Switch rods are versatile fly rods that can be used single-handed and for spey style casting They are often the rod of choice for fishing larger trout like steelhead because they can be fished a variety of ways. Whether you are swinging flies or indicator fishing, a good switch rod can help you catch more steelhead. Here we will take a look at some of the best switch rods on the market.
Best Switch Rods for Fishing Steelhead
- Redington Dually Fly Rod (6110-4) – 6 Weight, 11′ Fly Fishing Rod
- Fenwick AETOS Fly Rods
- 10 feet 9 inches Carbon Fiber Switch Fly Fishing Rod
- Sage Fly Fishing – PULSE Fly Rod
- Echo Swing Switch 11’6″ 6 Fly Rod
1. Redington Dually Fly Rod (6110-4) – 6 Weight, 11′ Fly Fishing Rod
Product Features
Brand Name: Redington
Rod Length: 11′ – 11’7″
Weight: 5-8
Action: Medium-Fast
The Redington Dually Switch Fly Rod is the top spot on our list. This one is available in a few different models: a 5WT 11′, 6WT 11′, 7WT 11’6″, and an 8WT 11’6″ model. These are medium-fast action rods with aluminum reel seats and soft-touch EVA grips. The rods are lightweight and balanced with great stability. With this rod, you can easily trade-off between two-handed and single-handed use. Whether you are fishing for smaller trout in streams or going after larger steelhead, this one will get the job done.
2. Fenwick AETOS Fly Rods
Product Features
Brand Name: Fenwick
Rod Length: 10′ – 11’1″
Weight: 5-8
Action: Fast
The Fenwick AETOS Fly Rods are our second spot. They offer this rod in a number of different sizes that are suitable for switch fishing. The rods are fast action rods made from graphite blanks with comfortable cork handles and aluminum reel seats. These are extremely well-made rods. They are lightweight, easy to cast, and accurate. The only drawback is that they are a bit expensive.
3. 10 feet 9 inches Carbon Fiber Switch Fly Fishing Rod
Product Features
Brand Name: Channelmay
Rod Length: 10’9″
Weight: 7-8
Action: Medium
The third spot on our list belongs to the Channelmay Carbon Fiber Switch Rod. This rod measures 10 feet 9 inches long and weights 6.4 oz. The rod is made from carbon fiber and comes in four pieces that also includes an extra handle. There is really nothing too fancy about this rod. It’s a standard fly rod that you can use as a switch rod for fishing trout. It is likely one of the cheapest ones you will find on the market. So if you’re just looking for a budget-friendly starter rod, this is a pretty good option.
4. Sage Fly Fishing – PULSE Fly Rod
Product Features
Brand Name: Sage
Rod Length: 11′ – 11’4″
Weight: 3-8
Action: Fast
The Sage Pulse Fly Rod is our fourth spot on the list. This rod is available in 2 switch rod models an 11′ 3WT rod and an 11’4″ 8WT rod. Both rods are fast action rods made from graphite with olive thread wraps, aluminum reel seats, and a cork fore grip and rear grip. It’s got great casting distance for tossing your flies while being responsive and sensitive. This could end up being one of the best rods you will ever own, but it will cost a bit to get it.
5. Echo Swing Switch 11’6″ 6 Fly Rod
Product Features
Brand Name: Fly Fishing Technology
Rod Length: 11’6″ – 13’6″
Weight: 6-8
Action: Medium-Fast
Last on our list is the Fly Fishing Technology Echo Swing Switch Fly Rod. These rods are available in lengths ranging from 11’6″ to 13’6″. The rod blanks are made from blue steel with anodized aluminum reel seats and chrome guides. The rods are medium-fast action. These rods offer great line control and can flick your flies with ease. Overall this is a pretty well-made rod that works great for switch fishing steelhead. It’s reasonably priced and good for beginners and experts alike.
How To Choose a Switch Rod for Steelhead Trout
There are a few different things you want to look at when choosing a good switch rod for trout fishing
- Length
- Weight
- Action
Length
Generally, a steelhead switch rod will be about 10′ to 12′ in length. Usually somewhere in the middle but sometimes shorter or longer. Switch rods are essentially shorter Spey rods. You can cast them with one hand or two hands so usually shorter than your standard rod used for only Spey casting. Having the appropriate length for switch casting is important because you want something long enough to make long casts, but versatile enough that you can use it one-handed for shorter distances.
Weight
For a switch rod it is best to have somewhere between a 6 to 8 weight rod for targeting steelhead. Right in the middle at a 7 weight is good for all-around use, but you may want to go slightly heavier or lighter depending on the type of line you prefer to use.
Action
The action of your switch rod is also an important factor in your decision. For all-around use, a medium-fast action rod is the safest option. But you can also go with a medium or fast action depending on the style of fishing you end up using.
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Best Saltwater Fly Reel
Best Spey Rods for Steelhead
