The 5 Best Rod & Reel Combos for Creek Fishing in 2022
Creek Fishing has always been my favorite way to fish. I grew up on a creek in the southeast, and fishing for smallmouth bass will always be one of my most exciting inland fishing experiences.
Creek fishing presents a more rigid set of rules than sitting on the lake shore or cruising deep water in your bass boat.
The often beautiful terrain of creeks and streams vary, but typically you have sections of shallows and rapids followed by deeper pools, followed by shallows and rapids, and so on.
If the creek/stream has a levy or lock system on it, then you will likely be encountering deeper sections, separated by the man-made structures and made artificially deeper.
Though this is rare in creeks, some larger creeks have sections like this and you will need to incorporate your river approach more than your stream approach.
For instance, if I am in the river I am likely dealing with a low flow and lots of deadfall, which means I can even include some lake tackle.
Crankbaits and jigs can be useful items in the river or levied creek.
In the classic rapid-to-pool unobstructed stream, depth is typically much lower leading to shorter descents for your lure.
In this situation I will likely use an unweighted plastic or spinnerbait, as the fish field of vision is much broader in proportion to the water column than in a river or lake.
Creeks and streams tend to be much clearer than rivers or levied creeks as well.
This is another factor in the expanded field of vision and makes topwater a really fun and reliable option.
Topwater lures, in-line spinnerbait, and plastic tubes are my go to for creek smallmouth bass; but it mainly depends on the type of game fish you’re pursuing as to which areas you will target and what bait to use.
Whether you are pursuing smallmouth in the southeast or trout and salmon in the rivers and streams of the northwest, there are some basics that you should be prepared for.
PREPPING FOR STREAM SAFETY
If you are new to creek/stream fishing, there are some things that you should consider before heading out on your first adventure. A sober assessment of physical capability is a must.
You do not have to be Bruce Lee to take on the creek, but you should assess things like water level, flow rate, strength of rapids if they are present.
Taking proper account of these things, and your ability to navigate them safely will typically end in you encountering nothing but a good time.
Survey your area and move to the path of least resistance.
Stream/creek fishing often requires quite a bit of hiking or wading. Whether overland or in the water, you should be prepared to walk back from wherever you came, and you should bring equipment that can help you survive in case of an emergency.
If you wear waders, be mindful of not letting water breech into them as it is a serious drowning hazard!
What Setup Can I Use for Creek Fishing?
When I go to the creek or river, I am typically wading and I cover long stretches if I get an early start, so my fishing equipment load out is small and light. I use a 9X6” tackle box with most anything I would want for the creek, and one rod and reel.
I may carry a back up in the car in case of a break, but I pack one rod and reel on my person. It is easier to manage, and allows a free hand for accessing tools and navigating terrain.
I have taken two and three rods in the past and felt a little bogged down by them. If I want to change a lure, it doesn’t take long, so one rod and reel is my SOP in the stream.
With that said, I don’t slouch on quality. If I am going to rely on one rod and reel, then I want it to be able to perform at a high level.
Thankfully the market has responded with some excellent combos, or combinations (rods and reels of a brand sold as a single unit) that make creek fishing more luxurious than ever.
Growing up in the late 80’s and early 90’s it was all about grabbing the Zebco 33, and even though the Zebco 33 was and continues to be a reliable rod and reel, those days are a little past us.
Even by 8 or 9 years old in the mid 90’s, my pops had gotten me an Abu Garcia Bronco. A little five and a half foot creek slayer, that was the perfect combo for a stream.
These days I keep a few sturdy industry leading brands to take to the creek.
What Types of Fish are in Creeks?
The rod and reel you select will be most contingent on the type of fish you are pursuing. Of course, most rod and reel combos have crossover capability, especially from bass to panfish and trout to salmon in the stream.
But some creeks and streams harbor catfish as well, particularly as you get closer to the larger body your stream flows into or out of.
If this is your game, then you may be packing a different rig than the bass fisher, and different still than a western fly fisher in search of trout or salmon. Considering this allows you to select the proper tool for the job and will help you have success.
