Browns vs Brooks/Rainbows in NH

[RoryF]

Hey everyone,
I just got back from a ski trip in the Crawford Notch/Mt Washington valley area, and stopped by the Orvis outlet and NCA while I was there. I've got a generally 5-weight setup, and got some good information about easily-accessible stream areas that offer Brown trout as well as the standard Brooks and Rainbows. This spring and summer, I'm hoping to get out and target more Browns, but I'm not sure my rod and line can handle it. Has anyone had any experience catching Browns in the sort of central NH area on a 5-weight rod? Should I set up a reel with DT-7 or something?

Rory

[Fly Deacon]

Rory-

I do the majority of my trout fishing with a 5-wt - it should handle the trout in central NH and anywhere else just fine. I use both floating and sinking line on a Orvis TLS tip-flex and have never felt like I didn't have enough rod to handle the fish - my largest trout on the rod was around 18" out of the Connecticut River.

I used to fish for trout with a 3 wt until I broke it accidentally against a tree and Orvis sent me a 5 wt instead to replace it.

[stripedbass44]

I am from Vermont and have fished with a 5 wt for about 5 years now. I go to school out west now, and have fished with it out here too. You will be fine with a 5wt. I have caught 23 inch browns, and 28 inch steelhead on it, so you should be fine.

Charlie

[teflon_jones]

If you hook into any trout in NH that a 5 wt can't handle, I'd be scared to be in the water with it! :)

[BOBUP]

This reminds me of the story of the famous fisherman who had also gained a reputation as a rake and womanizer. When he was on his death bed a brash reporter asked him, "Sir, if you had a final wish, would you rather be fighting a three pound trout or making love to a beautiful woman?" The dying fisherman thought for several minutes and answered, "Brown or brookie?"

[bostonbruins477]

I know that area pretty well. Your five weight should be just fine. You'll be able to handle anything on the Saco or Pemi (on the other side of the Kanc). I was even thinking about picking up a 4 weight that i would use up there targeting the same fish.

[Joey Langan]

A 5 wt will be great. I've caught plenty of big trout on my 5 wt.

[capemike88]

I use a 3/4wt 7 1/2' rod and hav caught trout up to 20" (holdover fish in stocked ponds)

[ChemFly]

A 5wt for Brown Trout, or any trout for that matter, be they from 6 inches to 26 inches in size is fine. Todays 5wt, regardless of their "speed" or flex action are very capable instruments and can handle a wide variety of fish and situations. Some may cast a greater distance then others, but all have very good stength and ability for strong freshwater fish.

I suggest that you focus on your basic casting skills and learn what length and weight leader the rod can handle. A good 5wt can work drys, wets, steamers and nymphs in all sorts of waters.

Depending on which Orvis rod 5wt you purchased I suggest that you use a standard double-taper 5wt floating line. The Cortland 444 DT-Floating line is an excellent fly line and can do anything. Plus, with a the double taper (DT-Floating) you can reverse the line and have a fresh head (front end of the line) when you completely blow out the first side from casting to fish, catching them and walking all over your line in the excitement of learning and fishing. DT lines are great all around trout lines for the northeast angler.

ENJOY!!! --127-3-