Equipment

When the "Blue Duns" are hatching it is time to put away the heavy artillery. The early season heavy stoneflies, streamers, six or seven weight rods and sinking lines are thankfully laid to rest until fall calls them back.  So get out the 4 & 5 weights and lets do some dry fly fishing. 

My preference is a slow to medium action rod for dry fly fishing.  The slower line speed allows a gentle presentation and, the flex of a softer action rod allows you to play big fish on light leaders without breaking them off.  For a rod length I'll take an 8 1/2' or 9' rod unless I'm on a very small stream. The extra rod length gives you better line control and enhances mending abilities.

Leaders should be 9' or better and matched to the fly.  I often use a 12' or longer leader if the wind will allow.  Tippets should be matched to the fly.  To check tippet to fly sizes see our leader page and follow the link to the tippet section.

Your reel should allow for a smooth play of line.  It doesn't matter if it is a spring & pawl or a disc drag reel it must be smooth.  Otherwise, when you finally get a "big one" on and it makes a run - that catch in the reel will break you off.  And, if it is a disk drag don't set it to tight, more fish are lost to a heavy drag than to a light one.