The Best Fly Reels For Salmon

The Best Fly Reels For Salmon And Big Game Fish

Salmon, steelhead and stripers fight like crazy. Now spanning the United States, Canada, and Eurasia, they are abundant and waiting for you to catch them. Is your reel up to the task? With so many reels on the market, it’s hard to know if you are getting the best fly reel for salmon and big game fish. Make sure you know what you’re buying.

Our Motto: Get You To Better Fishing! ^TM

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Will Your Reel Perform When It Counts?

Can your fly reel handle 20-30 minutes of frantic runs with this amount of power, from a 20-50 pound salmon?

Fish Alaska Mag

Often overlooked compared to the selection of fly rod and flies, when it comes to trophy fish, your reel is one of the most critical parts of your gear.

This is not like fishing for you average-sized trout or bass, where nearly any reel will handle the fish. So, anglers tend to under-think their selection.

Because a reel’s performance depends on the inner workings, many people aren’t sure exactly how to evaluate a reel.

Unlike the rod that you can flex at the store, you really won’t know how the reel performs until your line and backing are screaming off the reel, with a trophy intent on breaking off as soon as possible.

So, we’ve sifted through dozens of options to bring you our picks below, comparing the specifications and performance under three value categories to make your decision that easier.

We want your reel to help you enjoy releasing a hard fought, large salmon just like this one, with confidence.

Best fly reels

Performance Criteria

Fly reels have to manage the brunt of power imparted by big-game fish. This is true even when matched with an excellent rod. We evaluate each reel concerning its capacity, drag performance, retrieval rate, and durability:

Line capacity – does the arbor hold enough backing and line to outlast long runs, even when the fish broadsides and uses a current to its advantage?
Drag performance – is the drag strong enough to take powerful surges and explosive jumps, to contain the runs of trophy-sized fish, avoid hang-ups, and yet responsive enough at the same time to avoid break-offs?
Retrieval rate – is it fast enough to pick up the slack when your trophy big game fish turns 180 degrees and runs back at you in an instant, without any warning as you’ve been leaning against its long powerful run, avoiding the dreaded moment when slack allows the hook to free?
Durability – will the drag maintain its strength over time, even after you’ve landed multiple trophies, and withstand the inevitable knocks, bumps, dings, and drops that come with pursuing big game fish?

Summary Of The Best Fly Reels for Big Game

While there are many mass produced on the market, very few are up to the huge task of playing and landing a powerful salmon, steelhead, or striper. So, we’ve evaluated the many choices – and eliminated many – to recommend only the best in several value categories. Here are our picks.

Best Fly Rod

Our Picks – Summary Reviews

Here is a summary of our picks and recommendations, be sure to read our comparison of features and specifications and detailed reviews below.

PRACTICAL ($150 – $400)

Redington BEHEMOTH Fly Reel

2. Redington RISE Fly Fishing Reel

3. Orvis Hydros SL IV

4. Sage Reels Spectrum 9/10 Reel, Blaze

5. Hardy Ultralite ASR Fly Fishing Reel

BEST VALUE ($400 – $600)

6. Waterworks-Lamson Guru S Series Fly Reel – New 2020

7. Nautilus CCF-X2

8. Taylor Revolution Z 7-9wt

HIGH END ($600 – $900)

9. Galvan The Grip Fly Reel – Made in the USA

10. Ross Evolution R Salt Fly Reel

11. Hatch Gen 2 Finatic 7 Plus Fly Reel, Gray/Black, Large Arbor

12. Orvis Mirage Fly Reel

13. Lamson Cobalt HD Fly Reel (8, Original)

Name	Image	Summary	Price
1. Redington BEHEMOTH Fly Reel
2. Redington RISE Fly Fishing Reel
3. Orvis Hydros SL IV
4. Sage Spectrum Fly Reel
5. Hardy Ultralite ASR Fly Fishing Reel
6. Waterworks-Lamson Litespeed Series V Fly Reel
7. Nautilus CCF-X2
8. Taylor Revolution Z
9. Galvan The Grip Fly Reel
10. Ross Evolution R Salt Fly Reel
11. Hatch Gen 2 Finatic 7 Plus Fly Reel, Gray/Black, Large Arbor
12. Orvis Mirage Fly Reel
13. Waterworks – Lamson Cobalt – Size 8, 10 or 12

Detailed Reviews – Best Fly Reels For Salmon and Big Game

If you’ve ever lost a nice salmon, for any gear or technical reason, you know you just don’t want to be short handed right when the great moment arrives. Evaluated using our proprietary value categories, our reviews will help you make an informed choice buying waders for your kids. Read on for our detailed reviews and recommendations.

