15 Best Trout Fishing Rods In 2024

With so many different rods available today, choosing the right one for your next fishing expedition can be a daunting task. No two rods are constructed the same, and they all feature their own unique pros and cons. Here are fifteen of the most popular rods for trout fishing today.

What are the Best Fishing Lines For Bass?

Here are my top picks for the best fishing lines for bass fishing that you need to try.

• Abu Garcia Venerate – (Best All Around)
• Cadence CR7 – (Best for Gamefish)
• Eagle Claw Featherlight – (Best for Fly Fishing)
• Fenwick Eagle Spinning Rod – (Best for Float Presentation)
• G.Loomis Classic – (Best for Big Rivers)
• Kastking Blackhawk II – (Best for Larger Fish)
• KastKing Calamus – (Best for Small Trout)
• Okuma Celilo – (Best Ultralight Spinning Rod)
• St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod – (Best Overall)
• St. Croix Trout Series Spinning Rod – (Best for Trout)
• Shakespeare Micro Spinning Rod – (Best Overall Ultralight Fishing Rod)
• Shimano Stimula Spinning Rod – (Best for Short Casting)
• Shimano Solara – (Best for Jigging)
• Ugly Stik Elite – (Best for Beginners)
• Ugly Stik GX2 – (Best for Price)

1. Abu Garcia Venerate – (Best All Around)

Best all-around fishing rod for trout fishing

Brian’s Thoughts

As one of the most sensitive rods available today, the tip allows an angler to notice even subtle bites by smaller game fish.

The rod is a very versatile option that comes in a wide range of sizes from 6’6” all the way up to 7′. Making it a perfect length for casting.

It is extremely strong and versatile but does tend to suffer damage more easily than other rods within its class. As a result, it does tend to break unexpectedly, so special care is needed.

The manufacturer also has one of the best customer service programs available today, allowing most anglers to get a replacement part if needed simply by sending in a photo of the damaged part.

Specifications

• Material: Graphite
• Length: 6′-6″ – 7′
• Power: Ultralight
• Action: Varies

Get Your Abu Garcia Venerate Today!

2. Cadence CR7 – (Best for Gamefish)

Best fishing rod for game fishing

Brian’s Thoughts

The CR7 is a very popular rod used for catching trout and comes in a wide range of sizes from 5’-10” to 7’-6”. It is one of the most diverse spinning rods found on the market today, allowing it to be used in smaller holes and in larger lakes.

It features extremely fast action, making it a perfect spinning rod for catching trout.

The handle is made of EVA foam and cork, which makes it easier to grip.

When purchasing a CR7, you have your choice of either a full handle or a split handle.

The blank itself is made from heavy-duty carbon, allowing it to be extremely powerful and capable of standing up to regular abuse.

Overall, the rod is extremely sensitive and comfortable to hold, allowing it to be used for extended periods of time along the river or lake shore. You will not find a better rod for catching trout for the price.

Specifications

• Material: Carbon Fiber
• Length: 5′-10″ – 7′-6″
• Power: Ultralight
• Action: Varies

Get Your Cadence CR7 Fishing Rod Today!

3. Eagle Claw Featherlight – (Best for Fly Fishing)

Best Fly Fishing Fishing Rod For Trout Fishing

Brian’s Thoughts

The Eagle Claw is a popular ultralightweight spinning rod composed of fiberglass.

The rod comes in an eye-catching yellow color, making it a popular choice for anglers of just about any age.

Due to its longer length, it is not as versatile as many of the other ultralight rods that are available on the market, yet it is still very simple to handle and is perfect for a wide range of conditions.

Most importantly, the Eagle Claw is specially designed for catching freshwater game fish like trout.

Specifications

• Material: Fiberglass
• Length: 6′
• Power: Ultralight
• Action: Fast

Get Your Eagle Claw Featherlight Fishing Rod Today!

4. Fenwick Eagle Spinning Rod – (Best for Float Presentation)

Best Fishing Rod For Float Fishing

Brian’s Thoughts

There is a reason why so many anglers always turn to a Fenwick when it comes to fishing. Although it may not be the most durable rod on the market today, it is considered by many anglers to be the most precise rod for float fishing.

It is a 5’6” long ultralight graphite rod that provides a superior ultralight action that features a stiff tip allowing anglers to set the hook as efficiently as possible.

When it comes to the wide selection of graphite rods that are available on the market today, none of them can come close to the quality and performance of the Fenwick Eagle Spinning Rod.

