PRO KITS | With RIO Ambassador Gray Struznik

“Choosing the right fly Spey line depends on many factors, including casting style, rod action, fly and tip selection and personal feel,” Struznik says. “The setups below reflect my preferences for winter steelheading, with a focus on Spey lines that perform best in the variable conditions we experience in and around my home-waters of Forks, WA.”

RIO ELITE SKAGIT MAX POWER | This is my go-to line for versatility. Its length and quick turn-over capabilities make it couple well with a wide range of rods and anchor-style casts. And it’s the answer for anglers looking for a forgiving all-arounder. I find it especially effective for tight casting conditions or situations requiring quick, powerful deliveries.

RIO ELITE SKAGIT MAX LAUNCH | For angler fishing in more open spaces on wider rivers, the MAX LAUNCH excels in scenarios with more uniform currents, where controlling long presentations and maintaining proper swings speeds at distance are critical. Plus the extended taper allows for better line control and less effort during a long day of fishing.

RIO SKAGIT MOW TIPS | Spey fishing, with all its rods, lines, flies, rod weights and tips, can sometimes feel overwhelming — especially for new anglers. MOW tips allow me to choose from a variety of sink rates, while adjusting to changing water depths and flows without complicating the setup. I stick to the 10’ and 12.5’ varieties, in T-8, T-11, T-14 and T-17 densities.

WALK-WADE ESSENTIALS | When I head out on a walk-wade mission for winter steelhead I’m trying to get more done with less stress. My simple formula looks like this:

• 4 flies — two light and two heavy
• 4 sink-tips — one each of T-8, T-11, T-14 and T-17
• 1 spool of 20-pound leader material
• A few replacement hooks for backup
• And... since Forks is wettest place on Earth, a good rain jacket