Most Recommended Fly Fishing Rods of 2023
Updated
Is there really such a thing as the "best" fly rod? Here at Curated, we only believe that there's a best fly rod for you. Every day, Curated experts make personalized recommendations on the best fly fishing rods for anglers of all ages, sizes, and skill levels - from beginners to more seasoned fly fishers. This list compiles all of their most recommended fly rods. Want personalized recommendations on the best fly fishing gear for you? Be sure to chat with a Fly Fishing expert here on Curated.
By Fishing ExpertsChris, Wilson, Andrew and others
Redington Vice Collection Combo
See Price and DetailsThe Redington Vice Collection Combo is a versatile, high-quality fly fishing rod and reel package that's perfect for beginners and seasoned anglers alike. It's a medium-fast action rod that's great for dry flies, small nymphs, and streamers. The rod is well-balanced, easy to cast, and comes with a durable case for transport. It's also a four-piece travel rod that can be easily packed for trips. The combo includes a reel loaded with a fly line matched to the rod for easier casting. The rod's fast action and ability to present flies accurately and delicately make it a top pick for 2023.
by Curated experts Jeff Henderson, Nick Radkewich, Lawson T.
Ideal for
- Beginners in fly fishing
- Seasoned fly anglers
- Travelers who need a portable rod
- Anglers targeting trout and other small fish species
- Fishing in Colorado using dry flies, small nymphs and streamers
Not ideal for
- Catching small fish
- Atlantic Salmon and other Saltwater species/applications
The Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod is a top-notch choice for both beginners and intermediate fly fishermen. Its moderate fast action is forgiving for beginners, yet offers enough horsepower for more advanced anglers. The rod is versatile, excelling in medium casting ranges and light saltwater applications. It's also a great option for all-around trout fishing. The rod's durability and Orvis' 25-year warranty make it a reliable choice. However, it's not ideal for short casts or throwing big streamers and heavy lines frequently.
by Curated experts Joseph Smith, Matt Beam, John T.
Ideal for
- Beginner to intermediate fly fishermen
- Medium casting ranges
- Light saltwater applications
- All-around trout fishing
- Those who value a long-term warranty
Not ideal for
- Short casts
- Throwing big streamers and heavy lines frequently
- Those who prefer a fast action rod
- Those who are concerned about wrist fatigue from a heavier rod
The Orvis Recon® Fly Rod is a seasoned angler's dream, offering a versatile, high-quality fishing experience. Its fast action and incredible accuracy make it ideal for casting all sizes of dry fly, smaller streamers, and nymph rigs. It's lightweight, durable, and built using the same technology as Orvis' high-end Helios rods. This rod is perfect for those who value long-term investment in their fishing gear. It's also a great choice for all-around trout fishing and can handle big flies in the wind, while still offering a delicate presentation with the smallest of dry flies.
by Curated experts Jacob Jesionek, Baily Dent, Matt Beam
Ideal for
- Seasoned anglers
- All-around trout fishing
- Casting all sizes of dry fly
- Casting smaller streamers and nymph rigs
- Long-term investment in fishing gear
Not ideal for
- Specialized utility
- Larger bonefish and permit
- Saltwater fishing without proper cleaning
What is your level of fly fishing experience?
The Temple Fork Outfitters NXT Black Label Fly Rod & Kit is a top-notch choice for both beginners and practiced casters. This mid-range, high-performance kit offers a medium-fast action rod that is forgiving for delicate presentations, yet capable of loading a long cast easily into the winds. The kit includes a robust reel, line, and leader, all ready to use. The rod features a durable reconstituted cork grip and stout performance against elements in both freshwater and saltwater. However, it's not ideal for windy conditions or heavy-duty saltwater fishing.
by Curated experts Joshua Britton, Matt Beam, Rylyn S.
Ideal for
- Beginners in fly fishing
- Practiced casters looking for a mid-range rod
- Anglers who prefer a medium-fast action rod
- Fly fishing in freshwater conditions
- Anglers who value robust and durable equipment
Not ideal for
- Fly fishing in windy conditions
- Heavy-duty saltwater fishing
- Long casting distances
Temple Fork Outfitters Pro 2 Fly Rod
See Price and DetailsThe Temple Fork Outfitters Pro 2 Fly Rod is a top choice for both beginners and experts in fly fishing. It's a high-quality rod that offers excellent performance at an affordable price. The rod is known for its medium-fast action, making it forgiving yet powerful enough for long distance casting. It's ideal for medium to large waters, and its lifetime warranty offers peace of mind. However, it may not be suitable for small streams or extremely windy conditions.
by Curated experts Matt Beam, Trey G, Wade D.
