Equinox

Seems to be a very sparse hatch of all this year .Maybe due to high water and cool June temps.In any case I believe that as mentioned earlier 90% of available food (nymph emerger adult) is the nymph and emerger stages,with nymph species being present constantly.The fish is witnessing and thereby feeding on these constantly.I always start with these patterns and as late morning approaches look for fish "rolling on the top.This indicates they are feeding near the surface,taking the emerging nymphs.Shortly after there could be a hatch and flys will be "coming off" and visible".I believe that only if this hatch is substantial, will the fish turn to this form for their feed.If the hatch is minimal they will still be feeding on nymph patterns.If the hatch is subtantial it can provide them with enough of a reason to feed off the surface.I find  patterns in the 14,16 18 sizes work depending on the river and its conditions.There are hatch charts available that indicate the succession of hatches during the season.The hatches of each type overlap but provide a general guide as to what forms and colors to use.

that makes sense, but what about just tying on a stinger hook, you're main fly might pivot, but the stinger wouln't.

i've seen them at sail, and like wtf, who ties a fly without hook lol

I can't see the advantage in landing success either.I have read that one advantage in using tubes flys is ,given the stinger is not attached to the fly,there is a tendency,when hooked up, for the tube to ride separated from the hook and thereby decrease damage to the fly.I tie intruders on standard hooks with a stinger ,but am considering tying them on tubes as well to achieve a longer fly with more control over the weight..

Own 2 and enjoy the quality to price relationship.Great warranty at the Imperial level .Will be a little slower action relative to other (more expensive)rods ,however I am starting to disregard the fast action light powerful "Holy Grail" $6-$800 hype .TFO and ECHO come to mind also but .....

I found a couple rods that I'm looking into. What are your opinions.

10' 6 weight st croix legend ultra - $185 new
9' 6" 7 weight legend ultra- $180 new

both bran new with full warranty. What do you think would work best?

Would the 10' 6 weight have the power for steelhead?

I find 6 weight is difficult to properly cast long with sink tips and mend line...a fast action 7 does this ...I think with a 10 ft.7 wt. I can reach all water in the city however once the grand ,saugeen or other larger waters are in front the switch at 11' can do it all ...watch out for the switch on the city waters as it is strange to overhand cast

A 10 ft 7 wt is a good choice for steelhead but is alittle light for salmon a 8 wt is good for both but it all depends how much you want to spend st croix is good for there price point echo make good rods and if you want to spend the money sage g looms or scott are all great rods

double that.St Crois rods are still under valued.