The Guideline Ultra Light Scandi concept is all-encompassing. Whether you are a trout-spey angler, like throwing shooting head-style lines on a single-hand rod, or simply need something lighter than most modern double-handers for low water and technical fishing, all applications fall under the ULS system. The ULS is complete from the ground up with single-hand rated switch rods in 10’6” and 11’ and matching line systems to pair for your fishing with ease.
The term “trout spey” has taken off in popularity over the last few years, particularly in the United States. What we commonly see with “trout spey” is a 2-5wt rated rod in double-hand terms. In grain weight for a single-hander, the given number can be more than doubled. For example, if you see 400 grains, that is effectively a 10wt and far overpowered for most non-migratory trout fishing. The weights you see on the ULS are true to a single-hander. The 10’6” 5wt is a phenomenal soft hackle and light “trout spey” rod, while we prefer the 6 for a mix of smaller streamers and weighted trout flies as well.
The 11’ #7 and #8 are more geared towards migratory fish but can make fantastic heavier trout rods if you’re swinging streamers as well. We love these as light Scandi rods for Atlantic salmon and sea run brown trout, but they have been equally at home in rivers across the United States and Canada. The 11’ 7 and 8wts were exceptional on the Deschutes and throughout Alaska and are some of our favorite rods ever for the Great Lakes fishery.
The Guideline ULS 2.0 fly rods redefine the classic switch rod experience, offering enhanced user-friendliness for both single and double-hand applications and will bring the fishing for salmon and migrating trout to a new level.
Read moreULS 2.0 Switch
550.00 USD
ULS+ Multi-Tip Kit
139.99 USD
Scandi Tips
26.99 USD
The ULS+ Coated Shooting Line is designed for single-hand and switch rod fishing, and this floating line features a supple, low-memory coating and a 20 lb low-stretch core for superior control and performance. Looped at both ends and built for minimal resistance through guides, it offers excellent grip in cold or wet conditions. Eco-friendly and phthalate-free, it comes on a PLA spool in recycled packaging. Ideal for anglers seeking precision, durability, and sustainability.
Read moreULS+ Floating Shooting Line 20lbs
49.99 USD
Bullet+ WF fly line is your top choice for streamer-, sea trout- or salmon fishing with singlehanded rods. It is virtually unaffected by wind and larger flies and shoots like a bullet.
Read moreBullet+ WF
99.99 USD
The ULS system starts with the rod - the ULS 2.0. As stated above, this is a switch rod that is measured in single-hand weights. The 5 and 6wt are both 10’6,” and the 7 and 8wt are both 11’. Here are the grain and gram weights for each.
10’6” 5wt 12-15g / 185-231 grains
10’6” 6wt 14-17g / 216-262 grains
11’ 7wt 16-19g / 247-293 grains
11’ 8wt 18-22g / 278-340 grains
We don’t like to always use the term “do it all,” but in this case, the ULS 2.0 is built to be a multi-tool for the adventurous angler. Use that grain window as a jumping-off point with the lines stated below, and the crisp mid-flex action will do the rest whether you’re swinging, stripping, or dead-drifting flies. Yes, this is our “trout spey,” but it is so much more.
The ULS+ was initially designed to match ULS rods, but it will work with any type of single-hand, lighter switch, or trout spey rods as well. This system allows for easy and quick adaptation to different situations by changing the tip's density, length, and weight to perfectly suit the angler and their casting style. While primarily intended as spey lines for single-hand and light switch rods, they also function very well as streamer lines for overhead casting, suiting those who prefer a single back cast. Incorporating a single haul is beneficial for achieving very high line speed, provided the overhang of shooting line between the rod tip and the head is sufficient to avoid pulling the loop into the top guide.
The ULS range covers five to nine weight single-hand rods, and their compatibility with 4 to 7 g Scandi tips allows for the creation of a variety of lines. The Ultralight Scandi system, ULS+, is available as separate bodies and as kits, which include three different tips: full float, intermediate, and sink 3. These bodies are perfectly matched with 10 to 12ft 4 to 7 g tips, enabling the creation of a dream line for spey fishing.