Ideal for
- Fly fishers looking to upgrade their beginner fly rod
- Fishing in medium to large bodies of water
- Long distance casting
- Budget-conscious buyers
- Those who value a good warranty
Not ideal for
- Small stream fishing in dense vegetation
- Extremely windy conditions
- Beginners who prefer a softer rod
The Temple Fork Outfitters Blue Ribbon Fly Rod is a top pick for 2023, especially for those who prioritize quality and performance. It's perfect for small stream dry fly fishing and offers a delicate presentation. The rod's sensitivity and superb casting feel make it ideal for beginners to intermediate anglers. However, it may not be the best choice for fishing streamers or for long-distance casting.
by Curated experts Matt Beam, Danny Salinas, Joseph Smith
Ideal for
- Beginner to intermediate anglers
- Small stream dry fly fishing
- Delicate fly presentations
- Shorter casts with small dry flies or nymphs
- Euro nymphing in the 10’ 3 weight model
Not ideal for
- Fishing streamers
- Long-distance casting
- Throwing big streamers or cutting through high winds
Redington Classic Trout Fly Rod
See Price and DetailsThe Redington Classic Trout Fly Rod is a top choice for 2023, especially for beginners and intermediate anglers. Its easy, accessible action helps improve accuracy and casting ease. It's perfect for small streams, ponds, and lightweight rigs, and it's particularly adept at casting dry flies, nymphs, and smaller buggers. However, it's not the best for heavy streamer fishing or saltwater. This rod is a game-changer for those looking to step up their fly fishing game without breaking the bank.
by Curated experts Danny Salinas, Kendrick Wilson, Willy Hess
Ideal for
- Beginners and intermediate anglers
- Small streams and ponds
- Casting dry flies, nymphs, and smaller buggers
- Lightweight rigs
- Improving accuracy and casting ease
Not ideal for
- Heavy streamer fishing
- Saltwater
- Large flies, streamers or heavy nymph rigs
- Super distance casting or high wind days
- Big rivers, heavy flies, heavy fly lines, and larger fish
The Douglas SKY G Fly Rod is a top-of-the-line, high-quality rod that has won multiple Yellowstone shootouts. It's lightweight, making it perfect for all-day fishing without arm fatigue. It's versatile, handling everything from nymphing to streamers, and it's known for its laser accuracy. The rod is designed with advanced graphene material, making it durable and sensitive. It's ideal for intermediate to advanced anglers looking for performance and versatility in their fly fishing rod.
by Curated experts Andrew Grandemange, Danny Salinas, Rylyn S.
Ideal for
- Intermediate to advanced anglers
- All-day fishing
- Versatile fishing techniques (nymphing, hopper droppers, single dry flies, streamers)
- Accurate casting
- Fishing in both freshwater and saltwater
Not ideal for
- Beginner anglers
- Casting beyond 75ft in saltwater
- High wind conditions
- Close range casting
Redington Vice Rod w/ Tube
See Price and DetailsThe Redington Vice Rod w/ Tube is a versatile, fast-action rod that's perfect for anglers looking to step up their casting game. It's a do-it-all workhorse, ideal for casting bigger flies and handling everything from hopper dropper and heavy nymph rigs to small to medium size streamers. It's also a great travel rod, perfect for backcountry fishing trips. However, it might not be the best choice for those who prefer the slow action of bamboo or fiberglass rods, or for lighter saltwater species.
by Curated experts Chris M., Andrew N., Chris Pinckney
Ideal for
- Taking casting distance to the next level
- Casting bigger flies
- Handling a variety of rigs and streamers
- Backcountry fishing trips
- Anglers looking for a versatile, do-it-all rod
Not ideal for
- Those who enjoy the slow action of bamboo or fiberglass rods
- Lighter saltwater species
- Big heavy fish and heavy streamers
- Those still figuring out their casting precision and distance
Sage Sonic Rod
$325.00
$650.00
50% off
The Sage Sonic Rod is a versatile, all-rounder fly fishing rod that is perfect for both experienced and intermediate anglers. It's known for its excellent response and control, making it ideal for accurate casting in various conditions. It's particularly effective for small dry fly presentations and has enough backbone to handle larger fish on lighter tippets. This rod is also capable of handling big trout, salmon, bass, pike and other large fish, making it a top recommendation for 2023.
by Curated experts Joe Price, Jake Gronholz, Nick Radkewich
Ideal for
- Experienced and intermediate anglers
- Accurate casting in various conditions
- Small dry fly presentations
- Handling larger fish on lighter tippets
- Big streamer and nymph fishing
Not ideal for
- Beginners
- Dry Flies
- Saltwater trips
- Chasing tarpon
Other lists to consider
Curated experts can help
Have a question about the article you just read or want personal recommendations? Connect with a Curated expert to find exactly what you are looking for!Result Summary
- Redington Vice Collection Combo
- Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod
- Orvis Recon® Fly Rod
- Temple Fork Outfitters NXT Black Label Fly Rod & Kit
- Temple Fork Outfitters Pro 2 Fly Rod
- Temple Fork Outfitters Blue Ribbon Fly Rod
- Redington Classic Trout Fly Rod
- Douglas SKY G Fly Rod
- Redington Vice Rod w/ Tube
- Sage Sonic Rod
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