Choosing the Right Spey Rod for Steelhead

Spey rods for steelhead vary in size almost as much as the fish themselves. With so many rod weights and lengths available, selecting the right setup for a specific fishery can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, there are great options tailored to every steelhead scenario—from summer-run rivers to deep winter flows.

If you're looking for a basic overview to help match your rod to your fishing goals, this guide covers the essentials.

Quick Breakdown of Spey Rod Weights:

5wt (12'–13') – Light and fun! Best for summer steelhead in the 2–5 lb range. Great with Scandi heads and light flies.

6wt (12'–13'6") – Versatile for floating lines and mid-sized summer fish. Can handle mild sink tips and medium flies.

7wt (12'–13'6") – The most balanced, all-around rod for both summer and winter steelhead. Ideal for larger flies and windier conditions.

8wt (12'–13'6") – Your go-to for winter steelhead and bigger rivers. Handles heavy tips and flies with ease.

9wt (12'–14') – For the trophy hunter. Perfect for massive fish, oversized tips, and deep-water tactics.
 

Looking to dial in your setup? Click below to get the full buyer’s guide, including detailed weight-by-weight breakdowns and recommendations for Skagit and Scandi line pairings.

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New 2024 - Rio Elite GameChanger Body

The original Skagit Max Gamechanger set the bar for multi-density heads.  The new Gamechanger Body taper is based on the rocket launcher that is the RIO Scandi Body. Available in a variety of densities to get you down in the zone, this head is certain to become a favorite of winter Steelheader's everywhere.

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Scientific Angler Deliverance Spey Kit Review

Earlier this fall I got a chance to play with a new spey line. I found it interesting enough to write a review. Is it a skagit or a scandi? Well it's kind of all that wrapped into one. For an angler seeking a versatile steelhead spey setup with minimal of complication, this might just prove to be your answer.

Scientific Anglers Deliverance Spey Kit comes with a head and 4 different tips packaged in a tips wallet. The tips range for floating to full sinking.

Now I know what you thinking, this is just a multi-tip skagit system which is nothing new. Well, that is true but there's more to Deliverance than that. Let's take a deeper look.

Looking at these profiles above you will notice that heavier the tip the shorter the system becomes. A couple reason for this. Sink tips anchor well to the water, therefore they don't need to be as long. Also presentation is not exactly a concern with a sink tip. Just get it out straight and set up for the swing. On the other hand floating tips or dry line fishing requires us to have a better presentation and we need more material on the water to create an effective anchor.

Essentially what S/A did to accomplished this is they brought the loop back deeper into the head which allowed for room in the tip section to create a taper that would match the type of tip being used. By varying the lengths and tapers of the tip sections S/A created a line that truly plays multiple roles. Basically the same head can go from scandi smooth to aggressive skagit in just the change of the tip section.

Specs -

Head Weight	Head Length	Color
400gr	30.0'	Black/Green
440gr	31.0'	Black/Green
480gr	32.0'	Black/Green
520gr	33.0'	Black/Green
560gr	33.5'	Black/Green

For a skagit the head looks long but keep in mind this includes tip.

After many cast with different tips what I started to notice is I felt even less hinging then typical head/tip systems. Also, even tho the lengths changed with tip my casting stroke never had to adjust to it. Another thing I noticed is you lose this obvious head to tip joint. With the loops placed further back in the system the front feels much more seamless and fluid.

I'm always looking for ways to remove complications from my cluster of gear. I find the more time I spend honing in on a technique or single gear choice the better my results. Just walking down the trail with just enough for a day of swinging flies is refreshing.

Scientific Anglers Deliverance Spey from Scientific Anglers on Vimeo.

You know, I started fly fishing because I wanted a less complicated, rewarding sport to enjoy. I look around and I'm starting to see in myself as well as others with overloads of complications. I think Scientific Angler Deliverance Spey can help reduce this load. Just equip your reel with your favorite Shooting Line and loop on Deliverance. Put your small tip wallet in your wader pocket along with a box of flies, spool of tippet and hit the trail with full confidence you have an effective working system. Now that's Deliverance.