With that, let’s take a look at The Top 5 Rod and Reel Combos for Creek Fishing in 2022.
Disclosure: This website uses affiliate links, meaning: at no additional cost to you, we earn a small commission if you click-through and make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate & CJ Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. We only feature products that we believe in and use ourselves. Your support means the world to us and allows us to host this website. Thank you!
THE TOP 5 ROD & REEL COMBOS FOR CREEK FISHING In 2022
Scientific Anglers 5/6WT Trout Fly Fishing Kit
This combo is perfect for anyone looking to get into fly fishing. 5/6 WT means it is light enough to be a breeze while wading, while having the backbone for trout, bass, and panfish.
The Scientific Anglers 5/6 WT Trout Fly Fishing Kit is the perfect rod if you are navigating coastal rivers and streams for trout and salmon.
The rod is a 100% graphite construction, with a moderate rating (same as medium) for power. It is paired with a standard disc-drag reel that is set up for palm rigging for increased drag control.
The Scientific Anglers 5/6 WT Trout Fly Fishing rod is 9’ long but breaks down into four pieces for easy transport, and adding to that ease is a sturdy rod tube that comes with the kit and is made to be easily carried, or attached to a pack for hiking through terrain.
The Scientific Anglers 5/6 WT Trout Fly Fishing Kit is a great starter kit for those interested in learning the art of fly fishing, or an affordable stream rod the experienced fly fisher can use to adventure with while sustaining the abuse of backcountry fishing.
The disc-drag reel comes preloaded with a fly line specifically designed for that rod and reel, meaning this combo is truly ready from the moment it leaves the box to be assembled and cast.
I chose this rod and reel combo, because of its accessibility for new fly fishers and its durability to handle the backcountry stream.
FEATURES & SPECS:
9 foot, four-piece graphite rod
Sturdy plastic lined tubing for storing and toting combo
Disc-drag reel preloaded with rod specific line
The Abu Garcia Elite Max 6’6” Spinning Combo is a tremendous rod and reel perfect for navigating creeks and streams.
If you have looked at my previous article, THE TOP 5 RODS AND REELS FOR BASS FISHING rating rods and reels separately, then you are aware of how big a fan I am of Abu Garcia. They have been at the top of the industry for more than a half century and they show no signs of slowing down.
The Elite Max in particular has a subdued, sleek black and silver color scheme which is low key and right up my ally. Abu has taken their venerable Vengeance rod and paired it with the Elite Max reel to give us this classy and classic spinning combo.
If you are like me and don’t want to blow all your earnings on your passion, then you look for equipment that has versatility across venues and platforms. The Abu Garcia Elite Max delivers with a 6’6” medium action rod length that allows for the handleability to make angled casts in the stream, while also being a rod that has the backbone to keep up if you bring it to the lake.
The Elite Max reel features 6 stainless steel bearings with 1 roller bearing on a IM-C6 construction. The Rocket Line Management system and Rocket Spool Lip Design allows for easier casting and retrieval regardless of the line you choose.
This is a versatile combo and an excellent addition to your arsenal.
I chose the Abu Garcia Elite Max 6’6” Spin Combo because of its superior quality and ‘venue versatility’.
FEATURES & SPECS:
IM-C6 body/frame construction
Rocket Line Management system
Rocket Spool Lip Design
7 bearings including 6 stainless steel HPCR and one roller bearing
6’6” Abu Garcia Vengeance rod, made of 24-ton graphite and stainless steel guides
Rod Action=Fast, Rod Power=Medium
6.2:1 Gear Ratio on the Elite Max reel
Monofilament line capacity= 6 lb/185 yd; 8 lb/130 yd; 10 lb/110 yd
Pulsinno has been making waves in the rod and reel industry for a while now, primarily because of their telescoping and fly rod technologies.
They are the market leader in telescoping rods, which due to its niche nature, gets a little less fanfare in fishing circles.
This is no indictment on Pulsinno. They have applied their excellent gear and gadget manufacturing to rods and reels and we the people are reaping the benefits.
