Best rod weight for a steelhead/trout combo?
Jul 5, 2020 10:22:27 #
Hello, i love fly fishing and am on a bit of a budget. Looking to get a fly fishing combo i can use that will be fun enough for small to medium size trout, yet good enough to catch steelhead on as well for under 200 bucks. I live in Oregon. I was thinking a 6 wt. Would that probably do the trick?
--
by sambone13245
--
by sambone13245
Jul 5, 2020 10:22:38 #
B run steelhead on the Deschutes. Maybe, fast water and a hot fish could be trouble with over playing and not enough leverage. A fish, you need an 8 wt minimum. Most trout are over gunned on a 6. It will help casting and big flies but anything delicate like the Metoulis is out. 5 is better or a 4.
I’d shop used for a Sage for easy repairs. If you could only buy one the 6 will work but not ideal for either situation. Lots of tactics could help. Fast or slow water. Fish size . If you are streamer fishing for trout vs #18 dry flies
--
by TintheSEA
I’d shop used for a Sage for easy repairs. If you could only buy one the 6 will work but not ideal for either situation. Lots of tactics could help. Fast or slow water. Fish size . If you are streamer fishing for trout vs #18 dry flies
--
by TintheSEA
Jul 5, 2020 10:22:44 #
For small to medium sized trout, a fun wt would be around 3 or 4wt. 5 is just an all rounder.
For bigger trout in lakes a 7 wt is totally fine and could be used to fish steelheads
--
by g2gfmx
For bigger trout in lakes a 7 wt is totally fine and could be used to fish steelheads
--
by g2gfmx
Jul 5, 2020 10:22:47 #
Whatever you end up getting I can recommend ECHO rods if you want to take a look. Great performance and customer service and they are in Vancouver Washington so somewhat local and quick shipping. I’m in Oregon too.
--
by Itsforafriendnotme
--
by Itsforafriendnotme
Jul 5, 2020 10:22:51 #
Jul 5, 2020 10:22:56 #
A steelhead will smoke you on a 6 weight single hander. There’s really not a rod that will be fun and practical for both trout and steelhead.
--
by paulybuc
--
by paulybuc
Jul 6, 2020 16:09:17 #
GLA
Loc: WA State
Size 8 weight fly rod works for Steelies. I prefer a smaller 4-5 for trout, but the 8 weight will do in a pinch.
Jul 6, 2020 19:04:21 #
Love my 9 wt for steelies especially the A run in high swift water. My 5 wt is used the rest of the time for trout,bass, wipers, even bluegills. Buddy uses his 8wt for Steelies and its just perfect.
Jul 6, 2020 20:12:38 #
I can totally relate. But you need two rods. IMO, a 10’ 4wt for trout and a 11’6-12’6” 8 wt are the most versatile folds for the PNW. Good luck and tight lines 🤙🏼
Jul 7, 2020 15:10:38 #
FixorFish
Loc: SW Oregon
Lengths are subject to preference and surrounding area (ie bushes, trees, etc) but I think an 8wt would be great for steelhead. A 6wt will take a patient hand to land a good sized (8lbs+) steelhead, but can do it.... totally depends on leader size (I tend to go 3x or so to be able to turn the larger steelhead flies easier). Trout of less than 5lb.are a blast on a 3-5wt.
Aug 2, 2020 23:05:40 #
You need 2 rods. A 4 or 5 for trout and a 7 or 8 for steelhead. That being said, I just caught a chrome bright, extra hot steely on a 6 weight with 4 lb. test. Always an exception.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.