The most effective fly fishing rods are timeless items of kit. With easy care and secure storage, they’ll final a lifetime or extra. But the expertise retains enhancing, rods have gotten extra refined, and there’s at all times that one rod you’d like so as to add to your quiver.
In our annual hunt to seek out the very best fly rods available on the market, we took to the water, went to a pile of commerce exhibits, requested guides, and scoured the web for hidden gems. GearJunkie Hunt and Fish Editor Rachelle Schrute obtained the very best fly fishing rods she may discover (and some not-so-great sticks) and fished in mountain streams, brutally chilly waters, tropical paradises, and even lakes stuffed with prehistoric monsters.
We tried all of them, from heavy-duty broomsticks used to chase salty evaders to the lightest, suave finesse sticks used to completely emulate a model new emerger.
The GearJunkie crew has probably fished extra days and in additional situations than we ever have this 12 months, and we’ve discovered the rods that tickle our fancy and entice the very best underwater fare. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for the general efficiency of the Orvis Helios D or a budget-friendly possibility just like the Orvis Clearwater, we’ve you lined.
To study the variations between designs and the way we examined them, try the Purchaser’s Information, Comparability Chart, and Value & Worth part on the finish of this text.
Editor’s Notice: We printed a totally revised model of this information on November 11, 2024, by including all new merchandise, a contemporary purchaser’s information, and a value and worth part.
The Greatest Fly Fishing Rods of 2024
Sizes:
4-14wt, 8’5″-10′
Motion:
Quick
Guarantee:
25-year restricted
Sections:
4
Immense casting energy
Light-weight
Easy and responsive
Easy tip substitute program
Tremendous clear look
Personalization Choices
Rachelle Schrute
Sizes:
2-12wt / 7’6″-10
Motion:
Medium
Guarantee:
25-year restricted
Sections:
4
Critically reasonably priced
Efficiency and sturdiness that outshines many costly rods
An entire package deal, turn-key package
Has a little bit of a heavier really feel, however solely barely
Reel is succesful however not as easy as a dearer possibility
Rachelle Schrute
Sizes:
3-9wt, 8’6″-10′
Motion:
Quick
Guarantee:
Lifetime
Sections:
4
Critical power for battling severe fish
Corrosion resistance
Loads of pop for sending long-distance casts
Costly
Pretty restricted use case, might not be the best choice if on the lookout for versatility
Rachelle Schrute
Sizes:
5 wt, 9’
Motion:
Medium- Quick
Guarantee:
Inside 1 12 months, pay $30 charge plus transport. After 1 12 months, pay $55 charge plus transport.
Sections:
4
Full package deal
Excessive-quality elements
Nice worth
Solely is available in one measurement and weight
Rachelle Schrute
Sizes:
10ft
Motion:
N/A
Guarantee:
Lifetime
Sections:
Telescopic, 11-piece
Light-weight, All-in-One Bundle
Tiny and straightforward to pack
Easy
Too mild for windy conditions
Steep studying curve for established anglers
Rachelle Schrute
Sizes:
4-8wt, 8’6”- 9’
Motion:
Medium- Quick
Guarantee:
Lifetime
Sections:
4
Value –you’ll be exhausting pressed to discover a higher fly rod for this quantity
High quality elements and sturdiness for the value
Rachelle Schrute
Sizes:
3-5wt, 7’-8’
Motion:
Medium- Quick
Guarantee:
Lifetime
Sections:
4
Seems candy
Fishes properly when you have expertise
Responsive
Not greatest for inexperienced persons
Lacking 9-foot possibility
Rachelle Schrute
Fly Fishing Rods Comparability Chart
Fly Fishing RodPriceSizesAction WarrantySections Orvis Helios D Fly Rod Outfit$1,6564-14wt, 8’5″-10′Fast25-year limited4Orvis Clearwater Outfit$2492-12wt / 7’6″-10Medium25-year limited4 Sage R8 Core$1,0503-9wt, 8’6″-10′FastLifetime4Bozeman Flyworks Gold Customary$3565 wt, 9’Medium- FastWithin 1 12 months, pay $30 charge plus transport. After 1 12 months, pay $55 charge plus transport. 4Tenkara Rod Co. Beartooth$20510ftN/ALifetimeTelescopic, 11-pieceRedington Path II$1504-8wt, 8’6”- 9’4-8wt, 8’6”- 9’Lifetime4Redington Butter Stick $2803-5wt, 7’-8’Medium- FastLifetime4
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We obtained out on the water in a wide range of situations to check our favourite rods, together with the Orvis Helios; (picture/Rachelle Schrute)
How We Examined the Greatest Fly Fishing Rods
Our Testing Course of & Grounds
Testing fly rods is a very attention-grabbing, fulfilling, and surprisingly troublesome job. Most individuals make use of one or two types of fly fishing after which follow that area of interest. In terms of testing all calibers of fly fishing in a plethora of environments, it actually does require a crew to pack their luggage and get rods to waters throughout the globe.
