R.L. Winston Pure 4WT Breakdown
The 490 Pure is a moderate-action rod that can handle small to medium sized rivers and streams. The 9’ model excels at high sticking and mending applications. I found this rod to be on the faster end of the 4WT models while still holding its true moderate-action taper. The Pure series is fundamentally dry fly focused, but the 490 Pure can handle a dropper with ease with the right conditions on your side. I wouldn’t shy away from putting a small wooly bugger on this rod even though I might be burned at the stake for such a suggestion. If I’m looking to fish a 4WT from the boat, I’m grabbing a 490 Pure.
R.L. Winston Pure 8'6" 4 Weight
The 486 Pure is going to be a Hall of Fame rod. With all the bias in the world, this is my favorite model in the entire Pure series. This model has the accuracy of a 6.5 Creedmoor with the kick of a .223. It’s hard not to smile as you watch your fly line unload. An 8’6” rod is generally going to be the most accurate length in any rod manufacturer’s lineup, and the Pure is no exception to that rule. The SA Trout Taper makes the 486 shine once you start getting beyond 20’. If I’m wading smaller water in August, I’m casting a hopper with a 486 Pure.
R.L. Winston Pure 7'6" 4 Weight
One of the judgements I make on the worth of a fly rod is if it makes me want to get off of my couch when the weather is miserable to go fishing. The 476 Pure always makes me want to get outside. This rod is light in hand and an absolute joy to fish small streams with. I found this model to be extremely responsive and casted tight loops with ease. This is a model that will truly shine on the Driftless streams of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and yes, even Illinois. The 7’6” rod length makes this model a tight-quarters workhorse.
By Danny Eiden
Danny grew up fishing the Driftless region of Wisconsin trying to trick anything that swims with a fly rod. When not tying flies, dreaming of steelhead, or catching Madison River trout on dry flies, Danny can be found guiding or working here at the Madison River Fishing Company.
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