Fly Fishing Gear for the Trask River in Oregon

Photo Courtesy of
Dennis McCarthy

Fly Fishing Gear for the Trask River Oregon
Steelhead, Chinook and Coho Salmon and native Cutthroat trout fishing on the Trask River
each requires different fly fishing gear and tackle.

Fly Lines:
For steelhead fishing we recommend 8 or 9 weight floating, sinking-tip lines and shooting
heads of various densities. For salmon you should have fly lines that are 6 to 8 weight,
intermediate, sinking tip and sinking fly lines. The Cutthroats require 4 to 6 weight floating,
intermediate and sinking tip fly lines.

Fly Rods:
For the Trask River Steelhead, you should use a 8 to 9 weight fly rod of a medium fast to fast
action. Single and two-handed fly rods work well, depending on your preferences. The
Salmon fly rod could be a 6, 7 or 8 weight fly rod, depending on the fly line your are using
and your personal preferences. The rods should be at least 9 foot in length in a medium to
medium fast action. The cutthroat trout fly rods could range from a 4 to a 6 weight, in lengths
9 foot and longer.. You would want the heavier rods for sinking lines. Medium fast to fast
actions work best in our opinion.

Fly Reels:
The fly reels will range from a 4 weight fly reel all the way up to a 9 weight, depending on
which species of fish you are after and the size of the fly line you are using. Whichever fly
reel size you are using should have a good drag. Disc drags are normally the best types but
there are others. Just don't skimp on the quality of your fly reel when it comes to handling big
fish.

Leader:
The leaders for the steelhead should be in the 0X range. The length of the leader depends
on the particular fly you are using, not only for the steelhead but also the salmon and
cutthroat.

Most anglers prefer a 7 to 9 foot length. The salmon leaders should range between 0X and
2X. They too should range from 7 to 9 feet in length. The cutthroat trout leaders should 3X or
4X leaders in a 9 foot length. Leaders for spey rods should be from 10 to 15 feet, depending
on the rod length.

Tippet:
Tippet for the steelhead should be in the 0X size. The size depends greatly on the leader
size and particular fly you are using. I suggest you have spare tippet material ranging from
0X down to 4X.

Waders:
Waders are recommended for the Trask River even though you may be fishing from a drift
boat.

Wading Boots:
Wading boots with either cleats, rubber or felt soles will work.

Landing Net::
You should have a landing net and it should be large. An area of about 15 by 20 inches is
preferred. The length should be around 30 inches.

Flies:
We prefer our own "Perfect Flies" for the native cutthroat in the Trash River. They are the
most realistic imitations of aquatic insects and other trout foods you can buy. If you haven't
already tried them, we encourage you to do so. You won't be disappointed.

Standard steelhead and salmon flies should be effective for these species.