MidCurrent Staff

Question: What’s the origin of the weight system for fly lines and rods? How is it determined that this rod and line is a 5-weight while this rod and line is a 4-weight? Answer: Few changes have been as hugely impactful to the fly fishing universe as the standardization of fly line and rod weights. And this system, now taken for granted, has a rich and...

Question: What are some of the best bass flies when using a 7- or 8-weight fly rod? ~ Rex from North Carolina Answer: For starters, the 7/8wt rod is in the sweet spot for bass, specifically largemouth and those football-shaped lake-dwelling smallmouth. A quality 6-weight would also be a fine addition for tossing smaller flies in creeks, clear waters, or...

Question: Why doesn't someone make a pocket-size hatch chart with the name and a photo of the insect along with a name and photo of the fly you should use? It would be such a help to those of us new to fly fishing. ~ Terry Answer: A well-designed chart that includes images and names of the most effective flies for specific hatches would indeed be a valuable...

Question: Do wildlife agencies and some conservation nonprofits truly prioritize non-native trout over native fish species including native trout? If this is really happening, why? ~ Bob Answer: In the sphere of aquatic conservation, there's an elephant in the room: the preferential treatment of trout over native fish species. Wildlife agencies and...

Question: I'm planning a trip to Alaska, so what size single-hand rods and what lines will I need? We'll be trying for grayling, rainbows, Dolly Vardens, and salmon. ~ Judith Answer: First off, congratulations to you! An Alaskan fly fishing adventure is a dream come true for many anglers, offering the chance to target a wide range of iconic species in some...

Question: I've heard from several experienced fly anglers that double-taper fly line is best for dry fly fishing. Are the advantages of double-taper worth switching from weight-forward lines? Answer: Selecting the right fly line is one of the most important decisions an angler can make when gearing up for a day of dry fly fishing. The line serves as the...

Question: What are the advantages of overlining or underlining a fly rod? Answer: In the pursuit of the perfect cast and presentation, fly anglers continually seek ways to fine-tune their gear and techniques. One way to do this is by modifying a fly rod's line weight by overlining or underlining. These practices involve using a heavier or lighter line...

Question: I read recently that fly color doesn't make much difference to trout, but fly shape and size do. My question then is do contrasting materials make a difference? Recently I had a very good day of fishing with a Black Pennell wet fly. The tail is golden pheasant thus the contrast. - Bob from Rhode Island We fly anglers have been taught that when...

Question: How do I know what size tippet to use in relation to fly size? Is there a formula? What else should I consider when choosing tippet? Answer: The tippet, that delicate section of the leader connecting to your fly, plays a vital role in presenting your offering naturally and enticing fish to strike. Selecting the right tippet size can be a daunting...

Question: I live close to good fishing for several species, but can only afford one fly rod. What would be the best length, weight, and action for trout, bass, and panfish? Is there a solid all-around fly rod option? Answer: When it comes to selecting a single fly rod that can handle a variety of species, including trout, bass, and panfish, it's crucial to...