Best Steelhead Rods In 2024 Tested And Reviewed

Steelhead are some of the most sought after and fun fish out there, and fishing the river for them demands the right gear. In this guide, we unveil top-notch steelhead rods with all the right features for river fishing. 

Dive into our reviews and buying guide for the ideal mix of length, power, and action. Whether you're looking for the grace of a fly fishing rod or the ease of a spinning rod, you'll find the perfect option to make your next steelhead trip a success!

Best Steelhead Rods At A Glance

How We Tested The Steelhead Rods

We had 3 expert anglers test each of these rods on steelhead rivers and tributaries in the United States. They tested and evaluated the rods on a number of different criteria, such as:

Casting Ability

We tested and rated the ability of the rod to cast baits accurately and far enough to access steelhead holding areas while staying far enough away, so the steelhead were not spooked.

Sensitivity

We tested each rod on its sensitivity. We wanted to be able to feel our bait bouncing on the bottom and also feel the subtle strike of sluggish winter steelhead.

Ability To Fight Big Steelhead On Very Light Line

This was a very important test because we were usually fishing with 4-6 pound leader and the rods needed to be limber and soft enough to provide cushion when the big steelhead decided to make a run.

Durability

Some of the higher grade graphite rods are great for casting and sensitivity, but they are just too fragile to withstand the rigors of steelhead fishing.

Value

We rated each of these rods on how well they performed compared to the cost of the rod. This allowed us to find the rods that are well worth the money

Meet The Testers

John VanDerLaan: John tested these rods on Lake Ontario tributaries in the fall and winter. John fished the Salmon River and multiple smaller tributaries.

Fish Fishburne: Fish tested these rods on western Lake Ontario tributaries and Lake Erie tributaries. He fished Oak Orchard Creek, The Genesee River and numerous smaller tributaries.

Shawn Lentz: Shawn tested these rods on the iconic steelhead rivers of the Pacific northwest and British Columbia.

The rods below are the ones that performed the best while fishing for and fighting steelhead.

Best Steelhead Rods: Reviews And Recommendations

Best Overall: Douglas LRS Steelhead Spinning Rod 9’6” Medium Light Power, Moderate Action

Built with an ultra-light, but durable graphite/hybrid multi-modulus blank, the LRS Steelhead Spinning Rod is optimized for your favorite steelhead techniques. Choose between form-fitting high-density EVA or cork grips that provide a comfortable and secure grip—perfect for long days on the water. Braid-friendly Fuji CC Fazlite guides and quality reel seat with hidden thread maintain the rod's precision balance and durability while ensuring smooth line management.

The Douglas LRS Steelhead Spinning Rod's 9.5-foot length is a substantial advantage when it comes to casting distance and controlling powerful steelhead. The medium-light power rating allows you to handle a wide range of lure sizes effectively. A moderate action ensures that the rod flexes through the fight, minimizing the risk of lost fish due to thrown hooks.

Douglas is respected for its commitment to producing top-tier fishing gear, and the LRS Steelhead Spinning Rod doesn't disappoint. It offers superb value for its price range, delivering performance that can rival rods with much higher price tags. Not to mention you get a 5-year manufacturers warranty. At under $300 it isn’t a terribly expensive rod for the quality you get, but it may be outside of some budgets.

What We Liked

• Exceptional Sensitivity
• Versatile Design
• Comfortable Grip

What We Didn't

• Moderately pricey

The Douglas LRS Steelhead Spinning Rod is a standout choice for steelhead enthusiasts. With its unmatched sensitivity, versatility, and top-notch craftsmanship, it's a rod that lives up to its reputation. Whether you're a seasoned steelhead angler or a novice, this exceptional rod promises an exceptional and successful fishing experience. It's the staff's choice for a reason - it's simply outstanding.

Staff Favorite: St Croix Triumph Steelhead Spinning Rod 

The Triumph Steelhead Spinning Rod showcases the excellent craftsmanship that St. Croix is known for. Measuring 9-feet in length, the Triumph Spinning Rod performs impressively across a range of techniques, while providing the leverage needed for control and effective casting. Built on a high-quality SCII graphite blank with 2 coats of Flex-Coat slow cure finish, it is finely tuned to transmit even the subtlest vibrations, allowing you to detect faint nibbles. Its premium-grade cork handle offers a comfortable and secure grip, ensuring you can fish for long hours without fatigue. 

