What Gear Do I Use For Steelhead?
- Cody
- Mar 31, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 13, 2021
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links and I may make a commission off any sales generated through them.
With steelhead season fast approaching, and for some of you already here, I wanted to give a rundown of the gear I like to use.
Fishing Gear
Rod: Echo Ion 8 weight. This has been my favorite rod for steelhead. It has a good action and fish are fun to fight on it.
Reel: Hatch Gen 2 Finatic 7 Plus. I have used quite a few cheap reels and thought they worked fine. Then I got this reel and was proven wrong. Having a nice smooth drag like the one on this reel makes a huge difference when fighting big fish like steelhead.
Fly Line: Airflo Nymph/Indicator Line. If you fish creeks and river with overhanging branches and not much room for backcast like I do then this is the line you want. It will roll cast heavy flies with indicators with ease and will also perform a great overhead cast.
Leader: Maxima Chameleon 15 lb. I use a 9-foot leader without a tippet.
Indicator: Thingamabobber 3/4". These will float the heavy flies sometimes used when fishing steelhead and are easy to see on the water. I like to have a couple different colors depending on the weather conditions
Nippers: Hatch Nippers. These are pretty much top of the line when it comes to nippers. If you are like me though you will go through enough pairs of the cheaper ones to pay for these a couple times over.
Clothing
Waders: Simms Freestone Waders. These are Simms' lowest priced pair of waders but they are high quality. They are all you really need unless you are a guide.
Wading Boots: Simms Freestone Wading Boots. These are very comfortable and offer great support. I have used these for everything from and short walks for roadside fishing to long 5-7 miles treks along and through rivers.
Coat: Simms Rogue Fleece Hoodie. This is a great waterproof coat for days where it might rain but not too much. It is very comfortable and will keep you warm without overheating you.
Raincoat: Simms Freestone Wading Jacket. When the skies open up the floodgates, this is the coat I put on. This has kept me dry in some torrential downpours. It also has two breast pockets that will fit an average-sized fly box.
Hat: Simms G4 Cap. So I was a little skeptical when I bought a waterproof ballcap. I wasn't sure how it would work but figured I would give it a shot. After using it for two seasons I can say confidently that it is 100% worth it. I never realized how wet my head got on rainy days until I had a hat that kept it dry. This hat adds an extra layer of comfort on those stormy days.
Other Gear
Slingpack: Orvis Safe Passage Sling Pack. This is a handy little pack. It is comfortable to wear and can fit everything I need for a long day on the river.
Chest pack: Allen Bear Creek Chest Pack. This thing is pretty useful. I like to keep a small box of my favorite flies, my scissors, my nippers, and a few leaders in it for easy reaching.
Have you ever used any of this gear? Have any questions? Let me know in the comments!
If you would like a personally curated set up put together just for you, click this link https://www.curated.com/referral/cody.wegener and shoot me a message.
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