Luckily, we’ve such a crew. Over the previous 12 months, we’ve had the pleasure to land some unimaginable fish, miss some fish-story-worthy monsters, and break various rods, sadly.
We’ve caught every part from tarpon to pike, bass to trout, allow to redfish on a fly line, and we’ve had a complete lot of enjoyable doing it.
Whether or not wading by river currents, casting from the again of a drift boat, sending streamers from a paddle board, or kayaking into the nooks and crannies to get to these fish hidden away within the shadows, we’ve finished a complete lot of fishing this 12 months and hope we are able to say the identical for the subsequent. Determining which rod setups swimsuit our pursuits greatest has been an absolute blast.
Our hunt and fish editor, Rachelle, scores an enormous fish throughout testing; (picture/Rachelle Schrute)
Our Knowledgeable Testers
Our Hunt & Fish Editor, Rachelle Schrute, examined fly rods in Montana’s mountain streams, the tropics off Florida’s coast, Iceland’s icy waters, and a dozen different locations for a dozen different chases.
Rising up a small-stream dry fly fisherman, the problem of increasing to new territories to check new rods has been a welcome one. Fly fishing is so various in its instruments and strategies, and making certain we’ve the abilities required to completely check the very best of the very best is an ever-evolving observe.
With fishermen/gear testers reminiscent of Harry Spampinato, who travels the world chasing tropical beasts, and Sean Jansen, who typically finds himself sending dry flies in Yellowstone Nationwide Park days earlier than dipping a line in salt as he paddles his method to Baja, we actually have a plethora of types and experiences at our helm. Rob Simpson and Ben Hickok contributed their experience to the 2024 model of this information as properly.
Our GearJunkie fly fishing crew of editors, gear testers, and contributors has been fishing for many years, utilizing a variety of fly rods, reels, fly strains, flies, waders, fishing packs, and different gear in an equally wide selection of fishing situations, from lakes to raging rivers to small mountain streams.
Our mixed fishing expertise includes every part from hooking up panfish, bass, grayling, tiger trout, cuts, and goldens to kokanee, sockeye, steelhead, and extra. Mixed, our crew has examined lots of if not hundreds of sport fishing merchandise and has the experience and expertise that can assist you choose the very best gear for almost any ability degree, fly fishing state of affairs, and funds.
In the event you’re out there for different fishing gear, we’ve you lined. Try our guides to the Greatest Fishing Waders, Fishing Hats, and Fishing Sun shades.
Winter didn’t cease us from persevering with to check the very best fly fishing rods; (picture/Sean Jansen)
Purchaser’s Information: How To Select the Greatest Fly Fishing Rods
Fly fishing affords an angler a steadiness of rest and challenges, however selecting the very best fly fishing rod can really feel lower than stress-free and supply an undesirable problem. Whether or not you’re new to fishing or an skilled angler, choosing the proper fly fishing rod on your supposed use may have a large influence in your success as an angler and the way a lot you take pleasure in fly fishing. We’ve finished our greatest to distill the important thing concerns when searching for a fly fishing rod, together with rod weight, size, materials, and motion, that can assist you make an knowledgeable resolution.