Most of us who are stream veterans are used to packing a two-piece rod that can be split into a couple three foot sections for ease of carrying. Nowadays, one can acquire a rod that telescopes and collapses down to less than half that length and can be easily attached to a pack for non-invasive portability.
Pulsinno delivers not only a durable rod made from high-density carbon fiber mixed with fiberglass, but gives you a quality reel with an aluminum spool and reinforced gears for added strength and saltwater versatility.
The Pulsinno Carbon Fiber Telescoping Fishing Rod And Reel Combo is perfect for the salmon seeker fishing brackish rivers and streams near an ocean. My favorite feature is of course the Pusinno’s packability.
As someone who enjoys fishing trips that include camping, or long day trips covering multiple miles of creek, a quality telescoping rod and reel combo is a game changer. I can attach this combo to my pack and walk in with my hands free. This will up your stream fishing prowess, as oftentimes the ability to negotiate harsh terrain can lead to better fishing holes and more success.
Having a small rod and reel combo that can attach to a pack and not stick up or out to get hung on vegetation, while leaving your hands free to climb, grab, and stabilize will get you to those places most anglers won’t venture into.
I recommend the 1.8 meter or 5.91 ft rod due to my preference for shorter rods while fishing a stream. That version collapses down to 15.75” which is amazing for packing and storing. I chose the Pulsinno Carbon Fiber Telescoping Fishing Rod And Reel Combo due to its applicability across a wide variety of fishing opportunities.
Fresh or saltwater capable, so it’s brackish ready. Strong yet easy to pack and store, so it’s ready for the stream or estuary. Brand reputation and reliability are strong, so you can have confidence you’re getting a quality product.
All of these things make the Pulsinno Carbon Fiber Telescoping Fishing Rod And Reel Combo one of the very best rod and reel combo purchases you can make.
FEATURES & SPECS:
5.91 foot carbon fiber and fiberglass mix telescoping rod
Collapses down from 5.91 ft to 15.75 inches
Stainless steel hooded reel seat for added saltwater corrosion resistance
Rod power - Medium
Reel gear ratio is 5.2:1
Reel features instant anti-reverse, powerdrive gears for extra strength
Spool cast from deep aluminium for extra corrosion resistance
Monofilament line capacity: 8 lb/200 yd, 10 lb/160 yd, 12 lb/120 yd
My previous article THE TOP 5 RODS AND REELS FOR BASS FISHING included the Ugly Stik on the rod list.
Ugly Stik has been making quality rods for decades and their durability is proven year in and year out.
Shakespeare took the brand from a niche rod manufacturer to a staple of the rod and reel combo industry. The Ugly Stik GX2 is the latest incarnation in this family of combos.
The GX2 is arguably the best combo you can get for under $50. If you are looking for a rod and reel to take on adventurous outings, meaning you’re likely going to beat it up, this is your combo.
I say this not because of the excellent price point, but because of the Ugly Stik reputation for durability. The rod is comfortable in the hand, and the reel is durable and solid. The Ugly Stik GX2 is another combo that can take on multiple venues, and depending on the size and power you select, multiple large game species.
The rod is made with Ugly Stik’s standard graphite and fiberglass, and features the clear tip for extra bite sensitivity. The EVA grips are lightweight, but very padded and comfortable.
The reel features an anodized aluminum spool with an over-sized bail wire, constructed with 3 ball bearings plus a one-way clutch, instant anti-reverse bearing.
This combo is perfect for anyone who is new to fishing, or trying to find a quality rod and reel for a child without breaking the bank, or someone like me; looking to have a combo around that can take the abuse of long trips across terrain and creek bottoms.
I recommend the 6 foot two-piece due to its ease of transport and toughness to go beyond the creek.
I chose the Ugly Stik GX2 because it has all the comfort and ease of use that other major brands offer at a reduced price. The Ugly Stik rod alone is worth the cost of the combo!