The Sea Guide Atlas performance aluminum-oxide guides with black frames give you great casting performance and the Sea Guide ECS or TCS reel seat—with eco-friendly sandblasted hood on casting models—delivers easy use and enhanced durability.

While tailored for steelhead, this rod doesn't limit you to just one species. It's equally adept at handling salmon, trout, and a variety of other freshwater and even light saltwater species. This versatility is a testament to the thoughtful design and engineering that goes into creating a St. Croix fishing rod.

What We Liked

• Great Sensitivity and performance
• Travels well (4 pieces)
• High-quality, slim aluminum-oxide guides

What We Didn't

• Limited length and power options

In the world of fishing gear, St. Croix is synonymous with quality. The Triumph Steelhead Spinning Rod offers exceptional value for its price range. While the variant options may be limited compared to other rods, it certainly doesn't skimp on performance or features. It's a great choice for a travel rod and comes with a good quality case. Both experienced anglers looking for a reliable steelhead rod and beginners seeking a rod they can grow with will love the St. Croix Triumph!

Best Float Rod: G.Loomis E6X Steelhead Rod 10’ Medium Light Power, Fast Action

For steelhead float fishing, where precision casting and line control are paramount, the G.Loomis E6X Steelhead Spinning Rod is the top-tier choice. With medium-light power, and a fast action, this rod is engineered to excel in the art of float fishing for steelhead. The 10-foot length of the E6X Steelhead Rod is a key advantage for float fishing, as it extends your casting range and enhances line control.

Handcrafted in beautiful Woodland, Washington, G.Loomis doesn't disappoint with the E6X Steelhead Spinning Rod. This rod is built on a high-quality graphite blank that combines strength with sensitivity. The ergonomic cork handle provides a non-slip grip that minimizes hand fatigue and Fuji reel seats and guides complete the rod, ensuring durability and efficient line management.

When float fishing for steelhead, where a delicate presentation is crucial, sensitivity is everything. The E6X Steelhead Spinning Rod boasts a finely tuned, multi-tapered graphite blank that maximizes sensitivity and reinforces stress points.

G.Loomis is known for its commitment to crafting top-of-the-line fishing gear. The E6X Steelhead Spinning Rod offers remarkable value for its price bracket, giving you a high-performance rod without the astronomical price tag often associated with premium fishing gear.

What We Liked

• Long casts
• Comfortable Grip
• Made in the USA

What We Didn't

• Power ratings can be off from other brands

The G.Loomis E6X Steelhead Spinning Rod is the pinnacle of performance for float fishing enthusiasts. Its unbeatable sensitivity, versatility, and exceptional craftsmanship make it the ideal choice for chasing steelhead. Power ratings can be a bit high compared to other brands, making the shopping experience a little confusing. But beyond that, this is a solid and high-performance float rod. Whether you're an experienced steelhead angler or just beginning your journey, this rod guarantees an exceptional fishing experience.

Best Centerpin Rod: Okuma Aventa Float Rod

For those who prefer centerpin fishing, especially when targeting steelhead, the Okuma Aventa Float Rod stands out as the best-in-class choice. With its precision engineering, versatile length of 13.5 feet, and medium-light power, you’ll always be ready for a strike. This rod is tailor-made for centerpin enthusiasts. Not everyone will be a fan of the long length of this float rod, but for those willing to wield it, they’ll appreciate the great backbone and performance at a great price. 

The Aventa Float Rod is built on a high-quality IM-6 graphite blank, providing optimal balance between strength and sensitivity. Quality components such as tall guides with Fuji aluminum oxide inserts and reel seats contribute to the rod's durability and smooth line management.

Centerpin fishing, with its emphasis on precise presentations and delicate drifts, relies heavily on sensitivity. The Aventa Float Rod maximizes sensitivity, enabling you to detect even the slightest of nudges and bites, ensuring you won't miss a single opportunity to connect with a lunker.

