Best Fly Fishing Reels of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 6 Feb 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Fly fishing reels are an essential component for anglers who enjoy the art of fly fishing. These reels are designed to hold and release the fishing line, allowing the angler to cast the fly accurately and smoothly. The reels come in various sizes and materials, such as aluminium, graphite or carbon fibre, to suit different fishing environments and fish species. Fly fishing reels also come with different drag systems to control the tension between the fish and the angler. With a good quality fly fishing reel, anglers can maximise their chances of catching the fish they desire.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

SF Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reel Combo Cover #TOP 1
SF Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reel Combo
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Martin Caddis Creek Fly Reel 6wt Cover #TOP 2
Martin Caddis Creek Fly Reel 6wt
ftb score rating icon 9.8
HAWKRIDGE Quality Fly Fishing Reel with Line Cover #TOP 3
HAWKRIDGE Quality Fly Fishing Reel with Line
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Fly Fishing Reels

SF Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reel Combo

SF
FRDC-SF001-56-KTB
5/6wt
SF Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reel Combo Cover
SF Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reel 5/6wt Aluminum Alloy Body Die-Cast Matt Black Pre-Loaded Fly Reel with Line Combo Fluorescent Yellow Fly Line

The SF Fly Fishing Reel offers a comprehensive combo to enhance your fishing experience. It features a large arbor design, which allows for quick line retrieval, saving you time when reeling in your catch. The durable aluminium alloy construction, treated for anti-corrosion, ensures that your reel remains in top condition even in wet conditions. Additionally, the easy left-hand to right-hand retrieval makes it user-friendly for all anglers. With the added benefit of a clear ticking alarm, you can effortlessly track your line's movement while fishing.

What We Like
Comprehensive fly fishing combo
Quick line retrieval
Durable anti-corrosion material
User-friendly retrieval system
Audible line tracking alarm
#TOP 2

Martin Caddis Creek Fly Reel 6wt

Martin Fly Fishing
Multi-coloured
Martin Caddis Creek Fly Reel 6wt Cover
Martin Fishing 190719-SSI Martin Caddis Creek Fly Reel 20#/50yd bk 30yd/6wt CC65-BX6 - multi, N/A

The Martin Caddis Creek Reel is crafted from the highest quality materials, ensuring durability and reliability during your fly fishing adventures. This reel is designed for performance, allowing you to handle various fishing conditions with ease. Being a product of Martin Fishing, it reflects the brand's commitment to excellence in fishing gear. Manufactured in China, it combines quality with affordability, making it a great choice for both seasoned anglers and beginners looking to enhance their fishing experience.

What We Like
High-quality materials
Designed for performance
Great for all skill levels
Affordable with quality assurance
#TOP 3

HAWKRIDGE Quality Fly Fishing Reel with Line

Black
HAWKRIDGE Quality Fly Fishing Reel with Line Cover
COLORADO Quality # 7/8 Fly Fishing Reel With Floating Weight Forward 7 Line On - Advanced Engineering - Ideal for Stillwater Reservoir Switch and Big River

The HAWKRIDGE Fly Fishing Reel offers advanced engineering and eye-catching design, making it an excellent choice for your fishing needs. Its lightweight, high-impact vented graphite construction ensures durability while remaining easy to handle. The reel comes with a line already loaded and attached, allowing you to start fishing right away. Featuring a large arbour vented spool design, you will benefit from smoother line retrieval and reduced line twist, enhancing your overall fishing experience. Additionally, the disc drag system provides precise control over your line, making it ideal for various fishing environments.

What We Like
Advanced engineering
Lightweight and durable
Pre-loaded line for convenience
Smooth line retrieval
Precise drag control
#TOP 4

Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel with Line

HU-XI-122
Gunmetal
5/6wt
Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel with Line Cover
Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel with Line, Pre-Loaded CNC-Machined Aluminum Alloy Fly Reel, Light Weight and Corrosion Resistance Design, 5/6wt Gunmetal

The Piscifun Sword Reel is an excellent choice for fly fishing enthusiasts. With its pre-loaded tapered flying line, you can achieve accuracy even in breezy conditions, enhancing your fishing experience. The reel is made from lightweight, durable CNC-machined aluminium, ensuring it won't weigh you down. Its silky smooth drag system offers you immediate engagement, allowing for precise control when reeling in fish. Plus, its corrosion-resistant design means it can withstand various weather conditions, ensuring longevity and reliability on your fishing trips.

What We Like
Lightweight and durable design
Smooth drag system
Corrosion-resistant materials
Pre-loaded for convenience

Martin Caddis Creek Size 6/5 Fly Reel

Martin Fly Fishing
MLT63A,,CP4
Black
Martin Caddis Creek Size 6/5 Fly Reel Cover
Martin Caddis Creek Fly Fishing Reel, Size 6/5 Single Action Fly Reel with Rim-Control, Changeable Right- or Left-Hand Retrieve, Lightweight Aluminum Spool, Brown, 63

The Martin Caddis Creek Reel is a 6/5 single action fly reel designed with a reinforced aluminium spool, making it an excellent choice for catching various fish such as panfish, trout, walleye, and bass. The metal clicker features an on/off control, allowing you to manage your fishing experience effortlessly. You will appreciate the push-button spool release, which offers convenience when changing lines. Pre-spooled with 20-pound backing, LT6F fly line, and a 5X leader, this reel ensures you are ready to fish right out of the box.

