Oregon Lake Fishing
Complete Buyer's Guide to stillwater rods. What makes them different? (Updated 2025)
Just getting into the stillwater scene? Have you considered the importance of your rod/rods or line/lines, maybe this information will help you bring your lake game up another level or two. Our intention here is to get you going in the right direction in choosing your lake fly rod(s).
Fly fishing lakes can get more technical than one would think. Fishing lakes can seem easy enough, and you can have success with a simple approach. However, ask any serious lake fisherman and they'll tell you of a number of rods and or specialty lines they have in their arsenal to cover all the bases to effectively fish their favorite lakes.
Travis hooked up on Justesen Lakes
STILLWATER FLY RODS:
If you spend any length of time fishing lakes (Stillwater), especially from a float tube, pontoon, canoe or low to the water craft, you'll find that having a longer rod is very beneficial, for a number of reasons. Sitting low to the water presents some challenges when using shorter rods. A longer rod will help pick up the line off the water easier for your next cast easier than a shorter 8 to 9' rod. It will also help in better executed roll cast, as well as giving you greater distance when needed. The only draw back, in regards to fishing that I know of in using a longer rod is that landing fish can be a challenge and is done best with a longer handled net.
Will the 9' 5 or 6wt that you already have work for fishing lakes? Yes, it can. I've done it and have been successful, however, after using a longer 9 1/2' to 10' rod I've realized their benefits. If you like to slow troll a leech pattern on a sinking line, I prefer the 9' rod and usually have at least one 9' rod rigged up for this purpose. Ideally, I would carry at least three rods with me when fishing Stillwater lakes. One rigged for fishing an indicator line, one rigged with a sinking line for trolling or a slow retrieve of a chironomid without an indicator, and the last rod I would be rigged up for dries.
Let's take a look at a few models that have been specifically and intentionally designed for fishing in Stillwater situations. These in no way are listed in order or one favored over the other, the intention here is to simply let folks know of the options out there.
Disclaimer: As you know, you don't need a rod specifically made for fishing lakes to be successful. Any favorite rod that you may have can score fish on your favorite lake. I have even used a Trout Spey rod for indicator fishing lakes and done quite well with it. You can cover an amazing amount of area with the longer rod and not have to re-anchor as much. Just remember your longer handled net to help land those trophies. You could totally use a rod like the Sage R8 Core 9 1/2' or 10' 6wt to get the job done. The important thing is to take advantage of the length and backbone of the rod and use it to your advantage. Make it easier on yourself. In comparison, some of the Stillwater specific rods carry a more friendly price tag and make the pain in your pocket not so severe. It's your personal preference.
The Most Popular Stillwater Rod Sizes and Weights
The 5 Weights:
A 9' 5wt rod - This would be a rod to fish dry flies or maybe small streamers or small poppers along the shoreline where distance casting is not a factor but accuracy would be. The shorter 9' rod, in my opinion, is often more accurate than the longer rod models. This is also the rod that I would fish my sinking lines with. Either slow trolling or utilizing a painfully slow figure of eight hand retrieve.
A 9 1/2' to 10' 5wt rod - These would be the go to rods for any indicator fishing with Chironomids and such. The extra length allows for greater roll casts and it helps pick up the line easier when sitting low to the water in a float tube or pontoon. In addition these longer rods will cast further which in turn allows you to cover more area of water without having to re-anchor your position.
The 6 Weights:
A 9' 6wt rod - Same as description as above in the 5 weights, only beefier allowing you more control for casting in windy conditions or when casting bigger flies. These factors contribute to the 6wt as being the favored weight rod when fishing lakes. If I had to choose only one weight rod for lakes, unless the fish are giants or dinks, it would be a 6wt hands down.
A 9 1/2' to 10' 6wt rod - These lengths are far the favorite because of a few great reasons. The 9 1/2' and 10' rods are ideal for fishing from a low to the water craft such as a float tube, canoe or pontoon. The length allows you to lift the line up off the water better and it helps in making longer cast, where maybe accuracy is not an issue. A great length for fishing indicators and Chironomids with ease. When using the longer rods, it is helpful to also carry a telescopic handled net or a longer handled net to make landing your trophies easier.
A 10' 6" 6wt rod - We sell fewer of this model compared to the 9 1/2 or 10' models, but it's a nice option to have if you just want a little bit more length in the rod. Again, the benefits are the same as the description above. I think this option is a little less attractive for those anglers who are wanting a rod they can also use while nymph fishing their favorite stream. The versatility is there without getting too long. Nowadays, with the boom of Euro Nymph fishing, I think most folks would use their Euro rod over a stillwater rod when getting down and dirty in their local stream.
