Rod for Great Lakes Steelhead

Gear & Reviews
1

Last year was my first year fly fishing for Lake Erie steelhead…or really, fly fishing for anything, for that matter. I hit the tribs with my trusty 5wt that I was using for trout, and managed to land a few, but couldn’t help but feel like I was simply “along for the ride” anytime I hooked into a fish.

This year, I plan to carry a 7wt into battle.

I’ve done a good bit of reading, checking reviews, comparing prices, etc. and have decided on a 7wt Echo Ion. Its a solid, well-built rod that has a good action, quality components, and an airtight guarantee.

My only issue is length. The Ion is offered in both 9 and 10 foot lengths for their 7wt, and I’m unsure of what way to go. I’ve done plenty of fishing with a variety of rod lengths (6’-6", 7’-0", 7’-9", and 9’-0"), but, as you can see, nothing over 9’-0". I didnt have many problems adjusting to any shorter rod length, so I dont anticipate any issues adapting my cast to a longer one.

I WAS planning on going for the 10 footer, with the idea that the extra foot would give me more drift control, allow me to keep more line off the water, and to aid in fighting the larger fish, but the owner of my local fly shop strongly recommended the 9-footer over the 10, suggesting that the extra foot’s pain-in-the-rear factor would more than outweigh any benefits it granted.

So I’ve been asking around, getting various opinions on the matter, and really, the opinions are widely varied. I’d like to see what the FAOLers have to say. :slight_smile:

2

Extra length will only be a hinderance if you are bushwacking or walking a tight trail.
(you can break it down )
If you are fishing the bottom ends of these tribs they should be more open water and the extra length will give you a little more reach if high stick nymphing etc.
Take a hint from the Centerpinners who are using 11.5 to 15’ Float Rods.
While having no experience with that particular Rod I think the extra rod length will probably cushion the strain on the tippet too.

DuFf

3

I made a post about Switch rods, as you and I are looking for the same info. I was told to go with the longer rod, short of spey. So I am aiming for a switch rod. 10’6" - 11’6". I think personally if I don’t get a switch I am at least grabbing an 8 weight 10footer.

I am on the same thought process that a longer rod would help keep more line off the water, and help fling out some decent distance rollcast, especialy with the cover that is always against my back, since wading in some of the tribs can be downright nuts.

I am going with a 7/8 weight. I felt that my 9 weight, while it offered the backbone, might have been a little much, but not by much.

Good luck!! After a few trips myself I am addicted to winter steelheading around the tribs!!!:stuck_out_tongue:

4

Shakey, you fishing PA tribs?

My thing is that I KNOW I dont NEED the extra length. There’s not an Erie trib in PA that I cant cast to the other bank with my 3 weight (not bragging…my casting stinks!), and I wouldnt have even thought it to be an issue, until the shop owner recommended the 9 over the 10.

5

In a one hander…probably the best all round steelhead rod for around here (most Great Lake Tribs) is going to be a 10ft 7 wt. Now with that said, I currently use a 9.6ft 8 wt…because I was thinking of covering both salmon and steelhead with it. Mine is a St. Croix Avid and it works just fine for most applications. I purchased this long before the word Spey or two handed rods hit this part of the country. The rivers I like to fish around here are the smaller tribs and creeks for steelhead so a two handed rod seems a bit reduntant for those however, they do come into there own on the bigger rivers like the Maitland, Saugeen, Manistee, lower AuSable, etc.

I still get along fine with my Avid…but I do have an 11 ft 7 wt rod blank waiting to get put together here for the next steelhead season. It’s not a high end blank by all means so don’t know how it will end up responding but it’s just for fun at this point. With weather and river conditions the last few years, I’m lucky to get out more than four or five times for steelhead so I really don’t want to caugh up a huge investment in gear when I do fine with what I have.

Keep in mind that those long rods do have one very distinct advantage. They can roll cast like no other…and thats not a bad thing in places with overgrown banks where you can’t back cast. …and like DufF said…the extra length in a steelhead rod is prinmarily to help cushion the strain on the tippet. The other reason is to facilitate a drag free drift. It does have advantages but you can still catch steelhead just fine on a nine foot rod. It’s just what you get used to.

If you don’t have anything at this point…and you think you’ll be steelheading a lot, consider the rivers in your area, then decide. Talk to the guys who fish those waters and see who has the advantage before caughing up all those bucks.

6

I have fished a northern Erie Trib once but it was in New York. That I felt perfectly comfortable with 9 foot rod.

My primary focus for the rod that I am looking to get is for the Salmon River in Pulaski New York.

7

I have and use both 9 1/2’ and 10’, 7 weights on the Ohio and Pa tribs and have never had a problem with them being too long. The lengths not needed for the “extra” casting distance. It’s all about line control, keeping line off the water to improve your drift, being able to mend and control the line and feel the take. Distance casting isn’t what Lake Erie Tributary fishing is all about. Most folks (at least in my opinion) fish too far away and don’t control the drift or can’t feel the takes they’re getting because they have too much slack line.

I highly recommend the 9 1/2’ or 10’ rods. Get a ten footer and don’t look back!

8

I can only assume that your local fly shop did not have any rods in the 10’ range. I fish with a 11’ 7 Wt. and I see no disadvantages…only advantages. It is up to you to decide on which one will make you happy. I’m always leery when someone tries to sell me something other than what I came in there to buy. That’s especially true if I’ve done my home work and I know what I want.

9

Is that 11’ rod a two hander?

10

No. It’s a Winston BIIx 11’ 7 Wt.

11

I have owned two 9’6" 5wt rods, used for trout and steelhead fishing, and frankly I prefer a 9’ rod over the longer one. The extra 6" of length does not, in my opinion, provide enough extra benefit to make up for the increased weight of the rod. The last 8 wt I owned was also 9’6" and I would have rather had a 9 footer with that as well. Remember that the extra length has to get put on the big end of the rod.

Just my 2 cents. Lots of folks fishing with both lengths and doing just fine.

12

I have a 9’ 8wght that I have been using for years for erie steelhead. I thought about going with a 7 wght, but on occasion I will go to NY and fish for lake run browns and kings so I went with one line bigger. A 9’ is perfect for all of the erie tribs. If you do decide to go with a 10’ you won’t be dissapointed. 10’ are the limit on length IMO. Mayby run into you sometime up there. Will be up there oct 4-6.

13

I can only assume that your local fly shop did not have any rods in the 10’ range.

Didn’t have on hand, but he could get it for me within a few days, no problem.

Really, he isnt the type to push a sale, in fact, he’s talked me out of a few purchases that weren’t what I needed for the task. He’s definitely interested in keeping a customer rather than a quick sale, which I appreciate.

14

Ditto what Joe said.
I spent my high school and early twenties winter Steelheading on Erie and Ontario tribs and a ten ft rod was only an advantage. I prefer a 6wt but that’s just me.

15

I have a 9’ 7wt and an 11’ 7/8wt both work well on Erie tribs and Ontario tribs but the 11’ is my first choice 99% of the time. I fish a couple VERY small Ontario tribs and the shorter rod is better suited for them. I would say that if you plan fishing mostly tribs like the Catt. then you won’t be sorry going longer rather than shorter.
Hey… why not get both…You can never have too many fly rods.