Echo Lago - Rod Review

Having had the opportunities to fish competitively at the highest level for the past 14 years with a hyper focus on Stillwater, I’ve been able to cast the majority of the industry leading lake rods. For the longest time, I was under the impression that it was necessary to spend the money on that thousand dollar rod to get the highest performing piece of equipment. And to be fair, for many years, it was. Also having the added benefit of working in the fly fishing industry for the past 4 years, it’s become obvious that mid range rods have gotten so good. I’m not saying there’s not a place for the Loomis’, Sage’s, Hardy’s, T&T’s or your favourite high end rods. I’m just saying that it might be time to scroll down the price ladder to capitalize on some great value rods that you may be conditioned to overlooking.

First thing to address is what kind of casting style you have. Similar to golf, just because the ball went the same distance, that doesn’t mean the swing is the same. So a rod that is really good for you may not be the same for the next guy. Personally, I have a very aggressive and snappy cast from growing up casting full sinking lines, sitting down in a boat, and requiring distance. I also knew that if I was able to cast further than my boat partner, I would have the opportunity to cover fresh water and unspoiled fish before they could. However, on stillwater’s, you’re not always throwing bombs with full sink lines. There are many times where you need to throw gentle dry flies, offer a more finesse presentation with lighter tippet and smaller flies.

So, what does all this mean? It means, I require a faster action rod which features a softer tip and provides that “stiffer” feel. This allows me to have confidence that I can generate the line speed with greater stroke control which allows for my aggressive casting stroke. The Echo Lago does just that, it also offers mid power which creates the ability to play on both sides of the fence with one rod. A powerful rod helps generate line speed and has a husky bottom half. Whereas a delicate powered rod offers more tippet protection and is presentation driven. The Lago falls beautifully in between the two in that mid range.

The Lago is offered in 3 key formats; 5100, 6100 and 7100. My go to is the 7100. The longer length in the rod will offer anglers the opportunity to gain more distance on their casts, especially when sitting down. Casting further will increase the amount of water covered and ultimately keep your flies in the water longer. The extra reach in the rod will also be beneficial for picking up sinking lines and long leaders before casting. Added benefits include “hanging” flies at a further distance from the boat, managing tailing loops and keeping the cast high and clear from yourself and your boat partner.

Here’s the crazy part, this rod hits that Canadian market at only $349.95, which is a steal. Don’t let the name fool you either. “Lago”, the Spanish word for Lake, which is what this rod was obviously bread for. This rod also makes for an incredible Great Lake Steelhead set up for straight line nymphing or fishing below an indicator.

If you’re looking to up your lake game next season, go see your local fly shop about adding this to your quiver. This will be my go to rod next season when I fish at the Canadian NFFC in BC next May, the Commonwealths on the Scottish Loches and will be by my side at the World Championships on Spain as well.