Best Trout Fly Fishing Reels of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 6 Feb 2025

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Trout fly fishing reels are an essential tool for any angler who enjoys fly fishing for trout. These reels are specifically designed to handle the weight and fight of a trout, while also providing smooth and reliable drag to help tire out the fish. Trout fly fishing reels come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit different fishing situations, from small streams to large rivers and lakes. With the right reel, anglers can improve their chances of landing that trophy trout they've been dreaming of.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Matymats 7/8 Fly Fishing Reel with Line Cover #TOP 1
Matymats 7/8 Fly Fishing Reel with Line
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Redington ZERO Lightweight Fly Fishing Reel Cover #TOP 2
Redington ZERO Lightweight Fly Fishing Reel
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Snowbee Classic Fly Reel - Lightweight Design Cover #TOP 3
Snowbee Classic Fly Reel - Lightweight Design
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Trout Fly Fishing Reels

#TOP 1

Matymats 7/8 Fly Fishing Reel with Line

Matymats-UK4-XXY-B10334-2
Black
7/8wt
Matymats 7/8 Fly Fishing Reel with Line Cover
Matymats Fly Fishing Reel with Line, Fly Reel 7/8, Fly Fishing Reel Left/Right Hand, Large Arbor Fly Reels with Line for Trout Bass Carp Pike Panfish

The Matymats Fly Fishing Reel offers a robust die casting construction that ensures durability while remaining lightweight, perfect for smooth casting and quick line retrieval. It comes pre-loaded with fly line, backing line, and a tapered leader, allowing you to start fishing straight away. The reel's large arbor design provides generous line capacity, enhancing speedy line retrieval and protecting your tippet. Additionally, you can easily switch between left and right-hand retrieval, allowing you to customise the reel according to your personal preference.

What We Like
Durable die-cast aluminium body
Pre-spooled for immediate use
Generous line capacity
Interchangeable hand orientation
#TOP 2

Redington ZERO Lightweight Fly Fishing Reel

5-5507R23NB
Matte Black
Redington ZERO Lightweight Fly Fishing Reel Cover
Redington Zero Fly Fishing Reel, Lightweight Design for Trout, Clicker Drag System, Matte Black, 2/3

The Redington ZERO Reel sets a new benchmark for lightweight fly fishing, particularly when targeting Trout. Its clicker drag system ensures that you experience smooth resistance during those thrilling runs, allowing for better control. The large arbor design aids in quick line retrieval and minimises line memory, making your fishing experience more efficient. Crafted with durable die-cast construction, this reel is not only lightweight but also features a quick-change spool for added convenience during your fishing trips.

What We Like
Lightweight design
Smooth clicker drag
Quick line retrieval
Durable construction
Easy spool change

Snowbee Classic Fly Reel - Lightweight Design

SB-10560G
Black
One Size
Snowbee Classic Fly Reel - Lightweight Design Cover
Snowbee Classic #2/3/4 Fly Reel - Black, One Size

The Snowbee Classic Fly Reel is expertly crafted from glassfibre reinforced nylon, ensuring a lightweight and rigid frame that is completely corrosion-proof. Its large arbor and open cage design allow for a quick retrieve, making your fishing experience more efficient and enjoyable. You will also benefit from minimal line memory off the spool, reducing tangles and hassle. Additionally, the rear, multi-disc drag system delivers impressive performance, providing you with the reliability needed for successful angling without breaking the bank.

What We Like
Lightweight and durable construction
Quick line retrieval
Reduces line memory
Impressive drag performance
#TOP 4

Snowbee Classic 2 #7/8 Fly Reel

SB-10562G
Black
One Size
Snowbee Classic 2 #7/8 Fly Reel Cover
Snowbee Classic 2 #7/8 Fly Reel, Black, One Size

The Snowbee Classic 2 Reel is expertly crafted from glassfibre reinforced nylon, ensuring a lightweight and rigid frame that is completely resistant to corrosion. Its large arbor and open cage design allow for a fast retrieve, significantly reducing line memory on the spool, so you can focus on your fishing experience. The rear, multi-disc composite and stainless steel drag system offers exceptional performance, making it an excellent choice for the price. Additionally, the modern 'V' spool design increases backing capacity, providing you with the reliability needed for various fishing conditions.