Specifications

• Material: Graphite
• Length: 5′-6″
• Power: Ultralight
• Action: Moderate

Get Your Fenwick Eagle Spinning Fishing Rod Today!

5. G.Loomis Classic – (Best for Big Rivers)

Best fishing rod for river fishing

Brian’s Thoughts

While many excellent rods are available on the market today, many anglers keep returning to the G.Loomis.

This American-made hybrid rod is composed of a blend of materials, including graphite, carbon fiber, and fiberglass.

It is perfect for both trout as well as pan fish, making it one of the best big river rods available today.

Although not as sensitive as smaller rods that can be bought for less, the G.Loomis is an extremely durable rod that will last a lifetime.

Specifications

• Material: Hybrid
• Length: 7′
• Power: Light
• Action: Fast

Get Your G.Loomis Classic Fishing Rod Today!

6. Kastking Blackhawk II – (Best for Larger Fish)

Best Fishing Rod For Larger Fish

Brian’s Thoughts

Although several multipurpose rods are available on the market today, the KastKing Blackhawk II is one of the most popular.

It is perfect for fishing along the lakeshore or even out on the ocean.

It is fairly sensitive considering its construction, which makes it great for small to medium-sized fish. However, the fiberglass tip and graphite body leave much to be desired.

Nevertheless, it is an extremely compact and portable rod that can be taken with you just about anywhere you go.

Best of all, it is perfect for camping trips due to its ability to be easily packed away in a ruck. When fully collapsed, is a mere 1’10” in length.

Specifications

• Material: Fiberglass/Graphite
• Length: 7′
• Power: Ultralight
• Action: Varies

Get Your Kastking Blackhawk II Fishing Rod Today!

7. KastKing Calamus – (Best for Small Trout)

An excellent braided fishing line for bass fishing at reasonable prices

Brian’s Thoughts

When it comes to versatile, ultralight rods, nothing beats a KastKing.

Although you may not be able to reel in trophy fish with this lightweight and affordable rod, it is perfect for reeling in smaller trout.

The Calamus works best with lines between 2 and 6 pound tests, which makes it perfect for smaller rivers and streams. However, if you plan on fishing and a larger lake or deeper waters, you will want to choose something a little longer and more durable.

The high-quality titanium guides and smaller diameter graphite construction keep the weight down while ensuring one of the most durable constructions possible.

The split-type handle is covered in EVA foam, and the completed rod weighs just under 3 ounces. As a result, it is one of the lightest rods available on the market today. Despite its shortcomings in size and strength, it is still an excellent choice for reeling in trout of up to 5 pounds and weight.

Specifications

• Material: Graphite
• Length: 5′
• Power: Ultralight
• Action: Varies

Get Your KastKing Calamus Fishing Rod Today!

8. Okuma Celilo – (Best Ultralight Spinning Rod)

Best Spinning Rod For Trout Fishing

Brian’s Thoughts

The Okuma is an extremely lightweight and versatile graphite rod that provides moderate action.

The high-quality construction allows the rod to weigh in at a mere 3.4 ounces. As a result, as long as you pair it up with a lightweight reel, it will feel as if you are holding nothing in your hands at all.

The lighter weight reduces the potential of fatigue while spending longer hours fishing along the shorelines.

The aluminum oxide guides allow for a smooth cast and retrieval, making the Okuma an excellent choice for making multiple presentations.

Specifications

• Material: Graphite
• Length: 5′-6″
• Power: Ultralight
• Action: Moderate

Get Your Okuma Celilo Fishing Rod Today!

9. St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod – (Best Overall)

Best Overall Fishing Rod

Brian’s Thoughts

Over the years, St. Croix has been known to be one of the best manufacturers of high-quality rods and reels.

Today, when it comes to reeling in smaller trout and other freshwater fish, nothing beats the durability and lightweight of the St. Croix Triumph.

Not only will you get some of the best features possible, but you will also have an extremely sensitive spinning rod that is perfect for just about any situation.

Specifications

• Material: Carbon Fiber
• Length: 6′-0″
• Power: Light
• Action: Fast

Get Your St. Croix Triumph Spinning Fishing Rods Today!

10. St Croix Trout Series Spinning Rod – (Best for Trout)

Best Trout Fishing Rod

Brian’s Thoughts

The St. Croix Trout Series is popular for catching trout and features a Fuji graphite reel seat.

The cork handle gives it a classic look that many anglers prefer, and its graphite design makes it one of the latest rods available on the market today.