Fly Fishing Rod Size
Brief Rods (6 – 8 Ft)
Shorter rods are often within the 6 to 8-foot vary and are greatest for tight, brushy streams the place area is restricted and casting will be troublesome. One instance is the Redington Butter Stick (7 to eight ft), which requires expertise for casting effectively and might not be greatest for inexperienced persons.
Select a size that fits your wants more often than not; (picture/Rachelle Schrute)
Medium Rods (8 – 9.5 Ft)
A medium rod size, usually 8 to 9 and a half ft, is essentially the most versatile and commonest size of rod. They’re appropriate for a variety of fishing situations, and usually supply steadiness of casting distance and management. Some just like the Orvis Helios D Fly Rods are available vary of lengths, together with medium to lengthy. Others, just like the Bozeman Flyworks Gold Customary solely are available one size.
Lengthy Rods (9.5+ Ft)
Lengthy rods in extra of 9 and a half and 10 ft are perfect for fishing bigger rivers, lakes, and saltwater flats. They’re your best option for locations the place you have to make longer and extra highly effective casts.
Tossing salty flies within the tropics; (picture/Harry Spampinato)
Fly Fishing Rod Weight
The burden of the rod corresponds to the burden of the fly line it’s designed to solid. Fly rods usually vary from 1 to 14 weight, with decrease numbers appropriate for smaller fish and lighter strains, and better numbers designed for bigger fish and heavier strains.
1 to 4 Wt
These weights are nice for small streams and delivering delicate shows on lighter line weights. They’re an ideal selection for small trout, panfish, and different small fish species. The Orvis Clearwater Outfit is available in weights of two to 12, which is a big vary. In the event you persist with the smaller weight, you’ll need to persist with smaller streams.
5/6 Wt
It is a frequent candy spot for weights and an excellent beginning place for any new angler, as these weights supply versatility and are appropriate for a variety of freshwater fishing. 5 and 6-weight rods supply an excellent steadiness of delicacy and energy, making them glorious for trout, bass, and bigger panfish.
7 to 9 Wt
These weights are for bigger freshwater species and lightweight saltwater fishing and are greatest fitted to bass, pike, and steelhead. They’ll higher deal with heavier flies, huge streamers, and windy situations than 5 and 6-weight rods. The Sage R8 CORE is available in a spread of weights (3-9wt), however we most well-liked the 9-foot, 8wt in situations the place we wanted distinctive energy and precision.
10+ Wt
These weights are considerably specialty, supposed for heavy-duty rods meant for big saltwater species like tarpon, tuna, and sailfish. These heavy weight rods can deal with bigger flies and the heavier line wanted to land larger fish.
Sending nymphs in Iceland within the chase of Arctic char; (picture/Rachelle Schrute)
Fly Fishing Rod Motion
The motion of a fly rod is closely depending on the burden, energy, and building of a rod. Motion is known as a spread from gradual to quick, and usually refers to how a lot the rod bends, and extra particularly the place it bends, when casting and beneath the load of combating a fish, or selecting up a heavy fly.
A quick motion rod bends little or no within the majority of the rod extending away out of your hand, and does most of its bending close to the tip. A gradual motion affords a higher quantity of bending throughout your entire rod, which means the tip of the rod travels a higher distance.
Quick Motion
Usually, a sooner motion affords faster, stronger casting, and is especially good for longer-distance casting and windy fishing situations. It additionally makes selecting up streamers and heavier flies a lot simpler, whereas a slower motion will be too spongy to elevate a heavy fly. Quick-action rods, just like the Orvis Helios D Fly Rods, are additionally extra conscious of your actions, permitting you to react shortly and set a hook.
Medium Motion
A medium motion rod, just like the Orvis Clearwater Outfit, affords an excellent steadiness of energy and adaptability, making it versatile sufficient to deal with a variety of fishing conditions. Might rods just like the Redington Path II fall into the medium-fast motion class.
