Sage Trout Spey HD - A Comprehensive Review

Sage Trout Spey HD
The Trout Spey game has been gaining steam across the country.  Two-hand rods downsized to fit trout applications provide the off-season fix for salmon and steelhead anglers, and a fun new approach for your average fly-fisherman.  While typically seen as streamer rods, trout speys are extremely versatile, and can be set up to fish a variety of different situations from dries to nymphs and wets.
 
For the past few years, the Sage One held the lead as perhaps the best trout spey on the market.  Being one of our favorite rods at the shop, we were looking forward to see what Sage was going to come out with to replace the One.  A quick preview of the Trout Spey HD during our June event revealed a rod that not only met but exceeded our expectations.

Sage’s new Trout Spey HD truly represents the benefits and advancements found within Sage’s Konnetic HD technology.  The higher density composite results in a rod that is lighter, more sensitive, and more responsive than the One.  Not only does the rod excel in performance, but it looks great as well.  The conifer blank matched with dijon wraps, vera wood insert reel seat, and cork inlays pays homage to rods of Sage’s past.  Available in five different models, ranging from 1wt through 4wt, there is a rod suitable for every situation. 
 
Model Review
1109-4  10’9” 1wt
The perfect light trout rod.  Great for wet flies, light nymphs, and dries.  A blast on smaller fish, but still holds plenty of power for your average and larger than average trout.  We like the 1wt when fishing small dries on light tippets even to big, wary trout.   
Line Recommendations:

• Scandi: Sci-Angler Spey Lite 150-210gn
• Skagit: OPST Commando 175-225gn
  

                       Rio InTouch Skagit Trout Spey Head #1/2 200gn
​                       Airflo Skagit Scout 180-210gn
 
2109-4 10’9” 2wt
Our favorite all-round trout spey.  Stronger than you’d think, the 2wt is perfect for wet flies, nymphs, dries, and small-medium sized streamers.  The 2wt is our rod of choice on the Delaware river system, capable of landing large fish while still possessing enough softness in the tip to protect light tippets.
Line Recommendations:

• Scandi: Sci-Angler Spey Lite 210-270gn 
  

                       Beulah Elixir Switch 250gn
                       Rio InTouch Trout Spey #2

• Skagit:  OPST Commando 200-275                                                                                                            Rio InTouch Skagit Trout Spey #2                                                                                                        Airflo Skagit Scout 210-270gn

 
3103-4 10’3” 3wt
The perfect rod for tighter streams or tossing shorter skagit heads with streamers.  Great for single-hand casting as well, and suitable for larger trout and bass.  We like the short 3wt for smaller streams where large trout are present. 
Line Recommendations:

• Scandi: Sci-Angler Spey Lite 240-300gn

​                       Beulah Elixir Switch 275gn
                       Rio InTouch Trout Spey #3

• Skagit:  OPST Commando 225-300 

                        Rio InTouch Skagit Trout Spey #3
                        Airflo Skagit Scout 240-300gn
 
3110-4 11’0” 3wt
A great all-round rod for larger nymphs, medium sized streamers, and large dries.  Good for average sized trout and larger, and for bass as well.  We like this 3wt for general purpose streamers for trout and bass.
Line Recommendations:

• Scandi: Sci-Angler Spey Lite 240-300gn

​                       Beulah Elixir Switch 275gn
                       Rio InTouch Trout Spey #3

• Skagit:  OPST Commando 225-300

​                        Rio InTouch Skagit Trout Spey #3
                        Airflo Skagit Scout 240-300gn


4113-4 11’3” 4wt
A great rod for those hunting larger fish, or for when the water is up and streamers are the name of the game.  Matched with a short skagit head, sink tips and larger streamers are no problem for the 4wt.  We like the 4wt during higher water or when throwing bigger, heavier streamers for larger fish. 
Line Recommendations:

• Scandi: Sci-Angler Spey Lite 270-330gn

                       Beulah Elixir Switch 300gn
                       Rio InTouch Trout Spey #4

• Skagit:  OPST Commando 275-350

​                        Rio InTouch Skagit Trout Spey #4
                        Airflo Skagit Scout 270-330gn

Sage Trout Spey HD