The best fly fishing rods are timeless pieces of equipment. With simple care and safe storage, they can last a lifetime or more. Yet the technology keeps improving, rods are becoming more refined, and there’s always that one rod you’d like to add to your quiver.

　　In our annual hunt to find the best fly rods on the market, we took to the water, went to a pile of trade shows, asked guides, and scoured the internet for hidden gems. GearJunkie Hunt and Fish Editor Rachelle Schrute got the best fly fishing rods she could find (and a few not-so-great sticks) and fished in mountain streams, brutally cold waters, tropical paradises, and even lakes filled with prehistoric monsters.

　　We tried them all, from heavy-duty broomsticks used to chase salty evaders to the lightest, artful finesse sticks used to perfectly emulate a brand new emerger.

　　The GearJunkie team has likely fished more days and in more conditions than we ever have this year, and weve found the rods that tickle our fancy and entice the best underwater fare. Whether youre looking for the overall performance of the Orvis Helios D or a budget-friendly option like the Orvis Clearwater, we have you covered.

　　To learn the differences between designs and how we tested them, check out the Buyer’s Guide, Comparison Chart, and Price Value section at the end of this article.

　　Editors Note: We published a completely revised version of this guide on November 11, 2024, by adding all new products, a fresh buyers guide, and a price and value section.

　　The Best Fly Fishing Rods of 2024 Best Overall Fly Fishing Rod: Orvis Helios D Fly Rod Outfit Best Budget Fly Fishing Rod: Orvis Clearwater Outfit Best Saltwater Fly Fishing Rod: Sage R8 Core Best Fly Fishing Rod Starter Package:Bozeman Flyworks Gold Standard Best Tenkara Rod: Tenkara Rod Co. Beartooth Orvis Helios D Fly Rod Outfit Check Price at Orvis

　　Specs Sizes: 4-14wt, 8’5″-10′ Action: Fast Warranty: 25-year limited Sections: 4 Pros Immense casting power Lightweight Smooth and responsive Simple tip replacement program Super clean look Personalization Options Cons Expensive Rachelle Schrute The 4th generation of the Orvis Helios D Fly Rods ($1,098 for 9 5wt rod/$1,698 for 9 5wt complete rod kit w/reel) hit the waters this year, and they certainly don’t disappoint. We spent some time at Orvis Headquarters testing the rod, and for all the reasons we loved (and still love the 3rd Gen), the new iteration proves to be just as capable and then some.

　　The Helios 4D (distance) takes the top spot on our list over the 4F (finesse) because of its sheer precision, power, and lightweight performance. That being said, if your style of fishing requires a bit more razzle-dazzle, the 4F could certainly take this place.

　　The 4D delivers a smooth, responsive feel that, even for our seasoned fishermen, makes them feel that much more capable on the river. The rods graphite construction is incredibly light, reducing fatigue during long days on the water. Its almost eerie how much pop this rod has for how lightweight it feels.

　　The versatility of the Helios 4D makes it suitable for a plethora of fishing conditions, from delicate trout streams to larger rivers. It certainly isnt easy on the wallet, but if youre a hardcore fisherman who finds themselves on the water more often than not, you wont regret the investment. Not only that but when the inevitable snap happens, Orvis has a tip replacement program that will get you back on the water in 5 days or less. That alone is worth the price sting in our book.

　　From sending line over the casting pond at Orvis headquarters to sending line to the other side of the river in the mountains and plains of Montana, Idaho, and Washington, weve found great joy and great success with the power delivered by the 4D.

　　Read More Best Budget Fly Fishing Rod Orvis Clearwater Outfit Check Price at BackcountryCheck Price at Orvis

　　Specs Sizes: 2-12wt / 7’6″-10 Action: Medium Warranty: 25-year limited Sections: 4 Pros Seriously affordable Performance and durability that outshines many expensive rods A complete package, turn-key kit Cons Has a bit of a heavier feel, but only slightly Reel is capable but not as smooth as a more expensive option Rachelle Schrute We love this rod setup. Each year, its hard not to place the Orvis Clearwater Outfit ($419 for full kit) at the top of the list. The rod seriously performs, the reel is more than capable, and the full kit means no piecing anything together. Hit the buy button, and go toward water and fish.