Greg Darling 

Gorge Fly Shop
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"My Passion For Fishing Is A Lifelong Pursuit Of Discovery"

Do you let the loop hang?

To hold a loop, or not to hold a loop: That is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, And by opposing end them?

I bet if Shakespeare were a steelheader, he'd probably swing flies for them...

I've been asked this a few times before and my answer is never exactly clear-cut, but I do have a couple ground rules. For example, when I fish sink tips I never hold a loop, and when I dryline fish I do so about half the time. Why? Well for starters if I'm fishing a tip for winter-runs, I'm already swinging my fly down in the water column and the fish tend to move laterally rather than vertically in the water column. Therefore, when I fish a dryline the fish always have to move up in the water column to take the fly that's at or near the surface. A line from Dec Hogan that always stuck with me was, "what goes up, must come down."

So why don't I carry a loop every time if fishing a floating line? Well, it's purely situational for me. Say I'm fishing river right and trying to reach a specific distant spot- Instead of casting switch (with my non-dominating hand on top) I'll do whatever cast puts my fly where it needs to be, but as my line is shooting out the guides I'll pass the rod off to my left hand and only hang onto the bottom grip. The reason I do this is because I can control the fly much better with a little extra reach. I'm also able to slow my fly down or keep more line off the water if there is a funky surface current. When I fish this way my rod tip is almost always up high and if a fish takes the fly I simply bow the rod to the fish in respect for the steelhead taking my offering. Though it's really more because I want to give my fly to the fish and not pull it away. Similarly, if I'm twitching/skating/chugging dry flies for steelhead my rod tip is always high as I work a fly across a run. I'd much rather drop my rod tip to the fish, and if I'm fishing with my tip up I'll be less inclined to "trout set" by pulling my fly away from a fish out of excitement. Remember that, "what goes up must come down."

So when else do I fish a dryline without a loop? Sometimes in slow, froggy water or when there is a good chance for the fish to take the fly on the hang down. When these situations present themselves I believe I've got better feel with my two fingers holding the line, rather than pinching the line down on the cork by holding a loop. Sometimes I'll even pulse my finger on the running line to give the fly a little more movement in that soft/hang down water to entice the take, similarly if I'm fishing sink tips.

Is holding a loop an exact science? Not really, but it seams to be working for me and if it's not broke I ain't gonna fix it! So what do you do? Hold a loop? Sometimes? Never? Always? Situational? I think its good to be diverse in your tactics for how you approach steelhead. Either way, it's always a learning experience!

Cody Booth
Gorge Fly Shop | Product Specialist
541.386.6977  

Scientific Anglers Spey Lite Series breakdown

Two years ago Scientific Anglers introduced the Spey Lite Series of single hand / two hand lines designed specifically for the needs of the trout spey or any lite action spey angler.

These new lines answered a long sought after solution to anglers wanting to fish single hand skagit and/or needing the smooth connection of an integrated line for smooth casting and stripping especially suited to smaller rod and smaller water situations.

New additions have been added this year to further fulfill the needs of the trout spey / micro spey angler.

Here's the run down...

Spey Lite Skagit Integrated

I call this the star of the show because it's what many anglers, like myself, had been asking for for quite some time. While head/running line systems have a solid place in spey, soon after trout spey really started to take off, many anglers experienced frustration with the hitch of the loop system. Especially noticeable in smaller waters and stripping streamer situations. A cry for an integrated line was heard by Scientific Anglers.
Key features of this integrated skagit include short powerful skagit head, black head marker point that is also textured to create an audible reference, and a slick, well matched, thin diameter shooting line. For 2019 S/A added a 390gr and 420gr version to expand the Spey Lite options.

New for 2019 - Spey Lite Skagit Integrated Intermediate

All the same great features as the floating version but with a fully intermediate sinking head. Now you can break below surface chop and cut through strong currents to have better control of your swing.