Okuma is known for offering high-quality gear at reasonable prices. The Aventa Float Rod is no exception, providing excellent value for the performance it delivers. This rod ensures you're getting top-tier performance without breaking the bank.

What We Liked

• Exceptional Sensitivity
• Versatile Design
• Precise Drifts

What We Didn't

• May be long for some anglers

The Okuma Aventa Float Rod is a great choice for budget-conscience centerpin enthusiasts targeting steelhead. With unbeatable sensitivity, versatility, and Okuma's renowned craftsmanship, it's the top pick for those looking for the challenge of steelhead fishing with a centerpin set up. Whether you're an experienced angler or just venturing into the world of  centerpin fishing, this rod will keep you pulling fish in from where you least expect it!

Best Salmon & Steelhead Rod: Lamiglass X-11 Salmon Steelhead Spinning Rod 9’6” Light Power, Moderate Fast Action

The Lamiglass X-11 Salmon Steelhead Spinning Rod is a standout choice for anglers pursuing salmon and steelhead. With a length of 9.5 feet, light power, and a moderate-fast action, this rod is designed for versatility and top-notch performance.

Constructed from a high-quality, attractive burgundy graphite blank, the X-11 offers incredible strength. The cork handle provides a secure and comfortable grip, ensuring you can fish for extended hours without discomfort. Salmon and steelhead are renowned for their powerful runs and delicate takes, so sensitivity is key. High-quality components, such as deep pressed chrome guides and exposed reel seats, contribute to the rod's sensitivity and efficient line management.

Lamiglass is known for delivering premium fishing gear, and the X-11 Salmon Steelhead Spinning Rod continues that tradition. It offers remarkable value within its price range, providing high-level performance without the exorbitant price tag often associated with top-tier fishing gear.

What We Liked

• Species-specific lengths and actions
• Exposed reel seat
• Great sensitivity

What We Didn't

• Tips can be sensitive to breakage

The Lamiglass X-11 Salmon Steelhead Spinning Rod is a great choice for anglers seeking top-tier performance and versatility when targeting these powerful species. With unbeatable sensitivity, adaptability, and Lamiglass' renowned craftsmanship, this rod is the top pick for those who demand the best when salmon and steelhead fishing. Whether you're an experienced angler or just starting your journey, this rod guarantees an exceptional and successful fishing experience at a great price.

Best Fly Rod: St. Croix Imperial Switch Fly Rod 11’ 6 Weight

Looking to fly fish for steelhead?. The St. Croix Imperial Switch Fly Rod, with its 11-foot length and 6 line weight rating will not disappoint on larger rivers.

Constructed from a proprietary blend of high-modulus SCIV and premium SCII graphite, then finished off with 2 coats of Flex Coat cure, the 4-piece Imperial Switch is made for traveling anglers and built to endure. 

Premium black-framed aluminum-oxide stripper guides, hard-chrome snake guides, and an uplocking machined-aluminum reel seat, contribute to the rod's durability and efficient line management. Plus, you’ll love how the premium-grade cork handle feels!

The 11-foot length of the Imperial Switch Fly Rod offers advantages in casting distance, line control, and mending capabilities. The fast action of this rod enables you to cast accurately and deliver your fly to the right spot, essential for hooking steelhead.

St. Croix is known for delivering high-quality gear, and the Imperial Switch Fly Rod lives up to that reputation. The Imperial isn’t the most expensive fly rod, but the price is certainly elevated compared to budget fly rods. However, it offers excellent value within its price range, providing top-tier performance without the exorbitant price tag often associated with premium fly rods.

What We Liked

• Highly durable
• Comfortable Grip
• Precise Casts

What We Didn't

• A bit spendy

The St. Croix Imperial Switch Fly Rod is a great choice for fly anglers pursuing these elusive fish. With its unbeatable sensitivity, durability, and St. Croix's renowned craftsmanship, this fly rod is the top pick for those who seek excellence in steelhead fly fishing. Whether you're an experienced angler or just beginning your fly fishing journey, this rod guarantees an exceptional and successful fishing experience.

