Short take: A lively, fast-recovery 12'6" 6-weight that makes dry-line steelheading feel easy and quick lift, crisp direction changes, and graceful presentations on a floating head.
Why do we like it?
Hyper line speed:
The 6126-4 NRX+ was designed to excel in harsh windy conditions, ie The Deschutes. If you waited for calm day you may never go.
The Reel:
There is a reason anglers love having a check style drag reel on their spey rods. When take happens you have lovely song to listen to. This isn't the prettiest or most expensive but is one of the best designed Hardys. Plenty of backing capacity, strong spring and palming rim make this fantastic spey reel.
The Head:
The Scandi Lite 390gr is powerful Scandi that can fire into the wind with relative ease. Similar to Rage, this is perfect head for Skaters and traditional hairwings. When D loop space becomes a premium, this the Scandi head I would choose.
- Dry-line native: Tracks straight and lands light; perfect for skating, waking, and soft-hackles.
- Quick recovery: Snaps tight loops in wind without feeling broom-sticky.
- Sweet “fishable” grain window: Forgiving with modern Scandi floaters and long leaders.
- All-day swing comfort: Light in hand, excellent balance with mid-size reels.
- G. Loomis NRX+ 6126-4
- Hardy Marquis Salmon II
- Scientific Anglers Scandi Lite 390gr Head
- 300 yds of 30lb backing
- Scientific Anglers Absolute Flat Mono 100ft, 42lb
- Airflo Polyleader 10ft Clear Floating
- Maxima Ultragreen 12lb mono
Who it’s for:
PNW summer/fall steelhead anglers on the Deschutes, Klickitat, John Day, Rogue, and similar flows who want a floating-line first setup that still tolerates a light poly tip when needed.
Prefer we rig it for a trip? Call 541-386-6977—we’ll line-match to your river and ship ready to fish.
G. Loomis NRX+ 6126...