Best Fly Reels: 5 Picks for Trout to Saltwater
On a trout stream, a fly reel mostly stores line. On a steelhead river or a saltwater flat, its drag...
By James
Updated November 10, 2026
On a trout stream, a fly reel mostly stores line. On a steelhead river or a saltwater flat, its drag decides whether you land the fish. The right reel matches your rod’s line weight, holds enough backing for the fish you target, and has a drag that stays smooth when it gets wet.
This guide compares five fly reels from Lamson, Redington, Orvis, Ross, and Maxcatch, from a pre-loaded budget reel to a fully machined reel made in Colorado. We compared each maker’s published construction, drag type, sizes, backing capacity, and warranty. For rods and lines to match, see our fly fishing gear section.
Our Top Picks
| Best for | Product | FH Score About FH ScoreThe FH Score is our editorial rating from 0 to 10, based on published specs, materials, warranty and value. It is not based on Amazon ratings and is never influenced by commissions. Learn more › | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall |
Lamson Liquid S Fly Reel
|
8.0/10 | Check Price |
| Best for big fish |
Redington Behemoth Fly Reel
|
8.2/10 | Check Price |
| Best for trout |
Orvis Clearwater Fly Reel (5-7 wt)
|
7.4/10 | Check Price |
| Best premium |
Ross Animas Fly Reel
|
8.4/10 | Check Price |
| Best budget |
Maxcatch Tino Fly Reel (Pre-Loaded)
|
6.6/10 | Check Price |
The Picks in Detail
Lamson Liquid S Fly Reel
Why it made the list: The Liquid S gives you a sealed drag, which many reels at this price lack. Lamson’s sealed conical drag keeps water and grit out and offers a broad range of settings with strong stopping power at the top end. The frame and spool are pressure-cast aluminum, then machined and coated, which keeps weight and cost down. Lamson offers sizes from panfish to saltwater species.
Key specs: pressure-cast aluminum frame and spool, machined and coated; sealed conical drag; large arbor; large drag knob; freshwater and saltwater use. Weights and warranty vary by size; check Lamson’s listing for your size.
Skip it if: you fish big saltwater species often. A heavier-duty reel with more backing suits that better.
Pros
- Sealed drag at a midrange price
- Large arbor picks up line quickly
- Sizes for small streams through saltwater
Cons
- Cast frame is not as stiff as a fully machined reel
- Weights and backing capacity not listed on the Amazon page
Redington Behemoth Fly Reel
Why it made the list: The Behemoth is built around a heavy-duty carbon fiber drag, which makes it a popular choice for steelhead, salmon, bass, and inshore saltwater fish. The die-cast frame and deep large-arbor spool hold plenty of backing, and Redington makes it in sizes from 5/6 for trout up to 11/12 for big game.
Key specs: die-cast construction; interlocking large-arbor spool; carbon fiber drag; twin molded handle. Backing capacity: 5/6 holds 125 yd of 20 lb; 7/8 holds 200 yd of 20 lb; 9/10 holds 200 yd of 30 lb; 11/12 holds 250 yd of 20 lb.
Skip it if: you fish small streams with a 3 or 4 weight. A lighter reel balances those rods better.
Pros
- Strong carbon drag for its price
- Generous backing capacity
- Wide range of sizes
Cons
- Heavier than machined reels of the same size
- Bulky look on a light trout rod
Orvis Clearwater Fly Reel (5-7 wt)
Why it made the list: The Clearwater is a simple, sturdy reel for everyday trout fishing. It has a die-cast frame with a powder-coat finish, a sealed carbon-to-stainless drag that Orvis rates for fresh and saltwater, and a reel foot redesigned for a secure fit. The retrieve converts from left to right hand. The 5-7 weight size covers the most common trout rods.
Key specs: die-cast frame; powder-coat finish; sealed carbon-to-stainless drag; large arbor; left or right retrieve; this size for 5 to 7 weight lines (Clearwater sizes cover 3 to 9 weight).
Skip it if: you need a reel for big, fast fish. The Redington Behemoth has a stronger drag and more backing.
Pros
- Sealed drag on a trout-priced reel
- Durable finish
- Easy to switch retrieve hand
Cons
- Backing capacity not stated on the listing
- Die-cast reels are heavier than machined ones
Ross Animas Fly Reel
Why it made the list: The Animas is fully machined from aluminum and handcrafted in Montrose, Colorado. Its bell-shaped, ultra-large arbor recovers line fast when a fish runs toward you, and the upgraded composite drag is built for fresh and saltwater. Ross backs it with a limited lifetime warranty.
