There’s something truly special about standing in a trout stream during spring. With trout rising, wildflowers blooming, and the wilderness waking up after winter, it feels like pure magic. For fly anglers, building a custom fly rod tailored specifically for spring trout fishing is more than just a rewarding project, it’s a way to optimize performance and connect more deeply with the sport. Whether you're stalking small wild trout in mountain streams or drifting dries over a glassy tailwater, building the right rod gives you the control and finesse needed to fish with confidence.
Choosing the Right Blank
When it comes to choosing a blank, the way you fish and the type of water are major considerations in assuring you make the right choice. Spring trout for different parts of the country can mean different things but there is also a reason why a 5-weight fly rod is the most purchased weight of all. As we look at many of the most productive techniques used during this time the 3wt, 4wt and 5wt are ideal. We will look at blanks with actions that very from moderate-fast action all the way to extra-fat action. It is the blank that balances delicacy and power along with your casting stroke that can create a match made in heaven.
Lighter weight rods are ideal for small creeks and delicate dry fly presentations, while a 5-weight brings the versatility to fish nymphs, streamers, and handle breezy conditions. Many builders choose a 9-foot rod for its superior line control and mending capabilities, but lighter weights are often available in shorter lengths to better navigate the tight quarters and overhanging vegetation common along spring creeks.
Not to overlook the material the rod blank is made of, but it is hard not to choose graphite for your build. Although fiberglass and bamboo will always be popular, graphite remains a top choice for its sensitivity, lightweight feel, and crisp action, all of which come in hand on your favorite trout stream. Even with the older materials and the different actions they offer, with today’s technology manufactures are able to create graphite rod blanks that mimic slower actions and a more traditional feel.
Favorite Spring Creek Blank
Since the first Native Fly Blanks dropped eight years ago one of my favorite has been the 7'6" 3wt in the Brook Trout color. The MHX Native 3wt fly blank is ideal for small stream trout fishing, offering the perfect balance of finesse and control. Its smooth, moderate action excels at short-range casts, roll casting, and presenting flies delicately in tight quarters. Lightweight and responsive, it makes every cast feel precise and every fish feel like a worthy opponent.
The brook trout colorway is a rich olive that blends in with the beautiful foliage seen along the banks of your hidden "blueline" creek. At 7'6" it marries a nimble approach with a featherweight touch. As with all my custom fly rods I take the time to choose my components. My Native 3wt build features a unique approach to a fly reel seat and I used a Fuji Ultra Light Skeleton seat for the lightest weight possible. Yes, I did splurge a little on my grip and turned my own unique cork handle on the RBS Pro G2 but it was worth it. Whether I turn my own cork grip or buy a premade one, I typically go with a full-wells grip or modify it to create a snub-nose version of a full-wells. In addition to the unique reel seat and custom cork grip I added a small fighting but with a spanish coin inlettled into the butt cap.
When it comes to the guides and additional hardware, I went with single foot wire guides. Since this is a rod I only fish in the springtime or warmer winter days I am not worried about guides icing up. I go with the single foot fly guides from American Tackle and match those with their TiForged Double foot as the stripper guide.
This short 3-weight is one of my favorite fly rods that I own and although it is light and delicate, I have used it to catch some incredible fish on tiny dry flies.
Favorite 4-Weight Blank
Everyone has a fly rod they take no matter what the day may hold, for me it is the MHX F864-4. This blank stands out for its exceptional performance in ALL trout applications. Its extra-fast action and 8'6" length allow for tight, effortless loops and excellent presentation. Constructed from high modulus carbon fiber with a proprietary high-strength resin system, this 4-weight blank offers unmatched taper and performance, making it a top choice for anglers seeking precision and reliability.
I have used this blank to fish hopper-dropper rigs, a two-fly indicator rig as well as dry flies from a 22 BWO to a 14 Elk Hair Caddis. This big brown fell to a size 20 RS2 dropped behind a shop-vac beadhead.
For my components, I stay very traditional. With a reel seat from REC, featuring a beautiful wood insert(yes I splurged) to a custom cork grip in the same snub-nose as my 3-weight from above and a set of snake brand guides(splurged again) with a Fuji Kw stripper guide and alconite ring.
For those that have not used the snake brand guides I really like them. They are a high-quality stainless steel guides are built for durability and consistent performance, with a smooth loop design that can help increase line speed while being impervious to the elements. Their unique design feature of a concave radius on the bottom of the foot, make them self-orienting and self-aligning, simplifying the rod-building process.
The Perfect 5-Weight Blank
Don't fly rods have to be expensive to be good? No way. The Mud Hole Color Series has become a standout choice for custom rod builders seeking both performance and affordability. Its moderate-fast action and 100% graphite construction provide a lightweight yet durable blank that's suitable for anglers of all skill levels. Available in a six vibrant colors, it provides an incredible canvas for any rod builders to create a fly rod anyone would be proud to fish!
Not only is this 5wt as great all-around rod but it gives new builders the chance to build a custom fly rod and not break the bang or worry about it not being pretty. Plus, for those unsure about what components to buy we have created 5wt Color Series Fly Rod Kits featuring every thing you need to build this fly rod. What happens if you are reading this and want to build this 5-weight but never built a rod before? Well this color series blank is featured in the All-In-One Fly Rod Kit. So, not only do you get the rod kit you want, you also do not have to worry about what tools, supplies or equipment to get.
If you are really feeling creative or want to contract our good friend Don Shafar to really make your blank pop, you might consider having it custom painted!
This build was done by our very own Anthony who heads up our education program here at Mud Hole. He heads out west every year to take advantage of many of the incredible hatches. "I always take multiple rods with me every year but for some reason I always grab this 5-weight. It always impresses me and my wife had it custom painted by Don, so I can't put it down", Anthony said.
As you can see, the fly of choice is a colorful hopper but the color series fishes an indicator rig with the best of them. "There have been plenty of cold morning in Colorado where I have an indicator rig tied on in the morning, I only had to take one rod", he described.
Which Hook Keeper?
For those that have read these blogs you know I am a stickler about hook keepers. I know it seems like a small part of the build but part of what makes rod building so great are in fact the fine details. I am going to put my foot down on the hook keeper situation on a fly rod. Leave it off. I never, ever use one. I do have a good reason though. There is no need to reel in your leader inside your guides to move spots that causes you to have to shake the fly line back out of your rod tip. I always leave a little fly line outside of the rod tip, then run the leader around the fly reel(to keep it from kinking) and then attach your fly up on one of your rod guides, but not inside the ring. Works great and no need for a hook keepers especially when fishing long leaders.
This fly fishing blog is dedicated to a great friend that we lost in 2022, Matthew Robert McGuffee. He was a great friend and Mud Hole Team Member.
Fly fishing for trout with friends turns a peaceful day on the water into an unforgettable shared adventure. Swapping flies, trading stories, and celebrating each other’s catches makes every bend in the river more meaningful. It’s the perfect blend of camaraderie, laughter, and chasing fish in beautiful places.
