I'm looking into starting my first rod and am not sure on what power to get the rod. I've never have purchased a rod for myself, just used hand-me-downs, so this is an experience in itself.

I typically fish for trout in a lake by trolling. When I say trolling, I don't mean with downriggers and other typical trolling equipment. Its just puttering around a lake with a little 5hp outboard at almost idle speed. I also plan ot use it fishing in streams and lakes (nontrolling)

I was thinking something like a light or medium light spinning rod like a St. Croix 2S66MLF.

They may have changed things in the St Croix line, but the 2S66MLF was pretty stiff tipped last one I fished with. Would be ok as a trolling rod, and as a rainbow/brown trout rod for larger fish in streams ( any fish that is large enough to start foraging on crawdads, minnows and chubs). A little to heavy for brookies and other higher elevation trout. I use the three piece travel ML St Croix as my Alaska trout rod.
Would also work as a stillwater bank rod for larger trout. Would be a decent float and jig or Rapala minnow rod.
A rod blank that I have used that has a lighter tip but the same backbone is the Rainshadow IP841. Never tried shortening one to 6 1/2 ft.

Hi Todd,
I just got back this past weekend from doing exactly what you are wanting to do. I used a 5S70MLF St Croix rod. The medium light was perfect for the task but I think the fast action allowed some of the fish to throw the lure. I'm going to try a medium action rod to see if that doesn't help that problem. I see St Croix has a 2C76LM blank which they deem a trout trolling blank. I like the sound of that blank. If you can handle a rod that long, it sounds perfect. For trolling, I like a spinning rod so I would build it that way even though the blank is listed as a casting rod. Remember, a blank has no idea if it's a spinning or casting blank. Just find the blank with the characteristics you like and build it the way you want.
Now for the flip side. The 2S66MLF is a very versatile jigging rod. I use it for panfish, walleye, trout, and light bass fishing. A 2C76LM maybe limited. A more versatile blank maybe a 2C70MM or 2C66MM. This would allow more trolling or cranking options.
As always, it's just my opinion.

Kevin