Best Steelhead Fishing Rod

Best Steelhead Fishing Rod

If you are looking for the best steelhead fishing rod, look no further. We have compiled a list of the top-rated steelhead rods on the market, and we are sure that you will find the perfect one for your needs. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced angler, we have something for everyone. So don’t wait any longer – browse our selection and find the perfect steelhead rod today!

Best Steelhead Fishing Rod Reviews

1# Okuma Celilo Graphite Salmon/Steelhead Spinning Rod

Okuma Celilo Salmon Steelhead Spinning Rod

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Specification

Length: 9’6″
Lure Weight: 1/4 – 1/2 oz.
Line Weight: 6-12 lbs.
Power: ML
Piece: 2

Looking for a top-quality salmon or steelhead spinning rod? Look no further than Okuma’s Celilo Graphite Salmon/Steelhead Spinning Rods. These rods have been tested for reliability and quality, and are used by professionals all over the world. They’re made with sensitive graphite blanks, aluminium oxide guide inserts, and stainless steel hooded reel seats. Plus, they come with quality grade fore and rear cork grips. So if you’re looking for a great fishing experience, get yourself one of these rods!

Pros

  • Made with high-quality materials

  • Sensitive graphite blank construction

  • Aluminium oxide guide inserts

  • Stainless steel hooded reel seats

  • Quality grade fore and rear cork grips

Cons

  • Guides can be fragile

  • Cork grip can become slippery when wet

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2# St. Croix Rods Triumph Salmon & Steelhead 2-Piece Casting Rod

St. Croix Rods Triumph Steelhead Casting Rod

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Specification

Length: 8’6″
Power: M
Action: Fast
Piece: 2

Introducing the Triumph Salmon & Steelhead Casting Rod from St. Croix! This premium-quality rod is made of SCII carbon for an incredibly smooth and responsive experience, with a premium cork handle for great grip even in wet conditions.

The Sea Guide Atlas Performance guides are slim and strong, with black frames that will resist corrosion even in tough conditions. And to top it off, this rod comes with a 5-year warranty backed by the St. Croix Superstar Service. So get out there and hook into some big fish with the Triumph Salmon & Steelhead Casting Rod from St. Croix!

Pros

  • Premium quality SCII carbon

  • Premium-grade cork handle

  • Sea Guide Atlas Performance slim aluminium-oxide guides with black frames

  • Two coats of Flex-Coat slow cure finish

  • 5-year warranty backed by St. Croix Superstar Service

Cons

  • Guides may not be as durable as other rods

  • Cork handle may not be as grippy as other materials

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3# KUFA Sports IM8 Salmon Steelhead Bait Casting Fishing Rod

KUFA Sports IM8 Salmon Steelhead Fishing Rod

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Specification

Length: 8’6″, 10’6″
Line Weight: 8-17 lb., 12-25 lb., 10-25 lb.
Power: M, MH
Action: MF, M
Piece: 2

These salmon and Steelhead fishing rods are perfect for anglers who want a quality product at a great price. They’re made with IM8 graphite, making them strong yet lightweight, and they come in two pieces for easy transport. The SSRC8062M is 8’6″ long and has a medium-fast action, while the SSRC1062MH is 10’6″ long with a medium-heavy action. Both models have nine guides plus the tip, ensuring your line moves smoothly along the rod.

Pros

  • IM8 graphite makes them strong yet lightweight

  • Comes in two pieces for easy transport

  • Steelhead Fishing Rod has nine guides plus the tip

Cons

  • May be too light for some anglers

  • Only comes in two pieces

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4# Okuma Celilo Salmon/Steelhead Casting Rod

Okuma Celilo Steelhead Casting Rod

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Specification

Length: 8’6″
Lure Weight: 3/8 – 3/4 oz.
Line Weight: 10-20 lb.
Power: Medium Heavy
Action: F
Piece: 2

Looking for the perfect rod to help you reel in those big salmon and steelhead? Look no further than Okuma’s Celilo Graphite Salmon/Steelhead Casting Rod! Made with the highest quality materials, this rod is reliable and built to last. It’s also been tested by professionals worldwide, so you know it’s up to the task.

