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Lateral view of a Male Baetis (Baetidae) (Blue-Winged Olive) Mayfly Dun from Mystery Creek #43 in New York
Blue-winged Olives
Baetis

Tiny Baetis mayflies are perhaps the most commonly encountered and imitated by anglers on all American trout streams due to their great abundance, widespread distribution, and trout-friendly emergence habits.

Dorsal view of a Epeorus albertae (Heptageniidae) (Pink Lady) Mayfly Nymph from the East Fork Issaquah Creek in Washington
This specimen keys to the Epeorus albertae group of species. Of the five species in that group, the two known in Washington state are Epeorus albertae and Epeorus dulciana. Of the two, albertae has been collected in vastly more locations in Washington than dulciana, suggesting it is far more common. On that basis alone I'm tentatively putting this nymph in albertae, with the large caveat that there's no real information to rule out dulciana.
27" brown trout, my largest ever. It was the sub-dominant fish in its pool. After this, I hooked the bigger one, but I couldn't land it.
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Ogilvy
Alaska

Posts: 1
Ogilvy on Sep 12, 2018September 12th, 2018, 4:12 pm EDT
I am new to fly fishing and am considering buying a 5 weight rod for rainbow trout and grayling fishing in Alaska. I have an old 1970's 8 weight right hand retrieve Pflueger Medalist and can't afford to buy a new reel. I am curious of whether I can load the reel with five weight line and put it on a five weight rod without too greatly interfering with the performance of the rod. The reel is not too heavy and I am just wondering if it would be awkward casting with a larger reel on a light rod.
Thanks in advance.
RleeP
NW PA - Pennsylvania's Glacial Pothole Wonderland

Posts: 398
RleeP on Sep 13, 2018September 13th, 2018, 1:10 am EDT
The reel should be fine on your lighter rod. If you want, you can get the Pflueger model # off the reel frame and go online and see what the manufacturer's recommended capacities are for line size and backing. A larger reel, like the Pflueger 1494 1/2 for example, will take a 5 wgt. line, you'll just need to put more backing on the spool to take up space not being used by the lighter line.

The only other possible (but unlikely..) issue I can think of is to be sure the reel foot will mount on your lighter rod. it almost certainly will, but put the reel on the rod first to be sure.

Finally, if $ for a new reel is a concern, don't automatically assume that you really need an expensive, high end reel for what you want to do. There are lots of lower priced reels that have decent drag systems that would probably work just fine for you. Look at any of these: Echo Base, Okuma Sierra or L.L. Bean Quest. All are decent, serviceable reels that will set you back less than $50. These are just a few. There are many more...

Good Luck!
Flyguide1
Flyguide1's profile picture
East Tn

Posts: 15
Flyguide1 on Sep 13, 2018September 13th, 2018, 2:47 pm EDT
The size of the reel is how much line it will hold with backing.So yes an 8wght will hold more line and backing.
Martinlf
Martinlf's profile picture
Moderator
Palmyra PA

Posts: 3047
Martinlf on Sep 13, 2018September 13th, 2018, 4:11 pm EDT
Lee, I use my old Okuma Sierra on my lightweight rods. Have landed a trout or two with them. Fine reel.
"He spread them a yard and a half. 'And every one that got away is this big.'"

--Fred Chappell
Serengeti
Posts: 1
Serengeti on Dec 3, 2018December 3rd, 2018, 11:28 am EST
It might throw your balance off a bit but it will work.

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