Other than a few other options, the St. Croix Trout Series is one of the best graphite rods, but that quality comes at a price.

Not only is the rod extremely sensitive and lightweight, but it is also extremely expensive. Nevertheless, it will last a lot longer than many of the cheaper rods that can be purchased at sporting-goods stores across the country.

Specifications

• Material: SC II Graphite
• Length: 7′-6″
• Power: Ultralight
• Action: Very Fast

Get Your St Croix Trout Series Spinning Fishing Rod Today!

11. Shakespeare Micro Spinning Rod – (Best Overall Ultralight Fishing Rod)

Best Overall Ultralight Fishing Rod

Brian’s Thoughts

Shakespeare fishing rods have a well-known reputation for both high-quality and affordable prices.

They offer a wide selection of rods for just about any situation, but when it comes to delivering a smaller, more sensitive rod, nothing beats a Shakespeare Micro Spinner.

This ultralightweight and compact rod provides an amazing value which is perfect for anyone looking for reliable and durable equipment. Perfect for use by kayaking anglers and those who fish from standup paddle boards.

Specifications

• Material: Graphite
• Length: 5′-0″
• Power: Ultralight
• Action: Fast

Get Your Shakespeare Micro Spinning Fishing Rod Today!

12. Shimano Stimula Spin Rod – (Best for Short Casting)

Best Fishing Rod For Short Casting

Brian’s Thoughts

When it comes to a highly sensitive fishing rod, nothing beats a rod made from composite graphite blinks. While many other extremely durable materials are available today, the more durable the material, the less sensitive the rod becomes.

The Shimano Stimula perfectly balances lightweight, durability, and sensitivity.

Coming in at only 5’6” in length, it is a great size for anglers looking for a more compact rod for fishing along the shores of smaller lakes, streams, and rivers.

Thanks to its two-piece design, it can be collapsed down into even smaller pieces allowing for easier transport.

Specifications

• Material: Composite
• Length: 5′-6″
• Power: Varies
• Action: Fast

Get Your Shimano Stimula Spinning Rod Fishing Rod Today!

13. Shimano Solara – (Best for Jigging)

Best Fishing Rod For Jigging

Brian’s Thoughts

The Shimano Solara is undoubtedly one of the lightest and most resilient rods available today.

Thanks to its Aeroglass construction, not only does it feature the strength and durability of fiberglass, but also features extremely sensitive action, which makes it perfect for just about any type of fishing.

The wonderful material provides the perfect middle ground between graphite and carbon fiber, giving you the best of both popular construction materials.

The guides themselves are made of aluminum oxide, ensuring little to no friction while you are casting. It is also an extremely accurate casting rod, making it perfect for anglers who want to present their lures directly to the fish.

Specifications

• Material: Aeroglass
• Length: 5′-6″
• Power: Ultralight
• Action: Fast

Get Your Shimano Solara Fishing Rods Today!

14. Ugly Stik Elite – (Best for Beginners)

Best Overall Fishing Rod For Beginners

Brian’s Thoughts

One of the first rods owned by any beginning angler is an Ugly Stik, and for good reason too.

Not only are the Ugly Stiks some of the most affordable rods on the market today, but they are also very versatile.

The Ugly Stik is the perfect option for those looking to save cash while getting an extremely durable and versatile rod.

It may not be the best-looking fishing rod on the market today, but it offers extremely ultralight weight, excellent sensitivity responses, and is considered fairly durable considering the price.

Specifications

• Material: Fiberglass/Graphite
• Length: 6′-6″
• Power: Ultralight
• Action: Varies

Get Your Ugly Stik Elite Fishing Rod Today!

15. Ugly Stik GX2 – (Best for Price)

Best Budget-Friendly Fishing Rod

Brian’s Thoughts

As one of the most affordable fishing rods available on the market, the Ugly Stik GX2 not only provides lightweight and versatile action, but it does so with an extremely affordable price tag.

This particular model comes in at only 5 foot, but it features a very solid construction and one of the best warranties available on the market today. In fact, this particular model can be found in sizes even shorter than 5 foot in length.

Nevertheless, the EVA foam grips make it extremely comfortable, and the hybrid fiberglass graphite construction makes it durable and long-lasting.

You will find that the Ugly Stik’s whopping seven-year warranty ensures that you will have plenty of days out on the lake or river, reeling in your favorite catch.

Specifications

• Material: Fiberglass/Graphite
• Length: 5′-0″
• Power: Ultralight
• Action: Varies

Get Your Ugly Stik GX2 Fishing Rod Today!