try to stay away from the cheap chineeese knock offs and u will be ok
I have around 15 rods and they very from Sages,amundson,loop,dragonfly,cabelas and I like them all. The rods very in price from $100 to $800
I have a $275 dragonfly 4 weight switch rod which I like as much as my $650 loop exact Spey Rod

[abbgdr]

If budget is of little concern I'd definitely consider Winston and don't get locked into thinking you need a 9 foot. My favourite trout rods are 8 foot or less

[SNAPFisher]

If your fishing the bow, you are right in thinking about 6 wt. Windy days - better, hard to reach spots - better, larger fish - better. Sage as well would be a rod you will grow to appreciate. Lots of choices though.

[Weedy1]

Check this out

https://www.yellowstoneangler.com/ge...4x-winston-air

and this

https://www.yellowstoneangler.com/ge...oop-optistream

[rms]

G Loomis NRX

[Mr Flyguy]

I like my Sage 9 ft 6 wt XP for the bigger trout and windy days on the lake but of course they (Sage) discontinued that model after it became a classic.

[jgib01]

I use a 4 and a 6 for trout. I have a couple of 5's, but rarely ever use them. I'd suggest you figure your budget range first, and then go from there. As mentioned, there will likely be as many varying opinions as posts to this thread. Here's mine... love my 4# Winston BIIIX for dries. My 6# Orvis Access for streamers and nymphs has served me well, and I've heard very good things about the Recon which has replaced it. Keep your eyes open for good used deals if you are so inclined; I've got a few gently used rods and have been very happy with that approach.

[kinwahkly]

I'm a big fan of my Mystic 6 wt 10.3 foot tod for still water fishing.