Fly Rod Weights For Eleven Point

[Trout Stalker]

Heading down too the Eleven Point towards the end of September. I haven't fished it for years and was wanting to know what weight and length of fly rods do you all suggest? I'll be fishing for trout and wading.

Thank You in Advance,

TS

[Brian Sloss]

5-6 wt 9ft rods are best. You need to throw heavier stuff. 4x tippet will be fine, no lighter than 5x is needed.

[Trout Stalker]

Thanks Brian,

What is the dry fly action like?

Also, what is the motel like in Alton?

Thanks,

TS

[Brian Sloss]

Dry fly action is very limited at best, don't count on it. That being said, we should be having our hex hatch still, so in the evening between 6-7:30, you might get a rise or two. The operative word is might.

[Trout Stalker]

Once again thank you.

I will say, once you have fished the Smoky Mountains you get spoiled with the massive dry fly hatches.

[jdmidwest]

11 Point river is full of meat eating fish. Minnows and crayfish are staples. Stoneflys and hellgrammites are good too. That being said, I have seen them pluck a caddis and I know they will take a nymph too. Hares ears and elk hair caddis work as well as hoppers and beetles this time of year. Longer rods let you cast the bigger river well. 5 wt should be fine.

The Alton motel is OK as long as you are not expecting much. Its a place to sleep and shower and the price is right and its close. If you want luxury, there is a nice motel in Thayer and others in Winona, Doniphan, and West Plains.

[roy]

I've been using a sage 2 wt. with a sinking line for many years on the 11 point. It's perfect for me.

Roy