I use conventional drift gear exclusively for steelhead, but I wanted to give it a go with my fly gear. I know a 5wt is too small for winter nates, but wasn't sure about the N.F. Stilly in the summer. I have landed 2-4# trout on my 9' St. Criox Legend rod and Ross Cimmaron reel with NO problems with the rod or drag. Assuming I have the proper strength leader, what can this set-up handle effectively? 6-10# Summer Runs? I want to continue to fish my NF 'honey holes' into the fly-only season without dumping another $1000 in fly gear. (then again, I'm getting married in 1 month, and this might be my only opportunity to 'invest' in my hobbies...heh heh...) Any help is appreciated!

Thanks!

Dane, In my opinion, it's a little light, you might be able to get away with it during the low, low flows of summer using lighter tippets and smaller flies. My biggest concern would be playing one of the Deer Creek fish to death because of to light of gear and warmer water temps. During the low flows of summer I use a Sage 6 wt. 9'6" rpl, which is light, but still has plenty of back bone to control a fish. If you are ready for the challenge of bringing steelhead to the fly I would really consider picking up a 7 or 8 wt. then you would also have a flyrod to fish the winter nates and the dawgs. Just my thoughts, good luck.

I agree with Rich. a 5wt may be alittle too light. I fish the Deschutes in Or. for summer runs with a G.Loomis GL3 9'9" 7wt. The fish there are similar in size & all natives, so they put up a pretty good fight. It may be worth the investment. You can get into the same rod & a descent reel for about $300. After all one of the worst feelings there is is not being able to revive a beautiful native steelhead. Good luck.

Dane,

I also feel a 5 wt. is too light for most steelheading situations. You might get by with it during the late season, low flow period - or for the occasional steelhead while cutthroat fishing. But most 5 wt. rods lack the "lifting" power for steelhead over about 8 pounds, and there are a lot of 10 to 12 pound and even larger summer runs out there. I like a 7 wt., and would probably use my 8 wt. while the flows are high. Early season summer run fishing is a lot like winter style - fast sinking tips and gaudy flies. As was hinted, an 8 wt. rod is an "all-round" steelhead rod.

As for investment, focus on a suitable rod and line. Any modest to good quality reel, from the Pfluger Medalist on up, will take care of 99.9% of steelheading needs. I used to take hundreds of NF steelhead on my Hardy Princess with its spring and pawl drag - no disc.

Have fun choosing your gear, and good luck fishing. Oh, and good luck and congrats on the upcomming marriage!

Sincerely,

Salmo g.