Best Sinking Fly Fishing Lines of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 6 Feb 2025

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Sinking fly fishing lines are a type of fishing line designed to help anglers catch fish that dwell in deeper waters. These lines are made from a variety of materials, such as nylon, fluorocarbon, or braided lines, and are coated with a sinking compound to help them sink faster. Sinking fly fishing lines come in different weights and densities to match the fishing conditions and the type of fish being targeted. They are a useful tool for anglers who want to reach deeper waters or target fish species that are not found near the surface.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

RIO Mainstream Type 3 Full Sinking Fly Line Cover #TOP 1
RIO Mainstream Type 3 Full Sinking Fly Line
ftb score rating icon 9.8
BestCity WF7 Sinking Tip Fly Line Cover #TOP 2
BestCity WF7 Sinking Tip Fly Line
ftb score rating icon 9.7
HAWKRIDGE STREAM FLOW WF#7 Fly Line Cover #TOP 3
HAWKRIDGE STREAM FLOW WF#7 Fly Line
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Sinking Fly Fishing Lines

#TOP 1

RIO Mainstream Type 3 Full Sinking Fly Line

Rio
6-20371
Brown
5 Weight
RIO Mainstream Type 3 Full Sinking Fly Line Cover
RIO PRODUCTS Fly Line Mainstream Type 3 Full Sinking Line WF5S3, Brown

The RIO Mainstream Fly Line is designed for the average and novice fly fisher, optimising rod performance with its slightly heavier and shorter head lengths. This Type 3 full sinking line achieves a consistent sink rate of 3 inches per second, making it ideal for trout fishing, particularly in still water. Its quality design features a short, powerful front taper that ensures good presentation and turnover, allowing you to make effective casts with ease. This line enhances your time on the water by addressing all your casting and fishing needs.

What We Like
Optimised for novice anglers
Consistent sink rate
Good presentation and turnover
Versatile for various situations
High-quality design
#TOP 2

BestCity WF7 Sinking Tip Fly Line

Light Blue/Black
BestCity WF7 Sinking Tip Fly Line Cover
BestCity Fly Fishing WF7 Sinking tip Line With 2 Welded Loops 6IPS, Light Blue/Black

The BestCity Fly Line is designed for lake anglers, featuring a WF7 weight forward design that enhances your casting distance and accuracy. With a sink rate of 6 inches per second, the first 15 feet of the line sinks quickly, making it easier to reach fish in deeper waters. The remaining 85 feet floats, providing excellent visibility and control. Additionally, the two welded loops simplify the process of changing leaders or attachments, allowing you to focus more on your fishing experience.

What We Like
Great for lake fishing
Quick sink rate
Easy leader changes
Durable PVC coating
Accurate casting
#TOP 3

HAWKRIDGE STREAM FLOW WF#7 Fly Line

HAWKRIDGE STREAM FLOW WF#7 Fly Line Cover
HAWKRIDGE - Quality Weight Forward #7 STREAM FLOW FLY Line UK Brand WF#7 - Three options - Floating Orange/Intermediate Pale Blue/Sinking III Medium Grey (Sink III Medium Grey)

The HAWKRIDGE WF#7 Fly Line is designed for both new and experienced anglers, offering advanced engineering at an affordable price. With its stream flow technology, you can enjoy increased line speed, making it easier to load your line and enhancing your fishing experience. The advanced coating ensures effortless distance and accuracy, allowing you to cast with confidence. Additionally, the welded loops and low memory construction enhance durability and performance, making this line a reliable choice for your fly fishing adventures.

What We Like
Increased line speed
Effortless distance and accuracy
Durable with low memory
Welded loops for convenience
#TOP 4

HAWKRIDGE STREAM FLOW WF#9 Fly Fishing Line

HAWKRIDGE STREAM FLOW WF#9 Fly Fishing Line Cover
HAWKRIDGE - Quality Weight Forward #9 STREAM FLOW FLY Fishing Line (UK Brand) WF#9 - Four Options Available - Sinking III Medium Grey (Sink III - Medium Grey)

The HAWKRIDGE WF#9 Fly Line is designed for both novice and seasoned anglers, offering an advanced coating that ensures effortless casting distance and accuracy. With stream flow technology, you will experience increased line speed, making it easier to load your line and cast efficiently. The welded front and rear loop enhance the line's durability, while the ultra-low stretch and low memory allow for better performance on the water. This line effectively repels dirt, ensuring it lasts longer and stays in optimal condition for your fishing trips.

