Last updated on January 7th, 2024.
- Generational Divide - September 13, 2022
- Mousing for Trout at Night - September 6, 2022
- Best Tenkara Rod of 2023 – Buyer’s Guide - July 22, 2022
As an angler, we take pride in enjoying challenges and one of the best ways to truly experience the thrill of it is to go steelhead fishing.
Fishing for steelhead can be done in many ways, including float fishing, lure fishing, and bottom bouncing—but nothing beats the feeling of catching it on the fly.
Table of Contents:
Best Steelhead Fly Rods Quick Answer List
An Introduction to Steelhead Fishing
Types Of Fly Rods For Steelhead
Important Features in Choosing the Best Steelhead Fly Rod
Disclaimer: All products in this guide are independently researched by our team. We only recommend products we believe in and never get paid for the reviews. Learn more about our review process here.
Best Steelhead Fly Rods Quick Answer List
4. Redington Dually Fly Fishing Rod
6. SAGE Core R8
8. Penn Battle
An Introduction to Steelhead Fishing
Steelhead can sometimes be called a rainbow trout, one that migrates into the ocean and returns into its initial freshwater habitat once they spawn as an adult. This is one of the things that make steelhead species a lot more exciting than many other fish species, also making them the best targets for fly fishing. Unlike some of their cousin species, steelhead fish don’t just expire after they spawn; they can always just go back and forth stuffing themselves with food and growing to excellent sizes in the ocean and return back to freshwater to spawn multiple times. When they go back into the freshwater bodies, this is essentially the best time for anglers to look out for them.
There are definitely a lot of factors that you need to consider first before going out to fly fish for steelhead, but the end results would always be worth it. If you have ever caught a steelhead before, then there is a high chance that you would always dream for more of it—because that’s just how thrilling and challenging catching steelhead fish is.
Targeting steelhead needs a lot of mental focus and discipline, all without compromising the fun part of it. That being said, you would also need to invest in the right gear and equipment before basking in the glory of catching one. A great-quality fly rod is one of the most important things that you would need, so like any other thing for sportfishing, you have to thoroughly consider the factors before purchasing what you think is the best model for you.
Types Of Fly Rods For Steelhead
Technically, there are no standard steelhead fly rods, only ones that are the best and ideal options for fishing them. There are three types that you can choose from: a Spey, single-handed, or a switch fly rod. Choosing between them mostly depends on certain factors like your location, fly choice, and the size of steelhead trout species that you will be targeting.
Spey Rods
This one is a two-handed rod that is used for spey casts. This is a technique for casting that allows anglers to cast at great distances effortlessly without needing room for back-casting. With this, you would get to cover more areas of water in just a short amount of time. Note that spey rods are mostly made for fly swinging, so if you prefer nymphing, choose either of the other two.
Single-Handed Rods
These are your traditional fly rods, great for fishing in small rivers where distance doesn’t really matter that much. These are great to use in small tributaries around large lakes, and ideal for swinging flies and nymphing.
Switch Rods
If you want the best of both worlds, then go for a switch rod. They are a combination of Spey and single-handed rods, all rolled into one.
Important Features in Choosing the Best Steelhead Fly Rod
It takes certain types of fly rods to help you handle steelheads a lot better. While baits and lures are essentially the most important things you need to settle first since they are the key to catching steelheads, finding the right fly rod also plays a significant part in your fishing performance. Here are some things you need to consider:
Action
The action of a fly fishing rod determines how it flexes and moves whenever you cast a line and catch fish with it. Anglers can choose three: light, medium, and heavy, but for fly fishing steelhead trout, the best and most ideal option would be the light action rod since it would make it easier for you to cast your fly, as well as absorb the shock of the hook set. A light action rod is also more flexible, a great feature you will appreciate when the trout you catch goes airborne.
Materials and construction
Fly fishing rods are usually made of fiberglass and graphite. While either of the two can work, it is better to choose graphite ones because they are generally lighter and a lot stronger, making it the suitable one for catching steelhead.
Weight
Generally, the best weight for catching a steelhead is a 7 weight rod, especially if you opt to have a single-handed rod. However, if you choose to have a Spey rod, a 6 weight rod would be good enough too if you are only chasing smaller steelheads. You can opt to have an 8 weight rod if you think you would be casting for about 90 to 120 feet across a river using a heavy sink tip.
