Sometimes you need great fly reels on a budget. Curated experts make sure to take each fisher's budget into account every time they make recommendations. This list brings together their top recommendations for fly reels under $250. Want a more personalized pick? Don't forget to talk to a Fly Fishing expert for free advice and recommendations on the best reels for your needs.
- Orvis Hydros Fly Reel
- Redington Behemoth Series Reel
- Redington Run Reel
- Redington Rise Series Reel
- Orvis Clearwater LA Fly Reel
- Lamson Liquid Fly Reel
- Sage Spectrum C Fly Reel
- Redington Zero Series Reel
- Lamson Remix Fly Reel
- Orvis Battenkill Fly Reel
Orvis Hydros Fly Reel
This is an awesome mid range reel. Orvis has a variety of reels in different price categories with different features. If you're looking for a really well built, machined aluminum body, large arbor reel in the 5-7wt range I would highly recommend this. This won't break the bank as much as some of the higher end reels, but will certainly pack a punch in it's performance and has a great value.
This is an excellent reel for the money. It has the same technology as Orvis' Mirage reels, and has a high performance smooth drag, and the large arbor retrieves line faster. Great reel for the money!
All around trout - even and especially when you have to put a good size fish on the reel! Durable, dependable, and a great drag ratio!
Redington Behemoth Series Reel
A heavy-duty, durable real that will be perfect with a 7/8 rod! Super versatile reel that will allow you to fish both fresh and salt water without a problem. A great option that is affordable. comes in a variety of colors! Good for big trout to bass, pike, salt water fish.
Perfect size for 5wt rod - will hold plenty of backing and fly line. Large arbor means super fast pick up speed when reeling in fish!
Awesome drag control and clean line management. Super slick look, not breaking the bank, and Redington gear is of super high quality!
Redington Run Reel
This is a die-cast reel, which will not be as light as machined aluminum, but offers tremendous stopping power and durability for the price. A good entry level reel for large freshwater species and smaller inshore species in the salt.
Smooth stopping power, quick line retrieval, very lightweight, smooth drag, interchangeable spools. Large arbor design, compact carbon fiber drag system.
Super lightweight - only 5.8 oz. Awesome carbon drag system that will handle anything that comes its way! Designed for both fresh and salt water.
Redington Rise Series Reel
Machined aluminum for the perfect balance of weight and durability, a U-shaped arbor to stack line more effectively, and a carbon fiber drag system that stops torque in the reel.
Very lightweight. Compact carbon fiber drag system, should make for smooth fish stopping! Oversize drag. Fully machined for high-class feel.
Great salt, fish stopping drag. Great price, super lightweight, large arbor.
Orvis Clearwater LA Fly Reel
Smooth, easily adjustable drag, and lightweight build allow you to dial in your drag settings while playing many different sized fish. Pairs well with the 5wt Clearwater Fly Rod.
This is great for trout/bass/bluegill - just about any species you would be targeting on a 5wt rod.
Great starter reel with a lot of line capacity. Easy to use and very durable.
Lamson Liquid Fly Reel
Any freshwater application. Smooth, conical drag system. Large arbor design. A lot of the components are CNC machined here in the US and the reel is assembled in Boise Idaho.
Lamson reels tend to have a very smooth drag, and don't "click" much when you reel them in. These reels have the backbone to deal with any trout that you may encounter.
It has an adequate, large arbor that will harbor more fly line and backing than you will ever need. Fits nicely both size wise and aesthetically onto the Path II.
Sage Spectrum C Fly Reel
Good for everything freshwater. Small streams and rivers up to very large rivers like the Missouri. The spectrum has an incredible drag system which gives flawless line to reel transition to keep those big fish on the end of your line.
The large arbor design gives you fast line pickup. Great all-around trout reel that is reliable over many trips.
Will handle any fish with ease. Aluminum construction ensures it is built to last.
Redington Zero Series Reel
This is perfect for hiking in on small streams that come down from the Rocky Mountains. Great entry level equipment.
