Winston Pure 2 - Musings & Rod Review

I’m not the type of angler that needs a specific rod for each piece of water that I enjoy fishing. Okay, I know might sound blasphemous coming from a fly shop employee; After all, fishing the right fly rod, paired with the right line on the right water is one of the most understated joys of this sport. For me, I’ve found the tools that work well for the job that I’m doing (in this conversation, dry fly fishing), and I enjoy fishing them immensely. As a result, the past few years my choice of rods are as follows:

The 8’ 4wt WT “Tom Morgan Favorite” – a classic that needs no explanation for anyone who has owned one, cast one, and fished one. For those who have had the pleasure, there is no question as to why Winston has chosen to keep this rod model in their production line for over thirty-six years. This is the rod I reach for when I’m fishing most small to medium sized waters. From midge fishing on the Provo River, to hoppers on Uinta streams, and cutthroat sipping PMD’s on wild freestones, this rod does it wonderfully and sparks more joy and excitement when I’m putting it together than most others that I’ve owned and fished. 

The original Pure (the 9’ 5wt specifically) I found to be especially sweet and just a touch more crisp than its predecessor, which suited my cast. With my preferred line taper, the Rio Technical Trout, the rod felt natural in my hand and has since accompanied me on every trip that I’ve made to the Green, Henry’s Fork, Madison, and any medium to large piece of water on which I’ve planned to present a dry fly. When I heard that the Pure was being replaced, I was genuinely curious if it could possibly win out on my trusty 905 Pure. As we all know, just because something is “new”, does not mean it’s always better...

However, based on what I’ve observed casting and fishing the new Pure 2, I feel that Winston has something special. This is series of rods that made my mind wander to a specific fishery perfect for each unique rod size offered. Over the past few weeks I’ve spent time casting through the sizes and breaking out of my habits, even leaving the trusty two in the truck to fish a couple choice sizes on some of my favorite waters.

The 9’ 5wt Pure 2 is a phenomenal dry fly fishing tool and has spent a lot of days with me walking the Ranch, and wade fishing on the Green (among other places).  I feel guilty that I’m not fishing my personal (OG) Pure 905 more often this summer, but what can I say, there is just something about this rod. With the two side by side, the first thing you’ll notice is that this rod is extremely light and well balanced. It’s a touch more tippy than its predecessor but in a very pleasant and balanced way. I’ve been fishing this rod with the Rio DT Technical Trout but also very much enjoy the Scientific Anglers Amplitude Trout for a slightly lighter load. Carrying lengths of line and kicking over 12-15’ leaders allows you to feel every part of the cast. As you lengthen your casting stroke, and widen your casting arc-the more you can really tap into the lower down, more powerful reserves of this rod. This rod is not going to suit all anglers, and you’ll need to have your touch and timing dialed to get the most out of it. The Air 2 is the more appropriate Winston for windier days and heavier/multi-fly setups, but for presenting a single fly to a rising trout, I’ll be hanging on to this one until someone else in the shop takes it from me.

The 7’9” 4wt Pure 2 is a unique tool in its own right and shines on our smaller waters. What Utah has to offer, if you know where to look, is an abundance of small freestone and pseudo-tailwater fisheries with surprisingly good quality residents. Throwing a Green Drake, Caddis, or Ant on a sub-50 CFS stream with this rod can be ultra fun. This rod is less progressive than the 9’ options, but has backbone, a much softer tip than you would expect, and shines presenting flies in close. I wouldn’t ask too much out of it when casting for distance or with weighted flies, but if you understand that, and fish it in the appropriate places, you’ll be good. Think about that stream where you’re wet wading, chipping flies up under the willows for 14” Cutthroat but know that larger fish aren't uncommon-that’s where I want to be when I'm fishing this. The Rio Technical Trout or the SA Amplitude Double Taper work for me on this one. 

At no surprise to me, my days on the water with those two rods have only confirmed my initial feelings: Winston’s affinity for designing rods in non-conventional lengths & sizes offer great options for the most fun fishing we have at our disposal. Grab the 6’9” 3wt for the high-country Uinta Brook Trout streams, or the 7' 9” 3wt for that creek you’ll fish up to its source and continue fishing around the lake. The 8’3” 4wt, in my opinion, is among the sweetest of the lineup and probably the perfect and most well-rounded stick for all our waters (see: me fishing my TMF everywhere I go). The 8’3” 5wt deserves a mention here too due its feel, leverage, and unique stature. My first thoughts were “okay, what do I do with that” quickly followed by “yep, I know exactly where I’d take that rod first”. If you know, you know…

Stop by and give one a toss, I have a feeling you've got somewhere that would be a perfectly paired with the new R.L. Winston Pure 2. Enjoy!