While we didn’t have the spring time conditions we’re starting to think about, we did have a nice full day on the McKenzie. Sun was shining, mid-50’s and we even got some fish to hand.
Overall it was fairly slow but picking apart the slower water in the middle or tailout of runs proved to be the most successful. The deeper you can get your nymphs, the better. We moved some rainbows and white fish on a Jigged Girdle Bug #10 and #12, Tungsten Trout Retriever Black Lab #8 and a Sculpzilla on the end of it’s drift right as you slowly begin to retrieve it.
We found ourselves fishing the Echo Trout 9’0” 4wt. It’s a medium-fast action with a sensitive tip and as the rod goes up in weight, so does the action. It’s just a nice rod to have in your quiver, especially if you find yourself on the McKenzie. Handles a large variety of flies and is just a fun yet effective rod to fish.
The sensitive tip section and modest butt section of the Echo Trout protect your tippet but give you the backbone you need if casting larger flies or dealing with wind. We also like the semi-gloss finish on the guides that prevents any sort of line stick. The grip lets you hold the rod as you would like and the ability to add a fighting butt on the end is a nice feature.
Designed by Tim Rajeff himself, coming in as a 4 piece rod with a sock and travel tube, we just can’t recommend this rod enough.
