What is a Skagit Line?
Simply put, a Skagit line is shorter and heavier than the usual shooting head. The idea is that while most shooting heads are around 40ft in length, Skagit lines compress the same weight into a length of around 25ft. This makes the line much thicker, heavier in ratio to its length, and therefore much more powerful when matched with a capable rod.
Because of this massive increase in power, adjustments must be made to your casting style and the components of the fly line you use. More on this later...
Why Use a Skagit Line?
A Skagit setup is capable of carrying very heavy, fast sink tips and heavy flies over great distances. If the river is swollen after heavy rainfall or snowmelt, or you suspect fish are lying deep in fast water where a standard sink tip isn’t reaching, this is the time to consider a Skagit line.
Many salmon anglers in early spring use Skagit lines because they know that in cold water, fish sit deeper and are more lethargic, unwilling to rise to a fly swinging overhead. Skagit lines with their shorter and thicker head length, can turn over tungsten sink tip and weighted flies easier and more efficiently, allowing anglers to present a fly closer to these deeper-lying fish.
How to Choose a Skagit Line
Choosing the correct Skagit line for your rod is simpler than expected. Most line manufacturers indicate the corresponding rod weight on Skagit line packaging. However, to give you a quick summary, Skagit line systems use a metric called "grain weight". This refers to the actual weight of the fly line's head. As a general rule of thumb, 1 grain equates to 0.0648 grams. This weight is crucial for matching the line to your rod, ensuring optimal casting performance.
Selecting Skagit Line Grain Weight
Match the Rod's Grain Window
Most Spey or switch rods have a recommended "grain window" provided by the manufacturer. This range indicates the optimal grain weight for the rod. For Example: A 9-weight Spey rod might have a grain window of 550–650 grains. We recommend going to the heavier end of the grain scale, this will help aid casting efficiency and distance.
So when it comes to rod length, shorter rods (11–12 feet) typically require lighter Skagit heads due to having lighter line ratings while longer rods (13–15 feet) will handle heavier grain weights due to a heavier line rating.
Still unsure? Contact us, and we’ll help you find the best match for your fly rod.
Skagit Line Grain Weight Chart
| Rod Weight | Grain Window (Approx.) | Skagit Head Grain Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 7 wt | 425–475 grains | 450–475 grains |
| 8 wt | 475–550 grains | 500–525 grains |
| 9 wt | 550–650 grains | 575–600 grains |
| 10 wt | 650–750 grains | 675–725 grains |
Skagit Tips for Early Spring Salmon
| Sink Tip Type | Sinking Rate (IPS) | Ideal Conditions | Example Scenarios |
|---|---|---|---|
| Floating Tip | 0 IPS | Shallow water, slow flows, or when fish are holding near the surface. | Clear sunny days, upstream pools, or near the head of riffles. |
| Intermediate Tip | 1-2 IPS | Moderately shallow water or when fish are holding just below the surface. | Cool, overcast days, or fishing transitional runs and tailouts. |
| Slow Sink Tip (T-8) | 6-7 IPS | Medium-depth runs or slower-moving water with moderate depth. | Fishing 4–6 feet deep runs or targeting fish that are mid-water. |
| Medium Sink Tip (T-11) | 7-8 IPS | Deeper runs and moderate currents where fish hold mid to lower water. | Fishing in 6–10 feet deep pools with steady flows. |
| Fast Sink Tip (T-14) | 8-9 IPS | Deep, fast-moving flows or holding areas with significant depth. | Early spring conditions, cold water holding pools, or deep slots. |
| Extra Fast Sink Tip (T-18) | 10 IPS | Extremely deep or fast-moving water where maximum depth is needed. | High water conditions or very cold water where salmon are near the bottom. |
Is Skagit Limited to Cold Water?
No, Skagit lines can be used year-round with the right tips. They’re suitable for various water conditions and casting situations, such as tight spaces or high banks.
Setting Up a Skagit Line
For those looking to set up a Skagit line, we’re often asked, “where on earth do you start?” Below, we have provided two diagrams that look at the setup in a bit more detail.
Components of a Skagit Line System
The componenents of Skagit system is simplicity itself, deriving of only 4 key components, below we provide you with a breakdown of each one and its job within the skagit system.
1. Backing line
The first layer on the reel; backing line, its main purpose is to provide extra line capacity and ensures the reel is optimally filled.
2. Running Line
A thin, smooth line that connects to the running line and Skagit head via loop to loop connections, the running line allows the Skagit head to "shoot" through the guides during the cast, maximizing distance and efficiency. There are two types of running line, a mono running line and a coated running line.
3. Skagit Head
The Skagit head is a short, heavy section of the line designed to load the rod and turn over sink tips and large flies. It’s the spine of the Skagit system, ensuring you can fish effectively in challenging river conditions.
4. Sink Tip
Attached to the front of the Skagit head via a loop to loop connection, the sink tip helps control the depth at which your fly is presented. Various sink rates are available to match water depth and current speed.
5. Leader
The leader is a monofilament or fluorocarbon section tied to the sink tip and fly via a loop to loop connection. It ensures a natural presentation and helps connect your fly securely to the setup.
What Else Do You Need?
To optimise your Skagit setup, consider these components:
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A selection of Skagit Tips: Tips balance the power of a Skagit line. Options include:
- Level T Tungsten Tips: These non-tapered tips come in grades like T8 or T18, indicating sink rate and weight.
- MOW or Flo Tips: These tapered tips provide smoother energy transfer and are available in varying sink rates.
Adjusting Your Casting
Yes, minor adjustments are needed when using a Skagit line, especially if you're used to Spey casting. The shorter head changes your casting timing slightly, but many find it easier and less physically demanding. Another common cast used with a skagit setup is the snap T/snap C cast.
Skagit Lines Are Versatile
Skagit lines have evolved far beyond their original design for deep, fast waters. Modern Skagit setups offer a substantial amount of versatility, making them suitable for a variety of fishing conditions throughout the year. Here's why Skagit lines are a must-have in any salmon fly anglers armoury:
1. Year-Round Performance
With floating tips, Skagit lines allow you to present flies high in the water column. This is perfect for summer fishing when patterns like Sunray Shadows are most effective.
2. Ideal for Tight Casting Spaces
Fishing in tight spots, such as rivers with high banks or dense tree cover? Skagit lines excel in limited casting spaces where longer lines can be challenging to use.
3. Exceptional in Windy Conditions
Thanks to their short, heavy profiles, Skagit lines are a great choice for punching through windy conditions. This makes them reliable in challenging weather, ensuring consistent performance and improved fishing efficiency.
4. Superior Fly Stripping Opportunities
The shorter head design of a Skagit line offers anglers a broader stripping zone. This means you can strip your fly across a pool for longer before reaching the loop-to-loop connection between the head and running line, maximising your chances of enticing a strike during techniques like "Sunray Stripping".
Key Takeaways: Skagit lines are versatile, adaptable, and effective in diverse fishing environments, from tight spaces to windy days. Their innovative design ensures optimal fly presentation, making them a favorite among seasoned salmon anglers.
