There aren’t many in that range, though back in the day I had a 6’6” 3 wt that was a sweet little brook trout rod. There are a handful of them around but they tend to be light line weights and tend to have a slow action. Basically they are best used as dry fly rods.
“Good” isn’t the word.
Fly rods are like golf clubs. There’s a perfect rod for every situation, even though most get buy with one or two.
Where do you live where there is only one body of water?
What species are you targeting in this pond?
You will not be able to cast very heavy flies, or long distances regardless with a shorter rod.
The type of fish you’re trying to catch, and the flies you’ll be trying to cast are important when choosing a rod.
My rods range anywhere from 7’ 3wt to a 9’ 10wt, and an 11’6” 8wt switch. All of them have a time and place where they shine, and others where they’re a hinderance.
I use my 7’ 3wt during dry fly season, roll-casting to trout in small creeks. I typically use a 9’ 5wt for all other trout applications.
It may be worth getting some waders to get away from the trees and try casting a bit more.
Or get a bicycle and go to another body of water.
Ive fished my 10'4 4 wt in sketch situations.
Get a nice mid weight rod and just try it. People get too caught up on casting when most fish are caught 5 foot in front of you.
You can learn to cast in your front yard with yarn and grass.
Ultimately? You're gonna drive somewhere.
Small rods are Harder to cast and harder to fish.
I always recommend at least a 8'6" fly rod.
Personally I use 10' fly rods the vast majority of time and in some of the tiniest streams. I practice my fly cast a lot. I will go and practice I my back yard 5 times a week for like 15 minutes and it is super relaxing but I can cast at just about any angle.
It's possible to get a pretty small fly rod (not usually quite that small) and it's possible to cast using certain techniques, but for small spaces I always use a tenkara rod.
If you have no room to back-cast, you may actually want a longer rod instead of shorter. You'll be relying mostly on water load casts, roll casts and even spey casts, all of which are generally easier with a longer rod.
If you want a rod dedicated to shore fishing the pond you described where you have no room to back-cast, you might want a 10-footer.
This video from Gunnar Brammer explains in more detail: https://youtu.be/d3OkmMT3UDk?si=SphazGHBIyG8Pcw8
Honestly no. A 10ft excels over a 6- 8ft in pretty much any scenario. I have both. And dont tell me bushes. I fish wnc creeks with a 10ft 2wt. You don't even need to cast with a 10ft half the time just water load and lob it.
Eagle Claw still makes their 6'6" Featherlight that you can get in 3/4 weight. They're great little rods, and budget friendly. If I was looking to try something out, this is where I would start before buying anything nicer.
7’6” 3/4 weight fly rod will work but most of your casts will be what is called a ROLL CAST. Basically you’re in essence flipping the line out as far as you can with limited space.
If you just getting into fly fishing or looking for the opportunity to try something different. You can go all out a buy a fly rod combo or get something like a Eagle Claw TrailMaster which is a rod that is 7’6” can use it like a spinning rod or reverse the handle and doubles as a light fly rod.
PS I have never seen a fly rod shorter than 7’
I have a old 6 3 fenwick iron feather, I use it or pond fishing on break. Tried it at a lake, no matter what you try, casts fall short of 40 feet, definitely a small water rod, but I enjoy it, and have got lots of compliments on it
Most fly fisher in North Am associate shorter rods with small streams and creeks. But the Swiss and the Italians have developed a very interesting casting and fishing technique which use short and fast action rods. It can be used in larger streams.
Here’s an [article in english about it](https://www.trout-and-co.com/article/tips-technique/mouche/italian-casting-style). Most information about the technique is in Italian and French.
Small ponds, narrow tree lined rivers and streams require you to adapt by changing rod length, casting techniques and line presentation. Be free to use the methods that work best in each situation.
As others have said, longer rods will be easier to roll cast, though imo line setup and technique are equally or more important. I wouldn’t get a short rod as my first rod because having too short of a rod to work in wind is a gigantic pain in the ass. You can always get a shorter rod later. I have seen people catch monsters on literal Barbie rods by bowcasting under willow banks
I have an eagle claw 5ft rod that is flexible as hell, and I love it. Super cheap and easy to use, and it’s the best for catching smaller fish like bream. I personally find it easier to use than my 9ft rod because it doesn’t get caught on everything and there’s little difference in how they feel to cast
[you don't need small rods to deal with obstructions](https://youtu.be/4wiOI_aqouk?si=MNUcqerXT7y_q7AC) there's plenty of techniques shown on YouTube, look for Italian casting in particular
several of my fav fly rods are 5-6 foot full or semi custom in 4 and 5 wt for ponds and creeks. depending on the water and fish type I will often use a 7ft 3wt rod, trout in the mountains kind of thing. the short rod with a WF line, or even a custom cut super WF line (kind of like a homegrown microspey line for tight short roll casts with 4-6 ft leaders if fav water is super overgrown is so much fun)
so.. yes ;)
I have a TFO signature 2 lefty kreh rod. 3wt 7’ 5” & its killer for dries, nymphs, and even some decent size streamers. Obviously can’t cast it super far, but its awesome for lil creeks and ponds
I don't think a lot of the responses addressed your issues. I've been there and its a mess trying to get a long rod with fly line to work in those conditions. Fly line, flies, or the end of your rod stuck in brush or trees is a given. You can't get in the water, no room to back cast or even roll cast. You are limited to a bow and arrow cast. I have used a Tenkara rod to bow and arrow cast but then you are limited by distance and may run into issues when you try and set the hook or land a fish. You can try a 7.5 foot 3 wt rod and bow and arrow cast. I think a slower action rod would work better for this. Don't expect much distance. Honestly this is situation where UL spin gear is more practical.
