Yes an 8 wt. setup in the 9-10' range would be the way to go for steelhead . This setup would also be good for bull trout, coho, pinks and smaller sized chum and chinook (might want to 9 wt. for them). I know on another site there are a few guys who think a 5 wt is fine for steel on the Vedder: You want a setup which you'll be able to get your fish in quick. An under weight set up will cause the fish too much stress and tire it out to the point where they will not be revivable. As far as a spey setup I can't comment much as I a newbie with them, still learning the casts. I'm sure there are other members who can help out with this info.

 

I'm finding my single handed 8 wt is significantly underpowered for chum. The north side fish are so strong I don't bother fishing for them with the fly any more.

 

I am told that 8 or 9 wt is absolutely adequate for steelhead in waters where you will be fishing. I am also told that you need at least 3 line tips to counter all the depths and water speeds in your area. I guess type 3 and type 6 sink tips should cover most of your requirements and if the water is not as deep or not as fast you can always extend the length of your leader and tippet and control the fly depth.\ Floater is just there to practice and maybe sometimes cast those light ones.

this year I have started Spey casting so I can tell you that it has been as interesting as it has been the single hand fly fishing which is my current way of fishing.

Spey is one big step to big waters, big flies and fishing in general. If you can get something in 7/8 wt or 8/9 so that you can cover a wider range of fish (including Salmon) then If I were you I would not miss the opportunity to buy good rod (Sage, G-Loomis, Scott, Winston, Beulah and similar) at 1/2 price as you say.

Don't forget there is a completely new way of casting and fishing this type of gear so some learning is involved and that can be frustrating. It is also most satisfying once you are able to send a chicken size fly to the other bank of the river some 120 feet away.

I guess Spey rods are difficult to get at good price, unlike single handed fly rods. So grab it if you can and if there is more deals like that let us know I am already addicted to new stuff, and of course good luck.

 

this year I have started Spey casting so I can tell you that it has been as interesting as it has been the single hand fly fishing which is my current way of fishing.

Spey is one big step to big waters, big flies and fishing in general. If you can get something in 7/8 wt or 8/9 so that you can cover a wider range of fish (including Salmon) then If I were you I would not miss the opportunity to buy good rod (Sage, G-Loomis, Scott, Winston, Beulah and similar) at 1/2 price as you say.

Don't forget there is a completely new way of casting and fishing this type of gear so some learning is involved and that can be frustrating. It is also most satisfying once you are able to send a chicken size fly to the other bank of the river some 120 feet away.

I guess Spey rods are difficult to get at good price, unlike single handed fly rods. So grab it if you can and if there is more deals like that let us know I am already addicted to new stuff, and of course good luck.

I can get single and double handed rods at wholesale and quite a good selection of a couple of high end brands. This is such an inexperienced question but would it be recommended to get a single 10' - 8wt AND say a double 13' - 8wt? Or, would it be better to get a double 12' - 8wt and use it as a switch set up?

 

Fly setup

An eight or 9 weight single handed fly rod should be more than enough to handle the fish you are targeting. Couple that with a good reel with a decent drag system and versitip line system and then you are in business.
If you are just getting into spey casting, then my advice would be to explore the shops in your area and see which one can also give you assistance after the sale. If you can get an unbelievable price for a spey rod at whole sale and are willing to put in the time to see what works on that rod then certainly go for it. However, a common complaint you hear from new speycasters is the right type of line they need on a rod to make it work. For instance, someone with a few years of experience on the spey may get a certain type of line to work on a rod, but for a new spey caster it would be an exercise in frustration. That is where the after the sale support from a good fly shop comes in handy.
Also you might want to check out switch rods, as there is a beulah rod dealer on the Island. Anyhow take your time, and explore the options you have available to you.

 

Toolguy,

Where on the Island are you settling? If you want advice about fly fishing on the Rock, drop by Courtney Ogilvie's shop in Bowser. He fishes rivers all year long and has casting clinics for those wanting to learn to spey cast. Not to mention he has great tackle and the largest selection of breathable wading gear on the Island.

 

I'm building in Yellow Point, near Ladysmith. Thanks for the info Nile Creek. I'm planning to stop in but they're closed until February. Got the info on their web site. The opportunity I have for pricing would be best acted upon this month.

 

Hey Toolguy,

If you live and fish on the island, then you wont have that many available spots for flyfishing for steel. The rivers that hold steel are not great for flyfishing. I have a 8wt sage, and I can only use it when I float the river with my pontoon boat. Walking in, there are very few spots to fish on the fly. In the summer when the steel rivers give you more bank space, you can find a few more spots. I would recommend a centerpin set-up and a 11.6 rod for island river steelheading. For salmon in the river you can get more space in the estuaries of the ecvi rivers. I have caught literally hundreds on my 8wt, and even on my 6wt w/ xFast sinking tip. I caught dozens of Chum this fall in the Nanaimo estuary on my fly rod, what a blast.my 2 cents.

 

Thanks for your comments. What is the preferred set up for Steelhead (other than fly)? As for the estuaries, have you used a double handed set up and if so, which is the go to set up for salmon, single or double?

 

Since you have an opportunity to get the tackle at such a discount get both the single hander and the two hander, you will then have the equipment that will be suitable for many angling situations on the Island. Having fished for winter steelhead in the past using a single hander I now use a doublehander all of the time, the big rod has too many advantages to be ignored. The amount of suitable fly water is a limitation and unless you are committed to only this method a floatfishing outfit may be in order. A switch rod is certainly an option but i still think the two rods is the way to go, perhaps even getting a lighter S/H for trout and or beach fishing. Yellowpoint is a nice area.

 

Thanks everyone

Thanks to all who replied and gave suggestions. I do think I'll go with 2 rods. An 9' - 8 wgt and a 12' - 8 wgt double hander for a switch set up.

Tight lines....

 

12ft 8wts are switch rods, thats a spey, and a good short length which will keep everything compact. If you wanted a switch then you'd be buying a 10'6 8wt

I have a 13'6 8/9wt, and a 10'6 8/9wt, both beulah, both with matching skagit and skandi lines, both are absolute rocket launchers!