Fly Fishing

troutfly247 · Location: Colorado Springs, CO

After fishing with the new Rio Gold fly line and using it on my client rods for at least a year, I can say that this is one of the best lines on the market today! It mends like a dream when using it for nymph fishing and has an aggressive taper to be able to throw some chunks of rabbit when streamer fishing. My only complaint about this line is the lack of finesse when fishing small dries. It just doesn’t have that special touch compared to the Rio Selective Trout line. Has anyone had the same experience as I’ve had with this line? What other lines would you guys recommend that are comparable and maybe have that magic touch when fishing small dries?

Matt1515 · Location: Greensboro, NC

Its funny you brought this up because I was curious if others felt the same way. I use a gold line on my Scott S4 which has a super fast action. It took several trips to really be able to finesse the fly to the water. At first I though it was my rod being faster than I was used to but when I used the selective trout line, it was easier. What I found was that the welded loop on the end was a little heavy for my taste. I decided to cut the loop off and nail knot some high test line instead. For me, it made all the difference in the world. Now I can lay a size 18 dry without any problems. Also, my casting loops seem to be more uniform and tight.

troutfly247 · Location: Colorado Springs, CO

Nice, I might have to try that? Do you find that when you cut the loop off, that the tip sinks a little more than it should? Another guide told me to use a little bit of that UV knot sealer if you cut the tip off. That way water doesn't saturate the inside braid of the fly line. Thanks for the tip!

kory_k · Location: New York, NY

I agree that the RIO gold is a great all around line, but that is exactly what it is, an all around line. It is meant to be as versatile as possible in order to fish a variety of techniques. It works quite well when you are fishing a variety of different techniques but is not necessarily the best line for one particular technique. I find that when fishing small dries the best thing to do is to have a line specifically for that purpose since that is a time when the presentation, accuracy and manner in which the line lands on the water is the most important. Personally, for small dry flies I still like a traditional double taper fly line. I also like the front taper to be on the longer side so that it lands delicately. The double taper still can fish nymphs (not as well as a weight forward line) and it can throw streamers (also not as well), but for me when there is a possibility of throwing small dries or even medium sized dries I prepare for that and make do if I fish other techniques.

Matt makes a great point about a reason to cut off the front loop that I hadn't really thought about before (I have cut them off for other reasons) I am sure that the additional resistance of the loop compromises your accuracy. In thinking about it, I am sure that it also adds more drag when the fly is on the water. Cutting the loop off will probably compromise the floatability and troutfly mentions adding glue which would probably help. You can also tie an allbright knot there which closes the loop on the line and would probably prevent water from getting into the core.

Matt1515 · Location: Greensboro, NC

Cutting the loop off doesn't effect floatation at all. I sealed the end with some zap a gap. It seems to work just fine. I think it enhances the line alot. It definately is a good all around line.