　　We have countless rods and reels at our disposal, and the Clearwater continues to shine as the go-to, durable workhorse. Ask ten river fishing guides what rods they use with clients, and we bet eight of them will have Clearwaters as the gold standard. They just do the job and do it well without coming close to breaking the bank.

　　Where have we tested this kit? An easier question to answer is, where havent we? This is THE go-to rod. Its the rod in our truck beds. Its the backup rod. The Clearwater is almost always on our family holiday lists. Depending on the weight and length, this thing is absolutely capable of handling any situation. Weve caught palm-size panfish and human-sized salt fare on this rod. They are beaten, scratched, and still come out fighting for more.

　　Its medium-fast action provides great control and accuracy, making it an easy selection in most scenarios. This rod is perfect for beginner anglers but also welcome in the hands of seasoned ones.

　　Durable and well-constructed, the Clearwater is a reliable option that delivers consistent performance comparable to far more expensive rods, making it the no-brainer choice for those looking to get into fly fishing or expand their rod collection without breaking the bank.

　　Read More Best Saltwater Fly Fishing Rod Sage R8 CORE $1,050 at Amazoncheck Price at Backcountry

　　Specs Sizes: 3-9wt, 8’6″-10′ Action: Fast Warranty: Lifetime Sections: 4 Pros Serious strength for battling serious fish Corrosion resistance Plenty of pop for sending long-distance casts Cons Expensive Fairly limited use case, may not be the best option if looking for versatility Rachelle Schrute The Sage R8 CORE ($1,050 for 9 8wt) fly rod is a standout choice for anglers heading for the salt or looking to chase steelhead. The 9 8wt R8 is capable of delivering exceptional power and precision when it really counts.

　　These rods are built with Sages advanced R8 Core technology, which the brand touts as offering a perfect blend of strength and sensitivity. Weve fished with several versions of the R8 and cant disagree. Particularly when chasing larger fish, the rod feels secure and strong in hand but has far more finesse than a typical heavy rod broomstick. It also has the oomph needed for accurate long-distance casts and quick, powerful hook sets.

　　The R8’s fast action is well-suited for battling larger, aggressive fish. Even though some wicked battles, it is capable of maintaining a smooth, responsive feel that really improves control during the fight.

　　This rod has been in the hands of GearJunkie testers on the chilly coasts of Washington and Alaska in the search for salmon and steelhead, as well as heading south to more tropical waters to grace the lip of the elusive and notoriously hard-to-land tarpon.

　　Sneaking in a PSA here: The R8 Core is built with some serious corrosion resistance and is designed to withstand harsh saltwater environments. This doesnt mean you shouldnt rinse your gear with freshwater when your fishing day is through. Give your salt gear a bath and let it dry. Its the only way to keep your gear in top-notch shape.

　　Once again, it has a seriously premium price, but its performance and reliability make it a top-tier investment for serious saltwater and steelhead anglers. Now, if youre exclusively chasing salty beasts, it might be worth it to up your game and go for the R8 Salt.

　　Read More Best Fly Fishing Rod Starter Package Bozeman Flyworks Gold Standard Check Price at Bozeman Flyworks

　　Specs Sizes: 5 wt, 9’ Action: Medium- Fast Warranty: Within 1 year, pay $30 fee plus shipping. After 1 year, pay $55 fee plus shipping. Sections: 4 Pros Complete package High-quality components Great value Cons Only comes in one size and weight Rachelle Schrute The Bozeman Flyworks Gold Standard Starter Kit ($356) is one of the few truly complete packages to get you going. This setup is perfect for kids and adults who want to test the waters without investing a huge sum of money to do so.

　　The big difference between this kit and other starter kits is quality. The company’s direct-to-consumer model means you get a higher-quality product at a far lower price point. The rod is matte and sleek. The reels are fully CNC’d and have an adjustable drag, something you might not find on a lower-end kit.