What We Like
Increased line speed
Effortless distance and accuracy
Durable construction
Repels dirt and grime
Suitable for all anglers
#TOP 5

MAXIMUMCATCH Sinking Fly Fishing Line 100ft

Brown, 3ips
WF-8S
MAXIMUMCATCH Sinking Fly Fishing Line 100ft Cover
MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch Sinking Fly Fishing Line Weight Forward 100ft 4S/5S/6S/7S/8S/9S

The MAXIMUMCATCH Sinking Fly Line is an excellent choice for any angler seeking quality without breaking the bank. Its slightly heavier design allows for easy loading, making casting more efficient. The addition of tungsten power enhances the sinking speed, ensuring you can reach the fish quickly. With a high-tech PVC coating, this line offers durability and flotation, which is crucial in varying weather conditions. The braided core minimises memory and stretch, improving your chances of a successful hook-up.

What We Like
Cost-effective option for anglers
Accurate casting at any distance
Durable in various weather conditions
Enhanced sinking speed with tungsten
Improved hook-up success rate
#TOP 6

Maxcatch Sinking Tip Fly Fishing Line

Multicolor
WF-6F/S
Maxcatch Sinking Tip Fly Fishing Line Cover
Maxcatch Sinking Tip Fly Fishing Line with Sink Head,Weight Forward Fly Line, 3ips/6ips, 4/5/6/7/8 F/S (Lemon Green/Black, 3ips, WF-6F/S)

The Maxcatch Sinking Tip Line is designed for those who fish for trout, steelhead, and salmon in moving waters. With a 15-foot sinking tip and an 85-foot floating section, this line allows you to quickly position your flies where the fish are. The mid-length head enhances control, making casting easier and more accurate. Additionally, the precision braided core reduces stretch, providing you with better sensitivity and improved hookup rates, ensuring that you don’t miss that crucial catch.

What We Like
Quickly positions flies
Enhanced casting control
Better sensitivity
Improved hookup rates
#TOP 7

SF Hi-Viz Sinking Tip Fly Line

SF
FL0802-7
WF7F/S-100FT-5IPS
SF Hi-Viz Sinking Tip Fly Line Cover
SF Hi-Viz Fly Fishing Sinking Tip Line Weight Forward Taper Floating Fly Line Sinking Line for Freshwater 100FT IPS5 WF7F/S Fluorescent Yellow&Black

The SF Fly Fishing Line is designed for both beginners and experienced anglers, making it a versatile choice for your fishing needs. Its weight-forward taper allows for easy casting, ensuring you can reach your target area with precision. The 100FT length provides ample distance, giving you more room to manoeuvre while fishing. With its striking fluorescent yellow and black colour, this line enhances visibility in various conditions, helping you keep track of your line effortlessly.

What We Like
Effective for all skill levels
Easy casting with weight-forward taper
Ample 100FT length
High visibility in water
#TOP 8

Shaddock Sink Tip Fly Line 100FT

Sink Tip Fly Line
Green
WF-5F/S
Shaddock Sink Tip Fly Line 100FT Cover
Fly Line Sink Tip 100FT 3ips Weight Forward Floating Fly Line Supplied With 2 Welded Leader Loops Sinking Fly Fishing Line(WF-5F/S)

The Shaddock Fly Line is designed for lake anglers, featuring a 100-foot length with a unique 15-foot sinking tip. This allows you to effectively control your fly and reach fish at various depths. With a sink rate of 3 inches per second, it ensures your line sinks quickly and efficiently. The PVC coating and braided core provide durability, making it a reliable choice for all weather conditions. You'll appreciate how the density compensated tip enhances your casting precision, enabling you to fish with confidence.

