Rod for Upper Trinity Steelhead

[Andris]

Hey Bill: I have never tried Spey casting but, from what I've been able to gather, it looks like it provide some real benefits chasing down Steelhead on the Upper Trinity. Primarily, I use a double fly/split shot/ indicator set up. I was wondering if you could give me your thoughts on an appropriate length and weight Spey rod? Thanks, Rob.

[Jeff Putnam]

Rob, once you try spey casting and experience the effectiveness of this method you'll be hooked. A 6 weight spey rod is a great rod for the Trinity and most of Northern California. The length should be around 12-13 feet long. A Rio Windcutter 6-7-8 is a great line to begin with for these lighter rods.

[Andris]

Thanks Jeff--I am very much looking forward to the Fall and Winter.

[SPG]

Andris,

Gary Anderson has a brand new 12 foot 9 inch 6 weight that should be ready by Sept 1st. There will only be 10 blanks in the first round, call him and reserve one. 541-582-4318 This rod is a nymph/indicator and sinktip mod to the Putnam XDS 13'1".

Steve Godshall 541`-840-2594

[Rick J]

I've fished the Trinity many times with a spey rod and do not think it is overkill although I am not one to indicator fish. Using a spey rod is much more than just about distance. What it really does is give you much better control once you have made the cast.

[steve sullivan]

Rob, once you try spey casting and experience the effectiveness of this method you'll be hooked. A 6 weight spey rod is a great rod for the Trinity and most of Northern California. The length should be around 12-13 feet long. A Rio Windcutter 6-7-8 is a great line to begin with for these lighter rods.

I fished the Trinity a couple of days ago for the first time by Douglas city and it was more of a creek than a river. I felt a 11 foot winston 2bx or a 10 foot one handed rod would of been more appropriate. If anyone has Simon Gawesworths spey DVD the creek he uses a 1 handed rod on is probably BIGGER than the upper trinity.

[Adam Grace]

This time of year the water on the upper Trinity gets lower but there are still spots where a rod like Jeff described would be PERFECT. Steve, Andris asked about a spey rod not a singled handed-rod. Jeff 's choice and opinion of rod was great. Jeff chose a nice small outfit that would be an overall nice choice for the Trinity and similar California rivers.

Now I'm not trying to act as thought I am an expert on the Trinity River, but I've fished it enough times to see plenty of spey/big indicator nymphing water to know that Jeff's recommendation was sound.

Jeff has been fishing and been a part of the fly fishing industry for a very long time. His skills and knowledge are greater than you could ever realize Steve.

[PaulC]

Steve,
I've never used a spey rod before, but could see where it would be a bit less tiring using a spey over a regular rod despite what you view as a narrow river.
Some sections do not lend themselves to deep wading and have brush behind.
I could see Jeff's suggestion having definite merit there. Shoot..I wish I had a spey the last time I was out there.
It would have been fun also!
I don't know you, but man you're posts sure come across as condescending.
-Paul

PS. Hey Jeff, I hope I can get up there for one of your casting lessons one of these days.

[SPG]

Hi Rob,

At the Touvelle 2 Hander clave on the Rogue River in Sept, super event,
we had 2 guides from the Trinity, Scott Stratton and his buddy Bob, looking to get into spey on the Trinity. They took 3 days of lessons with Jeff Putnam, checked out a lot of rods and bought a pair of 1316 Gary Anderson's. I made them each a custom Scandi line and they are completely dialed into the Trinity. Scott and Bob were good students of spey, they had a great time and love their ACR rods. Steve 541-840-2594

[bruce mace]

Okay. Now you are getting it... how about a switch rod from the likes of Meiser? A smaller spey with all the ooomph you need on the Trinity. Reach everything with no backcast, mend the bejesus out of the slots. The upper specifically has lots of brushy sides and the spey cast will allow you to cover the holding water where you find it (and the fish). If you choose to single cast it, drifting indicators, you can very well, all day. If you are on your boat with your 2 buddies they won't get as fidgety as when you're wielding a 14'0" Clearwater cannon. Gretchen the dog won't get half as fouled on an 11'6" switch and the whole rod is in the boat for the rare occasion the nose gets buried in the brush because you were all too excited and not watching the drift so good. The upper Trinity is a PERFECT place for a switch.