Spey Fishing
$475
Curious about spey fishing? Our half-day guided trip is designed as an introduction to this unique and rewarding fly fishing technique. It’s perfect for anglers looking to explore a new style—whether your focus is on trout (trout spey) or larger species like steelhead and salmon.
This trip emphasizes hands-on learning. We’ll take you to ideal spots and walk you through the fundamentals of spey casting, gear setup, and presentation techniques. No prior experience required—just bring your curiosity!
What is Spey Fishing?
Spey fishing is a fly fishing method that originated on Scotland’s Spey River. It uses longer, two-handed rods—typically 12 to 15 feet—and a casting style that doesn’t require a traditional back cast. Instead, spey casting uses water tension to load the rod and generate powerful roll-style casts, making it ideal for large rivers or areas with limited backcasting room.
Key Benefits:
- Two-Handed Casting: Allows for smooth, powerful casts with minimal effort.
- Ideal for Tight Spaces: No backcast needed, great for wooded or overgrown banks.
- Efficient Coverage: Perfect for covering broad stretches of river efficiently.
- Versatile Line Options: Can be fished with floating or sinking lines.
- Popular for Salmon & Steelhead: Especially effective for targeting large, migratory fish.
What is Trout Spey?
Trout spey is a lighter, more accessible version of traditional spey fishing, adapted for targeting trout in larger rivers. It uses shorter two-handed rods (10–12 feet) and is known for its relaxed rhythm and fun, highly visual takes.
Why Try Trout Spey?
- Lighter Gear: Easier on the arms, perfect for longer days on the water.
- Swinging Flies: Present flies downstream and let them swing across the current—trout often strike aggressively.
- Less Physical Effort: Fish often hook themselves—ideal for beginners.
- Highly Versatile: Effective with streamers, wet flies, and nymphs in a variety of river conditions.
Pro Tip from Our Guides: Don’t overcast—most trout are closer than you think!
Trip Highlights:
- Half-day guided instruction on spey or trout spey
- All skill levels welcome—especially beginners
- Ideal for learning gear setup, casting techniques, and river reading
- Great add-on to a multi-day adventure or standalone session
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
Target Seasons & Species
Spey fishing is a popular technique for targeting large, migratory species like salmon and steelhead. For anglers interested in a lighter, more accessible option, trout spey offers a variation specifically adapted for catching trout in larger rivers.
Where We Fish
Spey Rivers We Guide On:
Trout Spey Rivers We Guide On:
What's Included
Our trips include instruction and guidance, along with all the fishing gear you’ll need—rods, reels, lines, flies, leaders, tippet, split shot, indicators, and other basic supplies. Water, Gatorade, and snacks are provided, and lunch is included for two anglers on full-day trips.
- Instruction and Guidance
- Rods, reels, lines and all terminal tackle. This includes flies, leaders, tippet, split shot, indicators and any other expendable amenities needed for the day.
- Water / gatorade, snacks
- Lunch for 2 anglers in included on full days
What To Bring
Please remember to bring your valid California fishing license, including a Steelhead Report Card, as well as appropriate clothing for the day. This includes waders, boots, and any personal gear you may need—such as rain gear, sunscreen, gloves, or layered clothing for changing weather conditions.
You’ll need to arrange your own transportation – most anglers drive to the take-out point the morning of the trip. If you prefer not to shuttle your own vehicle, we can arrange a shuttle service in advance for an additional fee.
We’ll provide water, Gatorade, and food, but you’re welcome to bring your own snacks or drinks, including beer, wine, or cider.
Lastly, gratuities are not included in the trip price but are greatly appreciated. A customary tip is 20% of the trip cost.
- Valid California fishing license, including a Steelhead Report Card
- Waders
- Boots
- Weather gear (rain gear, sunscreen, gloves etc.)
- Transportation. If a shuttle service is desired, it can be arranged in advance of the trip for an additional charge.
- Alcoholic Beverages: This includes un-distilled fermented beverages such as beer, wine, and cider.
- Gratuities: if you are inclined to tip your guide, 20% is customary.
- Please no studded boots for our drift boats
Spey Fishing FAQs
Have a question? We've got answers. If you do not see your question answered below, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Do we need a fishing license?
Do we have to bring fishing gear?
Where do we meet?
Can we keep the fish?
Do you require a deposit?
What if we need to reschedule?
What if we need to cancel?
What if there is bad weather?
Other Trips
Lower Sacramento Fly Fishing
Fishing the Upper Sacramento River
Trinity River Fishing
Fishing the Klamath River
McCloud River Fly Fishing
Sundial Drift Package
American River Fly Fishing Guides
