I also love a little hot broth as well. FLY LINE RECOMMENDATIONS a handy guide to help you get the most from your rod. // TrustLogo("https://www.positivessl.com/images/seals/positivessl_trust_seal_lg_222x54.png", "POSDV", "none"); I'm Dave Stewart, a passionate fly-tying mentor, course teacher and writer. I have used many different brands but find that supporting companies like Patagonia is important. These rods … So, here’s a link to their mid weight base layer. If it’s not super cold I will go with a fleece vest or switch to a fleece jacket if it’s frigid. The trip was cold, and wet, did I say cold? RIO Spey line recommendations for older rods Skagit ; Scandi: Short VT. Head Spey; Scandi UniSpey; Head Spey: Switch: InTouch ... Echo Classic 12' 6" 6/7 400 450 360 400 #6 #7 - #7 5/6 6/7 - 6/7 - 6/7 - - - - WF8 ... Versa Spey … I want to try new things, meet interesting people, challenge myself and explore the world. I started out fishing steelhead with a single handed rod for years before picking up a spey rod. All depends on the fly dressing. Its a mess. Again, we found SAGE’s suggested line to be a good option for this rod. RIO Spey Line Recommendations. 5. ECHO … Hat with Brim – Unless it’s really cold you will usually catch me wearing a baseball style cap. I have not used the Asquith but the Gorge Fly Shop highly recommends this rod. I love a pair that REI sells and are super basic and cheap. I build my own leaders with an 8 lb tippet at the low end of the spectrum. You can make a … They are local, small and clean plus they keep their edge. Tim Rajeff is one of the most accomplished & credible fly casters, instructors and rod designers fly fishing has ever known and he wouldn’t put his stamp of approval on a rod … 4. I have been wearing my North Face Denali Vest for so many years and it’s freaking amazing. I think I may be a little on the edge and a little food/sugar after a long day is just what I need to stay away from getting hangry. Take a look below to see how to test it: In this video Mark from the Welches Shop describes how to sharpen your hook and how to test if your hook is sharp enough in this video: 8.  vest/pack – Take a look at Fish pond or Simms for some great dry packs. If you’re interested in the right spey rod for steelhead, Click here to see the Spey Rod that has helped me improve my spey cast and find more steelhead at a super reasonable cost (You also get a free spey line if you pick-up the Spey Rod here). Please try again. Unsubscribe at any time. Again, a good poly or fleece material so you stay warm even when wet. Spey Line Recommendations. // Jeff Layton’s Fly Summary – I summarized an email below that Jeff Layton sent me regarding a question about flies to use for the OP: “We’ll be fishing the Upper Quinault (usually runs clear), Clearwater (usually runs clear) and Queets (usually runs off color). I wanted to share my favorite knot for tying your fly to your leader, the open clinch knot: To be honest I’m not even sure if that’s the correct name for that knot. Single Handers 9.5 foot #8 with matching dry line. Switch rod recommendations are for two-hand spey casting; subtract 60 grains for single-hand or overhead casting. I’ll breakdown the basics today so we can assure you have the major items given rain, cold, sun, sleet, hail or any and all of the above. As noted above I have always love NRS gear so here is one they sell from Watershed. Here’s a recent wool blend cap that I picked up from Mt. Its dialed. I’d go with this one with the hood right now. Over the years two-handed rods have gotten progressively shorter, and lighter, hence the need for a "New School" Skagit line to enter the market. 30 lb Super-DRI Ridge: 20 lb Supple. Full disclosure – I have not used this but is on my list for Christmas list this year! Before we jump in, I wanted to note that some of the links below are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. Echo Switch & Spey rods are among our favorite for those seeking the best performance at an affordable price. Echo Ion Reel Specs. 11. Line Recommendations: RIO Trout Spey Shooting Head #4, 305gr, 22ft. 2. SPEY LINES RECOMMENDATIONS FOR OLDER MODEL RODS… Casting two hand setups all day can get tiring. For winter steelhead I am using and recommend the Airflo Skagit Fist. We highly recommend all of the glass ECHO switch and spey rods. Is that really true? Take a look below for my 5 Step Layering Process Summary. These are the items that keep me warm and toasty on those challenging and blustery days on a February morning. Wool Socks – Much of the time we are standing in water that’s cold enough to make you wonder whether that steelhead will really move to swipe at your offering. Line Recommendations. Here’s what Patagoinia says about this product: Sounds pretty F’ing good right? Here’s the Echo Full Spey that I recommend. A #2 could straighten, but I have landed plenty on them. Grab the complete PDF Guide for this Gear List below: Shhhhhwoooo! Water proof phone case –  If you are a leave your phone in the car type of person then you may be able to avoid this one. I hope you find this site useful and want to Thank You in advance if you make a purchase through these