I prefer 9' rods in all weights, including tight brushy creek fishing where I never cast but poke the rod tip and fly into/under small holding water. When I was younger and poorer I used a 7 wt for everything.
My preference for all of my trout fishing in BC would be a 5 wt. but I have a 9' 6 wt that is so sweet I'm staying with it. Have landed rainbows to 10+ lb. with it.
I also have a 9'3" 9 wt that I use on northern pike and salmon. This particular rod is mis-labeled and it is at least a 10 wt and heavier than I like. Am shopping for an 8 wt to replace it but big salmon are in right now and am using it. I fished an 8 wt for years for salmon and liked it.
Tangent: nymph/chronomid fishing is the most productive way in these parts to catch huge trout in lakes-- and such a boring way to fly fish that I pass on it.