The 7 Weights:
A 9' 7wt rod - This rod would work well for bigger lake trout or bass, especially Large Mouth and if you need a versatile rod to serve double duty as a single hand rod for steelhead. Although If this were the case I would still prefer a 9 1/2' rod over the 9' version, especially if you plan to do any nymph fishing for steelhead.
A 9 1/2' to 10' 7wt rod - Again, same as above but with a more friendly indicator length for bigger lake trout and such. Less popular than the 6wt but if you need a rod for nymph fishing for steelhead as well, this is a go to length and weight to look at.
The 8 Weights:
A 9' 8wt rod - Repeatedly, same as above, but with an emphasis on big nasty type stuff. Fishing big streamers for big lake trout and Largemouth Bass, not to mention the all out versatility of a 9' 8wt rod. Although less popular for the average lake afishinado (spell check tried to make me change the spelling of this word, but I'm not doing it...I like this spelling better), there is still some play for this rod. Versatility is the key, especially when covering a number of different species.
A 9 1/2' to 10' 8wt rod - Hate to sound like a broken record, but yeah, same as above but this length is perfect when you are indicator fishing. It just gives you more control over the shorter rod, especially when fishing from a low to the water craft or if you use it in a river. In a river setting the longer rod just gives you control over the longer drifts and it makes mending easier.
RODS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR STILLWATER:
ECHO STILLWATER FLY ROD
Q: What's great about the Stillwater Rod?
A: This rod, with it's price point, make it a legit work horse, BUT, don't let that fool you. Although this rod shines when fishing indicators with Chironomid set ups, I'd also add that it has the back bone for trolling sinking lines and yet delicate enough at the tip to fish Callibaetis dries. This is a versatile rod that also has a weight system incorporated into the butt section to help balance the rod correctly no matter what reel you are using making the swing weight very comfortable. I know of a few folks who have used the 10' 7wt as a nymph rod for steelhead.
5 Star Rod Review From a Reel Customer:
"Echo 10' Stillwater fly rod" - "I am very pleased with this rod purchase. It met all of my expectations, of quality, appearance, weight, balance, and castability. It was as advertised. It is a great rod and comes with a reasonable, affordable price. I used it on Hebgen Lake, in Montana to cast deer hair spinners to gulpers on 12' leaders plus tippet. It handled the task effortlessly better than my Sage 9' XP and my Sage 9' SP even in windy conditions. My brother in law has 5 various 9' Echo fly rods. He is very pleased with their quality, appearance, value and castability." - by John Muse.
The ECHO Stillwater Rod, specifically and intentionally designed for fishing lakes.
The ECHO Stillwater rod comes in a 10' 5wt, 10' 6wt, 10' 7wt and a 10'6" 6wt. The 6 weight rods come in two different lengths and I believe this is due to the fact that a 6wt rod is the most popular in size for lake fishing. When it came to the designing of the Stillwater rod, Echo worked closely with expert Pete Erickson. Pete has an impressive resume which includes a Gold Medal from the 2002 ESPN Great Outdoor Games. About a decade ago or more, Pete was invited to join Tim Rajeff's Echo rod design team. All that to say that there has been considerable thought put into this rod.
ECHO LAGO ROD:
ECHO'S Lago Rod
Q: What's great about the Lago rod?
A: The ECHO Lago comes in a 10' - 5, 6 or 7wt, which are the most popular length and weight rods in general. The Lago's offers a friendly price point for someone who wants a rod that will get the job done but not cost a ton. To be fair and honest about it the Lago will feel slightly heavier than the Stillwater rod in your hand, it's crazy to think that an ounce can make that big of difference. I do like the feel of the handle on the Lago rod as I tend to be pretty picky when it comes to handles.
RODS NOT SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR STILLWATER BUT WORK VERY WELL:
SAGE R8 CORE:
SAGE'S R8 CORE - A beautiful rod that checks all the boxes.
Q: What's so great about the Sage R8 Core rod?
A: When a versatile rod is your goal, the Sage R8 Core is an outstanding option. I own this rod in a 9' 6wt with fighting butt, and would totally get one if I was in the market for a 10' version. I love how you can feel, really feel the rod load, even down to the foregrip on the handle and yet, have enough backbone to roll cast with ease. The tip recovers quickly to allow that power to transfer through the fly line all while being light in the hand and very responsive. You totally feel like you're in control.
SAGE'S R8 Core with fighting butt
For the Stillwater fisherman the Sage R8 Core comes in a 9'6" and 10' 5wt, 9'6" and 10' 6wt, 9'6" and 10' 7wt, 9'6" and 10' 8wt options and all come with fighting butts.
If you have any questions regarding the right stillwater rod choice for you, save yourself the confusion and headache and let us help walk you through the best for you and your budget. We're here to help make the process as painless for you as possible.
