Fly Rod Weight For Steelhead Fishing?
Posted by admin on Wednesday, February 17th, 2010
I am going Steelhead fishing and was wondering if a 5 weight fly rod is too light of tackle for steelhead fishing.
Filed in Fly Fishing Rods | 3 responses so far
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joedon 17 Feb 2010 at 10:18 pm 1Generally, yes. A rod in the 7 or 8 wt. range would make a better rod for most steelhead fishing. A 6 wt would be fine in smaller streams for smaller fish.
caunltdon 17 Feb 2010 at 10:58 pm 2Just depends on what kind of steelhead you have in the system you’re fishing. If you’re up in the pacific northwest, then you’re probably going to want something in the 6-8wt range. If you’re on a smaller system, one that supports smaller sized fish (1/2lb’ers to 10lbs), then you really only need a 3-6wt.
It’s all on where you’re fishing. Steelhead size is typically a huge variant based on the location/system you’re fishing. I would make a decision based on that information first.
AIRFLOWon 17 Feb 2010 at 11:50 pm 3Could you land a steelhead on a 5wt? well yes, HOWEVER would it be practical? no. Its possible but if your fishing catch and release as most steelhead are fished for you will find it hard playing the fish quickly even a smaller one. Playing your fish quickly is important as it reduces stress on the fish.
I would advise a rod of around either 7 or 8wt in about 9’6 the action of the rod is what suits you most of my steelhead rods are medium to fast as i feel its easier to play them in fast water using this setup.
Its totally possible to use a 6wt for smaller steelhead in very slow pools and on occasions i do however rods over 6wt generally have a fighting butt which helps to control the fish.