wright & Mcgill fishing rods
  • Wright McGill Salmon Steelhead Series
  • Wright McGill Salmon Steelhead Series
  • Wright McGill Salmon Steelhead Series
  • Salmon Steelhead Series
  • Features
  • Models

Salmon Steelhead Series

The only sound heard in the early morning fog was the gentle push of my oars through the water as I strategically worked our plugs through a productive run on the North Fork. Without warning, a wild Steelhead breaks the silence as she violently shakes my rod in her effort to remove it from its cradle next to me. In an instant, I release the oar and grab my rod in one motion, the hook is set deeply and the fight is on. It's times like these that demand the most sensitive yet powerful rod available. A fishing tool that uses all of today's best technology combined with years of river experience to build what are simply the best salmon and steelhead fishing rods in the world.

The Salmon Steelhead Series feature the following:

  • Kevlar - one of the strongest materials known to man! It's used in body armor, performance apparel, protective helmets and now, in fishing rods designed to battle some of the toughest fish on earth!
  • We use only Fuji™ Alconite Guides for both the casting and spinning models utilizing Fuji's™ "New Concept" guide placement system. These extremely strong and lightweight guides are perfect for this application and will provide the durability needed to fight the strongest Salmon or Steelhead that swim in the waters of the Northwest and upper Great Lakes regions.
  • When you're connected to the business end of a hard charging Salmon or Steelhead, you'll appreciate the sure grip that our exclusive palm swell provides. Whether you are using our spinning or casting models, the palm swell fills the gap created in the palm of your hand with traditional round handles.
  • All fore grips 3 inches or longer feature our custom designed triangle fore grip. This unique and functional design helps to eliminate the natural rod twist that occurs under the pressure of heavy fish.
  • To build the strongest, lightest and most sensitive rods possible, we use a custom blend of high and intermediate modulus, graphite and chemically bind this with the Kevlar in the butt section. The result is a rod that looks great, feels great and flat out performs!
  • Each of these rods feature a large, comfortable fighting butt providing additional rod control and leverage while making the rod more comfortable to hold, even after a long day of fighting those fish of a lifetime.

Alaska Medium Drifter

When you need all around performance for Sockeye, Silvers or Kings, whether you're fishing from the bank or your boat, the Alaska Medium Drifter in either spinning or casting is the easy choice. Soft in the tip and power where it counts, makes casting easy and holding big fish a breeze.

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WMEAKMD86C2 8'6" 2 3/4-2 1/2 oz 12-30 lbs Fast Med Heavy Cast C
WMEAKMD86S2 8'6" 2 3/4-2 1/2 oz 12-30 lbs Fast Med Heavy Spin A

Longer rods are quickly gaining popularity because of the line control and casting ability they offer the angler. With this in mind, we've added a 10' version of our very popular Alaska Medium Drifter. Great egg rod that loves to pull big plugs in heavy current. It's also one of our first choices as a bobber rod anywhere Salmon live.


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WMEAKMD100C2 10'0" 2 3/4-2 1/2 oz 15-30 lbs Fast Med Heavy Cast D
WMEAKMD100S2 10'0" 2 3/4-2 1/2 oz 15-30 lbs Fast Med Heavy Spin D

Alaska Heavy Drifter

When you need a little more horsepower, the Alaska Heavy Drifter is your choice of rod. This 9' rod is rated for 15-40 lbs. and will bring the toughest Kings to your boat in short order. For those of you who love pulling big plugs or draggin' eggs in heavy current, this rod will be your workhorse. It also doubles as an excellent heavy mooching rod.

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WMEAKHD90C2 9'0' 2 1-3 oz. 15-40 lbs Fast X Heavy Cast D
WMEAKHD90S2 9'0" 2 1-3 oz. 15-40 lbs. Fast X Heavy Spin B

Alaska King Drifter

The Alaska King Drifter is your choice when you want the biggest, toughest, fish fighting tool on the river. At 9' long and rated from 20-50 lbs., we dare you to find a King that can't be beat with this rod. Strong tip section that still casts like a dream. And when you hook up on Mr. Chinook, you'll know why this rod is king in the North Country!

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WMEAKK90C2 9'0" 2 2-6 oz. 20-50 lbs. Fast X Heavy Cast D
WMEAKK90S2 9'0" 2 2-6 oz. 20-50 lbs. Fast X Heavy Spin B

Magnum Plug

The Magnum Plug rod was designed in conjunction with Alaska's top Salmon Guides who needed a long, 10 1/2' rod for pulling big plugs on big water. This rod had to have the perfect combination of soft to moderate action in the front 1/3 of the rod to allow for maximum action from the bait while still having a powerful butt section to quickly bring even the largest Kings to the boat for their clients. One look at this rod and you will quickly understand that it was built for performance. Featuring our full palm swell and triangle fore grip to keep the rod from twisting under heavy pressure from large fish to its comfortable fighting butt. Both experienced and novice anglers are going to love this rod. It was designed for Alaska but we predict it will soon be the choice of guides and sport fishing enthusiasts the entire length of the Columbia and other Northwest rivers!


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WMEAKMP106C2 10'6" 2 1-3 oz. 12-25 lbs. Moderate Mod/Heavy Cast D

Moocher

There's nothing quite like getting over a school of bright Silvers on a flat ocean. The only thing that could make it better is the perfect mooching rod that will help you get your bait into the zone, work it properly, have the power to effectively set the hook and all without making a day of fun feel like a day of work. Our 9' Moocher is just the ticket. Great combination of moderate action combined with plenty of fish fighting power and still light in the hand so it won't wear you out before you wear out the fish!

