What Is Spey Fishing?

Spey fishing is a fly fishing technique that originated on the Spey River in Scotland. It’s primarily used to catch salmon and steelhead and involves the use of longer, two-handed fly rods, usually 12–15 feet.

The unique feature of spey casting is its reliance on water tension to load the rod and propel the line forward. Unlike traditional single-handed casting, which requires a back cast, spey casting uses a roll cast, eliminating the need for extra casting space. This makes it ideal for fishing in tight or overgrown areas.

Key Features of Spey Casting:

Two-Handed Technique: Both hands are used to perform casts.
Water Tension: The surface tension of the water helps load the rod, making it easier to cast with minimal backcasting room.
Versatility: Anglers can use floating or sinking lines.
Efficiency: Perfect for covering wide stretches of water, especially in large rivers.

Spey is popular among anglers targeting anadromous fish (Salmon & Steelhead)

What Is Trout Spey?

Trout spey fly fishing is a variation of traditional spey fishing, adapted for targeting trout. It uses shorter two-handed rods, typically 10–12 feet long, making it a more relaxed and accessible way to fish.

Key Features of Trout Spey:

Two-Handed Rods: Lighter rods designed for trout, offering ease of use longer casts.
Swinging Flies: Flies are cast downstream and allowed to swing across the current, mimicking natural baitfish or insect movements. The trout grab the fly aggressively.
Versatility: Effective in various river conditions, especially in larger rivers.
Lighter Tackle: Designed for smaller species, providing less physically demanding experience.
Ease of Use: Compatible with various fly patterns like streamers, wet flies, and nymphs based on trout feeding habits. Unlike indicator fishing, where quick hook setting is critical, trout spey often allows the fish to hook itself, requiring less effort from the angler.
Pro Tip: According to our guides, the top tip for spey casting for trout is to not cast too far, many times the fish are much closer than you think.

Trout Spey tactics are popular for its efficiency, relaxed style, and versatility in targeting trout.

Lower Sac Rainbow Trout landed during trout spey Trip — Lower Sac Rainbow Trout Landed During Trout Spey Trip

Guided Trout Spey Fly Fishing Trips

We offer full-day and half-day drift boat and walk-and-wade trips for trout spey. Most importantly, we provide all the necessary gear to help you learn this method before committing to purchasing your own equipment.

Trout Spey Rivers We Guide On:

Spey Rivers We Guide On:

Gear Recommendations:

There are endless options in the gear category however to keep this incredibly simple for the beginner we recommend one of our guided trips where all gear is provided before you make a purchase. If you have to buy something this package will get you started:
- Trout Spey Rod Set Up: Redington FIELD KIT – TROUT SPEY 4113-4
- Trout Spey Fly Assortment buy here

LEARN TROUT SPEY INTRO PACKAGE $475 (3-4 hours)

INCLUSIONS:

Instruction and Guidance
Rods, reels, lines and all terminal tackle, this includes flies, leaders, tippet, and any other expendable amenities need for the day.
Water/Gatorade, Snacks

NON-INCLUSIONS:

Not included in your guided fishing package: fishing license (regular license and steelhead report card), waders, boots, and items of a personal nature (rain gear, sunscreen, gloves etc.).
Alcoholic Beverages: beer, wine, and cider.
Gratuities: if you are inclined to tip your guide, 20% is customary.

fly fishing trout spey water — fly fishing steelhead trout swing water

fly fishing trout spey lower sacramento river — Beautiful rainbow trout landed while spey fishing Lower Sac

Lower Sac Rainbow on the Swing — A trout spey trip Lower Sac Rainbow

Questions about the Learn Trout Spey Intro Package? Get in Touch