When I first started fly fishing I wasn’t sure what fly rod weight I needed and how I should choose one. Over time I learned the importance of having the proper fly fishing setup and how big of a difference it makes out on the water.
If you are new to fly fishing like I was or are looking for a new rod and reel setup you might be wondering what is a 3 weight and when should you be using one. This is an important question, and the right answer may vary depending on a few different factors.
A 3 weight fly rod is best use when targeting small trout and panfish in small rivers and streams. The smaller length and size of a 3 weight allows anglers to effectively use smaller flies and target trout and panish where space may be limited.
In this article we will discuss in detail what a 3 weight fly rod is used for, our 3 weight fly rod recommendations, and other helpful tips and insights.
3 Weight Fly Rod
A 3 weight fly rod is ideal for casting small flies at smaller sized fish and it’s at its best when fishing in skinny water with tight quarters.
A 3 weight is the ultimate finesse fly fishing rod that will allow you to feel the fight of even the smallest fish and use smaller flies and finesses presentations. These rods are commonly used for targeting small trout, bass and panfish in small bodies of water.
Here are some of the basic advantages and disadvantages of a 3 weighted fly rod:
Advantages
- Perfect for small fish (small trout, panfish etc.)
- Lightweight
- Shorter
- Better Accuracy
- More sensitivity
- Ideal for skinny water
- Easier to pack
Disadvantages
- Limited to small fish
- Shorter casting distance
- Not ideal for heavier flies and rigs
- Not as versatile
- Can’t fish heavier lines
Now that we have the basic 3 weight fly rod information out of the way, let’s talk when you should use a 3 weight with some specific examples.
For tips on how to select the right fly rod weight check out this article: How to Choose a Fly Rod Weight.
4 Perfect 3 Weight Fly Rod Fishing Situations
A 3 weight is the ultimate finesse fly fishing rod that can be used to target a variety of species. However, it’s more of a specialized rod than most and it’s really designed to do a few things extremely well.
Here are 4 perfect fly fishing situations that are best fished with using a 3 weight:
Small Streams
Perhaps the most common and popular use of a 3 weighted fly rod is for when targeting trout in small streams and ponds. There is no better choice in these situations.
In most small streams and ponds space may be limited. It’s not uncommon for these bodies of water to be surrounded by bushes, trees, rocks and logs. With all these obstacles in your way it’ll be tough to make long and accurate casts with longer and heavier rods.
That’s why a 3 weight is ideal in these conditions. Sure you might be able to get away with using a 4 or 5 weight in some cases. However, you’ll find making roll casts, high sticking, dapping and other casting techniques difficult.
When I first started fly fishing my friend would invite me to fish the south fork Provo river in Utah. It’s a great spot where a ton of beautiful native trout live and it doesn’t receive a lot of angling pressure. The quarters are very tight. I thought I could get away with using my 5-weight.
Needless to say I got hung up all of the time and couldn’t make accurate and shorter casts that I needed to get to where the fish were at. What a headache it was. After a while my friend let me barrow is Orvis Helios 3 weight and what a difference that rod made.
I was able to make more accurate casts, not get hung up as much and it was just a much more enjoyable experience. If you are planning on fishing small streams, lakes and ponds I’d highly recommend picking up a 3 weight. You’ll be glad you did.
Backpacking
Another great application for 3 weight fly rod is while backpacking and fishing high mountain streams, ponds, and lakes. In general, most 3 weights are a lot shorter and lighter than other fly rods making them an ideal fit for hiking and for backpacking fishing trip.
A few summers ago, I went on a backpacking fishing trip to the Boulder Mountains in southern Utah. I brought along with my Orvis 5-weight fishing rod and real combo. As I navigated the small streams, ponds and lakes up there I painfully realized how oversized my rod was. I was easily hung up and couldn’t make the right casts in tight corners and around structure that I needed to.
On the other hand, my friend brought his 3-weight setup and it made things much easier and a lot less frustrating for him. Needless to say he had a lot more success than I did. After I got back I went back home and made sure I added a 3-weight to my fly fishing arsenal.
The lightweight, shorter length and additional sensitivity that you get with a 3 weight fly rod is why it’s the ideal choice for backpacking fishing trips. It will be easy to pack and haul around and will make casting a lot easier in tight spots where accuracy is key.