Best Spey Rod: Sage Igniter Spey Rod 13’6” 8 Weight

If you’re looking to employ traditional Celtic spey casting techniques for salmonids, here’s your rod—but it doesn’t come cheap! The Sage Igniter Spey Rod, with its impressive 13.5-foot length, is a top-of-the-line, premium quality rod that excels at pursuing steelhead in challenging conditions like strong headwinds.

Sage is a name synonymous with exceptional fly fishing gear, and the Igniter Spey Rod more than fits the bill. Featuring KonneticHD Technology, the next era in performance graphite construction, resulting in lighter, stronger blanks which deliver unmatched recovery, energy transfer, and line/loop control. The Flor-grade, full-wells cork handle with EVA fighting butt provides a comfortable and secure grip and fulcrum for when the fight is on. 

Premium components, including Fuji ceramic stripper guides and hard-chromed snake guides, contribute to the rod's efficient line management.

The long length of the Igniter Spey Rod offers several advantages like casting distance and line control. With ultra-fast action and high-line-speed taper, this rod allows you to make long, accurate casts, which is essential when targeting steelhead in varying water conditions.

Sage is known for delivering high-quality gear, and the Igniter Spey Rod maintains that reputation. It offers remarkable value within its price range, providing top-tier performance without the exorbitant price tag often associated with premium spey rods.

What We Liked

• Long, Accurate Casts
• KonneticHD Technology for unmatched performance
• EVA fighting butt

What We Didn't

• Expensive

The Sage Igniter Spey Rod is the ultimate choice for anglers pursuing powerful salmonids like steelhead. With unbeatable sensitivity, wind-cutting performance, and Sage's renowned craftsmanship and innovative technology, this spey rod is the top pick for those who demand the best ina spey casting rod. 

Whether you're an experienced angler or just embarking on your journey, this rod guarantees an exceptional and successful fishing experience. It comes at a premium, but for the discerning angler that’s in the market for an epic spey rod—regardless of the cost—the Igniter is it. This rod is truly outstanding.

Best For The Money: Okuma SST Cork Grip Spinning Rod 9’6” Light Power Moderate Action

For anglers looking for excellent performance without breaking the bank, the Okuma SST Cork Grip Spinning Rod is an amazing deal. The SST measures 9.5 feet in length, and is a light power and moderate action rod that offers fantastic value for steelhead enthusiasts.

Okuma is known for delivering reliable fishing gear, and the SST Cork Grip Spinning Rod continues that tradition. It features a lightweight 24/30-ton low-resin carbon blank that allows for an excellent balance between power and responsiveness. 

The Premium cork fore and rear grips with rubber cork accents ensures a comfortable grip for long days on the river. Super-durable Sea Guide deep press guides with zirconium inserts reduce friction from braided lines, and are compatible with mono as well. The SST has a stainless steel hook keeper as well. 

While designed with steelhead in mind, this rod isn't limited to just one species. Its versatile design allows it to be used for various freshwater and light saltwater species and a range of fishing techniques, making it a valuable addition to your fishing arsenal.

What We Liked

• Technique/species specific
• Comfortable Grip
• Affordable

What We Didn't

• Length Consideration

The Okuma SST Cork Grip Spinning Rod is an excellent choice for budget-conscious anglers who refuse to compromise on performance. With its impressive sensitivity, versatility, and Okuma's commitment to quality, this rod ensures a successful and enjoyable steelhead fishing experience.The Okuma SST proves that you don't need to spend a fortune to have a top-tier fishing rod. It's an outstanding value.

Best Under $100: Ugly Stik Elite Salmon Steelhead Spinning Rod 9’ Medium Power, Moderate fast Action

Ah, the world-renowned Ugly Stik. For budget-conscious anglers who want a reliable rod for steelhead fishing without breaking the bank, the Ugly Stik Elite Salmon Steelhead Spinning Rod is an outstanding choice! With a 9-foot length, medium power, and moderate-fast action, this rod offers superb value under $100.

The Ugly Stik name is synonymous with durability and affordability, and the Elite Salmon Steelhead Spinning Rod is no exception. Built with 35% more graphite than the GX2 Ugly Siks, it features a resilient graphite and fiberglass composite blank, providing both strength and sensitivity. The rod is outfitted with Ugly Stik's signature clear tip design and the Ugly Tuff one-piece stainless steel guides ensure smooth line flow.

