Fly rod suggestions

[odoyle]

I'm looking for advice on a new fly rod. I'm wanting a rod that could be used to fish bulls, pike, lakers, steelhead and salmon. I know this covers a large range, but I'm probably mostly gonna be focused on bulls and salmon. I've been told I either want an 8 or 9 weight rod, and I'd thought I'd bring it up on here for additional input.

Also, if you have any recommendations for specific rods, I'm not looking to spend too much cash.

Thanks in advance.

[Scott N]

If you're on a budget, Temple Fork Outfitters (TFO) rods are hard to beat.

[jts1]

I Agree. TFO is a good rod and has a lifetime warranty no questions asked. Just walk into the supplier right here in Calgary and walk out with a new rod. BPS has a good selection of TFO rods.

[Pudelpointer]

Depending on what you have in mind when you say "salmon" a 9 to 10 foot 8wt is more then enough for all the fish you mention - except for Chinook (Spring) salmon. If you are serious about hooking a 35+lb Chinook and actually landing it, I would suggest a 9wt is the MINIMUM and a 10wt is about right.

I hooked a big Chinook in the Babine one year and my 8wt RPL+ could not even turn him in the current. Completely inadequate rod for them, but fine for steelhead well over 20lbs (ask me how I know :0).

Having said that, an 8wt is more then you need for bulls or pike, or most of the other species of salmon (except maybe chum - they are one hell of a hard fighting fish). I have zero experience with lake trout, but I am sure an 8 would handle most fish you would hook.