streamer_fly_fishing

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Chasing fish with streamers is one of the most exciting ways to fly fish, and having a specialized streamer rod makes it more fun and effective. Older streamer rods were heavy broomsticks that lacked soul and finesse. Today, we are fortunate to have streamer rods that are lighter, more accurate, and oftentimes shorter in length. Today, we’ll take a look at some of our favorite dedicated streamer rods for 2024.

G. Loomis NRX+ Swim Fly (SF) 8’8” 7wt

The NRX+ SF is G. Loomis’ solution to the swim fly craze that has swept the fishing world over the last few years. Innovative fly patterns like the Game Changer, the Drunk & Disorderly, and the Swingin’ D have revolutionized fishing for predatory species, but until a couple of years ago there weren’t many rods that could deliver them effectively. The NRX+ SF fills the void, delivering a shorter, lightweight purpose-built streamer chucker that has no problems shooting heavy lines and big flies at a distance. We love this rod for Striped Bass in New England, but it feels at home for any application requiring big streamers and aggressively tapered lines.

Price: $990.00

Pros

  • Powerful and lightweight
  • Casts heavy lines and big streamers like a champ

Cons

  • Line sensitive
  • Not ideal for delicate presentations

Thomas & Thomas Exocett SS 8’8” 250gr

A few years back, Thomas & Thomas was one of the first innovators to produce a premium streamer rod featuring a shorter lightweight blank with lots of power. The Exocett SS has remained one of the best streamer rods today, living up to its catchphrase of “distance and accuracy with fewer false casts”. The taper of the SS is designed to load deeper into the blank than most fast-action rods, allowing for open loops when throwing big streamers. Think Musky, Pike, and large predatory Brown Trout. Additionally, T&T incorporates some thoughtful design elements in the SS, like a composite “gas pedal” thumb section on the upper cork, and labeling by grain weight instead of line weight. And like any Thomas & Thomas rod, the SS features the most premium componentry and superior workmanship. Overall, the Exocett SS is a streamer cannon that will excel in any scenario where big flies and heavy fly lines are warranted and should be a top choice for streamer junkies looking for a premium USA-built rod.

Price: $955.00

Pros

  • USA-made quality with premium componentry
  • Lightweight
  • Plenty of power and surprisingly accurate

Cons

  • Not a finesse rod, it wants to huck!
  • Pricey

Scott Sector 8’4” 6wt

When blind casting big flies all day is the name of the game, few rods compare with the Scott Sector 8’4” models. Offered in the 8wt and 6wt sizes, these shorter rods in the Sector lineup are ridiculously lightweight and very powerful. They’re so powerful that we actually recommend overlining the rods to get maximum performance, which is not something we typically suggest. Beginner casters will likely struggle to get the most out of the 8’4” Sector, as it requires precise timing and a solid double-haul. For intermediate and advanced casters, however, the stubby Sector is sure to be a go-to streamer rod, especially when all-day casting is required.

Price: $1,045.00

Pros

  • Extremely lightweight - great for blind casting!
  • Shoots line like a rocket launcher
  • Turns over big flies with ease

Cons

  • Overlining the rod is almost mandatory
  • Quite expensive

Orvis Helios D 8’5” 7wt

Although streamer fishing isn’t usually associated with the need to be highly accurate, there are times when accuracy makes a world of difference, and that's where the Orvis Helios D shines. In the 8’5” 7wt size, the Helios D offers fantastic accuracy with plenty of power. Although it's not the most powerful rod on this list, you’ll have a hard time overpowering this streamer sniper. This is the perfect rod for streamer fishing high gradient rivers from a boat, where quick shots under brush or into tight bankside pockets are needed to find fish. Similarly, fishing a heavy crab pattern in windy conditions to a cruising bonefish would be a slam dunk for the Helios D. Overall, the Helios D in the 8’5” 7wt is one of the best streamer rods available in 2024, especially when pinpoint accuracy is needed.