FEATURES & SPECS:
3 ball bearings plus one-way clutch anti-reverse bearing for smoother gear feel
Machine double anodized aluminium with over-sized bail wire for improved durability
Compression bail springs to increase reel lifespan
5.5:1 gear ratio
Rod Power= Medium
Monofilament capacity= 190 yd/4 lb, 140 yd/6 lb, 110 yd/8 lb
Rod length = 6’6” (other sizes available)
Yet again, if you’ve followed my previous article, THE TOP 5 RODS AND REELS FOR BASS FISHING then you’re aware that right next to Abu Garcia, my other favorite rod and reel company is Lew’s.
Lew’s made themselves an industry staple with their excellent baitcasters, and over the last decade or so, they have become a force in the spinning reel market as well.
Their American Hero Spinning Combo is one of my very favorite combos for any body of water, but it’s handleability and high quality reel make it my hands down favorite on the creek.
The 2-piece rod has tremendous sensitivity despite being of medium power, and is made from IM7 graphite blanks, it is equipped with gunsmoke stainless steel guide frames and stainless steel inserts.
The graphite skeletal reel seat is cushioned with a stainless steel hood. The EVA split grip handle is extremely popular these days and Lew’s delivers on the balance expected.
As good as the rod is, the reel is the best prize of this combo. The American Hero reel boasts a six stainless steel bearing system with a one-way zero reverse clutch bearing. It is a graphite body with a skeletal rotar, complete with a double anodized aluminum spool and a strong, thick aluminum bail.
The bail is perhaps my favorite part. In two years, the bail has never failed or snapped down. It always locks into place, it always makes the same sound. The thicker, locking bail is becoming an industry standard, but Lew’s craftsmanship on the bail is my favorite among them.
The gear box is thin and compact which makes the reel lighter and less invasive. The handle is aluminum and equipped with Lew’s performance handle knob, and a coat of Lew’s speed lube ensures the reel performs in harsh weather conditions.
The reel offers a 6.2:1 ratio and retrieves about 31” per turn of the handle. For the 6 foot rod version, which is what I recommend for the creek, the line capacity lists at 120 yards of 8lb test line. This will be more than enough to handle a surly creek smallmouth, and would even be enough to crack a state record or two with proper drag engagement.
Lew’s Fishing American Hero Camo Speed Spin Spinning Combo is currently my favorite combo in the creek arsenal, and it gets the top spot due to the exceptional quality of both the rod and reel, and it’s sweet camo color scheme.
FEATURES & SPECS:
IM7 graphite rod with EVA split grip - 6 foot recommended, other sizes are available
Six stainless steel bearings with one-way zero reverse clutch bearing
Thick and durable locking bail
Lew’s speed lube for increased element resistance
Double anodized aluminium spool for increased corrosion resistance
6.2:1 gear ratio, retrieving 31” per turn of the handle
Monofilament line capacity for 6 foot model = 120yrd/8lb
"It is not how abundant nor how considerable our catch be, but rather to the sport, and manner in which our quarry, the noble trout is angled."
— J.B. Martin
Hitting The Stream
Hopefully this article has narrowed down your choices and given you insight into your next fishing investment.
Get a combo you enjoy using and performs its tasks with little or no complication. You will thank yourself when you realize you’ve spent the entire day focused on lure selection and targeted casting, instead of untangling lines and fighting a jammed or gunked up reel.
When I was younger, the creeks and streams felt like the place I took my low-end equipment.
Nowadays I don’t have low-end equipment, and that’s because every angling adventure is better when you are working with quality tools.
These 5 Rod & Reel Combos for Creek Fishing meet that criteria without breaking the bank. For you baitcaster loyalists, I’m sure you noticed nary a one on this list. I prefer to use my baitcaster exclusively from the boat or bank. I grew up on a spinning reel, and it just feels the most natural to me on a creek.
If your baitcaster is basically an extension of your arm, then check out the baitcasting equivalent to the Abu Garcia Elite Max, the Abu Garcia Black Max or the Lew’s American Hero baitcaster. Both offer 6’6” rod length options, which is perfect for creek and stream applications.
Remember folks, you can’t catch a state record unless you’ve got a line in the water. Tight lines my friends!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ryan Smith is an avid angler and outdoorsman based in central Kentucky.
Ryan spends between 60 and 110 days fishing each year.
He is a carpenter by trade.
ABOUT
