10 Best Fly Fishing Reels 2025 in the United States

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.

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 Hatch Outdoors Iconic Plus Large Arbor Fly Reel (size 4) is a solid option for fly fishing enthusiasts looking for a durable and reliable reel. Made from aluminum with a Type II anodized finish, it offers good resistance to corrosion and wear, which is important for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Its ambidextrous design makes it comfortable for both left- and right-handed anglers. Weighing 0.75 pounds, it strikes a nice balance between being sturdy yet not overly heavy, helping reduce arm fatigue on longer fishing trips.

The large arbor design helps in faster line retrieval and reduces line memory, which is beneficial when you need quick and smooth line management. Hatch reels are known for strong, smooth drag systems, and this model carries a limited lifetime warranty that suggests confidence in its durability. One thing to note is that the spool is not compatible with previous models, so if you own older Hatch reels, you won't be able to swap parts.

It comes with useful extras like a reel pouch and a cap wrench, making maintenance and transport easier. Available in several colors, the grey/black option is stylish and understated. This reel is well suited for intermediate to experienced fly fishers looking for a high-quality, American-made reel that balances performance with durability, though it may not be the best fit for anglers needing ultra-light reels or very specific drag customizations.