On the other hand, an 8 weight is ideal if you want to have a switch rod since you need more power when you are Spey casting, in order to load the rod and the line properly. Compared to a 7 weight one, an 8 weight switch rod is better for catching and handling steelheads that are over 10lbs.
Length
The general rule that every angler should remember when figuring out the length of a rod is to take note of the water bodies you usually fish in. Longer fly rods are ideal if you fish on larger rivers, while shorter ones are preferable if you spend most of your time fishing in creeks and tributaries.
Make sure that the one you choose would be able to satisfy your casting needs all throughout the day. For Spey rods, if you would be fishing in larger water bodies, then you will need a rod that’s generally over 9 feet for pleasurable casting and mending. An ideal length would be around 14-15 feet, and this alone can cast up to 90-120 feet. Moreover, an 11-12 feet Spey rod would be decent enough for smaller rivers. If you want to get the best of both worlds, though, opt for a 13 feet Spey rod.
For single-handed rods, the ideal length would be 10 feet, just enough for you to go nymphing. It will also provide you with better line control when it comes to mending, which will give you a great drift.
Switch rods, on the other hand, would be ideal at around 11 feet. This length would give you enough power to perform a Spey cast at a great distance, all while being short enough to go overhead.
Best Fly Rod For Steelhead Fishing: A Review
Choosing a steelhead fly rod does not make use of a one-size-fits-all method, but now that you know some of the most important factors that you need to consider before choosing one, check out some of the best rods on the market below!
Notice: The Wading List is reader-supported. We take part in various affiliate programs such as amazon associates or avantlink. If you click on one of the links in this article and end up purchasing a product we earn a small commission at no extra cost for you. Thank you!
Nam Epic Waters
Key features:
– 12’7″ double-handed, #7
– 6 pcs (great for travelling)
– Aluminum rod tube
– Warranty: two years
Why we picked it:
We first got our hands on the Nam Epic Waters (read our in-depth review here) when fishing the Deschutes River, Oregon, for fall steelhead – the perfect setup for this lightweight double handed fly rod for steelhead. It’s made for small to medium sized rivers but we had no problems making long casts. We used the Nam Epic Waters #7 12’7″ with the Airflo Rage Compact Shooting Head.
The Nam Epic Waters series is a powerful rod that comes with a lot of accuracy. Besides its performance we really liked the small details that make this rod stand out from the crowd. It starts with the beautiful pitch black blank color. It also features a little red mark on the blank at 39″ (100cm) to get a quick estimate of your catch. The high-end feel is rounded-off by the elegant ivory-coloured corduroy rod bag and the black aluminum rod tube.
Pros:
– Lightweight and powerful
– High-end look and feel
– Great accuracy, particularly at mid-range
Cons:
– Ivory rod sack is beautiful but prone to get dirty
OPST Micro Skagit Trout Spey
Why we picked it:
The OPST Micro Skagit two-handed rods (read our in-depth review here) are one of the most versatile rods on the market. Paired with OPST’s line system, these rods can be fished as single hand rods or double handed rods, offering you incredible versatility which can be crucial in steelhead fishing, since you always have to adapt to the situation.
For steelhead fishing it’s recommend their #5 which can handle even bigger fish. The Micro Skagit’s shorter length makes it perfect for overhead casting as well. This allows you to swing with a Skagit head, or opt for a floating line. The medium-fast action trout spey rod is perfect for steelheaders but can also fished for other trout species such as sea trout or marble trout in rivers.
Pros:
– Highly versatile rod, can be cast double-hand or single-hand, depending on setup
– Works great with the integrated shooting head from OPST
Cons:
– A few line classes further up than #5 would be a nice addition to the lineup
THOMAS AND THOMAS DNA SPEY FLY ROD
Key features:
– Medium action
– Line weights: #5-10
– Lifetime guarantee
Why we picked it:
The Thomas and Thomas DNA Spey Fly Rod takes pride in its diversity and snappy nature. It has three different rod tapers that will let you enjoy different styles of Spey casting, which all include a progressive medium fly action that gives you a swift feel with a lot of feedback. Not only are they great for catching steelheads on the fly, but they are also best used on salmon species, too.
Its reel seat was designed to survive corrosion and weather. The Spey-style grip that it is built with will let you enjoy casting and fighting monster fish a lot more because of the comfort and convenience that it provides. The Thomas and Thomas DNA Spey Fly Rod even comes with an aluminum tube that’s blue powder-coated, offering enough protection when traveling and transporting.