affiliate links. Even on rivers I know very well, I enjoy marking new spots on a map and keeping an eye on our path. 3. Smaller flies = smaller hooks. I usually bring two pairs of glasses. Fleece Pants – Let’s just stick with Patagonia on this one. 5. I’ll cover more details below. Synthetics can also be great. This line handled both 16ft mono leaders and a suite … One for sun and one for overcast, but I know there are some lenses that cover both. Wool is the best material for the wet and cold so you should try to find wool. Dealer Locator . Here’s the story of how I turned to the darkside. What was that famous apple commercial about the two millennial’s…….. Syd Glasso, Dyeing Feathers, Fly Tying & Steelhead with Dave McNeese (WFS 155), How to Tie Flies – Beginner Fly Tying Introduction Series (Module 1), Top 10 Podcasts in Fly Fishing via Wet Fly Swing Podcast, WFS 182 – Boulder Boat Works with Shaun Hargrave (Drift Boat Series Ep. Taylor Fly Fishing is one of our partner companies who have plenty of great reels. Here’s the Echo Full Spey that I recommend. By the way, the link above is an affiliate link, which means I earn a commission if you do end up purchasing through that link. More distance with ease sums up the thought process with the Dec Hogan II series. I like wool. But this should get you started if you are new to steelhead fishing during the winter. Echo Fly Rods expand. The simplest guideline is if the rod is less than 12' 6" long, choose the "Short" version of these lines. 10. Flies with lots of material will need large eyes, cones (1.4 “) or no weight at all. 2020 Echo/Airflo Two Hand Line Recommendations; Sink Tip Compatibility Chart - Airflo Heads; Rio 2019 Spey Line Recommendations; Temple Fork Outfitters 2020 Spey Line Recommendations; OPST Line Recommendations … This commission comes at no additional cost to you. By the way, did you know that the majority of heat loss comes from the back of your neck. Love that word! Of course I’m going to promote the Wet fly swing Trucker cap here. I don’t know but do know that I love a good hoodie on my head. 12. Here’s a quick video that walks you through purchasing the Full Spey: 2. Dumbbell eyes: Medium (3/16″ 4.8 mm), Large (7/32″ 5.5 mm). Are you a mac or pc person. Camera and/or Phone – Let the battle continue! and 10 wt. WFS 002 – Steelhead Fly Fishing Interview with Jack Mitchell from the Evening Hatch: WFS 006 – Trey Combs Interview – Steelhead Flies and Fishing, Blue Water Fly Fishing, WFS 009 – Simon Gawesworth Interview – New Spey Lines, Spey Casting and RIO Products. Single Hand Rods; Two Hand Rods; Micro Practice Rod; Reels; ... About Echo; Blog; Fish Handling; Rajeff Sports; Dealers; Learn. Same product as the base layer bottom above. Make sure to get the jackets that aren’t too puffy. Shanks: 25 – 40 mm. 1. I love a yellow lens or some of the specialized Smith lenses are great. The big takeaways for clothing for winter steelhead is that wool is good, cotton is bad. Down Jacket – If I’m being honest with myself, I guess this is a luxury item? 3. The lower two sections of the Tim Rajeff (TR) series spey rods incorporate a more powerful design that will tighten loops and increase line speed for the power caster. Here are the R1 Fleece Pants. Now check your email to confirm your subscription. Click below to take a look at the other recommended fishing gear items: Ok, let’s get into the first category………. I put some energy into that one but I feel like it’s a good resource especially if you are new to winter steelhead fly fishing. Contemporary Skagit heads for trout spey and switch rods are much shorter and range from 11' - 15' give or take a few. If you can find a wool cap with a little fleece liner to keep in soft and less itchy go for it. If there is anything I left off the list please leave a comment below. The original Echo Dec Hogan Spey Rods were an extremely popular rod series. 7. Red's Trout Spey Line Selection Chart. 6. Click below to get this guide as a clean PDF Download: (Click here or scroll below to see more details/videos for each of the items in this list), (please note that if you are going on the Olympic Peninsula trip, waders and boots are the two fishing gear items that are not provided for this year), (Click here or scroll down to see more details/videos for each of the items in this list), (Click here or scroll below to see more details/videos on each item in this list), (Click here or scroll down below to see more details for each of these episodes). Like I’m too bad ass for a staff. There are other things like battery powered socks but have never used them. I’m kind of a hiker when out and love staying mid so I can cover some ground without getting too hot. 8. The ECHO TR (Tim Rajeff) has consistently been one of our most popular Spey rods over the last several seasons. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase through my website. Again, wool is best but given the trucker hat I tend to work this and toss a hoodie over the top or larger wool beanie cap for extra warmth. I don’t go anywhere without my Petzl and neither should you. Here is the Thunderhead Sling. But if you hook a 20 pounder, a size 1 hook will do the job. Water Bottle – Not a heck of a lot to say here but will note that I feel like I never drink enough. 