Conventional style reel seats with cushioned stainless steel hoods hold the reel in place, and the premium cork grip provides a secure hold in the wettest conditions. While designed for steelhead, this rod is versatile enough for use with other freshwater species and a variety of fishing techniques, making it a valuable addition to your fishing gear.

The Ugly Stik Elite Salmon Steelhead Spinning Rod is a remarkable value for its price range, offering durability and performance without a hefty price tag.

What We Liked

• Budget-Friendly
• Solid Construction
• Versatile

What We Didn't

• Reel seat may not be the best

The Ugly Stik Elite Salmon Steelhead Spinning Rod is a testament to Ugly Stik's commitment to producing reliable and affordable fishing gear. It provides anglers on a budget with a dependable and versatile option for steelhead fishing. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a novice, this rod showcases that you can enjoy quality performance without the need for a substantial investment. The reel seat doesn’t seem to match up in quality with the blank but it works well. It's an incredible value for under $100.

RELATED: Are Ugly Stik Rods Good

Things To Consider When Choosing A Steelhead Rod

There are a few things that you should consider when choosing a steelhead rod.

Fishing Style (Technique)

The most important consideration is what kind of steelhead fishing are you going to do. There are some rods designed for very specific techniques, like spey rods and fly rods. Many steelhead anglers use centerpin rods and reels for float fishing, although you can float fish with a spinning rod.

Spinning rods are the most popular steelhead rods and you can cover a number of different fishing styles with a good quality spinning rod.

RELATED: Different Types Of Fishing Rods

Size Of The River You Will Be Fishing

You can catch steelhead is some incredibly small creeks and also in some giant rivers, so your choice of rod is going to depend on the river you plan to fish.

I have several steelhead rods that can cover rivers and creeks of all sizes.

If you are only going to be buying one rod for steelhead fishing, I recommend choosing a versatile rod that can be used on many different size bodies of water.

Reel Seat

During our testing, we tried out a number of rods with a slip on reel seat, like the one in the photo. None of these rods made our list, because this type of reel seat had an issue with loosening at the worst possible time, usually when we were fighting a steelhead.

During rod testing, I was lucky enough to have some tape with me, which helped me to land the steelhead below.

I recommend avoiding this type of reel seat.

Budget

The last thing to consider is how much you want to spend. I recommend buying the best rod that you can afford, but if you only plan on one steelhead fishing trip per year, you may want to consider a less expensive, durable option like the Ugly Stick.

FAQs

What size and action rod is best for steelhead and salmon fishing from the bank?

For bank fishing, consider a rod between 9 to 10.6 feet in length with a medium to medium-heavy power and fast to moderate action. This provides versatility for casting distance and effective hooksets.

What rod length is best for steelhead fishing?

The best rod length for steelhead fishing typically ranges 9 to 11 feet. This provides the necessary leverage for casting and controlling lines, especially when dealing with varied water conditions. Because of the technique involved, spey rods are typically longer—between 11.5 and 14 feet. Traditionally, they were around 22-feet long.

What is the best steelhead float rod length?

For steelhead float fishing, a rod length of around 10 to 13 feet is recommended. This longer length aids in mending the line and controlling the float, crucial for presenting bait or lures effectively to steelhead.

Why use a long rod for steelhead?

Longer rods, typically 10 feet or more, offer advantages in casting distance and line control, crucial in various steelhead fishing scenarios. The extended length also aids in mending the line and achieving better hooksets, especially in rivers with diverse currents.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, there are a number of factors to consider when choosing a steelhead rod for river fishing. From the precision of casts to the sensitivity for subtle strikes, each rod reviewed here brings a unique set of qualities. 

Whether you like the simplicity of a spinning rod or the technique of a fly rod, there’s a great option in here for you at various price points.

RELATED: Best Trout Rods

No matter which way you decide to go, the best rod for you will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and of course budget. By considering the factors outlined in this guide, you can narrow down your choices and find the perfect rod for your next steelhead fishing trip. 

Fish on!