Lamson Remix Fly Reel
The -9+ is an excellent reel for heavy freshwater applications - steelhead, salmon, pike, musky - and 9-11 weight saltwater rods.
Orvis Battenkill Fly Reel
I cannot recommend this reel enough. It is perfect for anything from small streams to medium sized rivers. Its simple mechanics allow you to focus less on things like drag, and more on line management and control. Hiking long distances to water and negotiating woody areas, you'll come to appreciate the ultra-light, minimal nature of this. For small streams and rocky rivers, you'll want a reel that can withstand the conditions. If you find yourself climbing, skirting, bouldering, and crawling to get to some of those waters, you need something that can withstand more than a few bumps and scrapes. With its solid aluminum build, it still looks and performs like new after years of abuse. Unlike heavier duty drag reels out there, the click-pawl mechanics put you in control and make a killer classic sound when you have a fighter on your line. It's a wonderful way to fish. This is a generational piece of gear you can expect to pass on some day.
Very simple design, quality construction. It has a narrow spool which prevents line stacking, and its easily adjustable for left or right hand retrieve.
Orvis Battenkill Disc I Fly Reel
The Orvis Battenkill Disc reel features the same drag and arbor system as higher-end models and is well-suited for trout streams and lakes alike! It is a 5-7 weight, so it will work well for trout (5wt) and bass/lake trout (7wt). With old-school looks, don't underestimate the Battenkill line of reels! This updated version features new internals taken from higher-end reels, all packaged into a classic look. Smooth drag and adjustability makes it easy to land any fish within its weight range!
Redington I.D Series Reel
For the price, its hard to beat! Smooth line collection and a larger arbor makes it much easier to collect line when fish is on. Will set nicely on your rod selection. All around good choice!
A sturdy cast aluminum construction, smooth rulon disc drag, and larger arbor. Speedy line retrieve, customization decals, very low price point.
This will be stellar for a lighter weight and sturdy drag, and allows for super slick line work and fish play.
Sage Spectrum Fly Reel
Large line capacity and a smooth feel. It is a great match for any rod.
Sage Trout Fly Reel
This reel has a smooth drag and is tough and durable to stand up to your 25+ days a year on the water. Has a fully sealed drag which is going to help keep it in working order for many years to come. It is perfect for the trout specialist, but with the sealed drag, it is good for any type of fly fishing including salt.
This is a modern designed reel but with an ode to the more traditional styled reels. It has a large arbor for quick line retrieval, machined aluminum full-frame construction, easy conversion for left or right hand retrieve, and a concave arbor design for greater strength and more capacity.
Redington Grande Reel
This reel is saltwater ready for trips to the coast, with plenty of line capacity for large diameter fly lines needed for throwing big musky flies! It also has one of Redington's best drag systems if you ever get into some serious sized fish. This reel is comfortable throwing flies all day with its light weight, and substantial amount of line and backing to keep you safe while fighting larger freshwater and saltwater species!
Great for slowing down the hardest fighting species. Saltwater components will provide corrosion resistance. 5/6/7 models is suited for 5-7 weights
Lamson Remix HD Fly Reel
One of the best reels in this price range hands down! Made completely in the USA with one of the best drag systems on the market! This beast will handle anything you hook into! Large arbor, quick retrieve, lots of power.
Redington Crosswater Series Reel
This reel comes pre spooled with line and ready to fish. All you will have to do is tie on a fly!
Lamson Liquid 3-Pack Fly Reel and 2 Spare Spools
The Lamson Liquid is a fantastic reel at an excellent value. Lamson makes some of the most durable reels on the market, and the Liquid offers a sealed, conical drag and an aluminum frame and spool. Perfect for budget-conscious anglers who want be able to fish a variety of tactics and different line without purchasing an entirely new reel.
This is good for having multiple options to fish above or below the water. It provides the option to load different lines to fish top water as well as deep with a sink link.
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