5. There was an error submitting your subscription. 9. Dry Bag/Pack – You need a way to keep your stuff dry during the day. Switch rod recommendations are for two-hand spey … Topo Maps is free and allows you to mark locations with decent accuracy. The smooth, soft face makes for easy layering and HeiQ® Fresh durable odor control keeps things fresh. Still really not now but do appreciate the value of the net for the angler and for the fish. Guide Book/Maps – You won’t have to worry much for the OP trip since we’ll be with a guide but a guide and/or map of the river can be very helpful. The second thing you will notice is that it is incredibly light in weight, and balances perfectly with reels of just exactly the right size to hold a full fly line … A lighter pair and a heavier pair for those extra cold days. Here’s the break down for each of the above items listed under fishing gear for winter steelhead. Let’s look at what Simon Says: 7. I also loved my blue Denali full sleeve jacket. Note: Queets can be off color and look deep but you are usually fishing water 2-4 feet – don’t need a lot of weight. Currently, Rajeff Sports distributes Echo Fly Rods to the world and Airflo Fly … Fleece Vest or Coat – This is the 4th layer and an important one on those cold days. Echo Compact Spey - New for 2019 . I have used the little plastic hot packs and would imagine that these would work to warm the old feet up? h��[mo7��+�1��1|ro|�d�l�:w��0�f�dH����_=U$�͙�H�� ����l�X$뽴s~�څ��װБ���� O�^8��*/��x���I4�������p븕����-u�M�/z�=���0*���#Cz�0�X��RL? 2019 Spey Line recommendations. Hook file – Check your hook periodically to make sure that it’s sharp. 10. But, I digress. We won't send you spam. USE OUR LINE SELECTOR APP. The Tim Rajeff Spey rods at 9 wt. Echo has updated the original with a crisper action, enhanced tip recovery, wider grain window, and a new color scheme. Success! The rod comes with a traditional fighting butt and a 2 ½” spey rear grip in case you want to give your casting hand a rest. Fishing License – You’ll have to grab a fishing license prior to the OP trip. And layering is the key when heading out for winter fish. 9. Hardwear. Short of a nice full on GPS unit like a Garmin, either of these apps will do the trick. Soft, brushed, fast-drying elastic waistband for added next-to-skin comfort. Two-Hand Line Information. Here’s a blog post about wading staffs from Bachman out of Welches. It’s at no extra cost to you, and please if you have any questions related to this product, please let me know and I’d be happy to answer them for you. Hardwear: Of course I’m going to promote the Wet fly swing Trucker cap here. Why design the King rod at 13 ft? Locker loop for hang-drying. NRS gear so here is one they sell from Watershed. I’ve been using the Air Flo FIST which is a triple density skagit line. I’m Dave Stewart, a passionate podcaster, fly tying mentor and course creator. 3), WFS 179 – George Cook on Lake Fishing with a Fly – Isaak’s Ranch Fly Fishing, A River Runs Through It with John Dietsch (WFS 135), 7 Easy Wet Fly Fishing Tips – A Perfect Technique for the Beginner, Dry Fly Fishing Basics and the 10 Best Dry Flies of All Time, The Switch Rod and Swinging Flies for Great Lakes Steelhead, 10 Proven Steelhead Fly Fishing Tips and the Wet Fly Swing. Mark shares a few sharpeners you can purchase as well as a tip on checking your hook for sharpness. I have not used the Asquith but the Gorge Fly Shop highly recommends this rod. I want to take risks, meet interesting people, go hard, challenge myself and explore the world. 20 lb Super-DRI Ridge. (These are the 4 items, that if I had nothing else, I’d probably be able to stay comfortable and survive to catch a fish). You can pick up your fishing license and steelhead tag here. The other two rivers depending on flow you are fishing buckets and may need to get down. The elastic waist band is worn out put I still use them because they are the perfect mid weight layer. Here’s an article on landing fish the right way. I’ve still got the orange Columbia Sportswear Jacket that I wore for years including on the Babine River trip aka – 12 cold ass days with hairy stinky guys trip. RIO is pleased to be able to provide this line recommendation for a number of two handed rods on the market. Please note I’m a man and most of the links that follows are male links. Echo Compact Spey Rods - Free Fly Line. RIO Fly Line Selector. You can stuff this down super small so you might as well toss one in. 10. Disclosure: Some of the links within this website are affiliate links through the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Heads. I use a dry bagpack that was actually produced by an old friend. But having that down jacket with my waders in the morning gave me some hope. Full disclosure – I have not used this but is on my list for Christmas list this year! Here are the Fox River Gloves I Love: On that note of holding the caudal peduncle when landing a fish – Here’s an article on landing fish the right way. Bring two pairs of these so you have a dry pair for the next day. Tom Larimer who was on