Best Steelhead Fishing Rods of 2025

Paul Tilton Avatar
Paul Tilton
Last Updated: Jan 3, 2025

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Steelhead fishing rods are a must-have for any angler looking to catch steelhead trout. These rods are specially designed to handle the power and strength of these elusive fish. With a variety of lengths and actions available, anglers can choose the perfect rod for their preferred fishing style. Whether you prefer to fish from the shore or in a boat, steelhead fishing rods are versatile enough to handle any situation. Made from high-quality materials, these rods offer durability and reliability for years to come. Overall, steelhead fishing rods are a great investment for any serious angler looking to up their game.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Ugly Stik Elite Salmon/Steelhead Spinning Fishing Rod Cover #TOP 1
Ugly Stik Elite Salmon/Steelhead Spinning Fishing Rod
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Okuma Celilo Graphite Rod CE-S-862Mb Cover #TOP 2
Okuma Celilo Graphite Rod CE-S-862Mb
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Okuma Celilo Graphite Rods CE-S-902MHb Cover #TOP 3
Okuma Celilo Graphite Rods CE-S-902MHb
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Steelhead Fishing Rods

#TOP 1

Ugly Stik Elite Salmon/Steelhead Spinning Fishing Rod

USESSP902M
Multi
9' - Medium - 2pc
Ugly Stik Elite Salmon/Steelhead Spinning Fishing Rod Cover
Shakespeare Ugly Stik 9’ Elite Salmon/Steelhead Spinning Rod, Two Piece Salmon/Steelhead Rod, 8-14lb Line Rating, Medium Rod Power, Medium Fast Action, 3/8-3/4 oz. Lure Rating

This fishing rod is designed with perfect lengths and actions for Salmon and Steelhead fishing. It features Ugly stik clear tip design that delivers extra strength where you need it. The Ugly Tech construction with added graphite provides lighter weight and increased sensitivity. The Ugly tuff one piece stainless steel guides ensure maximum durability and eliminate insert pop-outs. The conventional style reel seats with cushioned stainless steel Hoods provide comfort while using the rod.

What We Like
Extra strength design
Lightweight and sensitive construction
Durable stainless-steel guides

Okuma Celilo Graphite Rod CE-S-862Mb

OKUCES862MB
Black
8'6"
Okuma Celilo Graphite Rod CE-S-862Mb Cover
Okuma Celilo Salmon and Steelhead Lightweight Graphite Rods, CE-S-862Mb, Black

The Okuma Celilo Rod is designed for serious anglers who appreciate sensitivity and strength. The sensitive graphite composite construction allows you to feel even the slightest bites, enhancing your fishing experience. Its UFR-II technology provides added flexibility and durability at the tip, ensuring that you can handle larger catches with ease. The titanium oxide guide inserts help reduce friction, allowing for smoother line flow. Additionally, the robust stainless steel reel seat hoods guarantee a secure fit for your reel, giving you peace of mind while you fish.

What We Like
Sensitive graphite construction
Ultimate Flex Reinforcement tip
Titanium oxide guides
Durable stainless steel reel seat
#TOP 3

Okuma Celilo Graphite Rods CE-S-902MHb

OKUCES902MHB
Black
Okuma Celilo Graphite Rods CE-S-902MHb Cover
Okuma Celilo Salmon and Steelhead Lightweight Graphite Rods, CE-S-902MHb, Black

The Okuma Celilo Rods are designed with sensitive graphite composite blanks, which help you feel even the slightest bites, enhancing your fishing experience. The UFR-II technology provides extra flexibility at the tip, allowing for improved casting and better hook sets. With titanium oxide guide inserts, these rods offer durability and reduce line friction, making your casts smoother. The stainless steel reel seat hoods ensure a secure attachment for your reel, giving you confidence while fishing. Together, these features make the Okuma Celilo Rods a reliable choice for anglers looking to improve their performance on the water.

