If Only Two?

What if you could only own two fly rods? Which two rod models would you choose to acquire and fish your home waters? For me, the two best rods should have the optimum of two different lengths and line weights that give a fly fisher the most versatile fit for several environments on your home waters. Which two rods chosen will determine just how many stream environments you can comfortably fish.

When I pair up a couple of rods for fishing a particular area, I prefer two rods from the same brand series to keep the casting feel the same. It just works for me to do so. That way, I'm casting a rod that is similar whether it's an 8ft or a 7ft fly rod.

I do have a number of specialty rods I can choose to fish on any given day trip to the mountain, but there is an ultimate pair of rods that go fishing often. These have been my perfect pair for many years and will most likely continue to be so for many years to come (hopefully):

Winston WT 270 - it's just a magical rod for my stream conditions. It loads a 2wt or 3wt fly line effortlessly and lands a dry fly right where I'm looking. Playing a fish with this rod gives me confidence I'll bring him securely into the net. I hardly ever lose a trout due to head shakes or jumps because the rod tip helps me keep him tight on the line.

Winston IM6 376 - this rod gets rigged up when there are larger, stronger trout present in a small Rio on the mountain. The rod has surprising power considering it's a 3wt rod. And, it's as effective as an eight foot rod in those streams where a longer length (versus shorter rods) allow it to function without banging among tree branches. It's quite simply the best 376 rod I have ever fished and I'm thankful to have it available for select streams. Also works as an all purpose rod for home waters.

That's them, my ultimate pair of rods for the little Rio's on Rainy Mountain. I haven't found a two-rod combination that provides more versatility on the beautiful streams that flow down its mountain sides. Oh yeah, I'll rig up other rods, just to keep life interesting...however, these two are the absolute perfect pairing.

Photos top to bottom: Winston IM6 376; Winston WT 270.