SETTING UP YOUR SPEY ROD

THE BASICS OF SETTING UP YOUR SPEY ROD

Written By The Deschutes Angler Crew

For Fly Fishing and Spey Fishing individuals whom are entering into the world of Steelhead and Salmon Fly Fishing with a Spey Rod Outfit, or if you are looking to upgrade and maybe fine-tune your current Outfit, the below Spey Line Setup chart should answer some of the fundamental questions you may be having when it comes to the sometimes difficult question: "What should I purchase if I want to set myself up with a complete Spey Line Setup?"  

The chart outlines the two styles of getting you on the water and swinging flies with a Two-Handed Rod - Scandinavian Style and Skagit Style.  We at Deschutes Angler typically use the Scandinavian Shooting Heads in the Summer when swinging traditional wet fly patterns.  Skagit Heads are used in the Winter to pick up large Leech Patterns, Intruder Patterns, and Large Tube Flies that are used at this time of the year.

Please also note that Scandinavian Heads are to be used with Polyleaders, whereas Skagit Heads are traditionally used with Heavy Tips i.e. Type 3, Type 6. Type 8.

Contact Deschutes Angler Fly Shop

Please feel free to contact us here at the shop for any questions or recommendations for setting up your Spey Rod!  Were a full service Fly Shop with over 40 years of combined Steelhead and Trout knowledge.  We can instruct you on exactly what you will need when it comes to increasing your hook-ups and catching Steelhead, or any fish on a Two Handed Rod for that matter!

Scandinavian & Skagit Spey Line Setup

BEULAH PLATINUM SERIES SPEY ROD

Our Take On The Beulah Platinum Series 6wt. Spey Rod

The Beulah Platinum Series 6wt. Spey Rod is hands down a favorite rod for summer fishing with a floating line and winter fishing for smaller winter Steelhead. I have tried many 6 weights Spey Rods and have always found them enjoyable with a floating line but lacking when I put on the Skagit line, sink-tip and larger flies. The Beulah Rod handles sink-tips and larger flies surprisingly well. This last trip on the John Day, I put on my large lead-eyed intruder just to see if the rod could handle a large weighted fly. I did not feel limited at all by a fly which I typically consider too much for most 6 weight Spey rods. The ability of this rod to be a versatile fishing tool can be attributed to the fast recovering tip section that doesn't buckle when you put more power into the cast to turn over larger flies. Another nice feature of this rod is the overall weight of the rod which is not too much heavier than your typical six weight single handed rod. I never feel tired after fishing this rod all day, which sometimes happens with other rods within the same market. The only challenge is finding reel that balances well with the rod. I personally use a Hardy Bougle Lightweight 3 3/4 which seems to match well but I know there are many other options. If you haven't had a chance to cast one of these rods I would suggest you try one out and see for yourself how sweet this rod is.

Evan Unti Putting A Bend In The Beulah Platinum