Minimum for steelhead in Erie Pa

[Steeltrap]

I have an old Shakespeare 7'6" fiberglass fly rod in 6wt. If I purchase 6wt or even 7wt fly line would this be "adequate" for steelhead?

 

[RLeep2]

It'll work, especially as water temps drop into the 30's and the fish get less frisky. But it is far from optimal, particularly from a rod length perspective. Even if you stay with a 6 wgt., which is not unreasonable, you want something longer so you can dump cast weighted flies 20 or more feet and follow them on the drift. This is hard to do with a 7 1/2 foot rod..

 

[Steeltrap]

Thank you!!

 

[JackM]

I agree that 7.5 foot is not adequate for fly fishing for steelhead. Not unreasonable if slinging bait or spinners. 6 weight is OK if you only land a couple over 20 inches. Much more than that, you will appreciate a 7-weight.