Spey Lite Skagit (Head Only) Floating and Intermediate Versions

Left-Floating - Right-Intermediate

Spey Lite Skagits, both Floating and Intermediate are also available in head only versions. Same great, powerful short heads as the integrated line but head only, allowing for the angler to choose their choice of running/shooting lines. Note that since these are head only with loop to loop connections they do not include the textured audible reference point.

Spey Lite Scandi Integrated
While the Skagit may be the star, the Scandi certainly plays the role of best supporting. It's especially effective for anglers who want to play the finesse side of trout spey with flies like soft hackles, wets, lightly weighted leaches and even skating flies.

Spey Lite Scandi is single hand rod friendly but I really like the responsiveness I get on my longer trout spey rods. With just a long leader, a double soft hackle rig can be so effective and effortless to cast. Tight loops and easy turnover will highlight the finesse side of trout spey.

Like the Integrated Skagit, Scandi Integrated also features the visual black, audible textured head to shooting line transition for easy casting point identification.
Sizes 390gr and 420gr have been added for 2019.

Spey Lite Scandi Heads - New for 2019

Two years ago when introduced, the scandi was only offered in an integrated version. Demand for a head only version was quickly realized. New for 2019, Scientific Anglers met that demand. Pair this scandi head with a slick shooting line and watch it fly. Achieving tight loop, distance cast with trout spey size rods is absolutely achievable with these scandi heads and with grain weights reaching into the 6 weight spey class summer steelheaders have new game.

Whether you like scandi or skagit, integrated or head system, Scientific Anglers has your lite line spey solution.

Find Scientific Angler Spey Lite Lines at "The Gorge"

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RIO InTouch Trout Spey - Shooting Head - New for 2019

New from RIO - InTouch Trout Spey Shooting Heads

Scandi type shooting head ideally suited for light trout spey two hand and single hand spey applications

The INTOUCH TROUT SPEY SHOOTING HEAD has a very easy casting, short head for anglers using light two-handed trout Spey rods, and regular single-handed fly rods (just check the grain weight to match). Each head is built on RIO's ultra-low stretch ConnectCore for maximum sensitivity. Anglers can attach regular leaders or VersiLeaders to the front, and these heads are perfect for nymph and indicator rigs, soft hackles and small streamers.

A Shooting Line is required to make this head fishable. We recommend RIO ConnectCore, RIO GripShooter or RIO SlickShooter

Looking for a fully integrated version of this line? RIO InTouch Trout Spey - Integrated

• Ideal for two-handed Trout Spey rods, and single-handed rods
• Ultra-low stretch ConnectCore for maximum performance
• Works perfectly with tapered leaders, VersiLeaders and light tips
• Loops on each end for fast rigging

SKU	Grain Size	Trout Rod Size	Spey Rod Size	Sink Rate	Head Length
6-21866	230gr	#5	#2	Float	23ft / 7m
6-21867	265gr	#6	#3	Float	23ft / 7m
6-21868	305gr	#7	#4	Float	23ft / 7m
6-21869	350gr	#8	#5	Float	23ft / 7m

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Rod Review: CF Burkheimer 7127-4

 Purple muddler and direct sunlight to break in the 7127's first fish.

There are a lot of options out there when it comes to choosing spey rods and many anglers will select their rods based on specific criteria. For the most part I believe the criteria to be- graphite technology, price, and fit/finish/aesthetics. Now when judging a book by its cover, Burkheimer rods tend to be the most coveted rods on the shelf as far as aesthetics go. They're simply beautiful. Burkheimer doesn't seem to pursue the graphite race as much as other companies such as Sage or G. Loomis, but that's okay with me as these rods have soul that you can truly feel. They tend to be in the upper price spectrum mostly due to the superior craftsmanship and attention to detail incorporated with each hand rolled rod.

Desert Steel taken on a 450gr. Scandi and 15' tapered leader. 

