Dryline Steelhead Setup
LOCATION // Pacific Northwest or anywhere steelhead are found
For my dryline steelhead work, I’ve come to prefer the 6130-4 MOD rod with a Scandi line. This outfit casts (and fishes) standard- to large-sized dry flies and wet flies with great efficiency. The smooth, moderate action of the rod, combined with the high-speed-yet-delicate Scandi taper makes for easy and nearly-effortless casts at average fishing distances, and also can cut wind and allows for the long cast when required. The lightweight system makes for minimal fatigue as well. Having a rod at 13’ (not too short, not too long) gives incredible line control, from the setup to mending and controlling the swing once the cast is made.
For my dryline steelhead work, I’ve come to prefer the 6130-4 MOD rod with a Scandi line. This outfit casts (and fishes) standard- to large-sized dry flies and wet flies with great efficiency. The smooth, moderate action of the rod, combined with the high-speed-yet-delicate Scandi taper makes for easy and nearly-effortless casts at average fishing distances, and also can cut wind and allows for the long cast when required. The lightweight system makes for minimal fatigue as well. Having a rod at 13’ (not too short, not too long) gives incredible line control, from the setup to mending and controlling the swing once the cast is made.
TARGET SPECIES // Steelhead
ROD // 6130-4 MOD
REEL // DOMAIN 10
LINE // 400 grain RIO Scandi with a 12' Steelhead/Slamon Taper Leader
A 12’ RIO Steelhead/Salmon leader with a couple feet of tippet makes for a very fine delivery and lets me fish on the surface, just beneath it or even a foot or two down if I tie on a small, weighted fly. For dry flies, use a “reverse turle” knot - start by ‘going up’ the down-eye (thanks for the tip, Mike!)
LINE // 400 grain RIO Scandi with a 12' Steelhead/Slamon Taper Leader
A 12’ RIO Steelhead/Salmon leader with a couple feet of tippet makes for a very fine delivery and lets me fish on the surface, just beneath it or even a foot or two down if I tie on a small, weighted fly. For dry flies, use a “reverse turle” knot - start by ‘going up’ the down-eye (thanks for the tip, Mike!)