When choosing fly line weights, it’s important to pick the right line for the right situation. We put together some recommendations for you to have a better idea of what size fly line you will need for what situation you may be fishing.
Fly Line Weight 0-3
Small fish – panfish, very small trout, small bass (pond fishing)
Fly Line Weight 4
Fine for panfish, good for small trout and average-sized trout, not ideal for big trout though. Best for smaller rivers and streams where you don’t need to make longer casts.
Fly Line Weight 5
This is the size that most trout anglers use. When in doubt, go with 5 if you’re trout fishing. Fine for small bass in ponds or smaller smallmouth bass in rivers.
Fly Line Weight 6
Can’t go wrong for most trout situations. Small trout won’t be as fun, but you have a better chance to get a big fish in. Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass.
Fly Line Weight 7
Bigger largemouth & smallmouth bass, small salmon, and steelhead.
Fly Line Weight 8+
These weights are designed for big fish that you would find in saltwater or very big salmon, northern pike, muskie, etc.