Yes, these reels run more expensive than your average trout, bass, or panfish reel. That’s because they need to have the line capacity (called a large arbor) and strong, reliable drag to curb the run of a large fish that’s trying to run you out of backing.

One way to think of a good reel is as insurance for your rod. A reel that doesn’t bind up or give out will not only keep the stress on your rod lower, but also make it possible to more quickly – yet gradually – tire out the fish.

Pro Tip – the model number and size are HUGELY important when picking a fly reel. Many of these reels come in several sizes, with different arbor capacities, drag strength, etc. Pay particular attention to model number and size (for big game fish sizes 8-9-10 and up, even up to 11-12), to avoid purchasing a reel that is not up to the job for the fish you are pursuing.

Best Fishing Waders

PRACTICAL FLY REELS FOR BIG GAME ($150 – $400)

We rate reels as Practical when they have basic features for a lower price, but are reasonably quality not cheap in nature. We have ruled out quite a few that are cheap, which we don’t list here because we want you to still have a degree of quality even at a more affordable price.

How We Find Best Value For You

Tired of reading gear ratings that have arbitrary ratings in pretty tables, with lots of links to primarily the expensive models, without enough information to tell if the gear is really right for you? Or that were obviously written by someone in another country who’s never actually seen or used the equipment, much less been an outdoors enthusiast?

In contrast, we are always on the lookout for best value products for you, and we evaluate in detail before presenting anything to you. Yes, even if it’s not expensive and doesn’t benefit us, we cover it. Here’s how we deliver our proprietary ValueMeter^TM ratings to you.

First, we use well defined, meaningful rating categories that focus on what you’re getting for your money:

CHEAP – Not up to the task, prone to breakage (we don’t report on these)

PRACTICAL – fewer features for lower cost, entry level, yet still quality

BEST VALUE – More features and higher quality but for a reasonable cost, excellent all-around and versatile

HIGH END – Best in class, highly specialized, usually more expensive

OUTRAGEOUS – Custom, scarce, unique, collectors, antique, etc.

Second, how do we arrive at our ratings? Through detailed comparison of features and performance, relative to cost, with a carefully weighted scoring system.

Note, our ValueMeter^TM ratings are complimentary to the common 5-star rating system used by most retailers, and does not replace them. Those tend to be a measure of satisfaction of individuals not only with the product itself, but star-ratings get easily clouded by other issues such as shipping, retailer level of customer service, return policies, etc. And, it’s nearly impossible to distinguish one reviewer’s view of value versus another.

Our ratings measure directly how much you are getting for your money, factoring out all other variables (such as which retailer sells it, what the shipping experience is, etc.) so you can make a smart choice about exactly what gear best meets both your needs and your budget. Once you’ve discerned a smart choice for your needs, then the next decision is how and where to buy it!

1. Redington Behemoth Size 9-10

We love how Behemoth combined its ever-loved, superior drag with stunning aesthetics on its spool fly reels. The manufacturer mounted the die-cast structure with a robust, interlocking reel design. Any way you look at the reel system, it screams ‘premium quality’. You can expect optimum drag force and steadfastness from the heavy-duty carbon fiber drag enclosure. While Behemoth made sure that this will go perfectly for select 5-weight trout rods, it is also ideal for big game fly fishing.

Behemoth did an excellent job of designing reels that starting and experienced anglers will enjoy. The fly-fishing reel offers excellent performance at affordable rates. With product dimensions at 5.5 x 5 x 3.5 inches and weight at 8.8 ounces, Behemoth spool fly reels are perfect for catching your trophy salmon.

FEATURES & ADVANTAGES

Offers the most powerful drag among all the reels in its class
Adjustable carbon fiber drag
Retrieves excellently while reducing line memory
Allows fast conversion from left to right retrieve
Features a deep V-spool for better backing capacity

CONSIDERATIONS

Excellent reel, but not the best among the rest

2. Redington RISE III Series Size 9-10

FEATURES & ADVANTAGES

Offers the most powerful drag among all the reels in its class
Adjustable carbon fiber drag
Retrieves excellently while reducing line memory
Allows fast conversion from left to right retrieve
Features a deep V-spool for better backing capacity

CONSIDERATIONS

Excellent reel, but not the best among the rest

3. Orvis Hydros SL – Size IV or V

Another best value option is a product by the Orvis brand. This one offers a super large arbor intended for quick retrieval rates of almost up to 12% increase when it comes to line retrieval. You are also guaranteed with a sealed drag-clutch bearing that is fully sealed inside the drag mechanism.

It is nearly 3x stronger drag together with zero start-up inertia. It also features a narrow spool for less line stacking and improved tolerances for smooth operation. Plus, there is an increased backing capacity as well. This one is an ergonomically designed asymmetric drag knob too!

