There is a fair amount of confusion surrounding the weights associated with Spey rods. Like all fly rods, there is no rod that will handle every situation.

It's important to remember that ____

Here is a breakdown of the most common rod weights and what we use them for.

• 3-Weight (Trout Spey): Soft-hackles, light leaders
• 4-Weight (Trout Spey): Larger trout, medium sink tips
• 5-Weight (Trout Spey): Larger trout, heavier trout flies & sink tips.
• 6-Weight (Switch & Spey): Trout, Bass, Light Steelhead
• 7-Weight (Switch & Spey): Light Steelhead. Handles most Skagit heads & tips.
• 8-Weight (Switch & Spey): The standard weight for Michigan Steelhead. Handles Skagit heads & heavy sink tips.
• 9-Weight (Spey): Big rods for big fish like King Salmon

The right spey rod length depends on what kind of water you’re fishing, what species you're targeting, and your personal casting style.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help guide your decision:

• 10'6"-12'6" (Short & Compact Spey) Great for smaller rivers, tight casting quarters, and anglers who prefer lighter setups. These rods are often labeled as “Switch” or "Compact Spey” and are perfect for swinging flies for trout, bass, and steelhead in our medium-sized rivers.
• 12'6"-13'6" (All-Around Spey) The sweet spot for most anglers chasing steelhead and salmon. These rods handle a variety of lines and flies well and offer a nice balance between power and control. Great for medium to large rivers.

If you're just starting out or fishing in Michigan-style rivers, a rod in the 11'6"- 12'6" is going to be the most versatile. If you plan on spending most of your time on larger rivers such as the Lower Manistee, Muskegon or Grand, consider a rod 12'6"-13'6" for increased leverage and distance.

Still unsure? We're happy to talk through your local water, casting preferences, and goals to get you into the right setup.

The main difference between Skagit and Scandi heads comes down to their design, casting style, and what they’re best suited for.

• Skagit Heads are short, heavy, and designed for lifting and turning over big flies and heavy sink tips. They excel in tight quarters where you don’t have much room for a backcast and are perfect for winter steelhead or any situation where you need to get your fly deep. Think power and versatility—great for heavier gear and tougher conditions.
• Scandi Heads are longer and more delicate, built for finesse casting with smaller flies and lighter leaders. They shine in summer or low-water conditions when stealth and presentation are key. Scandi lines are often cast with touch-and-go techniques and are great for smooth, graceful loops and fishing near the surface.

Skagit = power + big flies + sink tips

Scandi = finesse + small flies + dry lines

Still unsure which is right for your setup? Give us a call or stop in—we’re happy to help you dial it in.