Pros:
– Absolute premium look and feel
– A lot of backbone even fish heavier flies
– Beautiful blank color
Cons:
– Medium action takes a bit of getting used to for intermediate fly fishermen
WINSTON BORON III TH-MS MICROSPEY
Key features:
– Fast action
– Aluminum rod tube
– Multiple line classes to choose from
Why we picked it:
Best for steelhead and for trout, the WINSTON BORON III TH-MS MICROSPEY FLY ROD is truly worthy of every fly angler’s attention. The brand has added three light lines (3-5 weight), all of which can generate impressive high line speeds. Whether you tend to fish in big rivers or by the trees on the banks, you best expect that this one will give you excellent performance in any kind of weather. It’s fast action, embedded with an advanced Boron III technology that leaves no crumbs.
The WINSTON BORON III TH-MS MICROSPEY FLY ROD features an anodized aluminum reel seat, a TiCH-finished stripper guide, and a nano plasma ring. The rod also comes with a graphite rod tube that gives it premium protection no matter where you are planning to go.
Pros:
– Great steelhead rod for smaller rivers
– Crisp performance on short and mid-range
– Unconditional lifetime guarantee
– Blank color is second to none
Cons:
– Limited weight range
Redington Dually Fly Fishing Rod
Key features:
– Weight classes to choose from: #5-8
– Action: medium fast
– Redington lifetime guarantee
Why we picked it:
The Redington Dually Fly Fishing Rod got a huge improvement compared to the earlier models of this brand—it’s now more lightweight, more stable, and with an updated handle, all still for less than the price of $300. This rod has a moderate-fast action that provides a great balance of performance and versatility, as well as the right amount of flexibility to fight fish. The rod features an anodized machined aluminum reel seat that makes it ideal for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, without compromising durability.
The Redington Dually Fly Fishing Rod also has a soft-touch grip that gives any angler a better line control which equates to a smoother fishing experience. It comes in four pieces and a nylon tube for easier transport.
Pros:
– High value for money
– Medium-fast action is good for beginners and intermediates
– High quality components for a rod in this price range
Cons:
– Lacks a bit of punch on longer casts
Atlas Signature
Key Features:
– Available as #8,#9 and #10
– All line classes come at 9′
– Aluminum rod tube
Why we picked it:
So, what’s the deal with the Atlas Signature series (read our in-depth review here)? Well, it’s the brainchild of Ben Freeman from Trident Fly Fishing, and it’s making waves in the rod scene. The idea? Bring premium performance to the people at a price that won’t break the bank.
We took this beauty out for a spin on and boy, were we impressed. This rod packs a punch – perfect for casting those bigger streamers even when the breeze is feeling a bit sassy. And can we talk about its looks? A stunning dark grey/blue blank and top-notch components – it’s like the James Bond of fly rods.
But here’s the kicker – a three-year warranty. Yep, you heard it right. So, whether you’re going after the big boys or just enjoying a laid-back day on the water, Atlas has your back. And the best part? You’re getting all of this at half the price you’d pay for a rod of this caliber from the big-name brands.
Pros:
– Powerful backbone for casting larger flies in varying conditions.
– Aesthetically pleasing design with a dark grey/blue blank and premium components.
– Competitive pricing without compromising on performance.
Cons:
– Shorter distances are not the sweet spot of the Atlas Signature
SAGE R8 CORE
Key features:
– 7 weight classes to choose from
– Fast action rod
– Made in the USA
Why we picked it:
There is a lot of marketing going on when a new rod series is released praising it to be revolutionary. Most often that is not all true but in the cast of the nem fast-action SAGE R8 Core (read our in-depth review here) it is. This rod’s got power! No matter what type of line you’re fishing it with, the Sage R8 delivers. Short and mid range is no problem at all but this rod really shines at long range as well – and with ease.
The gold weight for a trout fly rod is a #5. If steelhead is your main target, you can consider going up to a #6 which offers a little more power and backbone if you hook into a big fish. The SAGE R8 Core is made in the USA in Burbank, Washington, and offers everything you’re looking for in a high-end fly rod including the very elegant rod tube and Sage guarantee. Yes, it’s got a big price tag, but this rod is worth it.
