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I tend to fish either glass or bamboo for small streams. Think of it this way, manufacturers have been in a race to produce Graphite rods that have only one purpose, speed, using not only fast stiff rods but many lines tare actually heavier than standard rating (example: 5wit lines that are actually closer to 6). Distance, the race for "newer and better" has been for fast rods that will overreach. These do some undesirable things. They don't load at short distances, are less accurate plus their inherent stiffness are much tougher on both tippets and fighting fish. Softer rods with a slower stroke will lay out a dry fly lightly without slapping water and give you much more accuracy and save your finer tippet's on large fish in my experience.

I have several "Dry Fly" specific (small stream, Alpine Lake and Bow River rods) all are graphite. 7' 2wt, 7'6" 3 wt 8',/8'9/9' (x2) 4wt. For clients I offer 9' 4wt & 5 wt - specifically for alpine lakes. Traditional action (soft) and Med/Fast action both work with my casting stroke (have to adjust slightly). Haven't tried glass, but people who fish glass LOVE them, as do folks that fish grass (bamboo)! Shorter rods tend to be more accurate (but obviously depends on your skill), plus work better within overgrown streams. As with any rod, match something to your price point and casting stroke. Test cast a bunch, and I mean a bunch! Go to a dedicated fly shop with well trained staff. If you have a reel already lined, bring it with you, if not consider something that will balance the rod properly (which is where a dedicated fly shop comes in). Be sure to go with a quality manufacture that has parts to repair the rod (b/c inevitably you will break a tip or section fishing small streams)! Peter

Except that the Athabasca strain is native