Key specs: fully machined, anodized aluminum; ultra-large arbor; composite drag; canvas phenolic handle; tool-free spool release. The 7/8 size measures 3.88 in across and 1.02 in wide, weighs 4.74 oz, and holds WF7 line plus 180 yd of backing or WF8 plus 160 yd. Limited lifetime warranty.
Skip it if: you are new to fly fishing and still learning what you like. A less expensive reel works fine for trout.
Pros
- Machined construction made in the USA
- Light for its size
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Costs the most here
- The listing does not say the drag is sealed
Maxcatch Tino Fly Reel (Pre-Loaded)
Why it made the list: The Tino comes ready to fish. It ships spooled with weight-forward fly line, backing, and a tapered leader, which saves a beginner from rigging a reel for the first time. It is CNC-cut aluminum with a large arbor and a Teflon and stainless disc drag, and the retrieve hand switches without tools.
Key specs: all-aluminum, CNC-cut; large arbor; Teflon and stainless steel disc drag with one-way clutch bearing; left or right retrieve; sizes 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8 weight; pre-loaded with WF line, backing, and leader.
Skip it if: you plan to fish salt water. Choose a reel with a sealed drag, like the Lamson or Orvis.
Pros
- Ready to fish out of the box
- Aluminum build at a low price
- Easy retrieve change
Cons
- Drag is not sealed
- Included line is basic; many anglers upgrade it
Fly Reels Compared
| Reel | Construction | Drag | Sizes | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lamson Liquid S | Pressure-cast aluminum | Sealed conical | Panfish to saltwater | Not stated on listing |
| Redington Behemoth | Die-cast | Carbon fiber | 5/6 to 11/12 | Not stated on listing |
| Orvis Clearwater | Die-cast | Sealed carbon-to-stainless | 3 to 9 wt range | Not stated on listing |
| Ross Animas | Fully machined aluminum | Composite | Multiple, 7/8 shown | Limited lifetime |
| Maxcatch Tino | CNC-cut aluminum | Teflon and stainless disc | 3/4, 5/6, 7/8 | Not stated on listing |
How We Picked
We did not fish these reels for this guide. We researched each one and compared the specifications published by the makers. Our criteria:
- Drag type and sealing, since drag matters most once a fish runs.
- Construction: die-cast, pressure-cast, or machined.
- Size range and backing capacity.
- A spread of uses and budgets, from first reels to premium.
- Published warranty.
The FH Score in each product box is our editorial rating, built from five weighted criteria: performance for the job, build quality, versatility, warranty and value. It is not based on Amazon ratings. See how it works on our How We Review page.
How to Choose a Fly Reel
Match the line weight
Fly reels are sized by line weight, often as a range like 5/6 or 7/8. Buy the size that matches your rod. A 5 weight rod pairs with a 5/6 reel.
Drag
For trout under a few pounds, a basic click or disc drag is enough. For steelhead, salmon, bass, and saltwater fish, choose a strong, smooth disc drag. A sealed drag keeps sand and salt out and needs less care.
Arbor size
A large arbor spool picks up more line per turn and leaves fewer tight coils in your fly line. Most modern reels use large arbors.
Cast vs. machined
Cast reels cost less and work well. Machined reels are stiffer and lighter for their size, and usually cost more.
Saltwater use
Salt corrodes metal fast. If you fish the coast, choose a reel the maker rates for saltwater and rinse it with fresh water after each trip.
Related Guides
- Best 5 Weight Fly Rods
- Best Beginner Fly Fishing Kits
- How to Attach Backing to Fly Line
- Best Fly Fishing Flies for Bass
See more in our Fly Reels section.
FAQ
Does a fly reel matter for trout?
Less than the rod and line. Most trout are landed by stripping line. A balanced, reliable reel is enough.
What size fly reel for a 5 weight rod?
A reel rated for 5 weight line, usually sold as a 4/5, 5/6, or 5-7 size.
How much backing do I need?
For trout, 50 to 100 yards is plenty. For steelhead, salmon, and saltwater fish, use as much as the reel holds.
Can I use a freshwater fly reel in salt water?
Only if the maker rates it for salt. Rinse it with fresh water after every trip either way.
Final Thoughts
The Lamson Liquid S is our top pick because it brings a sealed drag to a midrange reel. Choose the Redington Behemoth for big fish, the Orvis Clearwater for everyday trout fishing, the Ross Animas for a machined reel with a lifetime warranty, and the Maxcatch Tino if you want a pre-loaded reel on a tight budget.
About the author
James writes reviews and buying guides for Fishing Hacking, covering rods, reels, line, lures, and the gear anglers rely on. His work focuses on clear criteria, balanced pros and cons, and practical advice to help readers choose equipment that fits how and where they fish.