Price: $1,198.00

Pros

  • Incredibly accurate at all distances
  • Very lightweight

Cons

  • The most expensive pick on the list
  • The white label isn’t our favorite look

Echo Streamer X 9’ 6wt

echo_streamer_x_fly_rod

Echo’s Streamer X rod was developed with input from legendary streamer guru Kelly Galloup and it's one of the best mid-priced streamer rods for trout. Available in 9’ 6-8wt sizes, the Streamer X is all about balanced power and versatility. This is a rod that can throw medium to large trout streamers with gusto, and then switch to a weighted nymph rig easily thanks to its 9’ length. Of course, with added length comes added weight, so the Streamer X is a bit heavier than some of the shorter 6wt options available. That being said, this isn’t a rod you’d use for hucking gigantic flies all day long, but rather for throwing trout or smallmouth streamers with do-it-all fly lines like an SA MPX. Overall, we think the Streamer X provides lots of value for being a mid-range option that can do more than just huck meat. 

Price: $499.99

Pros

  • Under $500
  • Versatile for trout- great for streamers and nymphing

Cons

  • Not the most accurate streamer rod on the list
  • On the heavy side, not great for tons of false casting

Sage Payload 8’9” 6wt

Sage has been known for making fast action rods for quite some time, so we were excited to see what they could create to punch big flies and heavy lines at a distance. The Payload 8’9” 6wt accomplishes just that, combining a powerful shorter blank with a taper that can easily bomb aggressive fly lines like the Rio Predator. If pinpoint accuracy and delicacy are important, there are probably better options. This is a no-nonsense cannon that requires good timing and a proficient double-haul to get maximum performance. For hardcore Smallmouth anglers to western streamer junkies, the Payload delivers the oomph needed to throw meaty streamers a long, long way.

Price: $675.00

Pros

  • Excels at shooting line at long distances
  • Plenty of power for big bugs and heavy lines

Cons

  • Heavier swing weight than other premium rods
  • Not an accuracy champion

Redington Predator 9’ 6wt

redington_predator_fly_rod

We always like to include a budget option in the lineup, so it's no surprise that the Redington Predator makes the list. Benefiting from technology and tapers from Sage, the Redington Predator is a powerful streamer tool that has the power to deliver big streamers even in a stiff wind. This rod serves as an excellent workhorse for streamer fishing, ideal for the drift boat or kept handy in the back of the truck. While it isn’t as lightweight or as accurate as the premium rods, the Predator is more tuned for a beginner casting stroke - loading well at various distances for a surprising amount of feel. Overall, the Redington Predator is a solid streamer rod for the price, which is important in these times of sky-high prices in the fly fishing world.

Price: $349.99

Pros

  • Powerful with a decent feel
  • Attainable price tag under $350

Cons

  • Heavier than premium rods
  • Lacks accuracy at most distances

FAQ

What species can be targeted using streamers?

Fishing streamers can be effective for Trout, Bass, Salmon, and virtually any other predatory species in freshwater and saltwater environments. If it feeds on smaller fish, you can catch it using a streamer.

What fly line should I choose for my streamer fly rod?

Choosing the right fly line depends on many factors such as target species, the size of fly you’ll be fishing, and the water temperature. In general, streamer lines feature a more aggressive taper that can turn over heavy flies better. For more specific information about picking the right fly line for streamer fishing, check out our Blog.

How do I choose between a 9’ or a shorter streamer rod?

While 9’ fly rods have been the standard for many years, we’re starting to see more variation in the lengths of rods for specific purposes. Streamer fishing, for example, often requires lots of blind casting of big flies and heavy lines, which becomes a tiresome endeavor after a while. Shorter rods offer a lighter swing weight, making covering water all day an easier task. If you’re looking for a rod to do some steamer fishing in addition to other techniques like nymphing and dries, a 9’ rod offers more versatility. However, if you want a dedicated rod for streamer fishing, a shorter rod will likely perform better and save you arm fatigue.

What are the key differences between premium and budget-friendly streamer fly rods?

We are very lucky these days to have many budget-friendly fly rods which still perform quite well. That being said, there are some distinct differences between premium rods and their economic counterparts. Primarily, the materials used in premium rods will be of higher quality than those found in budget rods. Some of these materials, like the graphite used in the blank, can greatly affect the performance of the rod. Other materials, like the reel seat insert and the paint finish, are more cosmetic and subjective. Additionally, warranties may differ between premium and budget streamer rods. Premium rods tend to have a more substantial warranty, but you should check with the manufacturer for each specific model’s warranty.