# **How to Choose Fly Fishing Line with Backing Attached: Floating, Sinking, Intermediate & Trout Flies**
Fly fishing is an art that requires precision, patience, and the right gear. Among the most critical components of your setup is the fly line, which directly affects casting distance, presentation, and overall success on the water. When selecting a fly line with backing attached, you must consider factors such as buoyancy (floating, sinking, or intermediate), the type of flies you’ll use (especially trout flies), and the conditions you’ll be fishing in.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to choose the best **fly fishing line with backing attached**, covering floating, sinking, and intermediate options, as well as how they pair with trout flies.
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## **1. Understanding Fly Line Types: Floating, Sinking & Intermediate**
### **Floating Fly Lines**
Floating lines are the most versatile and commonly used in fly fishing. They stay on the water’s surface, making them ideal for:
– **Dry fly fishing** (presenting flies on the surface)
– **Nymphing with indicators**
– **Fishing in shallow water**
**Best for:** Trout in rivers, lakes, and streams where surface feeding is common.
### **Sinking Fly Lines**
Sinking lines are designed to submerge at different rates (measured in inches per second, IPS). They are categorized as:
– **Type I (slow sink, 1-2 IPS)** – Best for shallow water
– **Type III (moderate sink, 3-4 IPS)** – Mid-depth fishing
– **Type VI (fast sink, 6+ IPS)** – Deep water or strong currents
**Best for:** Streamer fishing, deep nymphing, or when trout are feeding below the surface.
### **Intermediate Fly Lines**
Intermediate lines sink very slowly (about 1-1.5 IPS) and are excellent for:
– **Fishing just below the surface**
– **Stillwaters with submerged weeds**
– **Situations where trout are suspended mid-water**
**Best for:** Lake fishing, stillwaters, and when trout are feeding just under the surface film.
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## **2. Choosing the Right Backing**
Backing is the thin, strong line attached between your fly line and reel. It serves two main purposes:
– **Provides extra line** when fighting large fish
– **Fills the reel spool** for better line retrieval
**Recommended backing:**
– **20-30 lb Dacron or gel-spun polyethylene (GSP)** for trout
– **50+ lb for larger species**
When buying a **fly line with backing attached**, ensure the backing length matches your reel capacity (typically 50-150 yards for trout).
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## **3. Matching Fly Lines to Trout Flies**
The type of fly you use influences your line choice:
### **Dry Flies → Floating Line**
– Keeps delicate presentations on the surface
– Allows for precise drag-free drifts
### **Nymphs & Wet Flies → Floating or Intermediate Line**
– Floating line with a strike indicator for shallow nymphing
– Intermediate line for deeper nymph presentations
### **Streamers → Sinking or Intermediate Line**
– Fast-sinking lines for deep, aggressive retrieves
– Intermediate lines for slow retrieves near the surface
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## **4. Additional Considerations**
– **Line Weight (WF, DT, etc.)** – Match your rod’s weight (e.g., 4-6wt for trout).
– **Taper Design** – Weight-forward (WF) for distance, double-taper (DT) for delicate presentations.
– **Water Conditions** – Fast currents require faster-sinking lines; calm waters favor floating or intermediate.
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## **Final Thoughts**
Choosing the right **fly fishing line with backing attached** depends on your fishing style, target depth, and trout behavior. **Floating lines** excel for surface action, **sinking lines** for deep presentations, and **intermediate lines** for versatility. Pairing the correct line with your trout flies will improve your casting accuracy and hook-up rates.
For premium fly fishing gear, check out **KyleBooker’s** selection of high-performance fly lines designed for all conditions. Tight lines and happy fishing!
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This article provides a professional yet accessible guide for anglers looking to optimize their fly fishing setup. Let me know if you’d like any refinements!