I’m wondering what everyone’s favorite setup is for fishing stream trout as far as line, rod/reel and lures. I know some guys use really light line, but I would like to be prepared in case a whopper hits too.
So my trout setups are quite differnet, especially for my area. The typical setup around here is a 5′ to 5’6″ light spinning rod with a 2 or 3000 reel, 6lb mono or floro and most people use nightcrawlers on a split shot rig or you’ll see the occasional crank bait. Thats how i grew up fishing to start out. But nowadays, for trout in rivers, streams, and even the smallest of creeks i always carry 2 rods and i wade 99.9% of the time. My first and most used set up is a Daiwa Presso Air 7’6″ Ultralight, 2pc with a fast action paired with a Daiwa Procyon 1000 reel with a 6.2:1 gear ratio @ 30.5″ IPT. Its spooled with Sufix 832 6lb braid on Camo and i use electrical tape as my backing. I then use anywhere from a 6 to 12 foot mono leader depending on the water depth and i use the double uni knot or blood knot. My favorite leader line is Maxima and I typically use clear in 2,4,and 6lbs. I also always keep it in green in same weights. I then attach 1 to 2 feet of fly line tippet. My fav atm is rio in 4x, 5x or 6x. I also attach this with either the same knots as mentioned before or a size 14 inline swivel, black. For this setup i typically throw inline spinners @ 1/24oz up to a 1/6oz, with 1/24 and 1/18oz being my norm. My leader to swivel length is 1 to 2 foot depending on depth and current. I also throw hair jigs @ 1/32oz or 1/16oz, typically marabous, bucktails, and fly jigs. Soft plastic baits on a 1/32oz ball jig #8 hook work well too. My favorite are the ones from Creek Life Lure Co. Go check em out theyre great. With this setup and these tactics, 4lb mono mainline is a good choice as well with Maxima being my recommendation. I usually always prefer clear, even on my leaders when using braid. My next setup is a 8ft 2pc light/ moderate-fast action spin rod i had custom made. On it i have a Daiwa Tatula 2000 spin reel with 5.8:1 gear ration and 11lb max drag. I spool it with either Maxima One shot mono in 2lb clear when i can find it. My 2nd choice is Gamma Copolymer in 2lb if i cant find the maxima. I also always carry a couple spare spools. For 1st setup 2nd spool is 4lb mono as mentioned. 2nd setup I carry a spool of 4lb mono as well. With my 8 footer i use it to fish flys of all sorts, drift bobber rig, Or my personal adaptation to a split shot/ bottom bouncing drift rig. I utilize slip floats in deeper water. Casting bubbles for flys. Or a peg float. I do not use or recommend any float that clips to the line especially when using 2lb bcus itll knick it and when using 2lb this is a huge no, no. This setup is also very good for jigs up to 1/4oz if ever needed for deep pockets and strong, fast current. I use these 2 rods and the same basic setup year round in any sized trout water. I write about fishing as a passion/hobby/side gig and fish basically daily no matter the conditions. A master angler adapts no matter what. Also for rods this long a pitching and flipping cast on a spinning rod works great on smaller waters. My thoughts when i 1st started down this path in my fishing journey is that the fly guys typically use 8ft + rods, even on the smallest of creeks so why cant I? I do not recommend for beginners, but I will say that these setups, when properly used can and will outperform the typical, local trout setup for spinning gear and is absolutely king in versatility, efficiency and proficiency. By leaps and bounds. Theres a learning/adjustment curve but when you get the feel its money in the bank no matter where youre fishing. Its also fun as can be. To start, try a 7ft ultra light spinning rod, with a 1000 reel and 4lb mono. Get a variety pack of flies. Roxstar has some great selections especially for beginners. Also try some in line spinners. Rooster tail makes a single hook 1/24 and 1/16 oz. Also Mepps Single hook plain spinners in 1/12 and 1/8 oz are a good choice for stronger current.Get some marabou jigs, or woolybooger jigs. Black works in any condition with any type lure or bait. Also stick with natural colors. Nowadays i make my own spinners and jigs and tie my own flies. Hope all this can possibly help someone.