Sage 586-4 Trout LL

Reviews

1. Rated 5 out of 5

   This model is a tad slower than the 490 and 590. Paired with a Rio Gold, it flexes deeply, but a Scientific Anglers Trout Taper or Rio Technical Trout brings it in line with the rest of the Trout LL series. I can’t overemphasize how sweet these rods feel and the 586-4 might be the “touchiest” of the bunch. I particularly recommend this model for the wading dry fly angler, but the action will be ideal for wind-resistant dry flies and dry dropper rigs. The 590 will fish better over 50 feet, but within its range, the 586-4 may be preferred for its light swing weight and short distance loading capability.

   John Duncan (Telluride Angler)

2. Rated 5 out of 5

   I was a bit skeptical I’d like the 586 at first, but man I was wrong. This was probably my favorite of the bunch, and I liked the bunch! Casting was super smooth with the 586 and I felt more precise vs. the 590. I think this would make for an excellent boat rod, but also for that go to dry fly stick. Not to say that this rod can’t do all that you want from a 5 wt., but this will take your dry fly fishing to the next level. I really loved it’s performance in close, but it also has the backbone for longer distance casting. I tested this rod with the Rio Intouch Gold WF5F and thought it paired very well. I will own this rod.

   Jason Moshonas (Telluride Angler)

3. Rated 5 out of 5

   The Trout LL 586-4 was the most surprising rod I cast in the Trout LL lineup. I tend to shy away from most 586 rods, for no other reason than I prefer a 9 foot rod in the 5-weight line. Shorter 5-weights tend to feel a little tight to me and they either feel too fast and clubby, or soft and bouncy. Sage nailed it with the 586-4 Trout LL, embodying all the benefits of the shorter rod without sacrificing the smooth casting profile that a great dry fly rod must possess. The blank diameter of the 586 is noticeably slimmer than its 590 brother. The shorter length gives the blank an otherworldly lightness in the hand and through the casting stroke. I also felt like the 586 has the most supple and playful action of the Trout LLs that I cast. The rod has a springyness that puts a smile on the caster’s face and begs for a false cast. If you like the way Sage rods perform, but have been looking for a rod with more “feel,” you owe it to yourself to cast a 586 Trout LL. I felt like the 586 Trout LL could generate more line speed than the other models I cast and the rod wanted to shoot line rather than carry line in the air. This property tunes down the distance of this rod compared to the 590. The 586 threw the tightest loop out of the lineup and exemplified amazing loop and line speed control close to the body. Think about a long cast into a tunnel of cover around the bank. I preferred the rod with the SA Trout taper to the Rio Gold. The extra weight of the Gold could cause the upper part of the rod to get out of sync with the lower if you weren’t paying attention at distances past 50 feet. My final thoughts are there is no other 8 foot 6 inch 5-weight out there I would rather have in my quiver than the 586-4 Trout LL.

   Richard Post (Telluride Angler)

4. Rated 5 out of 5

   I am not one to typically like 8’6″ 5wt rods, I’ve never really seen them as “necessary” rods. After casting the 586 I have officially changed my stance on these rods. This rod is slightly quicker than the 590 but has great feel and superior castability. I was very impressed with how much power this little rod was able to exercise. Though this is by no means a fast action rod, it has all the punch one might want from a 5. I first cast this with the Rio InTouch Gold and found that the heavier headed line folded the tip of the rod slightly and produced some “bounce”. I then put the Scientific Anglers Amplitude Trout line on there and it really brought the rod to life! The rod loaded very well in close and was amazingly accurate with the Trout taper. This rod is “tight” in every way imaginable. It throws tight little loops and is a pure joy to fish. This is a great rod for anyone that needs to add a shorter 5wt to their quiver.

   Parker Thompson (Telluride Angler)