Most Recommended Sage Fly Rods of 2023
Updated
Here at Curated, we believe that there's no one "best" Sage fly rod. We only believe in the best Sage fly rod specifically for you. If you're looking for a Sage rod, make sure to read this list of our independent experts' top recommendations, then don't forget to chat with an expert to find the perfect Sage fly rod for you.
By Fishing ExpertsJeremy, Jamie, Rylyn and others
Sage Sonic Rod
$325.00
$650.00
50% off
The Sage Sonic Rod is a versatile fly rod that's perfect for the freshwater enthusiast. It's known for its blend of responsiveness and forgiveness, making it suitable for all levels of casting experience. It's particularly effective for accurate casting in various conditions, and it's capable of handling both small and medium-sized trout. It's also great for big streamer and nymph fishing. However, it's not recommended for beginners or for chasing tarpon.
by Curated experts Joe Price, Jake Gronholz, Nick Radkewich
Ideal for
- Accurate casting in all conditions
- Small to medium-sized trout
- Big streamer and nymph fishing
- All levels of casting experience
- Freshwater fishing
Not ideal for
- Beginners
- Chasing tarpon
- Dry Flies
- Saltwater trips
Sage Foundation Fly Rod
$425.00
The Sage Foundation Fly Rod is a versatile, multi-application rod that's perfect for both beginners and experienced anglers. It's known for its quality manufacturing and ability to handle a variety of fishing scenarios, from small dry fly presentations to launching big wooly buggers. This rod is particularly good for catching rainbow trout on small streams or lakes, and with the right weight size, it can also handle the biggest browns in the Missouri river. It's a solid all-around choice, offering the classic Sage quality at an inviting price point.
by Curated experts Jake A, Richard Bullock, Kendrick Wilson
Ideal for
- Beginners looking to hone their casting skills
- Experienced anglers wanting to take their game to the next level
- Fishing in a variety of environments, from small streams to bigger rivers
- Catching a range of species, including trout, bass, and sunfish
- Those seeking a high-quality, versatile rod without breaking the bank
Not ideal for
- Specialized utility, such as a rod specifically for wooly buggers or dry flies
- Anglers seeking the pinnacle of tech and lightweight design
- Big game or saltwater fishing
- Fishing in really small streams or for tiny fish
The Sage R8 Core Fly Rod is a top pick for 2023 due to its exceptional performance and versatility. It's perfect for those who value control and power in their casting. The rod loads evenly and naturally, allowing the angler to dictate the loop shape at any distance. It's also ideal for single-handed spey casts and powerful roll casts. With plenty of spine, it can easily lift full sinking lines.
by Curated expert Rylyn S.
Ideal for
- Anglers who value control in their casting
- Single-handed spey casting
- Powerful roll casting
- Lifting full sinking lines
What is your level of fly fishing experience?
Sage Maverick Fly Rod
$325.00
$650.00
50% off
The Sage Maverick Fly Rod is a top pick for 2023, perfect for intermediate to advanced saltwater fly anglers. Its quick-loading design, hidden hook keeper, corrosion-resistant reel seat, and protective tube and bag make it ideal for saltwater conditions. Whether you're after bonefish, redfish, tarpon, or giant trevally, the Maverick delivers quick and accurate casts, enhancing your saltwater fishing experience.
by Curated expert Johnny Buser
Ideal for
- Intermediate to advanced saltwater fly anglers
- Anglers targeting various saltwater species
- Anglers seeking quick and accurate casts
- Anglers who value durability and corrosion resistance
Sage Trout LL Fly Rod
$462.50
$925.00
50% off
The Sage Trout LL Fly Rod is a perfect choice for anglers who prefer a sensitive, medium-action rod. It's particularly adept at handling dry fly presentations and light tippet, making it a joy to use for trout fishing, especially in smaller waters. Its accuracy in placing dry flies is commendable, and it's versatile enough to cast nymphs, dry flies, and streamers. However, it's not the best for throwing large streamers, heavy nymph rigs, or fighting giant king salmons.
by Curated experts Jordan Tatro, joshua parke, Jonathan Graham
Ideal for
- Anglers preferring a sensitive, medium-action rod
- Dry fly presentations
- Light tippet
- Trout fishing in smaller waters
- Casting nymphs, dry flies, and streamers
Not ideal for
- Throwing large streamers
- Heavy nymph rigs
- Fighting giant king salmons
- Roll casting with shorter rods
Sage Payload Fly Rod
$650.00
The Sage Payload Fly Rod is a top pick for 2023, especially for anglers targeting big game. Known for its power and control, this rod is perfect for casting big flies at predatory fish like Bass, Pike, and Musky. It's not the lightest rod on the market, but its heft is part of its charm, providing the backbone needed for heavy-duty fishing. It's not the best for distance or accuracy casting, but it shines in windy conditions and for inshore fishing. It's also praised for its smooth action, reducing elbow strain common with heavier rods.