Panfish
A 3 weighted fly rod is not just limited to catching trout in small bodies of water. It’s also a great setup when targeting panfish on the fly rod. In fact, one of my favorite ways to catch bluegill and other panfish is with topwater poppers using a 3 weight.
Most panfish are smaller than other species targeted on a fly rod. Fishing for these fish doesn’t require heavy duty rods and lines. A shorter, lighter rod like a 3 weight will make casting lighter flies like small poppers, streamers and other flies easy. It also makes fighting the fish a lot more fun and you’ll end up landing a lot more.
Small Trout
Most experienced fly fishermen and fisherwoman who get asked what fly rod weight should be used they will tell you to match the fly rod to the size or caliber of fish you are targeting. If you are fishing for small trout a small fly rod weight is best.
With that being said, when you are targeting smaller trout there isn’t a better rod to use than a 3-4 weight. A light action rod like a 3 weight will make throwing smaller flies easier and also help you keep the fish pinned until you can land them.
If you are planning on targeting smaller trout in rivers and streams than there isn’t a better way to do that than with a 3 weight.
Best 3 Weight Fly Fishing Methods
Dry Flies
There is nothing like seeing a fish come up and take your fly on the surface. Throwing small dry flies on a 3 weight is a perfect combination. This combination works especially well in the summer or anytime there is a hatch or insects around.
Nymphing
Another popular fly fishing technique that you can use a 3 weight for is nymphing. In fact, it’s been said that trout do up to 90% of their feeding underwater.
Nymphs, or flies that imitate immature insects and are fished underwater are designed to take advantage of the fact that there are always bugs subsurface.
The best way to imitate these immature insects is by fishing nymphs, and in small streams and rivers there isn’t a better way to do that than with a 3 weight fly rod.
Small Streamers
When most fly fishermen and fisherwoman think of streamers they think of big profiled flies. However, small streamers can be a great way to catch panfish, bass and smaller trout. For this technique a 3 weight is the ideal rod choice. You’ll have a lot more control and be able to detect and feel every bite.
Best 3 Weight Fly Rod’s
If you have made it this far you might now be wondering about picking up a 3 weight rod to add to your fly fishing collection. You also might be wondering which brands and models are best. Don’t worry we have you covered.
Here are the best overall 3 weight fly rods in my opinion:
Orvis Helios 3F Fly Rod (Best Performance)
If price isn’t a factor and you are looking for a high end rod than look no further than the Helios 3F Fly Rod by Orvis. This is an incredibly light and sensitive rod that that will take your fly fishing game to the next level. I’d highly recommend this rod. It’s weight, sensitivity and overall design is pretty tough to beat.
Orvis Clearwater Freshwater Fly Rod (Best Value)
If you are anything like me, you may not have an unlimited fishing budget and will have to carefully balance price and performance. This doesn’t mean you can’t get a highly quality rod for a good price. If you are in this situation, I’d highly recommend picking up the Clearwater Freshwater Fly Rod by Orvis. It’s an incredible rod for the price point and is well worth the investment. It’s not as nice as the Helios but it’s still an all-around great rod.
Fly Rod 3 Weight FAQ
What is a 3wt fly rod good for? The most common and best use of a 3wt fly rod is for fishing in small streams, ponds and lakes. A 3 weight is designed for small to medium sized fish like small trout, panfish and small bass.
What is the most versatile fly rod weight? In my opinion, the most versatile fly rod weight is a 5 weight. It’s an extremely versatile rod that allows anglers to use a variety of methods, flies, techniques. It’s also great for targeting most trout species, bass and most mid-sized fish.
Other Fly Fishing Resources
- Fly Fishing & Not Catching Fish? Here’s 10 Reasons Why
- Best Boats for Fly Fishing
- The Best Fly Fishing Setups for Small Streams
- What is Mending the Line in Fly Fishing?
- Is Fly Fishing Difficult to Learn?
Bottom Line
When fly fishing having the right rod and reel combination is a key component. Each fishing style and application will require a different fly rod weight and line setup.
If you are targeting small trout, panfish or are fishing in small streams and rivers a rod that is rated as a 3 weight is going to be the ideal tool for your fishing adventures.
I hope you have found this information to be insightful and that it inspires you to get out there and catch some fish on a fly rod.