Using monofilament Compline Pro can result in a lot of distance and easy casting with just one roll up. Designed for colder climates where trout and salmon are found, the ULS+ exhibits excellent suppleness and minimal coiling, with virtually no memory. The low-stretching core provides a good connection during casting and when detecting takes. For more control and performance, try the ULS+ Shooting Line, which features a supple, low-memory coating and a 20 lb low-stretch core. Looped at both ends and built for minimal resistance through guides, it offers excellent grip in cold or wet conditions.
The Guideline ULS+ Multi-Tip WF is developed for anglers who want the speed and easy handling of a shooting head, the flexibility of interchangeable tips and most important; the smooth operation of a full WF line with integrated running line. Perfect choice for multiple fishing styles for salmon, sea trout and trout. A 10ft 4g floating tip is included and mounted loop-to-loop in the front.
The ULS+ WF has gone through many improvements, and the length of the different models is adjusted to better suit fishing in tight places and smaller waters. Together with a much more supple coating and very low memory, you will find that these lines are very stable when casting. Perfect for various situations when depth control is a must, and a superb choice for salmon, sea trout and trout Spey fishing, with single hand or lighter switch rods.
Due to the back taper and handling line, this line is also a great choice for streamer fishing! As there is no loop-to-loop connection in the back end of the belly, just a smooth WF back taper, you have no interference when fishing the fly all the way into your own bank. With our 4 gram Scandi tips, you have the possibility to quickly change density for any given situation. The heavier models can also be used with our 10´ and 12´ 7 gram tips and will create a more front aggressive line, very suitable for streamer fishing.
Our favorite single-hand WF line to pair with the ULS 2.0 is the Bullet+ WF. For optimal results and to get right inside the grain window if you plan to two-hand cast this line, go one line size above the listed number. So if you’re getting a 7wt, get the 8wt line. This is for Spey and roll casts, though the rod will handle a true-to-wt line size just fine as well, especially when overhead casting.
So when building your ULS setup, it’s best to start with the easy part- how you like to fish and then move forward from there. If you’re a dedicated trout angler looking for a delicate presentation, we suggest going lighter and with an integrated or WF line. For migratory fish anglers, the 7 and 8wt both have plenty of backbone for steelhead and Atlantic salmon, and the kit will depend on your river and style of fishing. The easiest will be matching the multi-tip kit with its corresponding rod, and one can mix and match tips within the gram and grain weight at their leisure.
Leader length is a common question we get from our USA anglers, and we fish much longer than with the average Skagit setup. A good rule of thumb is to base your leader off of the sinking density of the line you are fishing. For a full floating line, the sky is the limit, and in tricky low water conditions, the Powerstrike salmon leaders are a great place to start. For heavy tips and lines in S5/S7, we can shorten this so the fly reaches its preferred depth, though not nearly as short as the Skagit leaders in the 3- 5 ft range. 7- 8 ft is a good place to start, as to properly anchor the Scandi bottom hand-driven cast you’ll need at least this much.
Fly selection with the ULS set up is another question, particularly how big or small can I fish? These setups are designed to deliver flies delicately, and those smaller weights will be perfect for small trout wet flies. Icelandic salmon fishing often means flies down to a sz 18, and these are our choice for that if more than a standard single-hand rod is needed. On the northern rivers with larger fish and wind, this is an excellent tool and is equally as applicable for Patagonian sea trout. On the 7 and 8wt, we fished larger tubes and even intruder-style flies for steelhead with ease. And if one switches to overhead or adds a haul into their single-hand spey cast, we were able to turn over ridiculously heavy coho salmon flies into a significant wind. So however and wherever you choose to pursue salmonid species, take the next step in spey casting and versatile fly fishing and embrace the possibilities of Ultra Light Scandi.