by Curated experts Danny Salinas, David Holmes, Jimmy Hall
Ideal for
- Casting big flies at predatory fish like Bass, Pike, and Musky
- Fishing in windy conditions
- Inshore fishing for big game
- Anglers who prefer a rod with a strong backbone
- Anglers who value smooth action and reduced elbow strain
Not ideal for
- Distance or accuracy casting
- Beginner anglers
- Lightweight rod seekers
- Fishing for species like tarpon or in deeper waters
- Fishing in rivers or small streams
Sage Igniter Fly Rod
$995.00
The Sage Igniter Fly Rod is a top-notch choice for those who need a powerful rod that can handle windy conditions, heavy rigs, and bulky sink tips. Its ultra-fast action allows for quick, tight loops and soft landings, making it ideal for flats fishing. It's also great for long, accurate casts and line carry. However, it's not the best for small waters or for catching really big or small fish. This rod is a perfect blend of power and finesse, but it's not particularly forgiving, so make sure you've honed your technique before hitting the salt.
by Curated experts Kendrick Wilson, Jesi Scott, Andrew Pfaffinger
Ideal for
- Flats fishing
- Windy conditions
- Heavy rigs and bulky sink tips
- Long, accurate casts and line carry
- Fishing scenarios involving fish up to 20 pounds
Not ideal for
- Small waters
- Catching really big fish like sharks, grouper, and tuna
- Catching really small fish
- Beginners or those with less refined technique
Sage Salt HD Fly Rod
$995.00
The Sage Salt HD Fly Rod is a top pick for 2023, boasting an improved blank and components from its predecessor. It's a fast-action rod with plenty of backbone, making it perfect for casting large flies and generating line speed. Its power and durability make it ideal for fishing in lakes, streams, and rivers, and it's particularly suited for smaller-medium tarpon, big redfish, and jacks. However, its power may be too much for more delicate, spooky fish.by Curated experts Kendrick Wilson, Jimmy Hall
Ideal for
- Casting large flies
- Generating line speed
- Fishing in lakes, streams, and rivers
- Catching smaller-medium tarpon, big redfish, and jacks
Not ideal for
- Delicate, spooky fish like bonefish and permit
- Smaller water
Sage Dart Fly Rod
$825.00
The Sage Dart Fly Rod is a top-notch choice for 2023, especially for those who enjoy fishing in mountain streams and small waters. This high-end, light-action rod is perfect for small game fish, particularly trout. It's known for its accuracy and good action, especially when there's room for a back cast. It's also great for delivering small flies on small water and offers sensitivity for ultra-light fights. However, it may not be the best choice for roll cast scenarios, high sticking, nymph fishing, or big water and salt water fishing.
by Curated experts Elijah Saint Blancard, Joe Price, Jack W.
Ideal for
- Fishing in mountain streams and small waters
- Catching small game fish, particularly trout
- Delivering small flies on small water
- Ultra-light fights
- Technical dry fly fishing in tight spaces
Not ideal for
- Roll cast scenarios
- High sticking or nymph fishing
- Big water, big streamers, salt water
Sage X Freshwater Fly Rod
$950.00
The Sage X Freshwater Fly Rod is the ultimate choice for trout fishing enthusiasts, especially in the Western & Northern Rockies. This rod is renowned for its versatility, performing equally well with delicate dries, big hoppers in summers, and dropper & nymph rigs. It's also perfect for technical fishing, sight fishing, nymphing, dry fly, and light streamer work. The rod's fast action and high-quality finishes, coupled with a good level of feel, make it a talked-about choice among anglers.
by Curated experts Jamie Dickinson, Mark Freytag, Jeremy Kleinhans
Ideal for
- Trout fishing in Western & Northern Rockies
- Delicate dries, big hoppers in summers, and dropper & nymph rigs
- Technical fishing, sight fishing, nymphing, dry fly
- Light streamer work
- Long casts and fishing in tight spots
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
- Sage Sonic Rod
- Sage Foundation Fly Rod
- Sage R8 Core Fly Rod
- Sage Maverick Fly Rod
- Sage Trout LL Fly Rod
- Sage Payload Fly Rod
- Sage Igniter Fly Rod
- Sage Salt HD Fly Rod
- Sage Dart Fly Rod
- Sage X Freshwater Fly Rod
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