Gradual Motion
A gradual motion offers for extra delicate shows and is good for small streams, however the sponginess makes it harder to react shortly and do issues quick actions can do higher, like shortly setting a hook or selecting up and shortly casting streamers and heavier flies. We haven’t included any gradual motion rods on this checklist but.
The Redington Path II in motion; (picture/Elk Raven Images)
Fly Fishing Rod Supplies
Fly rods are often comprised of fiberglass, bamboo, or graphite(carbon fiber). The totally different supplies supply totally different advantages and downsides, and a few variations are so delicate that they’re higher suited to specialists.
Graphite (Carbon Fiber)
Whereas we name them ‘graphite’ rods, the time period is a little bit of a misnomer, as they’re truly carbon fiber and never graphite. Graphite alone is a crystalline materials and brittle by itself. Think about how simply a mechanical pencil lead breaks, which paradoxically can be a misnomer. You clearly wouldn’t make a rod out of that. Carbon fiber, which we’ll proceed to name graphite, affords nice power, sturdiness, and lighter weight than each fiberglass and bamboo.
Graphite rods are mild weight and intensely robust. Because of this even longer rods are nonetheless mild and straightforward to deal with with out fatigue when fishing all day. Graphite tenkara rods, just like the Beartooth Co. Tenkara Rod, are additionally nice for carrying into the backcountry or on backpacking journeys. The power of a graphite rod additionally makes them a sensible choice if you fish heavy nymphs, larger streamers, and heavier dry dropper rigs.
Fiberglass
Inexpensive however heavier than graphite, fiberglass affords a distinct really feel with slower motion, making it possibility for small stream fishing and making delicate shows. Extra trendy fiberglass rods will be constructed with totally different actions, however the place a sooner motion and a lighter rod are involved, graphite is usually a better option for many.
Bamboo
The pure flexibility of bamboo affords a easy motion and sensitivity that different composite supplies lack. That sensitivity permits you to really feel each facet of fishing, from the burden of a fish on the road to fly presentation and a novel really feel when casting. Until the normal look and the distinctive really feel of a bamboo rod are excessive in your precedence checklist, there are a number of drawbacks to bamboo rods. They’re often heavier than trendy composites, a pleasant bamboo rod will be prohibitively costly as they’re handcrafted by specialists, and bamboo rods require a higher quantity of upkeep, like cleansing, and oiling, along with extra delicate dealing with that composites don’t require.
Different Concerns
Fishing distant alpine lakes would require a fly rod that packs all the way down to an inexpensive size, in addition to a protecting rod tube to get it there; (picture/Scott Wilson)
Packing and Rod Items
Fly rods come in several configurations, from one-piece to multi-piece designs. Multi-piece rods just like the Redington Path II are often 4 items and are standard for his or her portability, whereas one or two-piece rods might supply barely higher dealing with and efficiency on account of fewer connection factors, giving them a extra steady bending motion.
Rod Deal with and Reel Seat
The deal with or grip of a fly rod is important for consolation and management. Handles are usually comprised of cork and have comparable contours from rod to rod, however one deal with might suit your hand barely higher than one other, and it’s value dealing with a number of rods, so you recognize what to anticipate from totally different rods and types.
We’ve usually centered on the most common freshwater and saltwater fly rods meant for many sport fishing, the place the reel mounts on the reel seat on the rear of the rod and creates steadiness with the burden of the pole forward of your hand. Nevertheless, some rods, like two-handed, swap, and spey rods, supply extra handles beneath the reel in order that two arms can be utilized for longer, stronger casting of heavier strains and flies, used when concentrating on a lot larger fish.
