Choosing the Right Line for Your Switch Rod

Selecting the right fly line for your switch rod is one of the most important decisions you can make on the river. A well-matched line will completely change how your rod loads, how your flies present, and ultimately how confidently you fish.

Before we even talk about brands or tapers, start with one simple question:

Where and when do you fish?

Switch rods are incredibly versatile, and the conditions you face will dictate which line works best. Let’s break down the main scenarios.

1. Small Rivers in Spate: Go Short, Powerful & Punchy

When your home water is a smaller river that regularly comes up in spate—and depth control is essential—the Switch Chucker is a standout choice.

Why?

• It has a compact 25' head, making it incredibly easy to load at short range.

• It excels at turning over heavy tubes, tungsten-coned materials, and weighted tips.

• It’s built to lift and fire quickly in tight quarters.

We find it pairs best with a 5' or 10' polyleader, depending on how much extra depth you need. The polyleader gives you better turnover and a more controlled anchor—ideal for deep, fast, coloured water.

Best for:

• Tight spaces

• Heavy flies

• High or coloured water

• Punchy, efficient fishing

2. Low Water on Medium to Large Rivers: Smooth, Longer Heads

When the rivers drop, and the fish push into classic holding lies, your fishing becomes more about control, finesse and distance.

Two lines really shine here:

Gaelforce Switch -Our choice for presentation

For delicate, controlled low-water work, the Gaelforce Switch has become our go to especially on the River Dee.

• Beautifully smooth turnover

• A longer, more refined head for soft landings

• Ideal for small flies, lighter tubes, and stealthy approaches

If you want maximum presentation and feel, this is the one.

RIO Outbound Switch – When the Wind Gets Up

Sometimes the weather doesn’t care that you’re trying to fish small flies on a long leader. That’s where the RIO Outbound Switch steps in.

• A little punchier than the Gaelforce

• Excellent when dealing with a breeze

• Still very capable of clean, elegant delivery in calmer conditions

Both lines fish beautifully with a 5' polyleader, which adds just enough depth control without compromising the taper.

Best for:

• Summer and autumn fishing

• Medium to large rivers

• Lighter flies

• Situations where presentation matters

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right switch line is about matching your water, your conditions, and your style of fishing.

• Spate, small rivers, heavy tubes: Switch Chucker + 5'–10' polyleader

• Low water, delicate work: Gaelforce Switch with or without a 5' polyleader

• Windy low-water conditions: RIO Outbound Switch with or without a 5' polyleader

Get the right setup, and your switch rod becomes a true multi-tool—capable of fishing anything from flooded margins to ultra-clear summer flats.

If you want help choosing a line for your exact rod, river, or setup, just shout—we’re always happy to point you in the right direction. 

TPFF SHOP Phone - 01330 828825