　　This high-quality package has several different options to fit you and your home water. It includes a rod, reel, fly line, leaders, tippet, a fly box, a rod case, a reel sleeve, and even the option to add a net. The only item you have to purchase outside of this kit is a few flies. Bozeman Flyworks also offers some simple walk-throughs for those just getting started.

　　Read More Best Tenkara Rod Tenkara Rod Co. Beartooth Check Price at Tenkara Rod Co

　　Specs Sizes: 10ft Action: N/A Warranty: Lifetime Sections: Telescopic, 11-piece Pros Lightweight, All-in-One Package Tiny and easy to pack Simple Cons Too light for windy situations Steep learning curve for established anglers Rachelle Schrute The Tenkara Rod Co. Beartooth package ($225) is a perfect all-in-one kit for anyone looking to get into tenkara fishing or anyone who wants to just have a rod handy for the surprise streams that may pop up in your other-than-fishing activities. At $225 for the full kit, you can have fish on the end of your line without breaking the bank or putting in too much thought.

　　The telescoping rod means this little powerhouse collapses down from 10 feet to a mere 14 inches. At 2.3 ounces, you wont even notice it in your pack. Its that little addition that doesnt weigh you down and adds so much to any mountain experience.

　　Without the need for a reel, its about the simplest way to flyfish, though there is a bit of a learning curve for those used to controlling line with one hand. Weve used this rod to catch tiny mountain brookies on afternoons when the elk werent bugling to catching decent browns on the Madison between the constant stream of rafts floating by.

　　If we could make one recommendation, you should go grab a few local/season-specific flies. Yes, the kit comes with some standard dries to get you going, but make the extra effort to go get a few good flies for your chase.

　　Where this Beartooth really falls short is in the wind. If its breezy, keep this rod in your pack and take an afternoon nap instead. The lightweight build just isnt designed to battle moving air like standard rods (aka the Orvis Helios D) are designed to do.

　　Read More Best of the Rest Redington Path II $150 at AmazonCheck Price on Trident Fishing

　　Specs Sizes: 4-8wt, 8’6”- 9’ Action: Medium- Fast Warranty: Lifetime Sections: 4 Pros Price –you’ll be hard pressed to find a better fly rod for this amount Quality components and durability for the price Cons No rod sock Rachelle Schrute We get it — not everyone has $600-$1,200 to spend on a high-end fly rod, no matter how serious you are about fly fishing. Or maybe you just want a second (or third or fourth) rod for when you have friends in town, are teaching a kid to fish, and don’t want to bring out the fine china, so to speak. If you are looking for a great rod at a solid price, then take a look at the Redington Path II ($89).

　　This rod has been our daily driver for several years, and we’ve spent a few hundred days on the water with it, fishing everywhere, from our home waters in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains to fishing and backpacking trips in California, Utah, and Nevada. We’ve caught armloads of fish on it, from beautiful cutthroat trout in high alpine lakes to tiny bluegill on the local pond to big bruiser brown trout in fast-moving rivers.

　　For packability, we like the 4-piece version as it can easily be strapped to the side of a pack for day trips or overnight adventures. When broken down, each section is just under 29”, making it easy for carry-on flights or carrying in hand on a short hike into your local pond. One minor complaint is that they don’t include a rod sock, and we don’t like the extra weight of the hard rod case for backpacking trips when we’re counting ounces or just looking for a bit less bulk strapped to our backpack.

　　We like this rod and would happily recommend it to anyone, whether they’re brand new to fly fishing and are on a budget or someone that wants a 4-piece workhorse that will get the job done well. So, what do you sacrifice with an $89 rod vs. a rod 5x (or more!) the price? The overall quality of the components, like the reel seat and casting distance and accuracy, is not going to be the same as pricier options like the Orvis Helios D Fly Rods.

　　If you are fishing for big, finicky trout when anything less than a perfect cast with a small dry fly on 6x tippet is not going to get a fish to rise — then maybe it’s worth the extra expense. Ultimately, we’ll let you be the judge, but for our money, the Path II paired with a quality reel is a great rod at a hard-to-beat price.