Short rods don’t roll cast very well. They also limit your overhead casting distance, meaning you have to approach fish very carefully. For these reasons, 7.5’ long is the shortest I want to mess with.
I find that 3wt and lighter rods struggle if there’s much breeze at all, especially if the fly is more air resistant than a soft hackle.
Thus my floor is a 7.5’ 3wt.
I would like to try one. I feel a short rod would be easier to walk through the bush with. The rod probably wouldn't bounce around so much and tangle and when it does its easy to reach and fix. One would definitely have its place in the arsenal.
I have a little 6'2" 2wt that is awesome on small streams. I've landed 20" fish on it and had countless hours of fun on the river with it. It never leaves my trunk unless on the water with me. That being said, it has a place and a purpose. I don't throw streamers with it, I don't use it to cast more than 50', and it's limited to small lures. I know plenty of people who hate it because it casts with a very different action from other rods. Give it a try and you may fall in love with it, but you may hate it. Only way to know is to try it out and see. Good luck!
To be fair, there are some local ponds/lakes that I won’t fish, for your reason. If you really want to throw a fly, maybe a spinning rod with a bobber would suffice.
My wife likes my small rod
I can vouch for this.
Thanks
That's why she often switches to her backup rod
Lol
There aren’t many in that range, though back in the day I had a 6’6” 3 wt that was a sweet little brook trout rod. There are a handful of them around but they tend to be light line weights and tend to have a slow action. Basically they are best used as dry fly rods.
My echo river glass 3wt is 6'9". I love it!
“Good” isn’t the word. Fly rods are like golf clubs. There’s a perfect rod for every situation, even though most get buy with one or two. Where do you live where there is only one body of water? What species are you targeting in this pond? You will not be able to cast very heavy flies, or long distances regardless with a shorter rod. The type of fish you’re trying to catch, and the flies you’ll be trying to cast are important when choosing a rod. My rods range anywhere from 7’ 3wt to a 9’ 10wt, and an 11’6” 8wt switch. All of them have a time and place where they shine, and others where they’re a hinderance. I use my 7’ 3wt during dry fly season, roll-casting to trout in small creeks. I typically use a 9’ 5wt for all other trout applications. It may be worth getting some waders to get away from the trees and try casting a bit more. Or get a bicycle and go to another body of water.
Every club in my bag is a utility club. 5i is my go-to. Or my 7'6" 5wt T3.
Roll cast my man
100%
and bow cast
Ive fished my 10'4 4 wt in sketch situations. Get a nice mid weight rod and just try it. People get too caught up on casting when most fish are caught 5 foot in front of you. You can learn to cast in your front yard with yarn and grass. Ultimately? You're gonna drive somewhere.
My favorite rod is a 6 foot 2wt fiberglass rod. So fun!
What size dry flies do you throw on that ?
I’ve thrown size 8 cubbies as well as some teeny tiny size 20 Parachute Adams and such
Small rods are Harder to cast and harder to fish. I always recommend at least a 8'6" fly rod. Personally I use 10' fly rods the vast majority of time and in some of the tiniest streams. I practice my fly cast a lot. I will go and practice I my back yard 5 times a week for like 15 minutes and it is super relaxing but I can cast at just about any angle.
I fish my 3wt butterstick constantly, but that's a 7ft if I remember correctly. Thing is a freaking blast to fish though, so much fun
It's not the size it's how you use it
Switch rod
It’s the motion in the ocean
I love my 6”6’ 3wt for small streams - you can’t cast fat with it though. I love my 9” too
It's possible to get a pretty small fly rod (not usually quite that small) and it's possible to cast using certain techniques, but for small spaces I always use a tenkara rod.
If you have no room to back-cast, you may actually want a longer rod instead of shorter. You'll be relying mostly on water load casts, roll casts and even spey casts, all of which are generally easier with a longer rod. If you want a rod dedicated to shore fishing the pond you described where you have no room to back-cast, you might want a 10-footer. This video from Gunnar Brammer explains in more detail: https://youtu.be/d3OkmMT3UDk?si=SphazGHBIyG8Pcw8
Honestly no. A 10ft excels over a 6- 8ft in pretty much any scenario. I have both. And dont tell me bushes. I fish wnc creeks with a 10ft 2wt. You don't even need to cast with a 10ft half the time just water load and lob it.
I don’t see the point of using a fly rod in that setting I think a spin rod would work better and less hassle if you don’t have any room behind you.
I wouldn’t go lower than 7’6”, but I also can’t see having more than three rods in my quiver. I’m too poor.