Featuring a sensitive graphite blank construction and aluminium oxide guide inserts, this rod gives you all the power you need to handle even the biggest fish. And with a quality grade fore and rear cork grip, it provides a comfortable grip even when your hands are wet. So grab yourself an Okuma Celilo Graphite Salmon/Steelhead Casting Rod today!

Pros

  • Made with the highest quality materials

  • Tested for reliability and quality

  • Used by professionals worldwide

  • Sensitive Graphite Blank Construction

  • Aluminium Oxide Guide Inserts

  • Stainless Steel Hooded Reel Seats

  • Quality Grade Fore and Rear Cork Grips

Cons

  • Might be a bit too expensive for some

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5# Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Fishing Rod Salmon/Steelhead

Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Fishing Rod Steelhead

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Specification

Length: 9′
Line Weight: 12-25 lb.
Power: Medium
Action: F
Piece: 2

Salmon and Steelhead anglers rejoice – the Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Fishing Rod has finally arrived! This rod was designed with your favourite fish in mind, offering perfect lengths and actions for either river or lake fishing. The clear tip design ensures maximum strength and sensitivity, while the ugly Tuff one-piece stainless steel guides provide unbeatable durability.

And don’t worry about those pesky insert pop-outs – our Ugly Tech construction features added graphite for extra strength and reduced weight. Plus, the conventional style reel seats come complete with cushioned stainless steel hoods. So get ready to tackle the biggest Salmon or Steelhead of your life – with the Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Fishing Rod, you can

Pros

  • A Steelhead fishing rod with perfect lengths and actions for both river and lake fishing

  • Clear tip design ensures maximum strength and sensitivity

  • One-piece stainless steel guides provide unbeatable durability

  • Ugly tuff construction is made of lightweight graphite to ensure additional sensitivity, while still maintaining its strength

Cons

  • Steelhead Fishing Rod doesn’t come in a variety of sizes

  • Steelhead fishing rod is not available in fibreglass

  • The Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Fishing Rod is not compatible with any line weight under 10lbs

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6# 13 FISHING Fate Steel Salmon/Steelhead Spinning Fishing Rod

13 FISHING Steelhead Spinning Fishing Rod

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Specification

Length: 8’6″
Line Weight: 8-17 lbs.
Power: Medium
Piece: 2

The Fate Steel rod series is perfect for experienced anglers who demand the very best in performance and quality. Featuring Japanese 30 Ton HTC 3 Blank Construction, these rods are designed to provide exceptional power and accuracy, while the soft-touch engage reel seat ensures a smooth and comfortable grip. With ALPS stainless steel guides with zirconia inserts, you can be sure your line will run smoothly without any snags or tangles. Finished with a raised ruckus attitude, the Fate Steel rods are sure to help you catch more fish than ever before!

Pros

  • Durable steelhead spinning rod

  • Built with Japanese 30 Ton HTC 3 Blank Construction

  • Comes with Evolve Soft Touch Engage Reel Seat

Cons

  • Requires a lot of experience to use properly

  • The steelhead spinning rod is not as durable as some other models

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7# Tica HLHB Alaska Salmon Steelhead Fishing Rod

Tica Salmon Steelhead Fishing Rod

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Specification

Length: 8’6″
Lure Weight: 1/2 – 1 oz.
Line Weight: 10-20 lbs.
Power: Medium Heavy
Action: Moderate Fast
Piece: 2

With its high modulus TC2 graphite material and durable blank, the TICA HLHB Alaska salmon steelhead fishing rod is perfect for reeling in those big kings. The sensitive FUJI Hardloy Ring guides make it easy to detect even the slightest nibbles, while the tough Graphite Trigger and APS reel seat ensure a smooth, sturdy fight every time.

