When learning to Spey cast, many anglers focus on the cast itself, but the way you grip the rod and position your body can make or break your success on the water. Your grip and stance are the foundation of every good Spey cast, and getting them right will help you cast more comfortably, more accurately, and with far less effort.
Let’s walk through some essential tips to help you set up correctly from the start.
Start By Reading The River
Before you even think about casting, take a moment to get your bearings. First, ask yourself which side of the river you are standing on. Are you on river right or river left? Knowing this helps you plan your cast and work with the natural flow of the water.
Next, check the wind direction. Understanding where the wind is coming from will help you decide where to place your anchor and which casting style will keep your fly line safely away from your body.
Finally, look around to see if there are any obstacles nearby. Do you have room for a good D-loop? Are there trees, rocks, or steep banks that might get in the way? Clearing these basic steps will help you set up with confidence.
Manage Your Line Before You Cast
When you set up your rod, make sure your line is pulled all the way out. You never want the junction point or connection point dragging inside the rod tip while you cast. That little bit of friction can make things stick and throw off your cast.
Some anglers like to have a small overhang where the line just barely hangs out from the rod tip. This is fine as long as you don’t have too much extra line, which can make it harder to load the rod and can lead to poor control. Aim to fish the line as it’s designed to be used, without overcomplicating things.
Understand There’s No Such Thing As A Spey Rod
It’s easy to get caught up in gear, but here’s something to remember—there’s no such thing as a Spey rod. Spey is a casting style, not a specific rod type. You can spey cast with two-handed rods or even your single-handed rod. The key is understanding the technique.
That said, when using a two-handed rod, your grip is critical.
Get Your Grip Right
Start by gripping the upper part of the rod comfortably and place the handle into your hip. Make sure your upper arm is relaxed, with a slight bend at the elbow. Your hands should not be too close together. Otherwise, you might fall into the bad habit of “chopping wood,” which can ruin your cast and put unnecessary strain on the rod.
Your bottom hand is your driver. This hand is the powerhouse of the cast. Some anglers like to grip with just a couple of fingers, which allows for more control and a smoother pull. Others prefer a full grip, though this can sometimes lead to overpowering the rod. Either grip can work as long as you keep your bottom hand active and understand that it’s meant to drive the rod and pull it into yourself to load the cast properly.
Choose A Solid Stance
Your stance matters just as much as your grip. Start with a safe, stable footing. Avoid balancing on rocks or standing on your toes, which can throw you off balance during the cast.
Think about where you want to cast—upstream, across the river, or on a slight downstream angle. For the most efficient cast, your feet should face your casting direction. Lining up your feet, hips, shoulders, and rod will naturally help your cast follow through with less resistance and better accuracy.
The goal is to keep everything in alignment. Avoid creating awkward 90-degree angles with your body, as these can disrupt your cast and make it harder to deliver your fly where you want it.
Final Thoughts
Getting your grip and stance right is one of the easiest ways to improve your Spey cast. When you take the time to line up your body, settle into a solid stance, and use a controlled grip, everything starts to feel more connected. Spey casting is all about working with the river, not against it, and these minor adjustments can make a big difference on the water.
If you want to dive deeper, you can unlock the full spey casting mini-course for free by becoming a Premium Insider at Anchored Outdoors. You’ll get step-by-step lessons, practical tips, and plenty of guidance to help you build your skills with confidence.
