Choosing Steelhead Gear
by: Cameron Larsen
Steelhead Gear
Like many things in fly fishing you can ask 10 different fly
anglers a single question and you’ll get 10 different answers.
Asking what steelhead rod one should use for fly fishing is no
different. Every circumstance is different. And the answer varies
with each situation. However let’s try to get a generic answer so
everyone can at least get started in this rewarding aspect of fly
fishing.
RODS
Most steelheaders use at least a seven weight rod. And in fact
that is my recommendation. There that would be the end of it,
except for one thing. We, fly fishermen have a perpetual habit of
complicating things. Choosing rods is no different. A seven
weight, in my opinion is an ideal all around steelhead rod, that
will work for any steelhead conditions. However if one is fishing
out west in big water, under windy conditions, fighting bigger
than average fish, then you will be cursing your seven weight rod
in no time, as being too light. Therefore before you buy, think
about the fishing you most plan to do. If your favorite river is
large and the fish are big and the current is strong then seven
weight will not be big enough, if the stream is smaller and the
fish are in the six pound range than seven weight will be plenty.
And some thrill seeking fly fisher’s will use six.
As for length, the absolute shortest rod I would use is 9 foot.
With 9 and a half recommended, especially for weights over 7.
Again think of the conditions and the same rules for weight, more
or less work for length. Longer rods provide longer casts, and
more control. Out west two-handed spey rods are becoming more and
more popular for steelhead fishing. With roll casting often
required. Two handed rods allow the longest casting and can
lengthen the fishing season, when high waters would force one off
the river, when using a single handed rod.
REELS
When playing a steelhead, the reel becomes much more than just a
place to store your fly line. The reel needs to be reliable as
steelhead switch directions instantly peeling off line. They need
to be large enough to hold your fly line and 150 yards of
backing. Large arbor reels are becoming popular as they pick line
up in a hurry, when your prized steelie decides to run at you.
LINE
Erie steelheaders tend to use floating line as the rivers are
smaller, they are perfect. If you would like a little boost in
casting then get a weight forward line, marked by WF on the
package. On big rivers one should carry a floating line and a
sinking tip line, as the conditions change during the season.
Getting the fly down to the fish is vital.
LEADERS
Most steelheaders actually make their own leaders. Using Maxima
Chameleon more often then not. Tippets should be 0x or smaller,
Erie steelheaders can go up to 4x on clear water days. But bigger
river anglers should stay around 0x or .011 diameter to turn over
the bigger flies, and to allow for strong arming the fish. For
detailed leader recipes check our www.globalflyfisher.com.
Well that’s it if you have never tried steelhead fly fishing you
are in for a treat. Use this guide as a starting spot for
acquiring the proper gear, pick up a few flies from
www.bigyflyco.com and just add water.
Cameron Larsen is a retired commercial fly tier and fly fishing
guide. He now operates The Big Y Fly Company.
Http://www.bigyflyco.com
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See Also:
Index of All Hunting & Fishing Articles
Index of All Sports Articles