What We Like
Sensitive bite detection
Enhanced casting performance
Durable guide inserts
Secure reel attachment

Okuma Celilo CE-S-962MLb Fishing Rod

OKUCES962MLB
Black
9'6"
Okuma Celilo CE-S-962MLb Fishing Rod Cover
Okuma Celilo Salmon and Steelhead Lightweight Graphite Rods, CE-S-962MLb, Black

The Okuma Celilo Fishing Rod is designed for anglers who appreciate sensitivity and strength. With its sensitive graphite composite rod blanks, you can feel even the slightest nibble, improving your chances of a successful catch. The UFR-II Ultimate Flex Reinforcement tip technology enhances durability, allowing you to handle larger fish without worry. Titanium oxide guide inserts reduce friction, ensuring smooth line movement and casting. Plus, the sturdy stainless steel reel seat hoods provide a secure fit for your reel, giving you confidence while fishing. This rod combines advanced features to enhance your fishing experience.

What We Like
Sensitive graphite construction
Durable tip technology
Smooth line movement
Secure reel seat
#TOP 5

Okuma Celilo Graphite Salmon/Steelhead Spinning Rods

CE-S-962MLa
Green
Okuma Celilo Graphite Salmon/Steelhead Spinning Rods Cover
Okuma Celilo Graphite Salmon/Steelhead Spinning Rods, CE-S-962MLa, Green, 9-Feet 6-Inch, Medium Light

Okuma Celilo Graphite Salmon/Steelhead Spinning Rods are made of high-quality materials and tested for reliability and quality. They are preferred by professional anglers worldwide. The rod features a sensitive graphite blank construction, aluminum oxide guide inserts, stainless steel hooded reel seats, and quality grade cork grips. It has a 9'6'' medium-light action with a 6-12lb line rating, making it perfect for salmon and steelhead fishing.

What We Like
High-quality materials
Sensitive graphite blank construction
Stainless steel hooded reel seats
#TOP 6

Okuma Celilo Fishing Rod CE-S-1002MLb

OKUCES1002MLB
Black
Okuma Celilo Fishing Rod CE-S-1002MLb Cover
Okuma Celilo Salmon and Steelhead Lightweight Graphite Rods, CE-S-1002MLb

The Okuma Celilo Rod is designed for anglers who value sensitivity and strength. Its graphite composite construction allows you to feel even the slightest nibble, enhancing your fishing experience. With UFR-II technology, the tip is reinforced for added durability, ensuring it can handle tough catches. The titanium oxide guide inserts provide smooth line movement, reducing friction and wear. Additionally, the stainless steel reel seat hoods offer reliable performance, keeping your reel securely in place. This combination of features makes the Okuma Celilo Rod a great choice for serious fishermen.

What We Like
Sensitive graphite construction
Reinforced tip for durability
Smooth line movement
Secure reel seat
#TOP 7

St. Croix Triumph Salmon & Steelhead Casting Rod

TRSS106ULS2
Deep Run Blue
10'6"
St. Croix Triumph Salmon & Steelhead Casting Rod Cover
St. Croix Rods Triumph Salmon & Steelhead 2-Piece Casting Rod, Deep Run Blue, 10'6"

The St. Croix Triumph Salmon & Steelhead 2-Piece Casting Rod is made of premium quality SCII carbon and features a premium-grade cork handle, sea guide atlas performance slim aluminum-oxide guides with black frames, and two coats of flex-coat slow cure finish. This rod is built for savvy anglers who want the best in performance and value.

What We Like
Premium quality SCII carbon
Premium-grade cork handle
Sea guide atlas performance slim aluminum-oxide guides with black frames
Two coats of flex-coat slow cure finish
5-year warranty backed by St. Croix Superstar Service
#TOP 8

Shakespeare Ugly Stik Elite Salmon/Steelhead Casting Fishing Rod

USESCA862MH
Multi
Shakespeare Ugly Stik Elite Salmon/Steelhead Casting Fishing Rod Cover
Ugly Stik 8’6” Elite Salmon/Steelhead Casting Rod, Two Piece Salmon/Steelhead Rod, 10-20lb Line Rating, Medium Heavy Rod Power, Medium Fast Action, 1/2-1 1/2 oz. Lure Rating

The Ugly Stik Elite Casting Rod by Shakespeare is a medium-heavy, two-piece fishing rod perfect for Salmon and Steelhead fishing. Its Ugly Stik Clear Tip design provides extra strength where it's needed, while Ugly Tech Construction adds graphite for lighter weight and increased sensitivity. The Ugly Tuff one-piece stainless steel guides provide maximum durability and eliminate insert pop-outs. The conventional style reel seats with cushioned stainless steel hoods provide a comfortable grip. With these features, the Ugly Stik Elite Casting Rod allows you to cast with precision and accuracy, detect even the slightest bite, and fight the biggest fish with ease.

