So I am going for steelhead in a week and wanted to get some opinions on what rod weight to use for them. I have heard everything from a 7 weight (which I currently have am going to use) to a 10 weight. I am thinking my 7 weight might be ok.......any thoughts would be appreciated....my first try for steelies.

Your 7wt rod will work great anything else will be over kill.

Thanks, that's what I was looking for. I had some guys telling me I needed a 9 weight... a bit much I think

Unless a 20# fish is a possibility! I've seen 6 and 7 weights snap on big fish on the American. <'{(())><

SteelheadFan: Even with 20lb fish and larger a 7wt handles them no problem!!!, if folks are breaking their Fly rods it's because they have too heavy a leader and or the drag set too tight!!!!! I have caught fish (Salmon) over 50lb on my 7 wt and never had a problem, I use a 10/12lb leader so if anythings going to go it's the leader!!!!!

Ive seen pike, musky caught on a 7 wt. Theres no way a steelhead is breaking it. Like retired said its probably human error.

There's no perfect answer for this question... at least not without more information. If you're fishing west coast steelhead, a 7wt would be the minimum for them; those fish can get to be monsters, and might well warrant a larger rod, depending on what you want. If fishing larger flies and larger rivers (for big fish), then a heavier rod might come in handy. If you are fishing east coast steelhead (Great Lakes), then for the most part a 7wt rod would be perfect. Even a 5 or 6 wt rod can handle east coast fish (not counting some of the larger rivers and fish in Michigan). That being said, a 7wt is a good all-around bet, and if you're comfortable with it, go for it... and good luck!

I agree that anything more than a seven I'd to much. The whole fun of steelheading is the huge fight and runs they give, don't want to take anything away from that. Just make sure the rod is very long.