Pros

  • Sensitive FUJI Hardloy Ring guides

  • Graphite Trigger and TICA APS reel seat

  • Steelhead Fishing Rod

  • High modulus TC2 graphite material

Cons

  • No cons

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8# Lamiglas HS710MHC Redline HS Cast Rod

Lamiglas Redline HS Cast Rod

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Specification

Length: 7’10”
Lure Weight: 1 – 5 oz.
Line Weight: 10-25 lbs.
Power: Medium/Heavy
Action: Fast
Piece: 1

Cast your line and reel in the big one with Lamiglas Redline HS Cast Rod! These handmade rods are built with a new production technique and graphite interlace system that makes them incredibly sturdy and sensitive. You’ll love the composite graphite handles, which ensure extreme durability and longevity. So pull out your tackle box and get ready to fish!

Pros

  • Handmade with a new production technique and graphite interlace system

  • Extreme durability and longevity

  • Composite graphite handles

Cons

  • No cons

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9# Phenix Cicada Salmon & Steelhead Spinning Rod

Phenix Cicada Steelhead Spinning Rod

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Specification

Length: 10′
Line Weight: 10-30 lb.
Action: Mod-Fast

Phenix has outdone themselves with this Cicada Salmon & Steelhead Spinning Rod! Featuring Fuji TDPS & DPS reel seats, Phenix custom design cork handle, and premium Essex SiC guides, this 2pc break-down rod is sure to last.

Pros

  • Phenix custom design cork handle

  • It features Fuji TDPS & DPS reel seats, premium Essex SiC guides, and 2pc break-down capability for easy transportation from spot to spot on the river!

  • The 40T composite material gives the feeling of strength as well as beauty with this rod!

Cons

  • Steelhead Fishing Rod does not stand up well to saltwater fishing

  • Steelhead Fishing Rods come in 2 pieces, which can be hard to carry and assemble

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10# Sougayilang Fishing Rod Cork Handle Crappie Spinning Fishing Rod

Sougayilang Crappie Spinning Fishing Rod

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Specification

Length: 6’0″
Power: L
Piece: 2

Looking for a top-quality fishing rod that is both sensitive and lightweight? Look no further than the Sougayilang Graphite Lightweight 2 Piece Spinning Fishing Rod! Featuring sensitive graphite composite blanks, comfortable cork grips, and ultra-light actions, this trout fishing rod is perfect for anglers of all ages and experience levels. Plus, it’s made to be reliable and durable – so you can count on it to last for years to come.

Pros

  • Steelhead Fishing Rod

  • Sensitive Graphite Composite Blanks

  • Hybrid design construction for unmatched sensitivity with the security of through handle construction

  • Fore and Rear Cork Grips

  • Improves sensitivity

  • Ultra Lightweight Trout fishing rod

Cons

  • None

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11# Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod

Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod

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Specification

Length: 5′, 5’6″, 6′, 6’6″, 7′, 9′
Lure Weight: 1/8 – 1/2 oz., 1/8 – 5/8 oz., 1/4 – 3/4 oz., 1/8 – 3/4 oz., 1/32 – 1/4 oz.
Line Weight: 4-10 lbs., 6-15 lbs., 8-20 lbs., 4-20 lbs., 2-6 lbs.
Power: Light, Medium, Medium Heavy, Ultra Light
Action: Fast, Moderate, Moderate Fast
Piece: 1, 2

The Ugly Stik GX2 spinning rod is perfect for anglers who demand the strength and reliability of Ugly Stik combined with added features that improve performance and durability. This unique rod is constructed with Ugly Tech, which combines fibreglass and graphite in exactly the right proportions to yield a blank that is sensitive, lightweight, and virtually unbreakable. The Ugly Tuff™ guides feature 1-piece stainless steel inserts; crazy slick and practically bulletproof, they ensure that line feeds through and runs back freely. Finished off with Ugly Stik’s signature clear fibreglass tip, this rod is sure to become your go-to choice for serious angling.

