Ibroxlad

Unless it has any obvious visual defects, I would assume it’s good to go. Check the guides and the tip, ensure they are smooth and have no corrosion. Check the ferrules have a good fit. Take it outside and give it a few casts.

Looked it over well, and it's in great shape. I was paired with a Pflueger Medalist reel, and it is also in great shape. I'll do a little maintenance over the winter and replace the line and it'll be ready for next year. Can't wait to use it.

You sound like me 5 years ago.....until I discovered Steelhead. Sept 30 is now the “new” beginning. Don’t be put off by the circus at the most popular/assessable locations, although there are some legit anglers and it could be an opportunity to watch and learn. There is quieter water if you do your homework.

 Thanks Rayk,

I've thought about going out to fish for them, but I'll have to wait until I buy a more robust rod. I currently use a 5/6 weight fly rod and to fish for steelhead I'd want something in the 8 or 9 weight range.

1. Buy a proper backing. You may never have a fish run enough to need it, but it will be peace of mind knowing you've set up your rod/reel properly.

2. I fish a 5/6 weight rod, and it is strong enough for bass as long as you're fishing it properly, and not just reefing it in to land the fish. The casting of larger flies is something that takes a little bit of technique, because you won't want the usual tight looping line flow, in case it hits the tip of your rod. You'll want to open up the backcast a little, much as you would when fishing a nymph/wet fly with a split shot. There are many sites and videos online that you can watch and learn from; here is one of the best. 

https://howtoflyfish.orvis.com/

Pete Kutzer is regarded as one of the best casters around so you won't go wrong watching the videos on this site.

Have fun

Too late for this year, but Cootes' creek in Dundas is supposed to hold brook and brown trout. It would be typical small creek fishing, no long majestic fly casting, but in some spots it does indeed look like good brook trout habitat.

If you've got some time after class, you can always check out Bronte Creek in North Burlington. I've had a lot of success fishing for trout in some stretches. 

But again, you'll have to wait until spring

Dude, where have you been? Literally just starting to run up here. November and December are the best times IMO.

I like fishing the source waters and upper reaches for brooks and browns. I don't go out for the steelheads or salmon. Maybe I will this year, if I can't stand the long winter wait