FEATURES & ADVANTAGES

Large arbor fly reel
Narrow spool
Fully-sealed drag clutch bearing
The ergonomically designed asymmetric drag knob
Zero start-up inertia

CONSIDERATIONS

The drag knob might be hard to grab onto

4. Sage Spectrum – Size 9/10

Modeled after the popular 4200 series, the Sage Spectrum fly reel has a lightweight design. It also features a concave spool surface that lets anglers generate the ideal drag-assisting smoothness. You can expect to get the best value for your money. After all, with its price tag, you can get tremendous features. It can easily compete with premium fly reels in its class.

One of the great things about this reel is its solid adjustability. By turning it halfway, you can gain over 25% of the total drag. Sage’s single-revolution reel also offers a nice stop at its bottom, weighing only around 2 ounces. Unfortunately, it does not offer enough drag to the reel. You can expect around 2.65 pounds of drag strength from the product.

Meanwhile, the Spectrum fly reel can provide sufficient backing capacity to your line. Pick it up slowly, and you can get a maximum of 8.75 inches for every turn. You’ll also know that Sage meant serious business when they designed this reel. After all, it is fully equipped with aerospace-grade 6061-T6 aluminum. It will last longer, especially since it is protected from corrosion. The reel was tempered and cold-forged to provide outstanding rigidity and strength.

Weighing only around 6.6 ounces, the Sage Spectrum is among the most lightweight fishing reels for sale in the market. Despite its weight, it still feels solid. After all, it has a drag knob with a smaller handle that can perform the task efficiently. What’s more, it can operate quietly, allowing you to catch your salmon easily.

FEATURES

Comes with the popular Sage lifetime warranty
Highly durable reel due to its premium quality materials
A lightweight reel that you can carry around easily

CONSIDERATIONS

May not offer enough drag, depending on the size and power of the fish you are playing

5. Hardy Ultralight ASR Fly Reel

What sets this fly reel from other Hardy Ultralite reels is its Assisted Spool Release (ASR) feature. This system includes an easy-to-use, fast spool release that you can free with a turn of the knob. Indeed, such design elevates the reel to another level. What’s more, the reel contains bar stock 6061 aluminum as well as a high-impact composite spool. It is available in various models with sizes ranging from 4000 to 11000.

What’s great about this reel is its large arbor that can easily adapt to the changing conditions on the water. Its spring-loaded cassette ejection system will allow you to change your fly line in a matter of seconds. The cassette is also lightweight, letting you carry multiple lines on the water. You can adjust conveniently when you need to go deep as the hatch tapers off.

FEATURES

Sold with a storage case and two additional spools
Color-coded knobs for easier settings configuration
Can be used with ultralight fishing rods

CONSIDERATIONS

Does not come with an anti-reverse feature

Best Fishing Waders

BEST VALUE REELS FOR BIG GAME ($400 – $600)

We rate fly reels as Best Value when the maker does a really good job incorporating numerous features and quality for the listed price. While it may cost a more than you could spend on the Practical models, you know you’re getting an optimal amount of features and quality for your money.

6. Waterworks-Lamson Litespeed Series IV

While Lamson did not indicate the drag weight setting for the Litespeed Series IV fly reel, we do know that it was specifically manufactured for salmon and other big game fish. After all, this brand’s conical drag system has always received positive reviews. You will also love its smooth startup inertia, especially if protecting fine tippets is important to you.

The retrieval line rate is important to an angler. Well, you will be glad to know that the Litespeed Series IV fly reel has a large arbor spool that lets you enjoy 7.76 inches of retrieval per revolution. That is blazingly fast which makes the fight with salmon even more exhilarating! What’s more, you can expect this reel to last long. After all, it is a high-quality, fully sealed drag system that has a hard-anodized finish. Moreover, it has stainless steel internal parts, making it resistant to corrosion.

For a big game fly reel, a Litespeed Series IV is one of the lightest products on the market today. Aside from that, Lamson packed it with features without racking up its price. It is no surprise why this reel is always included in the fly fishing supplies of salmon anglers. Big game fishers will appreciate the balance that this exceptionally lightweight fly reel can provide.

FEATURES

Lighter than its predecessors
Offers faster retrieval rates
Stunning finish
Smooth and strong drag

CONSIDERATIONS

Spools are not compatible with previous Litespeed models

HIGH END FLY REELS FOR BIG GAME ($600 – $900+)

We rate fly reels as High End when they have not only top-tier features combined with outstanding quality, and also cost a distinctly higher price. Basically, in this category you get what you pay for, if not outrageously priced (such as for custom made or collectors items). Reels in this category you can count on under any circumstance.

There you have it… our top fly fly reels for catching big game such as salmon, steelhead, and stripers! See you out there, and get ready to score your trophy fish!