The wife and I are planning a camping trip to the Santa Fe National Forest in late August. It's been 7 years since I've been fly fishing and I borrowed someone's rod and reel so I'm looking into getting a new one. I was thinking a 7.5 ft. 3 weight but wanted to see what other people who know more than I do think.

So what advice do you have for weight and length?

4 wt.9 ft. but don't leave the 3 wt. at home
Good luck and pictures are a must

It all depends on which rivers/streams you fish. If you hike in to an area like mora flats, or jacks creek, or any of the smaller creeks, 8' max. The pecos itself is never very big, I had a 9' rod when I was there and definitely wish I would've gone shorter. I think your choice is fine except it could be tough if it gets windy, maybe go with a 7.5'-8' 4wt. Good luck! that's a beautiful place to fish.

Ok, I was actually also looking at 8' 4 weight rods too. I plan to just have one rod at this time but who knows where this could lead. We could become regulars to that area during the summer!

If your going to get just one rod for all around use, I'd recommend a 8.5', 5wt. I think you'll find it to be a more versatile rod than if you got a shorter, lighter weight, rod.

I've got a couple of 3wt's that I've determined I no longer need/want if you're set on a 3wt though.

I have fished several of the rivers out of the Santa Fe and I think a 4wt is a great all and choice for that area. 4wt is the new 5wt in terms of all arounder IMO for that part of the world.

Mine is a 9'. I fished a small river/stream a year ago that was tight and a shorter rod might have been more practical but I think a longer rod helps with your reach when you are nymphing by keeping more fly line out of the current differences in the water. Makes it easier to get a clean drift.