"Needs" for fly fishing Erie Steelhead?

[ChuckofWagon]

I've lived in Pa most of my life but never fished for Erie steelheads. I love to FF. I'm disabled but I can get to certain points of a stream.....as long as the water doesn't exceed 1/3 up my shin bone.

So, I have read where a 10' 7wt is a good rod to use for FF-ing.

Recommendations of a decent rod\reel\line would be appreciated. I don't need uber top of the line stuff...but I don't want the low end either.

Thanks much!

 

[CRB]

I've been using a 9' 6wt for the past 30 years. The longer rods are more difficult on the smaller Lake Erie Tribs. I do own a 10.5 6-7wt switch rod for the bigger LE tribs. Lamson Konic has been my reel of choice after years with an Orvis Battenkill LA4. The Orvis would ice up in temps below 25*f. Lamson have en excellent drag and are at a good price point.
Rio indicator or SA Steelhead Line both have a longer belly tapper, the belly helps with roll casting. Both are floating lines.

 

[rancid waders]

Ditto on the Lamson, check Sierra Trading Post for deals on them. My current rig is a 1007 Clearwater with a Lamson #4, SA 7 Trout line w / mono rig

 

[scs]

I’m taking a 9’6” 6wt TFO Legacy, Lamson Liquid reel and Shadow Premium line as my main rod. Backup will be a 9’ 7wt Pro 2. I’ve not had an issue in the past with a 6wt.
Steve

 

[Solitariolupo]

9ft 7wt is what I used. The bigger the rod the heavier it will get.

 

[ROVERT]

You likely already have what you need. A 9' six or seven weight will do fine. Five weights work too. I've caught a pile of Erie steelhead on a four weight.

If you want a new rod for it, I'd probably go 10' six weight.

Perhaps most important is that the rod you choose offers plenty of tippet protection.

 

[ChuckofWagon]

I know I don't have the proper equipment. I have a 7wt 7'6" rod that's a thousand years old. (Honest). My other rods are 4wt or thereabouts. no where near heavy enough.

 

[Broodstock]

If I was buying a new rod for this, I’d likely get the new diamondback gen iv in the 10-7 6wt. It’s pretty much the perfect tool for tight line work on the Erie tribs. The longer rod will give you plenty of control and better drifts. Tippet protection. Excellent customer service and warranty. Joe is a very good rod designer and this is something you could use elsewhere. My 10’ 7wt is pretty much used only in Erie since it’s not as versatile.

 

[rancid waders]

Haha I'm watching for one of those IV Gens to come up for sale

 

[dudemanspecial]

I use a 9' 8w because that is what I have. Won it at a TU banquet years ago. I don't steelhead fish enough to justify a rod purchase. I always wanted to get a 7w rod for doing bass / steelhead but find myself less interested in fly fishing for bass outside of topwater on ponds. My son has a 9' 7w Clearwater that would do good for that purpose as well.