With the evolution of today’s shorter Skagit and Scandi heads the size of our spey rods keep getting lighter and smaller. This is the same case for trout spey rods. I remember when the first few 4 weight spey rods were introduced and we all thought finally rods light enough to fish trout with.
Fast forward to 2019, my work horse Skagit/streamer trout spey is 3 weight. Matched with a short heavy Skagit this rod cast a fairly large streamer and 10’ of t-8 to t-10 sink tip with ease.
Originally I bought my 3 weight to fish soft hackles, but found myself wanting something lighter.
This last spring I was about ready to pull the trigger on a Sage One 10’9” 2 weight when I heard the new Sage Trout Spey HD would be out late summer. What really intrigued me was that there was going to be a 10’9” 1 weight.
Keep in mind a one weight spey rod is about like a 4 weight single hander, the perfect soft hackle rod.
So I put my order in and waited. It showed up right as I was leaving for a family trip to Crane Prairie.
Crane Prairie is a large reservoir South of Bend Oregon. Crane is well known for its population of very large rainbows. Not exactly the stream I wanted to try the rod out on, but I it was my first opportunity to play with it.
I matched the rod up with a new Sage Trout Spey 1/2/3 Reel, RIO 35 lb. Slick Shooter and a RIO TroutSpey Scandi head 190 grain.
So one night I was taking the kids out in the boat I brought the new rod along. First I just spey cast it a little from the bow of the boat. It was a dream, light, comfortable, powerful, but yet deep loading to protect light tippet.
It was so light I cast it over head a few times. It was so light, it did not feel like it was 10’9” long, most of all it launched 90 feet with ease!
I rigged up a double chironomid rig with an indicator and started fishing. I spent about an hour casting this rod single hand and hooked a few nice fish, landed one about 21”. This rod did this well. I was surprised, I just don’t generally care for casting these small two handers single hand. It was a pleasant surprise.
If you want a fun little trout spey this is it!
Mike and I will be taking an Oregon tour next month where I will actually get some stream time with this ultimate spey soft hackle rod. I can't wait and will do a follow up report asap!
Trav
"The Gorge"
Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977
