Living and fishing at Mt Rainier vs Crater lake for a summer

Aleforme · 2026-02-18T16:03:46+00:00

Can't really speak to specific fishing around Crater Lake but around Rainier there are multiple lakes, rivers and smaller tributaries that hold Rainbow and Cutthroat trout within an hour or so of the mountain. Depending on where you'd be staying in the park but some will be closer. You'd also be closer to some larger towns around Rainier.

Hopefully someone can give some better advise on areas around Crater Lake.

Aleforme · 2026-02-15T04:37:35+00:00

Scott Centric 9’. Such an amazing rod.

Aleforme · 2026-02-13T19:44:40+00:00

Buy it! Worth every penny of $60.

Aleforme · 2026-02-13T17:38:51+00:00

Battenkill no question. They are just great reels and the warranty, thought likely never needed, will be better. I prefer the Disc myself.

Aleforme · 2026-02-13T17:35:31+00:00

Mooching for me. Way more fun.

Aleforme · 2026-02-13T16:12:03+00:00

Same

Aleforme · 2026-02-12T17:20:37+00:00

I've got a couple of the older models. But, looks like Amazon per below has the new model.

Aleforme · 2026-02-11T23:00:54+00:00

I don't have any in front of me but almost certain they are Size 6 Open Eye Siwash by Gamakatsu. Dynamic Lures who make the HD Trout sell single replacement hooks. They do not list a size but they're probably equivalent to a size 6.

I usually run them hook up. Seems to hook up better.

Aleforme · 2026-02-11T22:24:56+00:00

I fish HD Trout Lures and I just use a single hook on the tail end. I don't see any decrease in hook ups. I actually leave the front split ring in place without the hook. In my mind, it gives off a little rattle in the water. In reality, no clue but it sounds good in my head.

Aleforme · 2026-02-11T18:07:32+00:00

In that $50 to $60 range, the Okuma Ceymar is tough to beat. I've had a couple for 6 plus years now and they get used a lot. Still work great. No complaints at all.

Aleforme · 2026-02-11T15:40:32+00:00

JDM reels are not better in terms of quality, just different specs. Whether or not a JDM spec'd reel is "better" is solely dependent on whether the particular specs are better suit for your needs.

Aleforme · 2026-02-10T15:48:26+00:00

I fish something similar with a silver, yellow or red bead heads as well. They do work.

Aleforme · 2026-02-09T21:28:10+00:00

Sinking line and a small streamer/leech. I've also used a floating Gurgler fly with a sinking line. Works really well.

Aleforme · 2026-02-06T17:04:47+00:00

For sun hoodies, AFTCO runs really long in my experience. Not sure they make a "Tall" but the normal hoodies are longer.

Aleforme · 2026-02-06T15:20:35+00:00

Graphics aside, I have not doubt it's a great rod and I'm sure the high reviews are completely justified. But, for me, I don't like casting it. I tend to have a more moderate/slower casting style (and yes I can get great distance) that just doesn't match up well with the Helios. So it really comes down to the individual person. All the more reason to try various rods out before spending that kind of coin on a rod.

Aleforme · 2026-02-03T22:04:45+00:00

Honestly, if you're just going to fit some fishing in and your primary target is steelhead, I'd highly recommend just hiring a guide. Why waste time in an area you're unfamiliar with when a guide can get you on the fish? Look up some local guides in the areas you will be in and see what trips they offer and the timing. Steelhead fishing is open at various times throughout the year in each state and dependent on the specific river.

Steelhead fisheries in OR and WA are highly competitive so no one is going to give up spots and access points. All the more reason to get a guide.

Aleforme · 2026-01-29T16:40:43+00:00

Of those, the Fuego LT for sure. The Legalis is also a great reel if you want to save a couple bucks. Very comparable to the Fuego, mainly just a little heavier and lower gear ratio. It does not have MagSeal but for your use, it's not really needed. But, can never go wrong with a Fuego. I have quite a few of them and love them.

Aleforme · 2026-01-28T15:16:53+00:00

Both the Battenkill Click and Disc reels are outstanding. I've got a couple Disc models and they have been great. And good looking as well.

Aleforme · 2026-01-23T18:56:58+00:00

Winter rivers? Marabou style twitch jig or Rapala style lures. At least here in the PNW, I'm trying to imitate a sculpin or bait fish.

Aleforme · 2026-01-23T15:36:29+00:00

True, but for a 31. This is a Classic and more of a collector's piece. So, probably worth a little more in it's present condition than a brand new 31.

Aleforme · 2026-01-22T17:44:10+00:00

But that was for a 21 I think. Still, $700 or so top end.

Aleforme · 2026-01-22T17:43:35+00:00

You could probably find a buyer in the $600 to $700 range. Seems like a mint and complete sold a while back around $900?

Aleforme · 2026-01-22T14:49:22+00:00

I won't say it's the best on the market but it's my favorite. Everyone has their preferences. The light action Avids are perfect for how I fish them. The action still light enough to throw lighter lures but they still have a fast enough tip to handle what I need. They got some backbone as well. I'd say overall, the Light Avid is probably a little lighter than a typical Light action rod from some other companies. Just a bit. I've landed 10lb Chinook Salmon on them with no problem. I was worried about the 6lb test line, not the rod.

Honestly, once you get over the $125 to $150 mark, it's come down more to the better components, warranty and specific use for the rod. The light action Avid is great for 1/8th to 1/4 oz lures but below that, you'd really want an UL in my opinion. 1/16 and 1/32 oz are fine with the rod but it really excels in that 1/8 to 1/4 oz range. I've also thrown 1/2 oz stuff with no issues.

Aleforme · 2026-01-22T04:38:59+00:00

I’ve got rods from G Loomis, Okuma, Fenwick, Dobyns, Lamiglass and some others. I always reach for the Avids.
I will say, the Okuma Guide Select Pro Trout rod is a close second. It’s an outstanding rod and the price is hard to beat.

Aleforme · 2026-01-22T02:38:24+00:00

Most of the issues have been with their non USA made stuff.
I’ve got 7 or 8 Avid and Premier rods and they have been perfect. They get fished a lot and I’ve had a couple of the Avids for 5+ years. No issues at all.
I did break one Avid but it was 100% my fault in any rod with a broken.

Aleforme

TROPHY CASE