　　Read More Redington Butter Stick $280 at Amazon

　　Specs Sizes: 3-5wt, 7’-8’ Action: Medium- Fast Warranty: Lifetime Sections: 4 Pros Looks sweet Fishes well if you have skills Responsive Cons Not best for beginners Missing 9-foot option Rachelle Schrute This is a bit of a wild card. Just look at it. The Redington Butter Stick ($280) drips with vintage cool. It’s been out for a few years now, but we don’t think this rod’s been given the credit it’s earned. Not only does it have a groovy look, it fishes really well if you know what you’re doing.

　　This fiberglass rod doesn’t just have the looks of a throwback — it’s constructed like one, albeit with some modern tech. The Heritage Taper is reminiscent of the old glass rods you might find in a dusty garage. What that equates to is a cool, modern fly rod that feels like the rods many of us grew up with.

　　That being said, this might not be the best rod for a beginner. It takes a slow, steady cast to really deliver a fly line, whereas the Orvis Clearwater Outfit is a bit more forgiving. The advancements in fly fishing rods have been wild since the 70s, so there’s some skill and finesse required to get this rod to perform.

　　Perhaps a better category for this one would be: Best Midlevel Fly Fishing Rod, for the fly fisherman who has everything.

　　Aside from the skill required, the biggest drawback is just the omission of a 9-foot option. Granted, we’re talking about a rod that fishes completely differently than our modern 9-foot 5-weights, so we get it.

　　Read More Fly Fishing Rods Comparison Chart

　　We got out on the water in a variety of conditions to test our favorite rods, including the Orvis Helios; (photo/Rachelle Schrute) How We Tested the Best Fly Fishing Rods Our Testing Process Grounds Testing fly rods is a particularly interesting, enjoyable, and surprisingly difficult task. Most people employ one or two styles of fly fishing and then stick to that niche. When it comes to testing all calibers of fly fishing in a plethora of environments, it really does require a team to pack their bags and get rods to waters across the globe.

　　Fortunately, we have such a team. Over the past year, weve had the pleasure to land some incredible fish, miss some fish-story-worthy monsters, and break more than a few rods, unfortunately.

　　Weve caught everything from tarpon to pike, bass to trout, permit to redfish on a fly line, and weve had a whole lot of fun doing it.

　　Whether wading through river currents, casting from the back of a drift boat, sending streamers from a paddle board, or kayaking into the nooks and crannies to get to those fish hidden away in the shadows, weve done a whole lot of fishing this year and hope we can say the same for the next. Figuring out which rod setups suit our pursuits best has been an absolute blast.

　　Our hunt and fish editor, Rachelle, scores a big fish during testing; (photo/Rachelle Schrute) Our Expert Testers Our Hunt Fish Editor, Rachelle Schrute, tested fly rods in Montanas mountain streams, the tropics off Floridas coast, Icelands icy waters, and a dozen other places for a dozen other chases.

　　Growing up a small-stream dry fly fisherman, the challenge of expanding to new territories to test new rods has been a welcome one. Fly fishing is so diverse in its tools and methods, and ensuring we have the skills required to thoroughly test the best of the best is an ever-evolving practice.

　　With fishermen/gear testers such as Harry Spampinato, who travels the world chasing tropical beasts, and Sean Jansen, who often finds himself sending dry flies in Yellowstone National Park days before dipping a line in salt as he paddles his way to Baja, we certainly have a plethora of styles and experiences at our helm. Rob Simpson and Ben Hickok contributed their expertise to the 2024 version of this guide as well.

　　Our GearJunkie fly fishing team of editors, gear testers, and contributors has been fishing for decades, using a wide range of fly rods, reels, fly lines, flies, waders, fishing packs, and other gear in an equally wide range of fishing conditions, from lakes to raging rivers to small mountain streams.

