hello my fellow piscatorial friends-
i was wondering what you steelhead chasin’ types are using for floating line?
i’m considering a 7wt set up and want to start off w/ a good floater specific for steelhead- my local fly shop has the cortland precision steel/salmon line-
but- i just want to know my options- the rod will most likely be a tfo pro…
thank you for any help.
aquabone.
Ive become less of a cortland fan over the years… Ive used the Rio steelhead taper in 7wt and like it. I would give that a shot. Someone had one in the for sale section not long ago…
scientific anglers gpx floating wf7
I’m using a Rio Grand on my 8wt. It is supposedly designed for fast action rods. Your TFO is listed as “medium-fast” on their website so I don’t know how well that will work. I like the Rio products that I have and wouldn’t hesitate to buy the Grand or the Steelhead specialty line, whichever is going to match your rod and style of fishing best.
Have used the Cortland line on an 8 weight and have no complaints. Any line will work for steelhead really, although typically you want something with a fairly long belly which makes roll casting and mending easier, if you can afford one. I’m currently using the Scientific Angler Mastery Series Steelhead line, and it has worked well too. This is the time of year to keep an eye out for deals because manufacturers are always changing lines about now, so shops are often clearing out last year’s model.
aqua,
I recently wrote a short article about the Rio PowerSpey line. It was recommended to me even though I do not cast with a spey rod. I bought it and really like it. You could either use the 6/7(M7) 480 grain with a 58 foot head or up it to a 7/8 (M8) http://www.flyfishusa.com/lines/rio-powerspey.htm
or the also offer it in the VersiTip multi-tip version:
http://www.flyfishusa.com/lines/rio-powerspey.htm#VersiTip
Larry —sagefisher—
I know I will catch a lot of flack for this but…I refuse to spend a lot of money on line. I have used aquanova line for years and love it. I just got one of the allen and company lines and I think I will be putting aquanova on the back burner for awhile. I just can’t see paying that much for a line I will use 5-6 times a year or for that matter all year long. I just looked at the rio grand lines $70 I get my line for $15. The rest I would be paying for that line would be my gas to get there. Sorry I am not putting down anyones choice of line. Everyone has their own opinion on what is good or not. I think the expensive lines are good but when you make $9 a hour you get what you can afford.I have never had a problem with my line and the battle with the steelhead or any other fish as far as that goes.
thanks for the replies everyone! still sitting on the fence about getting a 7wt- do i need one? i know i’d like to have one! 
understood harleybob- that is kinda my dilemma w/ the 7wt setup in general- that i might only use it to actually target steelhead once in a while… as i mainly chase the troutzzz- i like the idea of owning a little 7wt gunther though.
,
aquabone.
You are in Oregon and the steelhead are big, really big. You want some backbone in your rod and power as well. A lot of guys will fish with 5 and 6 weights for steelhead. I tried a 6 weight and hooked into one and right away knew I was under guned. Fish hit the fast water and that was all she wrote. I have a 8weight which will hold them. My buddy and son fish with a 7 weight and they do just fine. My thought is this. I am fishing for a fish I most likely will release. I want that fish in as fast as possible so I do as little damage as possible. A 7 weight and up will do this. Even though I build my own rods you have chosen my favorite of factory rods. I love the TFO I own. If I were to buy another factory rod it would be a TFO.
Oh yes the steelhead that I got on the 6 weight was estimated at 30+ inches. I fish the Salmon river and the water is very very fast. My 8 weight is a build I did myself on a tiger eye and I love it. You have some great water in your state for metal heads and I am jelous. 1 year of no fishing and then I will be back at it again.
With one or two days’ exception, which I hope to never repeat, I have only used floating lines for steelhead, with perfectly acceptable results (~ a thousand fish).
I prefer supple, drab DT lines for all fishing, including steelheading. I have never needed to cast a mile nor watch my line while fishing, and when nymphing, which is what I did the vast majority of the time, I fail to see that a WF line gains you anything.
I would strongly advise against the Rio salmon and steelhead line, which I found to be hideously bright (although the fish did not seem to care) and with a terrible memory in cold water, which steelhead seem to live in.
As for a 7wt, I personally would not hesitate to use one on any water in Oregon for steelhead, but many would argue you need an 8wt to do it. I prefer a 5 on smaller waters, actually. It’s just a fish, after all.
I have an 8 wt. and Cabelas multi tip line. I use the floating almost always. 9 foot 0x leader.
As harley bob says, the steelies in Oregon are big.
Gary
A line I really liked for turning over big flies and indicator/multi fly rigs is the Airflo Ridge line. Solid line all around. Really easy to roll cast and turns over the fly to prefection.
Now that I am with Snowbee, the XS lines work really well. They have specialty lines for any occasion. Here is the site:
If you see something you like let me know and I can hook you up with the right person.
Mike
i have hooked and/or caught a few summer steelhead while nymphin’ for trout.
but they were not the huge winter fish i am considering…
and the reason i’m considering the 7wt- winter options can be limited- weather/closed rivers, etc… so having the 7wt would help w/ options.
i’m happy catching any fish- but i like chasing trout best.
having grown up in florida- gear/bait fishing as a kid- i caught many species- maybe i kinda got the ‘big fish’ thing out of my system… not that i don’t like big fish- :lol: - but- its not required for me to enjoy myself.
still thinkin’ on it.
went fishing yesterday- high water and high stickin’ all day w/ my 9’ 6wt-
and i’m thinkin’ if i do get the 7- i may go w/ a 9.5 or 10’…
thanks for all the replies!
, aquabone.