I've always wanted a Burkie, however never saw myself able to afford one as I was always the angler with leaky waders and hand-me-down gear. However, a couple years back I injured my foot fairly bad and now it's more metal than bone. During the long rehab process, I was unable to fish so I started saving up money that was typically spent on fishing trips. Locked away at home I kept dreaming of a rod/reel combo to replace my old wonky set-ups I'd cut my teeth on. Soon enough I was able to get out of the house able to wiggle a few Burkies (though we all know how much that tells us about a rod), but the bottom line was that it was one of the most beautiful rods I'd ever held. The first thing I notice about any rod is the grip- I can't stand big club-like corks, and I loved how Burkheimer incorporates contrasting inlays into their cork. The blank material itself was also slim and sleek unlike some other spey rods I've held. The rod felt super light in hand and I was already day dreaming of what the first fish caught on it would be like.

 When you riffle hitch a purple muddler be sure to hang on!

So I did what any steelhead junky would do so that I could sleep better at night and I bought the sucker. I've never looked back or regretted my decision since. I opted for the "presentation" model as I figured go big or go home, right? This model came with gorgeous cobalt blue graphite that's complemented by chrome guides, and high grade cork. Furthermore, the beautiful wood and bright nickle on the reel seat round out this particular rod's build, though you can certainly customize yours to fit any personal style. While I didn't have a proper reel for it yet, I was able to borrow a vintage Hardy that seemed to suite it just fine. I took it for a test run on a favorite river once I was able to cram a wading boot back on and immediately took notice of how pleasurable it was to cast. Single speys and snake rolls shined on this rod and it was a pure joy to fish all day long. I was also happily surprised at how much line I was able to cast- maybe it was the fresh running line, but I was comfortably getting a handful of extra strips while still feeling like I could push it more- astonishing, as this rod isn't considered a fast-action rod that are generally known for generating more line speed. In general, I find these moderate-fast actions of the Burkheimers much more comfortable to cast day in day out than other faster rods I've used. I even got to break it in on a nice summer-run steelie and a dry fly on its inaugural trip out!

 "Winter's Hope"- Potentially a fruitless endeavor. Dryline and winter-runs...

Over the years I've cast many different two-handers and this rod is still by far my favorite for fishing dry line.  In general, I find the moderate-fast actions of the Burkheimers more comfortable to cast day in day out than other faster rods. While I do tend to like faster action rods if I'm fishing for winter-runs with skagit heads and sink tips, but I've got a dedicated winter stick for those cold months when fish are sluggish and tips are necessary. However, I have fished it for winter-runs and it's handled big fish just fine. The grain window is rather large on Burkheimers as they tend to fit a wide variety of casting strokes. I've dialed in my scandi line preference to a 34' 450 grain with 15' tapered leaders for presentation casting, and if any wind comes up or I've got a big bushy dry fly on I'll opt for a 450 grain Rage looped to a 10' Polyleader and a few feet of Maxima. If I decide to fish skagit heads with this rod, I've found I liked a 480 grain Skagit Switch or 480 grain Skagit F.I.S.T. on it. I also like a 510 grain skagit compact head too that loads it nicely. 10 feet of T-11 is generally my bread-n-butter sink tip and it doesn't seem to have any problems with them. But again, this is my summer rod and it begs for dryline and riffle hitched flies! Since picking up this rod I've added another Burkheimer 7117-4 to the mix, which I thoroughly love for both skagit and scandi casting on smaller water and I am hoping to add the 8134-4 to the quiver for some water and fish up North. There's a reason folks are brand loyal with Burkheimer two-handers, and as soon as you cast one you'll quickly know why. 

A winter hen found on the Oregon Coast with the 7127-4

Cody Booth
Gorge Fly Shop | Product Specialist
541.386.6977

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Scientific Anglers Spey Lite Specs and Applications

Great new video that really highlight the great qualities of these micro spey lines whether it be two hand trout spey or single handed spey. The Spey Lite Skagit comes in both Head and Integrated (full line no loop) versions. The Spey Lite Scandi comes in integrated full line configuration. 



