Preparing for fall/winter... need wisdom.

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jlisk

jlisk

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 19, 2012
Messages
400
Location
west...
Much like the title says I am looking for some of that sage wisdom from those with the experience who are willing to share it... let me explain.

I have recently been completely converted to the wonderful world of the fly... had some great times with my 9' 5wt already, one small trout and 3 awesome small mouth takes in the past week have sealed the deal for me and I am now looking forward to a great season (steel/salmon) of pure fly action. My new job position has set me up for lots of weekday adventures pursuing the rush...

Anyhow as I mentioned above I am pretty happy with my "all around" 9' 5wt to cover small to mid-sized trout and the odd bass. I had also picked up a 7wt 9' sage vantage rod last year on clearance hoping to get some late winter action on it but never quite made it out due to unforeseen circumstances. I feel like I will be able to handle most fall/winter/spring steelhead/browns on my 7wt from what I have been told by various fly guys/intranet data mining (feel free to correct me if I am wrong).

But...

What do I do during the initial salmon run? As much as I feel sort of 50/50 about throwing for them in the rivers I still would like to participate in some proper salmon fly action. Will my 7wt be up to the task? I don't dare overload it and exploded it on an out of control salmon flying down the river.

Would there be a more appropriate length or wt of rod to toss towards these running salmon?

Rod suggestions are always welcome, I wouldn't be looking to spend a ton of money on the rod as my main target is running brown/steelhead.



Cheers
 
ya you can get away with it but its risky in my eyes i dont really bother with salmon i fish resi fish till closer then start in to steelhead but an 8 or 9 wt would make me feel more safe
 
Jlisk, I am in the same boat as you. This will be my first time getting at some potential salmon with a fly rod. I have heard a 7-10wt is appropriate in my research. I personally will be running a n8wt.

What area would you be planning to fish?
 
The 7wt is fine for steelhead, and will work well after the salmon run - and depending where you fish, there might be other legal fish that also will be fine with the 7wt. But for salmon it needs to be an 8wt or 9wt. Since you already have a 7wt, I suggest moving up to a 9wt. My Reddington CPS (now CPX) feels as light in my hand as my 7wt StCroix Legend Ultra, so I suggest a Reddington. (My 7wt Reddinton CPS is also a wonder and feels like my 6wt Loomix IMX). You don't need to cast far for the salmon though, so don't worry too much about the line being top quality.
 
salmon and big trout is why i got an 8wt, set yourself up with heavy leaders, and have fun, salmon are a blast either at the pier or in the creek, just watch the back cast at the piers
 
Thanks for all the replies, going to look into 8/9wt but will probably bump up to a 9wt seeing as I have a 7wt ready to go for steelhead already.

JMatt do you actually fly fish for salmon off the piers? That seems pretty intense, I am more and more becoming a river addict these days. I'd rather wade up a river chasing 5" brookie then flip sticks for bass on the lake any day of the week. I guess I am just feeling the rewards of fly fishing, when it all comes together for that perfect moment of the catch.
 
you can fly fish for salmon off the piers, like i said, just have to watch the back cast for pedestrians.

fly fishing is definately more of a rewarding feeling than any other type of fishing,, take your fly rod out on the lake as well with some poppers an leech patterns, see what happens lol
 
I am looking for 9' 9wt which in the future will double as a pike/ski rod. Well that is how I am selling why I need another rod anyhow.

:cool:
 
As you already have the 9-7, if you are a looking for a dedicated steelhead/salmon rod, I would seriously look at a 11 ft 7/8 - 8/9 (ish). This is the most versatile rod you will use for these applications, giving you a great nymphing rod as well as a perfect rod for swinging. You don't have to break the bank either.
 
I was planning on using the 9-7 for steelhead, I just felt it would risk breaking if I tried to use it for salmon so I was looking for an additional rod to fish the salmon on there initial run.

Are there any rods you would suggest that fall into the length/wt. you recommended?
 
coldfeet said:
Go big for the kings, the cheap 7/8 weight I broke wouldn't budge a salmon I hooked last year, it just sat there so I decided just to break off my leader.
Click to expand...
how were you fighting it i went full out noob and landed over 15 salmon last year with a 6wt
 

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