Testing the Tenkara Rod Co Beartooth; (picture/Rachelle Schrute)
Tenkara
Tenkara rods are a particular beast on this planet of fly fishing, and a complete article needs to be centered on this particular model of fishing and the tools concerned. In brief, it’s a enjoyable fly fishing model that usually makes use of very lengthy medium-action rods and no reel. Whereas the rods collapse and are very versatile, a standard 9 foot 5 weight fly rod with a reel is greatest for constructing a fly fishing expertise. The shortage of a reel additionally makes it exhausting or unattainable to make lengthy casts, in addition to to focus on massive fish. The road drag produced by a reel helps to battle a big fish, whereas the size, motion, and weight of a tenkara rod are completely used to battle fish. Giant fish and breaking strains can truly injury tenkara rods, whereas conventional fly fishing setups are extra succesful and forgiving for bigger fish and a variety of fishing. Tenkara rods are additionally usually fairly lengthy, 12 and 13 ft and a typical 9-foot fly rod will be simpler to handle typically.
Private Desire
The overlap of phrases like weight and motion, in addition to the consequences they’ve together with rod lengths and the totally different really feel of supplies, creates a plethora of traits that distinguish comparable rods from each other. It might take a whole lot of years fishing on totally different rods to essentially dial in your favourite weight, measurement, and motion. The fact is that you just’ll probably find yourself with multiple rod and use the rod that greatest matches the fishing you do with it.
Whereas there isn’t a Goldilocks of fly fishing rods, and one rod can’t fairly do every part, there’s a candy spot that provides nice flexibility and might deal with most conventional fly fishing conditions properly. That usually agreed upon candy spot is a 5-weight, graphite, 9 foot to 9 foot 6 inches, medium or medium-fast motion rod. Somebody concentrating on larger fish might contemplate a 6 weight, as it could nonetheless be delicate sufficient for dealing with a dry fly and extra delicate shows however nonetheless present sufficient energy to show over heavier streamers. It’s finally a selection that depends upon your supposed use and desire, whereas our private go-to is a 4-piece, 9-foot, 5-weight, quick motion just like the Orvis Helios D Fly Rod.
Fishing from a ship can change the size of fly rod you’re after, with longer rods being most well-liked; (picture/Erika Courtney)
Value & Worth
A fly rod can vary dramatically in value. Learners can discover nice worth in rod reel combos beneath $400 and even $300, whereas extra superior customers will be capable of recognize higher dealing with and really feel from higher-end rods that may simply exceed a thousand {dollars}. The variations to a newbie might not be obvious, and due to this fact, spending extra isn’t at all times the best choice, which is why we included some funds choices just like the Redington Path II and the Orvis Clearwater. Check out our suggestions and award winners for a good suggestion of the place to get began.
Regularly Requested Questions
A 9-foot, 5-weight rod is good for inexperienced persons, and most fishing typically. It affords versatility throughout varied situations and fish species, making it a wonderful all-around selection that’s simple to study with and offers a steadiness of energy and management, and isn’t too unwieldy to make use of on small streams.
A 5 weight rod is usually extra versatile, appropriate for a wider vary of fishing eventualities and species, together with trout and bass, whereas a 4 weight rod is best fitted to smaller streams and extra delicate shows. If you’re undecided, the 5 weight rod is probably going the safer possibility, because it lends itself to extra fishing eventualities than a 4 weight.
When selecting your first fly fishing rod, contemplate 9 foot, 5 weight, medium motion rods for versatility and ease of use. Decide whether or not or not nearly all of your fishing is roofed by this mix, or for those who want a barely longer rod, sooner or slower motion, and lighter or heavier weight. Reference our information for easy methods to decide these components, then select a good model that provides guarantee, and a steadiness between high quality and your funds.
The fly fishing market is saturated with home and overseas producers, however the very best fly rod manufacturers are these recognized for his or her high quality, sturdiness, and customer support. There are various firms which have constructed robust reputations over time for producing high-performing fly rods throughout varied value ranges, making them the safer choices, whereas you roll the cube as as to if or not you’ll get rod from a lesser recognized overseas producer.
We examined the main fishing waders , together with choices from Patagonia, Simms, and Orvis, to seek out the very best of 2024.
Sun shades could make or break your success on the water. With out the precise pair of glasses, chances are you’ll not be capable of get the job finished.
