Some of the combos out there are quite good for the $$$. Looks at the BPS and Cabelas combos. If you are just going after small stream trout I would go with a light 4 or 5 wt setup, with a floating weight forward line (easier ot cast than adouble taper) and 20# backing. There are those that will tell you to get a 6 or 7wt but I would not if you are chasing smaller fish with smaller flies and tippets.
I used to fish the Grand for browns and my 4wt or 5wt were my rods of choice depending on what flies I was likely to throw on the day. 5wt was used when I was chucking large weighted flies like buggers and muddlers while the 4wt was brought out for tossing dries and nymphs.
A 9' rod is perfect for length unless you are fishing large rivers where keeping line off the water and mending at distance is required.
Heavier weight rods such as 7wt-9wt are best for fishing salmon and steelhead in bigger flows (I use my 7wt mostly for lakers and Kenai River silvers) and my 9wt is reserved for pike. The heavier rods are made for chucking bigger heavier and more wind resistent flies.
6wt-7wt are perfect for chucking flies for bass it that's what you're after.
There is no need to spend a ton of $$$$ on your first outfit, in fact a less expensive moderate actioned rod is much more forgiving of little mistakes when learning to cast.
Here's a great Deal on a Cabelas starter combo.