Pros

  • Fiberglass and graphite blank combined for sensitive, lightweight, virtually unbreakable rod

  • Stainless steel inserts ensure the line feeds through and runs back freely

  • Steelhead Fishing Rods. The durable yet sensitive tip will protect hands from scratches while shaking fish loose from the net during a fight

Cons

  • The fibreglass and graphite blank could be more sensitive

  • The clear fibreglass tip is prone to breaking

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12# Berkley Lightning Rod Spinning Rod

Berkley Spinning Rod BSLR

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Specification

Length: 5′, 5’6″, 6′, 6’6″, 7′
Lure Weight: 1/32 – 1/4 oz., 1/16 – 3/8 oz., 1/4 – 5/8 oz., 3/8 – 3/4 oz.
Line Weight: 2-6 lbs., 4-8 lbs., 6-12 lbs., 8-14 lbs., 10-17 lbs.
Power: Light, Medium, Medium Heavy, Medium Light, Ultra Light
Action: Moderate, Moderate Fast, Fast, Extra Fast
Piece: 1, 2

This all-purpose spinning rod is perfect for a variety of fishing applications. The graphite blank is strong and lightweight, while the stainless steel guides and aluminium oxide inserts resist corrosion and help ensure smooth line flow. The double-locking reel seat keeps your reel in place, while the rubberized cork handle provides comfort and control. Choose from a range of actions and lengths to get the perfect rod for your next fishing trip.

Pros

  • Steelhead Fishing Rod is strong and lightweight

  • Steelhead Fishing Rod is available in a range of lengths to suit your needs

  • The Fishing Rod has a ribbed handle for improved grip

  • The Fishing Rod has stainless steel guides that resist corrosion and aluminium oxide inserts that help ensure smooth line flow

Cons

  • Steelhead Fishing Rod is expensive

  • Steelhead Fishing Rod is heavy

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13# Shimano Teramar Southeast Spinning Rod

Shimano Teramar Southeast Spin Rod

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Specification

Length: 6’6″, 7′, 7’4″, 7’6″, 7’10”, 8′
Lure Weight: 1/8 – 1/2 oz., 3/8 – 1 oz., 1/4 – 5/8 oz., 1/2 – 2 oz., 1/4 – 3/4 oz., 1/4 – 1/2 oz., 1/2 – 1-1/2 oz., 1/4 – 1 oz., 1 – 1-1/2 oz., 3/4 – 3 oz., 2 – 5 oz.
Line Weight: 6-12 lbs., 8-17 lbs., 6-15 lbs., 15-30 lbs., 6-17 lbs., 10-20 lbs., 15-40 lbs., 20-40 lbs.
Power: Medium, Medium Heavy, Medium Light, Heavy, X Heavy, XX Heavy
Action: Moderate Fast, Fast, Extra Fast
Piece: 1

Shimano Teramar Southeast Spinning Rods are perfect for beginner anglers or those looking for a highly responsive, easy-to-use rod. Featuring a TC4 blank construction with Fuji New Concept Hardloy guides and Grade A cork handles, these rods are designed to provide a crisp and dynamic action that will help you land fish with ease.

Pros

  • TC4 blank construction with Fuji New Concept Hardloy guides and Grade A cork handles

  • Offers a crisp and dynamic action

  • Comes in a variety of lengths

  • Beautifully balanced Shimano®Teramar™ inshore rods

Cons

  • The rod is fairly long

  • Steelhead Fishing Rods are not suitable for experienced fishermen

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14# Fenwick HMX Spinning Rod

Fenwick Spinning Rod HMX

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Specification

Length: 5’6″, 6’6″, 7′
Lure Weight: 1/32 – 1/4 oz., 1/8 – 5/8 oz., 1/4 – 3/4 oz., 3/8 – 1 oz.
Line Weight: 1-6 lbs., 4-10 lbs., 10-17 lbs., 8-14 lbs.
Power: Medium, Medium Heavy, Medium Light, Ultra Light
Action: Moderate Fast, Fast
Piece: 2, 1

The Fenwick HMX Spinning Rod is perfect for anglers looking for an action that is responsive and strong. The blanks are made of smooth intermediate modulus carbon fibre, which makes them a great choice for fishing in all weather conditions. The Sea Guide stainless steel guide frames with Zirconium oxide inserts help to reduce weight and line friction, while the TAC and cork handle provides maximum comfort and control.