What We Like
Lightweight and durable construction
Fast retrieve capability
Effective drag system
Increased backing capacity
#TOP 5

Sougayilang 7/8 Fly Fishing Reel with Smooth Drag

YZ -CSFYL 78
Multicolor
7/8 wt
Sougayilang 7/8 Fly Fishing Reel with Smooth Drag Cover
Sougayilang 7/8 Fly Fishing Reel, Aluminium, Multicolor, Ambidextrous, Fly Line, Fishing Reel, Trout Fishing

The Sougayilang Fly Fishing Reel is crafted from lightweight aluminium alloy, ensuring durability without adding extra weight. Its corrosion-resistant surface enhances longevity, making it ideal for challenging weather conditions. You will appreciate the silky smooth drag system, which allows for a seamless fishing experience, while the large spool design facilitates quick line retrieval, reducing line memory. The ergonomically designed dual-moulded handle provides a soft yet firm grip, offering excellent feedback when reeling in larger fish.

What We Like
Lightweight and durable construction
Corrosion-resistant for longevity
Silky smooth drag system
Quick line retrieval
Ergonomic handle for comfort
#TOP 6

Snowbee Classic 2 Fly Reel - Black

SB-10561G
Black
One Size
Snowbee Classic 2 Fly Reel - Black Cover
Snowbee Classic 2 #5/6 Fly Reel - Black, One Size

The Snowbee Classic 2 Reel is crafted from precision-moulded glassfibre reinforced nylon, making it lightweight yet incredibly strong and corrosion-proof. Its large arbor and open cage design ensure a fast retrieve, allowing you to quickly reel in your catch with minimal line memory. The rear, multi-disc composite and stainless steel drag system delivers outstanding performance, making it a reliable choice for anglers without breaking the bank. The modern 'V' spool design enhances backing capacity, providing you with more line for those longer casts.

What We Like
Lightweight and corrosion-proof
Fast retrieve capability
Excellent drag performance
Increased backing capacity
#TOP 7

Matymats Lightweight Fly Fishing Reel for Trout

Matymats-UK4-XXY-B10254-4
Silver
3/4wt
Matymats Lightweight Fly Fishing Reel for Trout Cover
Matymats 3/4wt Fly Fishing Reel, CNC-Machined Aluminum Alloy Trout Fly Reel, Lightweight Salmon Fly Reels for Bass Carp Pike Panfish, Silver

The Matymats Fly Reel offers outstanding features for avid anglers. Its large line capacity ensures you can load plenty of fly backing and master line, making your fishing experience seamless. The smooth, click-free drag system allows you to fight your catch without distractions, giving you the precision you need. Constructed from solid CNC-machined aluminum, it is both lightweight and durable, ensuring it stands up to the elements. Additionally, the reel easily switches between left and right-hand retrieval, catering to your individual preferences.

What We Like
Large line capacity
Smooth, silent drag system
Lightweight and durable
Interchangeable hand retrieval
Versatile for various fish

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

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 10

PROBEROS Fly Fishing Reel with Large Arbor

Green
7/9 wt reel
PROBEROS Fly Fishing Reel with Large Arbor Cover
Fly Fishing Reel Fly Reels - CNC Machined Aluminum Alloy Body - Large Arbor Spool

The PROBEROS Fly Reel boasts a robust 6061-T6 aluminium alloy construction, ensuring durability and resistance to corrosion, making it perfect for any fishing environment. Its disc drag system allows for smooth line control, providing you with the confidence to catch a variety of fish. The one-way clutch bearing enhances ease of use, so you can focus on your fishing experience. Additionally, the easy disassembly design makes maintenance hassle-free, ensuring your gear is always ready for use.

What We Like
Durable aluminium alloy construction
Smooth disc drag system
Easy to maintain
Lightweight and portable
Versatile for various fish species
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do you pick a fly reel for trout?

The main key point to choosing a fly reel is to pick one that can hold the necessary amount of backing and fly line for the weight of rod that you are fishing with. If you purchased a 5 weight fly rod, make sure you are choosing a fly reel that will accommodate fly line weights from 4-6.

2. What type of reel do you use for fly fishing?

There are two main systems on the market: click-pawl, and disc drag. In the past fly reels used by the everyday fly fisherman had a "traditional" click-pawl style drag mechanism. The drag tension was provided by a clicker (pawl) that ticks against the teeth of a round turning gear, which makes a clicking sound.

3. Why are fly fishing reels different?

Fly rods are also noticeably thinner and more flexible than spinning rods. All of these differences have to do with the mechanics of both the cast used with each type of rod and the methods used while fishing with them. To cast a fly rod, a fisherman must use the weight of the fly line to build momentum.

Editor's Notes

During our trout fly fishing reel research, we found 191 trout fly fishing reel products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 6,775 customer reviews through our big data system to write the trout fly fishing reels list. We found that most customers choose trout fly fishing reels with an average price of £34.40.

The trout fly fishing reels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of trout fly fishing reels, including Matymats, REDINGTON, Snowbee, Sougayilang, Martin Fly Fishing. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 40 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

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.