The Three Weight

 I live in New Mexico and fish small streams and tiny Rio's. The various streams have a wide variety of conditions and range from tiny to medium in size. And as a result, an angler needs an assortment of three-weight fly rods for proper fit and effectiveness. Need may be an exaggeration. I like to have specialized rods for certain conditions. Having the right rod for the right situation makes a day of fishing much more enjoyable than to "make do" with the wrong length or line weight. And, three-weight rods are great for fishing the many small streams throughout New Mexico. Even though a three-weight rod is my workhorse model, having the correct length of fly rod is a must on these trout streams.

I had just released a Leetle Feller last week and was drying my fly when a gentleman, about my age approached me. He wanted to know what trout species were in the stream and we engaged in conversation about fly fishing in New Mexico. He was from Montana, and was curious about the streams in the area. A very pleasant guy with a particular interest in one specific canyon stream...known for wild brown trout. He had heard it was a difficult stream due to the need to climb down into the canyon to reach the water. And he was concerned when he was told not to get caught in the bottom of the canyon if it starts to rain. I confirmed what he heard is true, and shared a personal story when I almost got into a predicament in that specific box canyon, when rain drops began to fall on me. Those canyon walls are slick when wet, and you can't get out of there in a rain storm. His eyes widened some.

As we were talking, he asked me if my rod was a seven foot rod, and that he was looking for one. I handed him my 370 Winston model, and shared that I thought it may be the most versatile model one could rig up in this mountain drainage, and he agreed based on what he had learned about these mountain streams. It was then I knew he was an experienced angler because there aren't many fishers who are that interested in short, light trout fly rods. We chatted a bit more and then said our goodbyes. Yup, I managed to net a few more trout before hiking out of the area. It was a good day. Good fishing. Good conversation on a stream bank.

A seven foot fly rod is not that common anymore. Maybe because there aren't many anglers these days who are interested in bushwhacking for prized little trout, as is that Montana gentleman I had the pleasure to meet.