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flytyer
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Jerold, I really like the Helios 6 wgt. I have used it for steelhead and caught brown trout with it. Have caught pike, bass and blue gill. I don't mind bringing an expensive fly rod, it is guaranteed by Orvis against breakage and I have it insured for theft. I think a 6, 7, 8 or 9 wgt rod would do anyone well in the BWCA.
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jeroldharter
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quote flytyer: "I used an Orvis Helios 6 wgt last June and caught many pike over 30 inches with no problem throwing hand-tied flys 6 inches in length. I used Rio Toothy Critter leaders. I also took a 9 wgt, as a back-up, but never took it out of the tube."
Perhaps I am a lousy caster! On the other hand, the average fisherman in BWCA will not be toting a $700 fly rod or be able to cast pike flies on a 6 wt. Especially trout fisherman who are probably more comfortable roll casting a caddis with a 5-wt.
How do you like the Helios? From your post, I assume quite a lot! They sound great.
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Wooly Bugger
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I believe I was given that exact bit of advice by Tim Holschlag at one of his seminars. 7 line on a 6 rod.
Look him up, he's somewhat of a smallie flyfishing guru 'round heer.
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Tight Loops
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Go with the 8. When you're chucking a big pike streamer into a headwind, you'll be glad you did.
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Wooly Bugger
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How well does this 8/9 load with 7 line on it? You may want to splurge on a bass or pike taper in one of those weights for your floating line.
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Fazzy
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Good article - Thanks for the link WB - I'm going to subscribe to the magazine. Looks like some great info and articles on the Midwest water. I'm planning on heading out and stretching out the line this week on a local lake, just 3 weeks until our trip.
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Fazzy
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The #7 line was a little sluggish on the heavier 8/9 rod. But good news--I have access to a #6 rod and that should get it done. A 9 foot 6 weight rod with #7 line will be my setup. I have heard people often go up a line when throwing heavier flies?
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Wooly Bugger
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Holschlag article
This an article where Tim mentions "overlining" your rod.
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jeroldharter
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I use a 6-wt with 7-wt Rio Clouser line and it works well. Might not be so good if you have a soft rod. Even so, there is no way that you can through a big pike fly with a 6-wt. You can catch plenty of pike on smaller flies, but even a 4 inch bunny fly will feel like wet sock on a 6-wt.
I would take the move the 7-wt line to your 6-wt rod and buy new line for the 8-wt. I like Scientific Anglers pike line for the 8-9 weight.
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flytyer
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I used an Orvis Helios 6 wgt last June and caught many pike over 30 inches with no problem throwing hand-tied flys 6 inches in length. I used Rio Toothy Critter leaders. I also took a 9 wgt, as a back-up, but never took it out of the tube.
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moose plums
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I use a 7 wt. with an 8wt Rio clouser line. I also have an 8wt rod, but I prefer to bring my cheaper 7 wt to the BW. I use the 8 wt around home, and when fishing kings on the northshore streams.
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Fazzy
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Most of my flyfishing is done out west. My main rod is a 5 weight. I have a 8/9 weight that I found in my basement - I matched it with my big reel that is loaded with #7 line - I've got both bass bug and sink tip loaded on the reel(s). Would you recommend taking the 5 or the 8/9? I'm hoping to get into the smallies and hopefully some northern and/or walleye. While I prefer to go as light as possible, the heavier rod would be advantageous for longer casting, especially on windy days. I only want to bring one...
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jeroldharter
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quote flytyer: "Jerold, I really like the Helios 6 wgt. I have used it for steelhead and caught brown trout with it. Have caught pike, bass and blue gill. I don't mind bringing an expensive fly rod, it is guaranteed by Orvis against breakage and I have it insured for theft. I think a 6, 7, 8 or 9 wgt rod would do anyone well in the BWCA."
I have used an Orvis T3 8wt for saltwater and I own a 1 wt Superfine. Both of them are really nice rods. Would love to try out the Helios. I have a 6-wt and 8-wt St. Croix Legend Elite saltwater model and I am very pleased with those also and they are good bargains.
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