What's Going On?

I've been at this fishing game for a while, with a focus on fly fishing small creeks at high altitudes in the Rockies. Those who fish native trout creeks with a passion, usually keep an eye on what specific fly rods their local fly shops are displaying. And, I'm no exception.

So, what have we been seeing in the offerings these days? It's been very obvious, fly rod companies are more and more offering significantly fewer graphite creek rods versus ten years ago. I'm talking about eight foot or shorter graphite rods, in 2-4 line weights. Anything longer is realistically for wider streams with open environments, and not for small creeks cascading down a wooded mountainside. Yeah, there seems to be a love affair for long rods with today's rod designers and marketing teams.

What's worse? Of the few short rods made for today's market, many have stiff butt sections and soft tips...yup, they're on the fast side of the action continuum. Contemporary fly rods just do not align with my needs for the New Mexico home waters I enjoy fishing. What kind of rod would align? Fly rods with a moderate action that bends progressively down the rod when loading for a cast. Yes, they bend. And their lengths are in 6 inch increments to fit within the current rods I own.

So no, I'm not spending energy on taper design in this rant because there are not any true creek rods available for purchase, anyway. Not in graphite. Slim pickings for small stream anglers in today's world...especially for those anglers who restrict their purchases to companies who manufacture top-tier rods here in the USA.

So, let's consider a specific creek rod model. What major USA rod companies make a true 7'6" 3wt top-tier (flagship series $900 plus) graphite rod at this moment? I could only find two name-brand companies offering a flagship 376 model: Orvis Helios F 7'6" 3wt, and Sage Dart 7'6" 3wt. If only they had a taper and action I cared for. This says to me rod companies don't think creek fishing is a serious fly fishing niche, and they won't invest in research and design initiatives for anglers who enjoy small stream fishing.

Those who have been following the dryflynm blog have read some of my rants before about the lack of short creek rod options in our fly shops. Yes, this is another one. But, don't you think it is getting a bit ridiculous, that there is only two top-tier 376 rods in this market? For crying out loud, this model has been a standard from the major USA companies for decades? Not anymore.

Don't get me started about new fly rods launched within the last year...odd lengths! The good news, I have some great rods in standard lengths and line weights, and I'll just keep fishing them. I have to, because I can't replace the old with new ones...they aren't being offered. None with my performance requirements anyway.

Now, for those who say there are many 376 rods on the market today. Remember my criteria for purchasing a new rod: major company; made in the USA; authentic 7' 6" length in graphite (not one or two inches longer or shorter); and, the rod must have a moderate, progressively smooth action. Nope, there is not one new rod on the market that generates any excitement or desire for me to acquire at the moment.