Pros:
– Made in the USA
– Incredibly, effortless power across the board
– Beautiful blank color
Cons:
– It’s almost too easy to feel like an expert caster with this rod
Best Steelhead Fly Rod Combo
If you are new to the game of steelhead fishing or if you simply make 100% sure that your setup is perfectly balanced, a steelhead fly rod combo could be the right choice for you. Here are two
SAGE FOUNDATION OUTFIT
Key features:
– Line weight: 4-8
– Lifetime warranty
– Set includes rod, reel and line
Why we picked it:
The SAGE FOUNDATION is equipped with a high-performance Graphite blank, which gives it its fast-action casting power and incredible control. If you want something that is guaranteed to take your angling experience to a whole new level, then this set is one of the best choices there is.
The FOUNDATION also features a stealth black blank color, ceramic stripper guides, and hard chrome tip-top and snake guides, as well as an anodized aluminum uplocking reel seat in black. The 2019 Outfits have the Sage Spectrum C, RIO Gold fly line, and a rugged silver gray nylon rod and reel case.
Pros:
– Set is ideally balanced
– Sage lifetime warranty
– Line classes #6-8 feature a fighting butt
Cons:
– An aluminum rod tube would be a plus
Penn Battle
Why we picked it:
The Penn Battle Fly Outfit (read our in-depth review here) is an excellent choice if you are out to catch a big steelhead. Available as an #8 or #10, both variants come as 9ft 4 piece rods in a rod and reel protective tube (which makes this combo also a good choice for travellers).
The rod on this kit is a medium fast action rod that is well balanced with the weight forward line and has no issues whatsoever in transporting bigger streamers precisely to the target, even when you’re casting into the wind. This is important when you’re swinging bigger flies that get heavier when wet.
I was also impressed with the reel on this combo since it is of a high manufacturing standard. With their nice dark greyish look, rod and reel form a nice modern combo. The reel features and adjustable drag and since its made from aluminum its a good choice for the salt. This kit also comes with a tapered leader, so literally all you have to do is tie on your favorite pattern and you’re ready to catch a fish.
Pros:
– Solid choice for bigger flies
– Beautiful dark grey colouring on the reel and rod give this combo a nice, modern look and feel
– Comes with a protective cordura rod and reel case
Cons:
– A lower weight option would be a cool addition to the set
Conclusion on the Best Fly Rod for Steelhead
Now that you have a sufficient idea of what you need to consider when choosing a great fly rod for steelhead, take this as a sign to thoroughly think of what rod you most need right now. Fishing for steelhead may be fun and challenging, but you would need to invest in a worthy fly fishing companion for you to greatly enjoy the experience—so choose well!
Notice: The Wading List is reader-supported. We take part in various affiliate programs such as amazon associates or avantlink. If you click on one of the links in this article and end up purchasing a product we earn a small commission at no extra cost for you. Thank you!
FAQ Corners
What makes a fly rod suitable for steelhead fishing?
An ideal steelhead fly rod should have a balance of power and sensitivity, typically ranging from 7wt to 9wt (in single handed rods) offering the strength to handle larger fish while maintaining the finesse required for precise presentations.
Is a longer rod better for steelhead fly fishing?
While longer (double-handed) rods (10-12 feet) can provide advantages in mending and line control, the best length depends on personal preference and the specific fishing environment. Many steelhead anglers find a 10-foot rod to be a versatile choice.
What action is preferable for steelhead fly rods?
Moderate to fast-action rods are commonly preferred for steelhead fishing. These actions offer the power needed for long casts and control over larger fish while still providing some sensitivity for detecting subtle takes.
Can I use a single-handed or a switch rod for steelhead fishing?
Both single-handed and switch rods can be effective for steelhead fishing. Single-handed rods offer versatility, while switch rods provide a middle ground between single-handed and spey rods, allowing for various casting techniques.
What line weight should I use for steelhead fly fishing?
he appropriate line weight depends on the size of the steelhead and the fishing conditions. Generally, a 7wt to 9wt line is suitable, but anglers may adjust based on specific preferences and the rivers they fish.
Are there specific brands known for producing high-quality steelhead fly rods?
Several reputable brands excel in crafting quality steelhead fly rods, including Sage, G. Loomis, Redington, Echo, and Winston. It’s essential to consider factors like rod action, length, and personal preferences when choosing the best fit.
Can I use a steelhead fly rod for other types of fishing?
While steelhead fly rods are specifically designed for targeting steelhead, many of them can be versatile enough for other species and fishing scenarios. Some anglers use them for salmon, trout, or even saltwater species, depending on the rod’s specifications.
