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Small Stream Big Value Fly Rods

There’s nothing like small stream fly fishing. Tossing an attractor dry to eager trout offers a wonderful diversion from the workaday world. The required presentations demand medium-to-slow action rods in shorter lengths to help avoid the streamside brush and overhanging trees. Here are three 4 weight rods that fit the bill:

L.L. Bean Double L Rod – Although L.L.Bean isn’t one of the big names in fly rods, they make a great quality product. The Double L delivers a medium to slow action in a good-looking package . Don’t overlook L.L.Bean when planning your next rod purchase. See full review.
 
 
Redington Classic Trout Rod – Redington’s Classic Trout rod provides real value in the category. At $149 MSRP, the Classic Trout was easily the least expensive in the test. But I found no compromises in the rod’s performance or quality. See full review.
 
 
St. Croix Avid Rod – The St. Croix Avid has been in my arsenal for several seasons now. It’s the only rod in the test built in the United States and comes with a slightly higher price tag ($240 MSRP). A nice medium action and understated cosmetics are this rod’s calling cards. See updated review.
 

I had the chance to test these rods on the small streams of the American River drainage in the Western Sierras, and on the Upper Deschutes River and a great spring-fed creek – the Fall River – outside Sunriver, Oregon. Give them a try yourself and you won’t be disappointed.

Thanks for reading another outdoor gear review from GearGuide. And thanks to L.L. Bean and Redington along with Backbone Media for providing product for these reviews. Written by Matt K.

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