　　Our combined fishing experience involves everything from hooking up panfish, bass, grayling, tiger trout, cuts, and goldens to kokanee, sockeye, steelhead, and more. Combined, our team has tested hundreds if not thousands of sport fishing products and has the expertise and experience to help you select the best gear for just about any skill level, fly fishing situation, and budget.

　　If youre in the market for other fishing gear, we have you covered. Check out our guides to the Best Fishing Waders, Fishing Hats, and Fishing Sunglasses.

　　Winter didnt stop us from continuing to test the best fly fishing rods; (photo/Sean Jansen) Buyers Guide: How To Choose the Best Fly Fishing Rods Fly fishing offers an angler a balance of relaxation and challenges, but choosing the best fly fishing rod can feel less than relaxing and offer an unwanted challenge. Whether you are new to fishing or an experienced angler, choosing the right fly fishing rod for your intended use will have a massive impact on your success as an angler and how much you enjoy fly fishing. We’ve done our best to distill the key considerations when shopping for a fly fishing rod, including rod weight, length, material, and action, to help you make an informed decision.

　　Fly Fishing Rod Length Short Rods (6 8 Feet) Shorter rods are usually in the 6 to 8-foot range and are best for tight, brushy streams where space is limited and casting can be difficult. One example is the Redington Butter Stick(7 to 8 feet), which requires skills for casting efficiently and may not be best for beginners.

　　Choose a length that suits your needs most of the time; (photo/Rachelle Schrute) Medium Rods (8 9.5 Feet) A medium rod length, generally 8 to 9 and a half feet, is the most versatile and most common length of rod. They are suitable for a wide range of fishing conditions, and generally offer a good balance of casting distance and control. Some like the Orvis Helios D Fly Rods come in range of lengths, including medium to long. Others, like the Bozeman Flyworks Gold Standard only come in one length.

　　Long Rods (9.5+ Feet) Long rods in excess of 9 and a half and 10 feet are ideal for fishing larger rivers, lakes, and saltwater flats. They are the best choice for places where you need to make longer and more powerful casts.

　　Tossing salty flies in the tropics; (photo/Harry Spampinato) Fly Fishing Rod Weight The weight of the rod corresponds to the weight of the fly line it is designed to cast. Fly rods typically range from 1 to 14 weight, with lower numbers suitable for smaller fish and lighter lines, and higher numbers designed for larger fish and heavier lines.

　　1 to 4 Wt These weights are great for small streams and delivering delicate presentations on lighter line weights. They are a perfect choice for small trout, panfish, and other small fish species. The Orvis Clearwater Outfit comes in weights of 2 to 12, which is a huge range. If you stick with the smaller weight, youll want to stick with smaller streams.

　　5/6 Wt This is a common sweet spot for weights and a great starting place for any new angler, as these weights offer versatility and are suitable for a wide range of freshwater fishing. 5 and 6-weight rods offer a great balance of delicacy and power, making them excellent for trout, bass, and larger panfish.

　　7 to 9 Wt These weights are for larger freshwater species and light saltwater fishingand are best suited for bass, pike, and steelhead. They can better handle heavier flies, big streamers, and windy conditions than 5 and 6-weight rods. TheSage R8 COREcomes in a range of weights (3-9wt), but we preferred the 9-foot, 8wt in instances where we needed exceptional power and precision.

　　10+ Wt These weights are somewhat specialty, intended for heavy-duty rods meant for large saltwater species like tarpon, tuna, and sailfish. These heavy weight rods can handle larger flies and the heavier line needed to land bigger fish.

　　Sending nymphs in Iceland in the chase of Arctic char; (photo/Rachelle Schrute) Fly Fishing Rod Action The action of a fly rod is heavily dependent on the weight, power, and construction of a rod. Action is referred to as a range from slow to fast, and generally refers to how much the rod bends, and more specifically where it bends, when casting and under the load of fighting a fish, or picking up a heavy fly.

　　A fast action rod bends very little in the majority of the rod extending away from your hand, and does most of its bending near the tip. A slow action offers a greater amount of bending across the entire rod, meaning the tip of the rod travels a greater distance.