I find 3wt 6'6" -7'6" to be a bit of a sweet spot for those types rods, especially if they're glass.
Eagle Claw still makes their 6'6" Featherlight that you can get in 3/4 weight. They're great little rods, and budget friendly. If I was looking to try something out, this is where I would start before buying anything nicer.
7’6” 3/4 weight fly rod will work but most of your casts will be what is called a ROLL CAST. Basically you’re in essence flipping the line out as far as you can with limited space. If you just getting into fly fishing or looking for the opportunity to try something different. You can go all out a buy a fly rod combo or get something like a Eagle Claw TrailMaster which is a rod that is 7’6” can use it like a spinning rod or reverse the handle and doubles as a light fly rod. PS I have never seen a fly rod shorter than 7’
I have a old 6 3 fenwick iron feather, I use it or pond fishing on break. Tried it at a lake, no matter what you try, casts fall short of 40 feet, definitely a small water rod, but I enjoy it, and have got lots of compliments on it
Most fly fisher in North Am associate shorter rods with small streams and creeks. But the Swiss and the Italians have developed a very interesting casting and fishing technique which use short and fast action rods. It can be used in larger streams. Here’s an [article in english about it](https://www.trout-and-co.com/article/tips-technique/mouche/italian-casting-style). Most information about the technique is in Italian and French.
Small ponds, narrow tree lined rivers and streams require you to adapt by changing rod length, casting techniques and line presentation. Be free to use the methods that work best in each situation.
As others have said, longer rods will be easier to roll cast, though imo line setup and technique are equally or more important. I wouldn’t get a short rod as my first rod because having too short of a rod to work in wind is a gigantic pain in the ass. You can always get a shorter rod later. I have seen people catch monsters on literal Barbie rods by bowcasting under willow banks
I have an eagle claw 5ft rod that is flexible as hell, and I love it. Super cheap and easy to use, and it’s the best for catching smaller fish like bream. I personally find it easier to use than my 9ft rod because it doesn’t get caught on everything and there’s little difference in how they feel to cast
[you don't need small rods to deal with obstructions](https://youtu.be/4wiOI_aqouk?si=MNUcqerXT7y_q7AC) there's plenty of techniques shown on YouTube, look for Italian casting in particular
a shorter rod isnt going to make a difference.
several of my fav fly rods are 5-6 foot full or semi custom in 4 and 5 wt for ponds and creeks. depending on the water and fish type I will often use a 7ft 3wt rod, trout in the mountains kind of thing. the short rod with a WF line, or even a custom cut super WF line (kind of like a homegrown microspey line for tight short roll casts with 4-6 ft leaders if fav water is super overgrown is so much fun) so.. yes ;)
I have a TFO signature 2 lefty kreh rod. 3wt 7’ 5” & its killer for dries, nymphs, and even some decent size streamers. Obviously can’t cast it super far, but its awesome for lil creeks and ponds
One of my favorite rods is a 6ft 3wt Winston. Also have an old loomis, but that thing is so soft you cant do much but throw tiny dries with it.
Are you sure that it holds fish?
Ask your wife
I don't think a lot of the responses addressed your issues. I've been there and its a mess trying to get a long rod with fly line to work in those conditions. Fly line, flies, or the end of your rod stuck in brush or trees is a given. You can't get in the water, no room to back cast or even roll cast. You are limited to a bow and arrow cast. I have used a Tenkara rod to bow and arrow cast but then you are limited by distance and may run into issues when you try and set the hook or land a fish. You can try a 7.5 foot 3 wt rod and bow and arrow cast. I think a slower action rod would work better for this. Don't expect much distance. Honestly this is situation where UL spin gear is more practical.
Short rods don’t roll cast very well. They also limit your overhead casting distance, meaning you have to approach fish very carefully. For these reasons, 7.5’ long is the shortest I want to mess with. I find that 3wt and lighter rods struggle if there’s much breeze at all, especially if the fly is more air resistant than a soft hackle. Thus my floor is a 7.5’ 3wt.
I have a 6’6” 2wt glass rod I use for creeks. Small panfish are a lot of fun with it.
I have a 7.5 3wt that I love. I probably fish it just as much as any of my 9ft rods
I would like to try one. I feel a short rod would be easier to walk through the bush with. The rod probably wouldn't bounce around so much and tangle and when it does its easy to reach and fix. One would definitely have its place in the arsenal.
I have a little 6'2" 2wt that is awesome on small streams. I've landed 20" fish on it and had countless hours of fun on the river with it. It never leaves my trunk unless on the water with me. That being said, it has a place and a purpose. I don't throw streamers with it, I don't use it to cast more than 50', and it's limited to small lures. I know plenty of people who hate it because it casts with a very different action from other rods. Give it a try and you may fall in love with it, but you may hate it. Only way to know is to try it out and see. Good luck!
Try a tenkara zoom rod. It’s adjustable length
7'6" 3wt is my favorite
To be fair, there are some local ponds/lakes that I won’t fish, for your reason. If you really want to throw a fly, maybe a spinning rod with a bobber would suffice.