My go to rod is a 4 wt. I like it because it has enough power that I can fish up to size 8 nymphs and steamers with it, but it's delicate enough that I can fish a size 24 trico with it too.

For more serious nymphing, large dry fly action (like the cicadas that were here last year or the green drakes or dark hexes) I use a 6 wt. For the little bit of bass fishing I do, that is my rod for that, too.

Steelhead: 8wt. Small mountain streams: a 6' 2 wt. Just for fun: a 5'5'' fiberglass 6 wt., a 6' 4 wt. bamboo, or a 9' 6 wt bamboo.

9' 4-piece 5wt. I use a Sage XP but I like a very fast rod. I think a 5 weight is the most versatile small to medium water rod you can have. If you're good, you can fish it in big water also...

5wt is my all around

9 ft. 6 wt. It basically covers the gammut.

on any given day i reach for the 3 wt first. i've handled big trout (up to 6#) with it and it handles wind (up to 20 mph) pretty well. my 5 wt loomis is always a backup when wind is a factor or i'm fishing the pighorn er bighorn and bigger fish are the order of the day. i also use a fifty-five year old fiberglass rod (apprx. 5 wt) when i want a slower change of pace.

For most situations here in the High Sierras, my 9ft 6wt
will handle the CA Browns, 'Bows or even Lahotan Cutts. When I venture to The Trinity, Lower Feather, American or Sacremento Rivers, I'll need the backbone and the casting power of the 11' 7wt. switch rod, a two-hander that weighs in at a mere 4 3/4oz. @9.5 flex tip. Ross Reels makes a nice 3wt. in their Essence Line for those times you're stalking brookies on your hands & knees. A guy can't have too many fly rods, just ask Buckhunter!