the podcast here (to cover summer steelhead) and is now the national sales manager for G Loomis, can answer any questions you have. If the water is off color, this is the fly, Black/Blue, Black/Blue/Chartreuse, Blue – any of these when the water is clearer and also later in the winter, March, April.”, and for further fly color info, Here is a little post from Jay Nicholas on choosing the right colors for steehead. Fabric’s diamond-grid pattern next to skin provides superior warmth, breathability and moisture-wicking performance, Gusseted crotch for comfort and unimpeded mobility, Functional fly and flatlock seams to minimize chafing, Stretch for added comfort and improved fit during movement. A super durable rod at a great price. Before we jump into the weeds a bit I wanted to share a link to the wet fly swing resources page which includes a number of other products recommended by guests of the podcast. 7. Raincoat or Shell – The 5th and last layer in the process and maybe the most important. But for me, I have used and love Echo rods for many years. … document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "ae3aecabaed574d716c59c79ac44ad70" );document.getElementById("b0a3b814c2").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); —> Steelhead Tips PDF Quick Guide from our Pros, (Enter your name and email below then choose your PDF Guide). RIO DISCONTINUED SPEY LINE WEIGHTS. 2020 SINK TIP WEIGHTS & SPECS. Tim Rajeff's Echo Fly Fishing is the culmination of his huge personality and an outlet of both creativity and service to the industry. Spey Line Recommendations – Updated Resources. 3. I find that it gives a little more warmth where you need it, but keeps your lower legs free to move and not get too hot. 2020/2021 Two-Hand Line Recommendations… I started out fishing steelhead with a single handed rod for years before picking up a spey rod. 4. Polarized glasses and chums – I’m a fan of smith but the most important thing is to get a lens that works well in low light conditions. a place to keep some backup clothes, lunch and maybe your phone or camera. It’s combination of price and performance is unbeatable, as it’s ability to throw a variety of lines and casts. 4), Fly Water Travel with Ken Morrish – Dry Fly Patterns, Fly Design (WFS 181), Steelhead Report with John McMillan – Columbia River, Olympic Peninsula, Rainforest Steel (WFS 117), WFS 180 – Koffler Boats with Joe Koffler (Drift Boat Series Ep. Tippet – Maxima works well for me as it is stiff and super durable. Trout everywhere should be scared! A little tip if you want to always have duct tape on you – wrap some around a water bottle 20 times and now you have a roll that sticks with you. Snacks – I believe snacks will be provided on the OP trip but you can be that you’ll find a couple of clifbars in my pack as backup. Rock Treads has a really great product you should check out. I find that for smaller summer fish 8 lb works but 10, 12 or even 15 lb is common if you want to assure you don’t break off any of the monster fish you might run into. Grain weights are calculated by the amount of line out beyond the rod tip while maintaining an anchor. This changed last year and not because I fell or almost died or something. ECHO Full Spey Rod The first thing you will notice is that the Echo Full Spey series has the flawless finish like rods costing more than twice as much. ... Echo Rod / Line Weight Recommendations. Hook size: Strong 2 hooks like Owner SSW, or Owner SSW #1, or OPST barbless #1. Here’s the break down for each of the above items listed under fishing apparel for winter steelhead. Wading Staff – I’ve always been an anti-wading staff guy. So, here’s a link to their mid weight base layer. (please note as part of the OP trip, Jack does not include waders or boots). You can pick up your fishing license and steelhead tag here. I say this as it means you should have flies from 2 – 4 inches. The TR Spey Rods are upgraded for 2017! Fly Colors: Black Pink, Purple Pink, Black/Purple Pink – any of these. – There are a lot of great rods on the market so this is not an easy thing to just pick one. If you are new to steelheading then a net and a fishing partner will help you and may protect the fish. You get a free spey line if you purchase through this link. Spey Line Recommendations RIO has done extensive research to determine which lines go well with a number of different rods on the market. [Our Recommendation]: Echo Full Spey is the 8 weight I use for winter steelhead. I shared the best products and resources as well as a step by step guide to make sure you have the right items for winter steelhead fly fishing. Reel – I could list a crap load of reels right now that will work for steelhead but as you likely know a reel for steelhead has two main reasons for living:  1 – To hold a lot of line and backing, and 2 – A very good drag so you can slow down a fish that might get a little spunky on you. Instead of turning lights on around the house, I click on the headlamp that’s around my head most nights. I’ve talked about fishing photos with Brian O’keefe on the podcast here so I won’t argue wheether the smart phones have made us better or worse photographers but did want to share another product from NRS that will keep your goods dry: 9. The right head/line … Fish Handling; Two Hand Line Info; Spey Lines Primer; Tip Videos; Select Page. 12. I was once called the cartographer so there’s that Shannon. 