Copyright 2009 James Marsh
Fly Fishing Gear for the Smith River Virginia
The tailwater section of this stream has some big trout in it, so you don't want to fish
with too light of a fly rod and tippet. It is not unusual to see brown trout caught over
eighteen inches and larger.
Fly Line:
We suggest either a 4 or 5 weight fly line for most of the fly-fishing. You may want to
use a 6 weight line for heavy nymphs and streamers. If you are fishing only the
headwaters, you may consider using only one fly line size. We would suggest a 4
weight floating fly line in that case.
Fly Rod:
You would want a fly rod to handle each of the above line sizes. The four or five weight
rod should be between eight and one-half and nine feet in length. A medium to
moderately fast action would be best in our opinion. The 6 weight rod would be best in
a nine foot length and a medium fast to fast action.
Fly Reel:
The reel for the four or five weight rod should have a good drag. You don't want to
hang a large brown trout and loose it because of a poor drag. It should be smooth and
adjust to fine increments. The reel for the 6 weight line should fit the same description
as the 5 weight.
Leaders:
You should probably be using at least a 9 foot leader anywhere you fish the Smith
River. You should have them in sizes ranging from 2X for streamers, up to 7X for small
midge imitations.
Tippet:
Be sure to carry plenty of extra tippet material in sizes ranging from 2X to 7X.
Waders:
I would definitely suggest waders because there are few places you can fish from the
banks. We prefer the breathable type.
Wading Boots:
Felt soles would be our choice. The new rubber soles may work well. We haven't tried
them there yet.
Wading Staff:
You may want to consider a wading staff. It is strictly an optional item.
Landing Net:
Don't forget that most big trout get loose right when you are reaching for them. A
landing net is always a good idea.
Flies:
We always recommend our "Perfect Fly" Trout Flies. Our imitations are very effective
on this stream.
The tailwater section of this stream has some big trout in it, so you don't want to fish
with too light of a fly rod and tippet. It is not unusual to see brown trout caught over
eighteen inches and larger.
Fly Line:
We suggest either a 4 or 5 weight fly line for most of the fly-fishing. You may want to
use a 6 weight line for heavy nymphs and streamers. If you are fishing only the
headwaters, you may consider using only one fly line size. We would suggest a 4
weight floating fly line in that case.
Fly Rod:
You would want a fly rod to handle each of the above line sizes. The four or five weight
rod should be between eight and one-half and nine feet in length. A medium to
moderately fast action would be best in our opinion. The 6 weight rod would be best in
a nine foot length and a medium fast to fast action.
Fly Reel:
The reel for the four or five weight rod should have a good drag. You don't want to
hang a large brown trout and loose it because of a poor drag. It should be smooth and
adjust to fine increments. The reel for the 6 weight line should fit the same description
as the 5 weight.
Leaders:
You should probably be using at least a 9 foot leader anywhere you fish the Smith
River. You should have them in sizes ranging from 2X for streamers, up to 7X for small
midge imitations.
Tippet:
Be sure to carry plenty of extra tippet material in sizes ranging from 2X to 7X.
Waders:
I would definitely suggest waders because there are few places you can fish from the
banks. We prefer the breathable type.
Wading Boots:
Felt soles would be our choice. The new rubber soles may work well. We haven't tried
them there yet.
Wading Staff:
You may want to consider a wading staff. It is strictly an optional item.
Landing Net:
Don't forget that most big trout get loose right when you are reaching for them. A
landing net is always a good idea.
Flies:
We always recommend our "Perfect Fly" Trout Flies. Our imitations are very effective
on this stream.
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