　　Fast Action Generally, a faster action offers quicker, stronger casting, and is particularly good for longer-distance casting and windy fishing conditions. It also makes picking up streamers and heavier flies much easier, whereas a slower action can be too spongy to lift a heavy fly. Fast-action rods, like the Orvis Helios D Fly Rods,are also more responsive to your movements, allowing you to react quickly and set a hook.

　　Medium Action A medium action rod, like the Orvis Clearwater Outfit, offers a great balance of power and flexibility, making it versatile enough to handle a wide range of fishing situations. May rods like the Redington Path II fall into the medium-fast action category.

　　Slow Action A slow action provides for more delicate presentations and is ideal for small streams, but the sponginess makes it more difficult to react quickly and do things fast actions can do better, like quickly setting a hook or picking up and quickly casting streamers and heavier flies. We havent included any slow action rods on this list yet.

　　The Redington Path II in action; (photo/Elk Raven Photography) Fly Fishing Rod Materials Fly rods are usually made from fiberglass, bamboo, or graphite(carbon fiber). The different materials offer different benefits and drawbacks, and some differences are so subtle that they are better suited to experts.

　　Graphite (Carbon Fiber) While we call them ‘graphite’ rods, the term is a bit of a misnomer, as they are actually carbon fiber and not graphite. Graphite alone is a crystalline material and brittle on its own. Consider how easily a mechanical pencil lead breaks, which ironically is also a misnomer. You obviously wouldn’t make a rod out of that. Carbon fiber, which we’ll continue to call graphite, offers great strength, durability, and lighter weight than both fiberglass and bamboo.

　　Graphite rods are light weight and extremely strong. This means that even longer rods are still light and easy to handle without fatigue when fishing all day. Graphite tenkara rods, like the Beartooth Co. Tenkara Rod, are also great for carrying into the backcountry or on backpacking trips. The strength of a graphite rod also makes them a good choice when you fish heavy nymphs, bigger streamers, and heavier dry dropper rigs.

　　Fiberglass Less expensive but heavier than graphite, fiberglass offers a different feel with slower action, making it a good option for small stream fishing and making delicate presentations. More modern fiberglass rods can be built with different actions, but where a faster action and a lighter rod are concerned, graphite is generally a better choice for most.

　　Bamboo The natural flexibility of bamboo offers a smooth action and sensitivity that other composite materials lack. That sensitivity allows you to feel every aspect of fishing, from the weight of a fish on the line to fly presentation and a unique feel when casting. Unless the traditional look and the unique feel of a bamboo rod are high on your priority list, there are a few drawbacks to bamboo rods. They are usually heavier than modern composites, a nice bamboo rod can be prohibitively expensive as they are handcrafted by experts, and bamboo rods require a greater amount of maintenance, like cleaning, and oiling, in addition to more delicate handling that composites don’t require.

　　Other Considerations

　　Fishing remote alpine lakes will require a fly rod that packs down to a reasonable length, as well as a protective rod tube to get it there; (photo/Scott Wilson) Packing and Rod Pieces Fly rods come in different configurations, from one-piece to multi-piece designs. Multi-piece rods like the Redington Path IIare usually four pieces and are popular for their portability, while one or two-piece rods may offer slightly better handling and performance due to fewer connection points, giving them a more continuous bending action.

　　Rod Handle and Reel Seat The handle or grip of a fly rod is essential for comfort and control. Handles are typically made from cork and have similar contours from rod to rod, but one handle may fit your hand slightly better than another, and it is worth handling a few rods, so you know what to expect from different rods and brands.

　　We’ve generally focused on the most typical freshwater and saltwater fly rods meant for most sport fishing, where the reel mounts on the reel seat at the rear of the rod and creates balance with the weight of the pole ahead of your hand. However, some rods, like two-handed, switch, and spey rods, offer more handles beneath the reel so that two hands can be used for longer, stronger casting of heavier lines and flies, used when targeting much bigger fish.