What We Like
Effective for lake fishing
Quick-sinking tip
Durable PVC coating
Enhanced casting precision
#TOP 9

Aventik Sinking Tip Fly Line 100 FT

Black,Orange
5F/S
Aventik Sinking Tip Fly Line 100 FT Cover
Aventik Sinking Tip Fly Line Fly Fishing Weight Forward Line Tapered Freshwater Floating Sinking Tip Line with one Welded Loop100 FT 3-4IPS(5F/S)

The Aventik Fly Line is designed for effective fly fishing with its unique features. The first 15 feet sink, allowing you to target fish at various depths, while the remaining 85 feet float for ease of casting. Its fatter body section reduces the "kick", providing a balanced cast that enhances your control. Plus, the welded loop at the front makes rigging quick and hassle-free, so you can focus on your fishing experience without any fuss.

What We Like
Effective sinking and floating design
Balanced casting for better control
Easy rigging with welded loop
Minimal stretch for sensitivity
Smooth surface for improved casting
#TOP 10

Maximumcatch Sinking Coated Leader for Trout

Black
7ft 25lbs(Sinking)
Maximumcatch Sinking Coated Leader for Trout Cover
Maximumcatch Fly Fishing Coated Leader Sinking(3ips) Fly Line For Trout and Salmon 2PCS 7/10FT (Black, 7FT 25lb(2pcs))

The Maximumcatch Sinking Leader is designed specifically for trout fishing. At 7FT and 25lb, it provides the strength and length you need for effective casting. Its sinking coated leader, with a rate of 3IPS, ensures your flies reach the desired depth quickly, making it easier to entice fish. Constructed like mini fly lines, these leaders taper down to your tippet, ensuring a smooth transition and improved presentation. The exposed loop allows you to attach your tippet easily, offering you flexibility in how you set up your rig.

What We Like
Ideal for trout fishing
Sinking at 3IPS
Tapered design for better presentation
Easy tippet attachment
Durable PVC coated material
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why does a fly line sink?

Sinking lines enable the angler to present a fly or lure at exactly the right depth and speed to capitalise on this natural larder. ... Armed with two or three lines of different densities, the angler can stay in contact with feeding trout wherever they happen to be.

2. Do I need sinking fly line?

When using a fly that I will strip or retrieve, I always prefer a sinking tip or sinking line. ... When it comes to the river, if you're fishing deeper buckets and faster currents, the weight of the sinking line will allow your wet flies to remain deeper and not float to the top as quickly as floating line would.

3. When should you use a sinking fly line?

The faster sinking lines are designed to fish fast water, deep pools and deep lakes. They are also used when trolled behind a small boat or float tube. Different manufacturers will label the sink rate differently (Type V instead of 1, 2, 3) but all will have the sink rate per second on the box.

4. What flies to use with sinking line?

They work great on sinking line because they won't hold your line up in the water and will have a natural appearance that deep in the water column. Woolly Bugger- Every fly angler knows the value of a Woolly Bugger. These flies represent baitfish, crayfish and a variety of things in between.

Editor's Notes

During our sinking fly fishing line research, we found 230 sinking fly fishing line products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,726 customer reviews through our big data system to write the sinking fly fishing lines list. We found that most customers choose sinking fly fishing lines with an average price of £15.60.

The sinking fly fishing lines are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of sinking fly fishing lines, including Rio, BestCity, HAWKRIDGE, sprinton, SF. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 218 consumers with an average rating of 4.5.

Written by
Luke Dobson Avatar

Luke is a runner, a climber, hiker, hunter, and a lot more. Luke Dobson is Celtic-born and has lived most of his life in Scotland. However, his sporting endeavours have taken him to several countries around Europe. He serves as a tour guide for countless companies and owns a couple of gyms and recreational centres in Scotland. Luke Dobson is proficient in 7 different languages. He maintains many sport article columns where he shares his wealth of experience in the sport industry.