What We Like
Durable stainless steel guides
Increased sensitivity
Comfortable grip
#TOP 9

Okuma Celilo Graphite Fishing Rod

OKUCEC962MLB
Black
9'6"
Okuma Celilo Graphite Fishing Rod Cover
Okuma Celilo Salmon and Steelhead Lightweight Graphite Rods, CE-C-962MLb, Black

The Okuma Celilo Rod is designed for anglers who value sensitivity and performance. Its graphite composite construction helps you feel every nibble, making it easier to detect bites. The UFR-II technology enhances the tip's strength and flexibility, ensuring you can handle tough catches with confidence. With titanium oxide guide inserts, you benefit from reduced friction, allowing for smoother line movement. The durable stainless steel reel seat hoods provide stability and reliability, ensuring your reel stays securely attached while you fish. Overall, this rod combines advanced features to enhance your fishing experience.

What We Like
Sensitive to bites
Strong and flexible tip
Smooth line movement
Durable reel seat
#TOP 10

Okuma Celilo Graphite Rod CE-C-1062Hb

OKUCEC1062HB
Black
10'6"
Okuma Celilo Graphite Rod CE-C-1062Hb Cover
Okuma Celilo Salmon and Steelhead Lightweight Graphite Rods, CE-C-1062Hb,Black

The Okuma Celilo Rod is designed for anglers who seek sensitivity and performance. Its graphite composite construction allows you to feel even the slightest bites, enhancing your fishing experience. With UFR-II technology, the tip provides incredible strength and flexibility, ensuring you can handle big catches. The titanium oxide guide inserts promote smooth line flow, reducing friction and tangles. Additionally, the durable stainless steel reel seat hoods offer a secure fit for your reel, giving you confidence while casting. This combination of features makes the Okuma Celilo Rod a reliable choice for fishing enthusiasts.

What We Like
Sensitive graphite construction
Strong and flexible tip
Smooth line flow
Durable reel seat
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What kind of rod do you use for steelhead fishing?

The 9'6 medium-light, model # SST-S-962MLa might be one of the best general-purpose steelhead rods that I have used for great lakes steelhead fishing. You can cast lures or float fishing with this rod.

2. What size rod do I need for steelhead fishing?

Most steelhead fishing rods will measure between 8 feet and 11 feet in length but an all-purpose rod will measure 8.5 feet in length. Longer rods can be hard to cast in tight fishing conditions while an 8.5 foot rod provides casting ability, control and versatility. Choose a rod weight between 12 and 20 lb.

3. How long should my steelhead rod be?

The 9'6" - 10'6" range is considered classic steelhead length for bobber and jig, spinner fishing, spoons fishing, drift-fishing (bottom-bouncing) bobber-dogging, side-drifting, the list goes on.

4. Is a medium heavy rod good for steelhead?

Registered. I would say anything less than a medium heavy rod will do. If it is going to be your only drift rod for the time being, go with a medium. Enough backbone to handle pretty much any big winter fish, but will still work on summer ones too.

Editor's Notes

During our steelhead fishing rod research, we found 24 steelhead fishing rod products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 8,053 customer reviews through our big data system to write the steelhead fishing rods list. We found that most customers choose steelhead fishing rods with an average price of $60.54.

The steelhead fishing rods are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of steelhead fishing rods, including Ugly Stik, OKUMA, St. Croix Rods. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Paul Tilton Avatar

Paul Tilton is a fitness enthusiast. He doesn't like to work in front of a computer screen so he quit his job and runs a gym in Washington. He spent a lot of time on the road and has been a contributing writer for a well-known travel guide website. He is now happy to share his travel experience and professional knowledge of travel gear and fitness here.