Steelhead Rod, Reel & Line Question

[Hare's Ear]

I've been flyfishing for trout for the past 5 years and would like to try fishing for steelhead. What weight rod do people recommend? 7, 8, other? What about speed - slow, moderate, fast? How about reels - are there any under $100 that someone can recommend? Assume I buy a reel and 1 or 2 extra spools, what lines should I be looking at? Floating lines with interchangible floating and sinking tips seem to be popular. Or, should I consider a floating line and a couple of sinking lines?

Thanks for the help.

[blackdog]

In my opinion, the answers to all your questions are easy: it depends. What type of steelheading are you going to do, summer or winter? What type of waters will you be fishing, big rivers like the Deschutes or smaller streams? If it's chasing summers on the Deschutes you will inevitably be fighting the wind at some point, so it won't hurt to have an 8wt. The seven will handle the fish, but an 8 would be better at throwing a longer line into the wind. Also, you may want to look into a spey rod, never tried one myself but they look like the thing to have over there. Rod action will be more suited to your style of casting but I would recommend either medium to fast action. As far as lines go, most people fish dries lines for summers, either the traditional wet fly down and across method, or with a puffball, nymphing-type technique. Now, if you're after winter fish, throw most of that out and look for more answers. Good luck.

[Hare's Ear]

Blackdog, yeah, I left out some important info. I anticipate fishing for both summers and winters, mainly on the Clackamas and the Sandy . If I'm lucky, I might make a trip to the Deschutes once or twice a year. I guess if I had to target the gear, it would be for those two Portland area rivers.

[Gizmo Man]

So you want it all and then some for next to nothing.... :smile:

Having a good collection of rods, I would suggest you start with an 8wt rod since you threw in winter fishing.

Lines would be a floating for summers and a sink tip for some applications.

Reels: If you are on a budget, look at the pfluger 1495 1/2 or now the 1595 1/2. Just make sure you put some head cement on the screws as this has been the weakest part of the reel. I know you will get lots of ideas here, but for around $50 you get a reel and spare spool and you can use the money to buy better quality fly lines.

Hope this helps....just remember that everyone you ask will have a different opinion, so be sure and tell them what you are trying to do with one rod on a fixed budget.

Giz...

[Doc Spratley]

I think the advice you are getting is pretty accurate. I would advise a fast action over medium if your casting style will handle it, especially if you are going to be using a lot of sinking lines or sink tips. That extra muscle in the rod saves you from muscle aches in your arm at the end of a long day. I use a 9'6" 7 wt. almost all year round. It has handled the Deschutes wind without any problems. I use my 8 wt. if I really need to dredge the bottom in high water conditions that winter can present.

The pfluger reels will work, heck everyone was using them 25 years ago! However, if your pocket book will spare it, take a look at a Scientific Anglers System II reel. They give you better "brakes" for that freight train stripping line off of your reel, and it wont break the bank. What you are paying for with the more expensive reels is a better drag system than the pfluger can give you.

Spey rods are a great way to go, but you are looking at a major investment. You don't need to purchase such an outfit to catch steelhead. A number of "big name" flyfishermen I know have tried them and decided to stay with single handed rods. To each their own. :wink:

[chuck 'n' duck]

I have not flyfished either the Sandy or Clackamas. I have read alot on flyfishing the two rivers, and believe that the foremost experts would be at the Flyfishing Shop in Welches. My guess is that they will recommend a two handed rod due to the larger size of those two rivers. As far as line goes, probably the Rio versatip system would be the most versitile as far as being able to get down for winters in varying depths and current speeds. I would take a long look at the Teton and Tioga series of reels. I have a Teton that I purchased about 5 years ago, and it was very reasonable as compared to some of the other fly reel makes (ABEL, etc.). Before my teton, I owned a SA System II. I caught alot of fish with this reel (both steelhead and salmon) but was really discouraged with the wet drag capabilities of the reel. The disc drag system had a problem with hydroplaning when the brake got wet. I don't know whether or not they have fixed this problem.

Just my .02......

CnD

[cully]

reel for under 100.00. I highly reccomend the orvis rockey mountain model. It sells for 70.00 bucks and takes a beating. I have several. Two nine weights( thought i'd lost mine and bought another one to replace) a 5 weight. The spools can be bought for 15 bucks and if your looking for more than one line in your vest you won't find a cheaper spool to put it on. I have my opinions on rods too,email me if you want that info. wife say i gotta get off the machine. Her turn.

[Hare's Ear]

Thanks to all the iFish members who replied, both by posts and by email. Its great to hear what people with experience have say.