I just used my 9 ft 5 wt rod with weight forward that I used on the Madison.
Took it along for popper action with smallmouths on Lake Powell. Actually it was way up the San Juan one of the tributaries of Powell. It was a high water year. Wife and I went way up the San Juan to what was a second lake. Rocks and brush were underwater. Had best smallie popper action of my life! Caught well over 100 without trying too hard. Giant bluegills too. Never had it that good before or since.
Hope your smallmouth fishing is successful!
