CF Burkheimer 3113-4 Two Handed 4pc 11' 3" 3wt

This is a quintessential Burkie 2 hander in a pint-sized package. Forgiving action, loads of feel, and a fairly wide grain window make this rod incredibly likeable as well as fishable.

We found castable and fishable line combinations from 190 to 275+ grains with this rod, but it really seemed to shine with lines in the lower half of the stated grain window and presentations focused on soft hackles and small, unweighted streamers. As a tool for fishing “fine and far off” with teams of soft hackles, this rod is absolutely sublime. It will play on all our local waters, from the Firehole to the Madison, Gallatin and beyond, providing lots of fun on smaller fish and plenty of excitement and challenge when a big one climbs on. While certainly capable of tossing some small/light streamers, the angler who is even modestly devoted to the streamer game would do better to size up to a stouter stick (like the Burkheimer 4114) that will have an easier time pulling weighted flies and tips from the water and delivering them down and across with a bit more oomph.

Like many Burkheimer trout Spey rods, when compared with rods from across the range of makers, this one is best described as “slightly lighter”, rated more like a 2/3 weight.

Line Recommendations:

RIO Trout Spey Shooting Head #2, 230gr, 23ft

This line, paired with RIO Medium Versileaders (35 grains) was our favorite option for this rod. Casting was smooth and easy, yet still fairly crisp. The ability to change presentation depths by selecting different Versileader density makes this a 1 line quiver capable of delivering both soft hackles and small/light streamers.

As a side note, the 230 grain line seemed happier with the RIO 35 grain Medium Versileaders vs the SA 50 grain Sonar leaders that we often reach for.

SA Scandi Lite Shooting Head, 240gr, 22ft

This was our top choice for a dedicated floating line, paired with a Salmon /Steelhead Mono leader. Dreamy with soft hackles.

If you like a really light feel in your casting, the 210 grain version of this line is also nice on this rod.

RIO Elite Trout Spey Shooting Head #1, 190gr, 23ft

Pairing this line with the RIO 10ft 35 grain Medium Floating Versileader and a 12ft Salmon /Steelhead Mono leader essentially creates a 32ft long, 225 grain Scandi Head. For casters that like throwing longer, light lines, this was a beauty. This head also turns over the sinking versions of the Medium Versileader if there is a need to get a bit deep but still retain a really light feeling cast.

RIO Elite Skagit Mini Max Power 250gr, 17ft

This line, paired with either RIO T8 MOW tips or SA 10ft Sonar leaders was our top choice for a Skagit kit, but honestly the rod is best suited to less aggressive tapers.

The rod also handled the 275 grain RIO Elite Mini Max Power, but we felt like it made the rod feel a lot less lively and still didn’t get us to a spot where we could easliy toss bigger/heavier streamers.

RIO Trout Spey Shooting Head #3, 265gr, 23ft

This line in the 265 grain configuration and paired with SA 10ft Sonar leaders would be our recommendation for those looking for that deep loaded “Skagity” feel from this rod while retaining some of the smoothness in turnover that goes away with the true Skagit type lines.