[Schlick]

Hi Guys - picked up a new 5wt setup for fishing brown trout and rainbows this summer... a buddy of mine invited me Steelhead fishing this weekend, and I'm wondering if my 5wt would be adequate to bring along.

Let me know.

Jon.

[Jackster]

If you have plenty of time and lots of clean room to let them run and you have the smoothest of smooth drags and know how to use it and you plan on eating the fish go ahead.
A 5 weight is really too light for steelhead.

[Greenwood]

I've seen it done! Wouldn't be my first choice but in the long run that reel will be the most important part I think.

[Frank Whiton]

Hi Jon,

Yes, you can land a Steelhead with a 5wt rod. That doesn't mean it is the right tool for the job. Steelhead fishing requires big weighted flies or split shot or sinking lines and strong leaders. Your 5wt would not be my choice. I would be using a 7wt or 8wt rod with a good reel. What reel do you have on your 5wt? It would surprise me if it is built to accommodate Steelhead.

Jon, if you can't go unless you use the 5wt then I might go for it. Otherwise I would beg, borrow or steal a Steelhead outfit. Well, maybe not steal. If you try to cast a big, heavy fly with your 5wt you might damage the rod (hit the rod with weighted fly) or snag your self.

Frank

[Jackster]

Yeah, check your rod warranty too!

As Frank alluded to too, if given the chance to go with no other gear options, I would do it in a heartbeat!

[tie one on]

Jon,

Like the rest of the responses a 5wt rod would most definitely
not be first choice for fighting steelhead.

If you are lucky & let them run until they are wore-out you may
land them, but you may also go home with a broken rod. ( If you
do land them you better take them home because they would most
likely die if released after that long of a fight. )

The steelhead that I fight in Michigan are extremely strong &
are awesome fighters my recommendation would be a 7wt or
better.

It's not a standard, but I'd use a stronger rod.

Tie One On

[Schlick]

I have a Pfleuger Summit as my reel rated for 5/6 line, and I'm using Rio Selective Trout WF 5W on a St. Croix Avid. The rod comes with a lifetime warranty, but I'd rather not bust it if I can avoid it

Schlick

[wtex50]

That is not a good outfit for steelhead. I would rate the Avid as more a finesse rod as opposed to a strong fighting rod....Try to borrow an outfit. If your buddy has been steelhead fishing for any length of time - he probably has a couple of outfits..Of course - this presents the perfect opportunity to go buy another outfit - LOL

[HuronRiverDan]

I'd be looking to borrow a rig that's a little more suited to the job!

Dan

[GeorgeMcFly]

ya I agree I just caught my 1st few and a 8wt is wahat I use and thats still hard to pull um in with.