Rio Fly Line-Grand or Nymph?

[sparsehackle]

I'm in the market for a new fly line. The Rio Grand & Nymph lines have been recommmended. Most of my fishing's done in the 'Hooch. Here's my setup- 10 yr old Sage RPL III 9 ft 4 wt rod (med fast action). Was advised years ago to "overline" this rod with a WF5F line, and this seems to load the rod well.

Most of the time I'm pitching size 8-16 heavily weighted nymphs or buggers. But when they're hitting on top, it's size 14-20 dry fly time! Also, I take this rod out West each year to fling hoppers and stoneflys at big browns.

Any suggestions and/or opinions as to which fly line would be the best choice would be welcome. Thanks.

Sparsehackle

[NickelCigar]

...how the wrong fly line can ruin the castability of a premium fly rod. It would be nice to be able to walk into a fly shop and be able to string up your rod, take it outside and flail away. Trial and error and advice is about all we have to base our decisions on, at $60+ a pop for line these days you can spend a bunch in a hurry!

I've in the past used Cortland, Orvis but have settled on SA Mastery series for all my trout fishing. XPS and Trout will really let you delicately drop a dry with light weight rods and also throw a little lead nymphing, nice for finicky trout in calm water.

If your rod responds well to overlining and you would like to use a 4wt. line I'd recommend SA GPX. They say it like a half line over and that makes sense to me. I use it on rods from 5-9, heavier flies and weight with good turn over, still can lay out a dry when they start busting top. Pro...slick coating,shoots well, doesn't coil too badly in cold water and long lasting...con..tip will sink after lots of use. I never clean my lines and they work well for me...I'm shure others will chime in with there favorites.

[James Buice]

I've fished both lines and can say for what you want to do, go with the Rio Grand. The nymph line is a bit too heavy for dry fly presentations and since they both have Agent X floatation, they're going to stay on the top like a cork.

James

[mmarkey]

I'm kinda in the same school as NickelCigar on this. Im using Orvis Wonder line on most of my setups and SA on one. To me they don't seem a lot different, and at $60 a pop who can afford to try and try. I really believe that most premium lines are very very similar, except for the tapers, and the sink tip characteristics.

My advice on this is, if you have a brand that you've been happy with in the past stay with it unless you got a good reason to change. Maybe just upsize the line if you think that will help your rod characteristics.

Just my 2¢

[TheEndlessEnigma]

is made for a fast action rod bar none and is not worth a toot on a rod that is not fast and i mean FAST.