Hey Pete, I fish mostly nymphs. If I really want to catch trout in the National Park, I will use a 10ft. 3 weight graphite rod and will fish with an extended arm keeping as much fly line off the water as possible and will use either a small round strike indicator or some kind of large dry fly with a nymph dropper. Other times I will use my vintage glass rods from 7ft. up to 8 feet. I will also sometime use one of my vintage bamboo rods. I can catch trout on the shorter rods but it is not as productive as the long arm nymph rod. Most any nymph will work including the pheasant tail, copper John, soft hackle, prince, etc.
For smallmouth, any small streamer will work and a crayfish pattern can't be beat. Let me know when you are coming down and I can put you on to some spots, though just about any fast moving water close to a more quiet pool will hold fish. At 72, there are many good spots that I cannot physically get to, and I can't wade any more but I have found a few easier access places. Hope this helps. Joe
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