　　Testing the Tenkara Rod Co Beartooth; (photo/Rachelle Schrute) Tenkara Tenkara rods are a special beast in the world of fly fishing, and an entire article should be focused on this specific style of fishing and the equipment involved. In short, it is a fun fly fishing style that often uses very long medium-action rods and no reel. While the rods collapse and are very versatile, a traditional 9 foot 5 weight fly rod with a reel is best for building a fly fishing experience. The lack of a reel also makes it hard or impossible to make long casts, as well as to target large fish. The line drag produced by a reel helps to fight a large fish, whereas the length, action, and weight of a tenkara rod are exclusively used to fight fish. Large fish and breaking lines can actually damage tenkara rods, while traditional fly fishing setups are more capable and forgiving for larger fish and a wide range of fishing. Tenkara rods are also typically quite long, 12 and 13 feet and a typical 9-foot fly rod can be easier to manage in general.

　　Personal Preference The overlap of terms like weight and action, as well as the effects they have in combination with rod lengths and the different feel of materials, creates a plethora of characteristics that distinguish similar rods from one another. It may take a lot of years fishing on different rods to really dial in your favorite weight, size, and action. The reality is that you’ll likely end up with more than one rod and use the rod that best matches the fishing you do with it.

　　While there is no Goldilocks of fly fishing rods, and one rod can’t reasonably do everything, there is a sweet spot that offers great flexibility and can handle most normal fly fishing situations well. That generally agreed upon sweet spot is a 5-weight, graphite, 9 foot to 9 foot 6 inches, medium or medium-fast action rod. Someone targeting bigger fish may consider a 6 weight, as it can still be sensitive enough for handling a dry fly and more delicate presentations but still provide enough power to turn over heavier streamers. It’s ultimately a choice that depends on your intended use and preference, while our personal go-to is a 4-piece, 9-foot, 5-weight, fast action like the Orvis Helios D Fly Rod.

　　Fishing from a boat can change the length of fly rod youre after, with longer rods being preferred; (photo/Erika Courtney) Price Value A fly rod can range dramatically in price. Beginners can find great value in rod reel combos under $400 and even $300, while more advanced users will be able to appreciate better handling and feel from higher-end rods that can easily exceed a thousand dollars. The differences to a beginner may not be apparent, and therefore, spending more isn’t always the best option, which is why we included some budget options like the Redington Path II and the Orvis Clearwater. Take a look at our recommendations and award winners for a good idea of where to get started.

　　Frequently Asked Questions What size fly rod should I use? A 9-foot, 5-weight rod is ideal for beginners, and most fishing in general. It offers versatility across various conditions and fish species, making it an excellent all-around choice that is easy to learn with and provides a balance of power and control, and isn’t too unwieldy to use on small streams.

　　Should I get a 5-weight or 4-weight fly rod? A 5 weight rod is generally more versatile, suitable for a wider range of fishing scenarios and species, including trout and bass, while a 4 weight rod is better suited for smaller streams and more delicate presentations. If you are undecided, the 5 weight rod is likely the safer option, as it lends itself to more fishing scenarios than a 4 weight.

　　How do I choose my first fly fishing rod? When choosing your first fly fishing rod, consider 9 foot, 5 weight, medium action rods for versatility and ease of use. Determine whether or not the majority of your fishing is covered by this combination, or if you need a slightly longer rod, faster or slower action, and lighter or heavier weight. Reference our guide for how to determine these factors, then choose a reputable brand that offers a good warranty, and a balance between quality and your budget.

　　What is the best fly rod brand? The fly fishing market is saturated with domestic and foreign manufacturers, but the best fly rod brands are those known for their quality, durability, and customer service. There are many companies that have built strong reputations over the years for producing high-performing fly rods across various price ranges, making them the safer options, whereas you roll the dice as to whether or not you will get a good rod from a lesser known foreign manufacturer.

　　The Best Fishing Waders of 2024 We tested the leading fishing waders , including options from Patagonia, Simms, and Orvis, to find the best of 2024.

　　The Best Fishing Sunglasses of 2024 Sunglasses can make or break your success on the water. Without the right pair of glasses, you may not be able to get the job done.