Steelhead fly rod weight & length for tight quarters?

[OUTDOORSMAN72]

I wouldn't call myself a total fly fishing novice, but maybe an intermediate fisherman with a quest for expert advice. I am wondering what weight and length of rod is recommended for wade fishing hatchery stocked kamloops (16-28" average) running in the tributaries flowing into the north shore of Lake Superior. Most tributary streams up there are only 15-30 feet wide and 2-8 feet deep until May when the snow melt run off stops flowing. There are plenty of trees over hanging the river banks also. That is why I bought a Reddington Predator 8wt that is only 7'10" long. I also bought a St. Croix 8wt 9' 5 piece Legend Ultra and a 9wt 9' Orvis Cleerwater 2. I haven't used any of these rods yet. I bought a Waterworks Lamson Guru 3.5 with a spool of running line and a spool of Rio 9wt floating line. Most guys do the chuck and duck method up there. What fly rod do you think is the right one to use? Would I use the same rod for nyphing or cast streamers or Wooley Buggers. I'm guessing that most flies that I will use will be from #12-2. I am wondering which rods to keep, sell, or buy. I have often thought about buying a 7 weight fly rod for this purpose, but I'm not sure if it would be practical. Thanks in advance for your input and advice.

[kweetech]

Of the rods you have, I'd use the 8wt St. Croix. I've heard those Redington Predators are serious sticks..probably overkill for up there, the 9wt would be overkill as well.

I like a 7wt on lake superior tribs, esp. when water is low and clear...gives you a little more flex with lighter tippet, and can pretty much do anything you need to do. In high dirty water and heavier tippets, the 8wt will give you more muscle to turn fish from woody cover/charging down rapids.
8wt's are good do it all rods for all kinds of fish...from bass to steelhead and salmon..and would do the job too.
You could use the 9wt line, as overlining for heavy nymphing is fairly common. You can nymph and swing flies with the same setup.

For super tight streams....I would stick with 9' or under, though I usually make do with a 10' rod.

You should get out an cast all those rods..just to get a feel for the actions.
good luck