What We Like
Lightweight aluminium construction
Easy right- or left-hand retrieve
Convenient push-button spool release
Pre-spooled for immediate use
#TOP 6

Sougayilang G5/6 Fly Fishing Reel

5/6 WT
Sougayilang G5/6 Fly Fishing Reel Cover
Sougayilang Fly Fishing Reel,Large Arbor With Diecast Aluminum Body Fly Reel-5/6,7/8 Weights,Essential Fly Reels For Beginners-G5/6

The Sougayilang Fly Reel is designed to enhance your fishing experience with its silky smooth drag system, allowing for easy and adjustable drag resolution. Its lightweight and durable die-cast aluminium construction ensures you can enjoy long days on the water without fatigue. The large arbor design increases backing capacity and enables quicker line retrieval, making it easier to manage your line and avoid tangles. This great value reel is perfect for anglers of all skill levels, providing versatility and performance for your fishing adventures.

What We Like
Silky smooth drag system
Lightweight and durable design
Large arbor for quick line pickup
Great value for beginners
#TOP 7

Sougayilang Ultralight Fly Fishing Reel 5/6

Sougayilang Ultralight Fly Fishing Reel 5/6 Cover
Sougayilang Fly Fishing Reel Ultralight Anti-Oxidation,CNC-machined Aluminum Alloy Body and Spool fly fishing reels size 5/6

The Sougayilang Fly Fishing Reel offers excellent features for anglers. Its corrosion resistance ensures durability, allowing you to fish in various weather conditions without worry. The mid-arbor design helps reduce line memory, making your fishing experience smoother. You will appreciate the smooth drag system, which provides immediate engagement for effortless adjustments. Additionally, the reel's 2+1 ball bearings and strong all-aluminium construction enhance your overall fishing efficiency by delivering swift line pick-up and a quiet retrieve.

What We Like
Durable corrosion-resistant design
Smooth immediate drag engagement
Lightweight mid-arbor design
Efficient line pick-up
#TOP 8

WF7F Shakespeare Fly Fishing Reel with Line

Black
WF7F Shakespeare Fly Fishing Reel with Line Cover
WF7F Shakespeare Fly Fishing Reel Large Arbour with Backing, Floating Line, and Leader loop fitted

The Shakespeare Fly Fishing Reel is an excellent choice for anglers looking for a reliable setup. It comes with a quality UK-made fly line, ensuring durability and performance in various fishing conditions. You will appreciate the convenience of having the weight forward line, leader, and backing already fitted, saving you time and effort before heading out. The product also allows you to choose your preferred colour by contacting the seller, or you may receive a randomly selected option. This reel combines practicality with quality, making it a great addition to your fishing gear.

What We Like
Quality UK-made fly line
Convenient pre-fitted components
Colour selection available
Large arbour design

OriGlam Ultralight Fly Fishing Reel

FHG_116
Black
OriGlam Ultralight Fly Fishing Reel Cover
OriGlam Fly Fishing Reel Fishing Wheel, Fly Ice Fishing Reel Spinning Fishing Reels, Powerful Lightweight Spinning Reels for Freshwater Saltwater (Black)

The OriGlam Fishing Reel is an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced anglers. Its wide application makes it ideal for freshwater fishing, particularly in trout rivers and lakes. The ergonomic knob design allows for easy drag adjustments, even in chilly conditions, ensuring you can fish comfortably. Made from ultralight engineering plastic, this reel is not only durable but also corrosion resistant, giving you peace of mind in various environments. With no signs of rust after extensive testing, you can rely on its performance for years to come.

What We Like
Wide application for various fish
Easy drag adjustments
Durable and corrosion resistant
Lightweight design
#TOP 10

Sougayilang Fly Fishing Reel 5/6 Sizes

JY-FYL 5/6
Brown
5/6 Reel
Sougayilang Fly Fishing Reel 5/6 Sizes Cover
Sougayilang Fly Fishing Reel Large Arbor 2+1 BB with CNC-machined Aluminum Alloy Body and Spool in Fly Reel Sizes 5/6

The Sougayilang Fly Reel is crafted from durable CNC-machined 6061-T6 aluminium alloy, ensuring long-lasting performance in various environments. Its lightweight design, thanks to the larger CNC hollow structure, enhances your fishing experience. With 2+1 ball bearings and a 1:1 gear ratio, you will enjoy smooth drag engagement and silent retrieves, making it easier to catch elusive fish. The finely machined screw caps allow for effortless conversion between left and right-hand retrieval, providing you with added convenience on the water.

What We Like
Durable aluminium alloy construction
Lightweight and easy to handle
Smooth drag engagement
Silent retrieves
Easy left/right hand conversion
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much does a good fly reel cost?

For beginner and intermediate anglers, a fly reel in the $80-$150 range is probably the sweet spot. When you purchase the fly reel, be sure to buy an extra spool at the same time. Like most things in life, fly reel models come and go quite frequently.

2. How do I know what size fly reel to get?

Fly reel sizes are classified in the same way that rods are, they are sized by "weight" . Sizes can run from 3 weight to 12 weight. The smaller the number, the lighter the setup. So a 3 weight rod and reel set-up would be for catching small trout on a creek.

3. What does 5 6 mean on a fly reel?

What Does a 5/6 Weight Mean? A 5/6 weight rod is not uncommon to see. Essentially this means that the rod can hold both 5 and 6-weight line. If you do purchase one of these rods, it's best if you go with a 6-weight line. It'll give you a bit extra weight so you can make longer casts and get a true feel for the fly rod.

Editor's Notes

During our fly fishing reel research, we found 306 fly fishing reel products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 14,652 customer reviews through our big data system to write the fly fishing reels list. We found that most customers choose fly fishing reels with an average price of £32.24.

The fly fishing reels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of fly fishing reels, including SF, Martin Fly Fishing, HAWKRIDGE, Piscifun, Sougayilang.

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.