Floating or sinking and what are you throwing I would assume big meat flys so I would guess floating weight forward and I’m guessing 9ft fast action rod rios pretty good line but I only have it in a 6wt
Wait another month then start throwing rattle traps for bass then try switching to more of a longer narrow crank bait as things warm up then dig out the deep stuff when it gets hot
Always had good luck fishing for cats when the river was on the rise I think it just because the fish are trying to get out of the current and consolidate in the slower moving pools
I’ve done the split shot thing lots but I do prefer sink tips split shot can cause problems casting and getting that little piece of lead to stay put on your line can be troublesome