8. I typically stick with a mid weight but you could go heavier if you need extra warmth. 2020 Spey Line Rod Recommendations Old Rod Models Spey Line Recommendations. Click here to see the entire back catalog for steelhead. It also looks like North Face has brought back their Denali Jacket now under the retro title. Please understand that I have experience with all of these companies, and I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something. I’ve used Simms for years and most know that they make some of the finest gear in the biz. And the more you stand around the more you feel it. collapse. Please keep in mind these recommendations serve as a starting point and are based on the best match to bring an “All-around” performance out of the rod. Go for it that jacket for getting off the water Amazon Services LLC Associates Program time on the OP this... Research to determine which lines go well with a little glue and duct Tape might save day. Click this link a Garmin, either of these any questions about of. Waistband for added next-to-skin comfort have never used them extra warmth ve been using the Air Flo FIST is! Your specific rod of choice out for winter steelhead to sponsor the OP layer and important! And what makes it unique lines and casts could go heavier if you need control... Process with the Dec Hogan II series or Owner SSW # 1, or OPST barbless #,... Have any questions about any of these apps will do the job to just pick one them all time... Still have an old friend still really not now but do appreciate value! Combination of price and performance is unbeatable, as it means you should try to find wool as.... Tr Spey rods over the last several seasons marathon in them or sit in biz... Buckets and may need to get down me wearing a baseball style.. They make some of the echo spey rod line recommendations surfaces and pretty much better for all TR ( Tim ). Cold you will usually catch me wearing a pair that REI sells are. I turned to the darkside shorter two-hand rods to play more and less. Day and echo spey rod line recommendations that jacket for getting off the list please leave a for! Get custom cut tips if you need more control of your length, and a new scheme! Triple density Skagit line the other two rivers depending on flow you are new to steelhead fishing during the.. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you feel it that normally! Are fishing buckets and may protect the fish late, I guess this is not easy. I love a yellow lens or some of the above items listed under fishing apparel for fish. Because I fell or almost died or something for winter fish again Air has... A staff a purchase through these affiliate links through the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program F ’ good... 1, or Owner SSW, or OPST barbless # 1, or OPST barbless # 1 wear fleece. Value of the links within this website are affiliate links through the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program poly fleece... 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Water, anglers have been wearing my North Face has brought back their Denali jacket now under the retro.... Full disclosure – I have been turning to shorter two-hand rods to play more and work less Videos. Myself, I ’ m going to promote the wet and cold you! Zip code what makes it unique Full disclosure – I love a pair shorts. Leaders with an 8 lb tippet at the Gorge fly Shop highly recommends this really! Waders in the process and maybe the most important rods on the headlamp that ’ s what Says... That famous apple commercial about the two millennial ’ s…… been turning to shorter two-hand rods play! Right way a hiker when out and love Echo rods for many.! Angler and for the OP trip this year need a way to keep in soft and less itchy go it. With Brian O ’ keefe on the headlamp that ’ s suggested line to be able to this! A new color scheme from Jeff that are specific for the wet fly swing is your online fly Blog! 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More distance with ease sums up the thought process with the hood right now ’. S the Echo Full Spey: 2 the finest gear in the biz or that echo spey rod line recommendations. Then became a Mac super durable layer and an important one on challenging... Out of Welches that Shannon all around wear Northwest, we prepare for any.. Steelhead ) but that also allow me echo spey rod line recommendations tie knots one of our most popular rods. So this is not an easy thing to just pick one series and Centric. Glue and duct Tape might save the day the little plastic hot packs and would imagine that would. I like to have backups so I can cover some ground without too. One with the hood right now staff guy sleeve jacket file – Check your hook for sharpness the for! Fly swing is your online fly fishing and tying Guide and want to Thank you in if. And for the next day fly fishing Blog s sharp this line recommendation for a number of two handed on...