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WMEMOO90C2 9'0" 2 1/2 - 1 3/4 oz. 12-25 lbs. Mod/Fast Mod/Heavy Cast D

Medium Back Bouncer

One of the most effective boat techniques in the Northwest is back bouncing bait through natural holding areas. The medium bouncer will stay light in your hand but packed with power to work your bait through the most productive slots.

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WMEBB76C1 7'6" 1 1-4 oz. 12-25 lbs. X Fast Heavy Cast A

Hot Shot Light

One of our favorite rods in the line, the Hot Shot Light rod is available in both spinning and casting. It features a super sensitive tip to get the maximum action out of plugs of all sizes. Perfectly balanced and with a powerful butt section will mean consistent hook setting power. This rod is specifically designed for pulling plugs but don't leave it at home when you start chasing Walleye! It makes a perfect rod for pulling worm harnesses or vertical jigging! You are going to love this rod!

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WMEHS79C1 7'9" 1 3/8-2 oz. 8-17 lbs. Mod/Fast Medium Cast A
WMEHS79S1 7'9" 1 3/8-2 oz. 8-17 lbs. Mod/Fast Medium Spin B

Hot Shot Medium

When you need a little more length and a little more power for bigger water or larger plugs, step up to our Hot Shot Medium rod. This 1-pc., 8'2" rod still features our super sensitive tip for maximum action from your favorite plug, but it has a little more power in the back. You'll love watching this rod work and you'll love it even more when you pick it up and set the hook!

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WMEHS82C1 8'2" 1 1/2-2 1/4 oz. 10-20 lbs. Mod/Fast Mod/Heavy Cast A

Light Drifter

Summer drift fishing is a time for delicate presentations, light leaders and a rod that's designed to work in these conditions. Our Light Drifter is just that rod! At a full 9' in length and available in both casting and spinning versions, you'll be fearless when searching for big fish in skinny water.

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WMELDR90S2 9'0" 2 1/4-1/2 oz. 6-10 lbs. Moderate Light Spin C

Medium Drifter

One of the most versatile rods in our line, the 8 1/2' Medium Drifter is a great rod for low to average water conditions and both Steelhead and small Salmon. It's available in both a spinning and casting version, so pick your poison and go fish!

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WMEMDR86C2 8'6" 2 3/8-3/4 oz. 8-12 lbs. Fast Medium Cast C
WMEMDR86S2 8'6" 2 3/8-3/4 oz. 8-12 lbs. Fast Medium Spin C

If you could have just one rod for steelheading, this is it! A fast action, powerful, 9' rod that is available in both a spinning and casting version that are just as well suited for drifting your favorite bait as they are running plugs. This is the 2-pc. version of our Medium Drifter travel rod with actions and performance that are identical in every way.

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WMEMDR90C2 9'0" 2 3/8-3/4 oz. 8-12 lbs. Fast Medium Cast C
WMEMDR90S2 9'0" 2 3/8-3/4 oz. 8-12 lbs. Fast Medium Spin C

Heavy Drifter

Winter brings strong runs of big Steelhead to the Northwest and Great Lakes areas but winter storms will also bring bigger water. That's when you'll appreciate our Heavy Drifter. This 8'6" powerhouse will easily handle any Steelhead or Salmon you are lucky enough to hook up with. The easy casting tip section and magnum butt section make this rod a dream to fish at any time but it's especially well suited for these big water times. Available in both spinning and casting.

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WMEHDR86C2 8'6" 2 3/8-1 oz. 10-17 lbs. Fast Mod/Heavy Cast C
WMEHDR86S2 8'6" 2 3/8-1 oz. 10-17 lbs. Fast Mod/Heavy Spin C

Same action as our 8'6" Heavy Drifter but a full 10' long for added line control. Big Salmon and Steelhead won't have a chance against this beast and you'll love the power it delivers while still being very light in your hand. This should be your first choice for bobber fishing big Kings.

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WMEHDR100C2 10'0" 2 3/8-1 oz. 10-17 lbs. Fast Mod/Heavy Cast D
WMEHDR100S2 10'0" 2 3/8-1 oz. 10-17 lbs. Fast Mod/Heavy Spin C

Float Rod

The number one choice for those wanting to get started in float/jig fishing. A superb combination of line control, power and length, our 10'6" Float Rod will handle anything from small jigs, worms and egg clusters in any Northwest or Great Lakes waters.

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WMENOO106S2 10'6" 2 1/8-1/2 oz. 8-12 lbs. Moderate Med/Light Spin E

Some fishermen will prefer the extra length and light action that our 11'6" Float Rod provides. This rod will provide exceptional line control for the perfect drift and plenty of power to quickly wear out the strongest fish. Break out your smallest jigs and bait for those low water times as this rod is made for what you love to do!

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WMENOO116S2 11'6" 2 1/4-3/4 oz. 8-12 lbs. Moderate Med/Light Spin E

Vertical Jig Rod

One of the most effective methods for fishing Walleye in many parts of the country is vertical jigging. The right rod is critical to making the right presentation. A soft tip, strong mid and butt section and super light construction will allow you to fish all day and stay on top of your game. The short 6'8" length keeps line close to the boat and the extra long rear handle gives the fisherman extra leverage while jigging and more power when fighting fish. This rod is also an excellent choice for pulling plugs or casting crank baits.

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WMEVJ68C1 6'8" 1 3/8-1 oz. 8-17 lbs. Mod/Fast Medium Cast B