Rod Suggestions For Niangua

[drew03cmc]

Hey all, I am interested in fishing the Niangua for trout, and maybe some smallies. What length fly rod, and line weights do everyone use on this river? I would be buying ONE rod for both species, so whatever it is, make it a compromise stick! Thanks everyone!

[Guest]

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[Bman]

Hey all, I am interested in fishing the Niangua for trout, and maybe some smallies. What length fly rod, and line weights do everyone use on this river? I would be buying ONE rod for both species, so whatever it is, make it a compromise stick! Thanks everyone!

If you are down at Bennett Springs, stop by Larrys Takle and ask for Ed Ellersick. Ed used to guide on the Niangua. Ed & Kay have been in the fly fishing biz for a long time, running springview tackle when it was at the spring hole in the park. Before the Park folks made them move outside the park. He would steer you the right way, and stay within your budget. Tell him Bruce from St Louis sent ya.

Personally I would use a 9 ft 5wt. I love my StCroix Ledgend Elite 9ft 5wt on such rivers, and on Tanney in the fall.

Regards, Bruce

[Gavin]

I usually go with a 7wt for smallies, it works well with heavy nymph rigs for trout to. What kind of fly rods do you own now? If you have a 5wt, get a 7wt, if you have a 4wt, get a 6wt. If you dont own any, get a 6wt...works well for just about everthing. Cheers.

[drew03cmc]

I have a 3wt, but honestly, I do not throw large flies for anything. The largest is a #6 bead chain Clouser. I am leaning towards a 5wt, but I do not know what rod I want yet.

[DoveTail]

I would go with a 9 ft 5 wt rod and put a 6 wt line on it. If you get some wind, that will make is a lot easier to cast. I have landed big fish on the 9/5 and also had a blast hooking up little bluegill. A good rod combo all around IMO.

[flyfshn]

9' 6wt Temple Fork......inexpensive rod and worth every penny. I own a 9'6wt and a 7'6 3wt......snapped the tip of the 3wt, sent the rod back with a check for $25 and they sent me a brand new rod in less than 1 week. Phil was offering a 25% discount on any Temple Fork rod (economic stimulus incentive!)