Spey Rod In High Water?

[willber]

Has anyone tried using an actual spey rod when they are running a lot of water on Taney? (Not just a spey technique with a single handed rod).

I picked up a 12ft 8wt double handed spey rod at Cabelas over the winter, because it was a good deal and I have always wanted to try it.

To me this seems like a good spey rod application, but I am definetely a novice with this gear and technique, and have never seen anyone doing it at Taney.

It seems like you could cover a lot of water with a spey rod, while pinned up against the bank.

Any advice?

[TroutBum4wt]

Yes, they work great on Taney. I have a TFO Switch rod. I'm really surprized that I don't see more people with these rods since the water has been running forever at Taney.

[RSBreth]

I've thought about building a 12' or so 6- or 7-weight just for that. Haven't acquired the funding to do so yet.

[Jeremy Hunt]

Yes, they work great on Taney. I have a TFO Switch rod. I'm really surprized that I don't see more people with these rods since the water has been running forever at Taney.

How are you using yours at Taney and what are you usually throwing? I have the same one from TFO and have found a few uses for mine, but the conditions have to be right. I'm just curious, maybe we can share ideas.

[TroutBum4wt]

I mainly use the circle cast and single spey cast. Nothing too hard, just a couple of simple casts. The circle cast comes really into play when I use a weighted leader. I also use a two-handed or one-handed overhead cast when the water is low. In terms of flies, I've used everthing: dry, wet, nymph, streamer, whatever.

Never took a spey rod casting lesson, (not saying I don't need one:)I bought a DVD: Introduction to Spey with John and Amy Hazel. It's part of the Fly Fish TV "How to" Video Series. My TFO rod is a 5wt, 11', 4pc rig. I use a 7wt. line with either a floating or weighted leader. I'm clearly no pro, but I really have fun with the setup. It's really helped with dealing with the high water at Taney.

If you need spey gear or information, Google The Red Shed Fly Shop in Peck, Idaho. The owner, Poppy, really knows his stuff and is more than willing to help you.

[Jeremy Hunt]

Thanks for the info. I like using mine for big dries and swinging streamers in low water. Still have lots to learn about this whole "switch rod thing", but I'm having a blast doing different things. During the shad kill I was throwing white zoo cougars on the surface and getting some great responses. I haven't used mine for nymphing under indicator rigs yet.