Scientific Anglers Spey Lite Specs & Applications from Scientific Anglers on Vimeo.

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Scientific Anglers Spey Lite Skagit Overview Video

Great new video that really highlight the great qualities of these micro spey lines whether it be two hand trout spey or single handed spey. The Spey Lite Skagit comes in both Head and Integrated (full line no loop) versions. The Spey Lite Scandi comes in integrated full line configuration. 

Scientific Anglers Spey Lite Overview from Scientific Anglers on Vimeo.

The Gorge Fly Shop Team

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info@gorgeflyshop.com

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New - Scientific Anglers Spey Lite - Skagit and Scandi Options

Update:

Check out Greg's Review for... 

Scientific Anglers Spey Lite Skagit

Three New line options from S/A have caught my interest in a big way.

Spey Lite Skagit Head

Here is S/A's entry into the short skagit trend. The lengths look really good especially the 180gr and 210gr sizes. I see these as most of their game is with single handed spey casting. Big plus on the Black butt on these heads for easy visibility. That's something OPST is really missing out on.

Specs -

Item #	Head Weight	Head Length	Color	Sink Rate
128643	150gr	11ft	Black/Horizon	Float
128650	180gr	11ft	Black/Horizon	Float
128667	210gr	12ft	Black/Horizon	Float
128674	240gr	13ft	Black/Horizon	Float
128681	270gr	14ft	Black/Horizon	Float
128698	300gr	15.5ft	Black/Horizon	Float
128704	330gr	17ft	Black/Horizon	Float
128711	360gr	18ft	Black/Horizon	Float

Spey Lite Integrated Skagit

The fully integrated skagit version. All the same head weights and lengths but fully integrated (no loops) into a running line. This could be our answer to the trout spey guy that needs to be able to strip in tight and/or make the occasional overhead cast.

Specs -

Item #	Head Weight	Head Length	Color	Sink Rate	Sink Rate
128568	150gr	11ft	Horizon/Black/Horizon	Float	100ft
128575	180gr	11ft	Horizon/Black/Horizon	Float	100ft
128582	210gr	12ft	Horizon/Black/Horizon	Float	100ft
128599	240gr	13ft	Horizon/Black/Horizon	Float	100ft
128605	270gr	14ft	Horizon/Black/Horizon	Float	100ft
128612	300gr	15.5ft	Horizon/Black/Horizon	Float	100ft
128629	330gr	17ft	Horizon/Black/Horizon	Float	100ft
128636	360gr	18ft	Horizon/Black/Horizon	Float	100ft

Spey Lite Integrated Scandi

I've been dreaming of this type of scandi for some time now. With today's short trout speys and single hand rods a quest is for a line that presents well, fully integrated,(no loops) and is capable of a decent overhead cast. Scandi is the answer but up until now they were all too long for small rod use. This line might be a serious game changer for many two hand trout anglers.
Note that the black head marking area is also textured so that it creates a noise (feel) when it hits the rod tip giving the angler an audible sign that the head has reached the rod. This feature is also found on the Spey Lite Integrated Skagit.

Specs -

Item #	Head Weight	Head Length	Color	Sink Rate	Sink Rate
128483	150gr	20ft	Willow/Black/Willow	Float	100ft
128490	180gr	20ft	Willow/Black/Willow	Float	100ft
128506	210gr	21ft	Willow/Black/Willow	Float	100ft
128513	240gr	22ft	Willow/Black/Willow	Float	100ft
128520	270gr	23ft	Willow/Black/Willow	Float	100ft
128537	300gr	24ft	Willow/Black/Willow	Float	100ft
128544	330gr	25ft	Willow/Black/Willow	Float	100ft
128551	360gr	25ft	Willow/Black/Willow	Float	100ft

Some very interesting new lines from Scientific Anglers. I'll be reporting soon on some trout spey applications in both two hand and single hand rod situations.

Greg Darling 

Gorge Fly Shop Internet Sales Manager | Product Specialist

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

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Trout Spey Chronicles...