Pros

  • Exceptional action with great sensitivity

  • Modulus carbon fibre blank construction

  • Sea Guide stainless steel guide frames

  • Zirconium oxide inserts

  • TAC and cork handle

Cons

  • May be too stiff for some anglers

  • Guides may not be durable enough

  • Cork handle may not be comfortable for all

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FAQ

How do you use a steelhead rod?
Steelhead rods are meant to be sensitive and strong, with the ability to use gear for both small bait fishing as well as lure casting. Steelhead rods are typically longer than other baitcasting rods to make long casts with heavy lures. Steelheads range from 33-40 inches in length, but can grow up to 50-60 pounds or larger! The action should be medium-fast or faster because Steelheads often dive deep into lanes of slack water behind river dams before making a powerful run upstream. When steelhead, your goal is usually just one bite – so you want just enough pressure on the line without spooking the fish by putting too much pressure on it. You won’t need anything more than 14 lb test monofil.
How do I choose a steelhead rod?
Steelhead rods come in a variety of lengths, actions and power levels. To choose the best steelhead rod for you, you need to first determine what fish you will be targeting with your new rod. Steelheads are a species of trout that can be found living in both salt and fresh water. Because they can be caught in both environments, it’s important that you select a rod that is versatile enough to handle both types of fishing.

Once you’ve determined the species of fish you will be targeting, it’s time to decide what type of fishing you will most often be doing with your new steelhead rod. If the majority of your fishing will take place in streams and rivers, then you’ll want to focus on selecting a fast action.

What makes a good steelhead rod?
When it comes to finding the best steelhead rod for the money, there are a few key factors you’ll want to take into consideration.

The first is action. Steelhead rods typically come in either fast or slow action. Fast action rods are great for casting larger lures and baits, while slow action rods are perfect for finesse techniques and smaller baits.

The next thing to consider is power. Steelhead rods come in a variety of power ratings, so you’ll want to choose one that can handle the size of fish you’re targeting.

Finally, you’ll also want to consider the length and weight of the rod.

Why are steelhead rods so long?
Steelhead rods are long because they need to be in order to cast the weight of a metal lure a long distance. They also need to be strong enough to handle the fighting power of a steelhead.
What is the best time to fish for steelhead?
Steelhead can be found in many waterways throughout North America, so the best time to fish for them really depends on where you are located. In general, fall is the best time to fish for steelhead in most areas, as they have migrated downstream to spawning grounds. However, some anglers find success fishing for steelhead in winter and spring as well.

Conclusion

Steelhead Fishing Rods come in all shapes and sizes, so it can be hard to determine which one is the best for you. In this article, we’ve outlined some of the top-rated Steelhead Fishing Rods on the market and given a buyer’s guide to help you choose the right one for your needs. We hope that this information will help make your next fishing trip a success!

Sergio Smirnoff
Sergio Smirnoff
Professional fisherman with 40+ years of experience.
Fishing and the ocean is a passion of my life. I am passionate about all kinds of sea fishing: fishing from the shore (spinning, float, baitcasting), from a boat, and spearfishing day and night.

I live in Tenerife (Canary Islands) for the last 10+ years and share my daily fishing experiences on my website. Many years of personal experience as a fisherman and the vast experience of my friends allow me to write professionally on any fishing topics (from choosing a flashlight and equipment to deep-sea fishing).

All of my advice is based on practical real-world experience and will be useful to both novice anglers and professionals. Read more about the author.

Affiliate Disclosure: FishReeler.com sometimes gets paid for listings, through sponsors or affiliate programs like Amazon, Ebay, Cabelas, Bass Pro Shop, Shimano, Daiwa, Rapala, Renn, Okuma, KastKing, etс. Clicking a link helps keep FishReeler.com free, at no extra cost to you!

About the author: Each article is verified by the fishing expert Sergio Smirnoff. The articles are written by professional and amateur fishermen with 20+ years of fishing experience.

Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency. The articles are for informational purposes only, share your opinions in the comments and join the fishing discussions, let's share our fishing experiences together!

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