10 Best Fly Fishing Reels 2025 in the United States

The Orvis Encounter Fly Rod Outfit serves as a solid entry-level fly-fishing reel and rod combo, making it a great choice for beginners. This 4-piece kit includes everything needed to get started, such as a 9' 6-wt. rod, a size II Encounter reel, and additional accessories like a rod/reel case, backing, and leader. Its lightweight construction at just 1.94 pounds means it’s relatively easy to handle, which is beneficial for those new to the sport. Plus, the 5-year guarantee from Orvis adds a layer of confidence in the product’s durability.

One of the key strengths of this outfit is its affordability without compromising on performance. The Encounter reel features a large arbor design that helps with quick line retrieval, which is essential for catching fast-moving fish like bass and trout. The rod's medium power rating is versatile, making it suitable for various fishing techniques and conditions, further appealing to novices.

The Orvis Encounter Fly Rod Outfit is a well-rounded starter kit that delivers on its promise of affordability and ease of use, making it highly suitable for beginner anglers. Those with more experience may want to look for more advanced features and materials to better suit their fishing style.

The Ross Colorado Fly Reel in Matte Platinum is a well-crafted reel designed for fly-fishing enthusiasts, particularly fitting for lines #2-3. Crafted from stainless steel and aluminum, it offers durability while being lightweight at 3.9 oz (99 g). The 3.6-inch outer diameter makes it compact and easy to handle.

The reel's size of 4/5 and capacity for WF4+90 and WF5+75 lines indicate it can manage various line types efficiently. Its dual hand orientation adds versatility, suitable for both left and right-handed anglers. The stainless steel bearing material promises smooth operation and longevity.

Its mid-range price point and position as #18 in fly fishing reels indicate it is a popular choice among anglers. This reel is best suited for those seeking a reliable and lightweight option for moderate fly fishing needs.

The LAMSON Guru S-Series -9+ Fly Fishing Reel is a versatile and durable option for avid fly anglers. It boasts a large arbor design, which ensures quick line pick-up and minimizes line memory, an essential feature for efficient line management. The reel is fully CNC machined and anodized, lending it excellent durability and resistance to damage and abrasion, making it suitable for various water conditions, including saltwater environments.

The proprietary sealed conical drag system stands out by offering a smooth drag performance and protecting the internal components from water and debris, ensuring reliability in different fishing scenarios. The drag knob is large and easy to grip, allowing for fine adjustments even during intense moments on the water. Weighing 14.4 ounces, it strikes a balance between being lightweight and sturdy, although it may feel slightly heavier compared to some ultra-light reels on the market.

The use of stainless steel and aluminum in its construction ensures it is both strong and corrosion-resistant. It is designed for left-hand orientation, which may not be suitable for right-handed anglers unless they are comfortable with the setup. The reel size of 9+ (8-10 wt lines) makes it versatile enough for targeting a range of fish species, from panfish to larger saltwater species. Anglers looking for a reliable and robust reel with excellent drag performance and a large arbor design will find the Guru S-Series a fitting choice, though its weight and left-hand orientation might be limiting for some users.