Small Stream Series

   At McFarland Rod Company we take a different approach to small stream rods than most manufacturers.  First of all, our small stream rods have no line designation.  All four rods in the series feature the same amount of power and cast well with either a 3, 4, or 5 weight line.  The final choice is up to you and how you like the feel of the rod with each line.  While many people feel that small trout streams are best fished with ultra light 1 or 2 weight lines, we feel that a true small stream trout rod is at least a 3 weight with a 4 or 5 being a better choice.  The reason for this is that a lot of the time, the flies we use on small streams are bushy dry flies like Humpys, Wulffs, and Stimulators, often with a bead-head nymph as a dropper.  These flies and dropper rigs are not handled well with light lines.  A 4 or 5 weight gives you the control needed for a precise cast. 

   Were the McFarland Small Stream rods excel is that unlike other 4 and 5 weights, these rods are so light and sensitive that you can still feel the fight of a 6" brook trout.  Small Stream rods have a surprising amount of power and allow you to shoot quite a bit of line with minimal backcast space.  These rods also roll cast well and throw tight loops under over-hanging limbs.  We also designed the Small Stream as a 3-piece rod.  With the short rod length, the 3 piece design allows for a tube length that is easily backpacked into your favorite remote area.  The Small Stream rods have ultra light German silver slide band reel seats with highly figured burled wood inserts.  Small Stream rods are finished in dark green and come with matching aluminum tube, handmade rod bag, and the McFarland lifetime warranty.

Take a look at why our rods are better.                        Click here for Small Stream photos.