What could be more pleasing to hardcore trout-heads than the softest of presentations? RIO’s newly released Trout LT (stands for “light”) lines allow you to make up close and mid-range presentations with style. All the tech is there, super-slickness, hi-flotation, welded loops (on WFs) and individually designed tapers make these the go-to lines when you’re expecting to fish quiet, cool waters.

The packaging states ‘perfect for fishing dries, soft hackles, emergers, small nymphs and chironomids’ – so take that LT designation seriously and prepare an alternate spool in case you have to switch to streamers or weighted bugs during the day. Granted, you could add a little more power to that cast, but then you’d be sacrificing some of that aforementioned style – which is what these lines are all about. Taper recipes are brewed up just right: heads are light, but not too light – and they’re designed long, so roll casting/mending both DT and WF models is a snap. The DT in particular will impress even the most demanding traditionalists. Too many obstructions for a proper backcast? No problem – LTs roll out to 40 feet with ease. Unless you’ve been targeting large species exclusively, getting used to the LT series takes minutes, and once you do, you’ll want to fish these lines all day long. Took someone at RIO to finally figure out that day-glo yellow isn’t the only yellow that exists: the LTs come in sedate colors – something to be thankful for. LTs are among the most supple lines available, featuring coatings that were developed for coldwater use, so you’ll feel a slight decrease in performance the moment temps start to creep upward. When RIO says ‘trout’ – they mean it.

Final note: LTs perform beautifully on both traditional, softer fly rods as well as new school models with more zip.

Lines tested: #4 DT, #5 WF

Robert Morselli