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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 to receive advice and recommendations on the best reels for your needs.
By Fishing ExpertsWilson, Craig, Aaron and others
The Orvis Hydros Fly Reel is a high-performance reel that offers excellent value for both novice and expert anglers. Its lightweight large arbor design, fully sealed clutch bearing drag, and quick line retrieval make it perfect for hot fish in both fresh and saltwater. It's durable, dependable, and has a great drag ratio. However, it may not be ideal for lighter trout applications or heavy saltwater fishing.
by Curated experts Cory G, Baily Dent, Kendrick Wilson
Ideal for
- Novice and expert anglers looking for high performance without breaking the bank
- Fishing for hot fish in both fresh and saltwater
- Anglers who need a strong, smooth drag with little start-up inertia
- Anglers who value durability and dependability
- Anglers who want a high-quality reel at a great price
Not ideal for
- Lighter trout applications
- Heavy saltwater fishing
- Surf fishing or beach/flats wading
- Anglers who don't want to perform heavy maintenance
Redington Behemoth Series Fly Reel
See Price and DetailsThe Redington Behemoth Series Fly Reel is a heavy-duty, versatile reel that is perfect for both fresh and saltwater fishing. It's a great fit for a 7/8 WT rod and is also a suitable size for a 5 weight rod. It's an entry-level reel with impressive stopping power and a large arbor for fast pick-up speed. Its unique, die-cast construction and super heavy-duty carbon fiber drag make it a reliable and high-performing choice. It's ideal for big trout, bass, pike, and saltwater fish. However, it may not be as durable when submerged in saltwater.
by Curated experts Matt Beam, Jeff Henderson, Lawson T.
Ideal for
- Freshwater fishing
- Saltwater fishing
- Big trout, bass, pike
- Entry-level fly reel users
- Users looking for high stopping power
Not ideal for
- Frequent saltwater submersion
- Users who prefer a lighter reel
- Users who dislike line stacking and tangling
Redington Run Reel
$60.00
$119.99
50% off
The Redington Run Reel is a top choice for those seeking a balance between lightweight design and performance. Its carbon drag system is robust enough to handle a variety of situations, and it's suitable for both fresh and salt water. The reel's large arbor design and compact carbon fiber drag system provide smooth stopping power and quick line retrieval. While it's not as light as machined aluminum, it offers tremendous stopping power and durability, making it a great entry-level reel for large freshwater species and smaller inshore species in the salt.
by Curated experts Jeff Henderson, Jesi Scott, Kendrick Wilson
Ideal for
- Anglers seeking a lightweight yet high-performing reel
- Fishing in both fresh and salt water
- Fishing for large freshwater species and smaller inshore species
- Anglers who value smooth stopping power and quick line retrieval
- Those looking for a quality reel at an affordable price
Not ideal for
- Anglers seeking the lightest possible reel
- Fishing for very large species
- Fishing in big waters
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The Lamson Liquid Fly Reel is a top-notch, American-made reel that offers exceptional value. It's praised for its smooth drag, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Its large arbor design allows for high-speed line retrieval, and it's equipped with a fully sealed conical disc drag system. Ideal for trout fishing and a variety of freshwater applications, it's a popular choice among anglers. However, it may not be the best choice for fishing big streamers.
by Curated experts Matt Beam, Aaron Tate, Joe Price
Ideal for
- Trout fishing
- Freshwater applications
- Anglers seeking smooth drag
- Those who value American-made products
- Anglers seeking high-speed line retrieval
Not ideal for
- Fishing big streamers
Redington Rise Series Fly Reels
$110.00
$219.99
50% off
The Redington Rise Series Fly Reels are a top pick for anglers seeking a lightweight, durable, and reliable reel that won't break the bank. With a large arbor design, a smooth carbon fiber drag system, and a saltwater-friendly construction, these reels are perfect for long days fishing the flats. The machined aluminum body offers a perfect balance of weight and durability, while the U-shaped arbor stacks line effectively. These reels are a great fit on a 5wt rod and can handle larger fish if needed, making them a versatile choice for various fishing scenarios.
by Curated experts Brek L, Boone Tullett, Davis B.
Ideal for
- Anglers seeking a lightweight, durable reel
- Long days fishing the flats
- Use with a 5wt rod
- Handling larger fish
- Various fishing scenarios
Not ideal for
- Very large fish
- Small light applications
The Sage Spectrum C Fly Reel is a top-notch choice for fly fishing enthusiasts looking for a reliable, high-performance reel without breaking the bank. Its die-cast spool offers strength, and its sealed carbon drag system ensures smooth line-to-reel transition. Ideal for freshwater fishing, from small streams to large rivers, this reel is praised for its durability, versatility, and ease of use. Its large arbor design allows for fast line pickup, making it a reliable companion for many fishing trips.
by Curated experts Jake A, Kendrick Wilson, Bob P.
Ideal for
- Freshwater fishing
- Small streams and large rivers
- Fly fishing enthusiasts looking for value for money
- Those who need a reliable and durable reel
- Those who prefer a fast line pickup
Not ideal for
- Smaller creek rods
- Heavier streamer and saltwater rods
Lamson Guru S Fly Reel
$145.00
$289.99
50% off
The Lamson Guru S Fly Reel is a top-notch choice for fly fishing enthusiasts seeking a high-performance reel without breaking the bank. Its lightweight design, large arbor for quick fly line pick up, and strong, sealed drag system make it a versatile all-rounder. However, it may not be suitable for finer lines due to its non-full cage design.
by Curated experts Joseph Smith, Skyler B
Ideal for
- Fly fishing anglers seeking a high-performance, all-purpose reel
- Those who prefer a lightweight reel
- Fishing in most conditions
- Quick and easy fly line pick up
Not ideal for
- Fishing with finer lines
Orvis Clearwater LA Reel
$98.00
The Orvis Clearwater LA Reel is a top pick for those new to fly fishing or on a budget. Its smooth disc drag system, large arbor for quick line retrieval, and lightweight build make it a reliable choice. It's particularly suited for freshwater fishing, handling trout, bass, and bluegill with ease. However, its unsealed drag and cast aluminum build may not hold up in saltwater or heavy-duty scenarios.
by Curated experts Joseph Smith, Matt Beam, David W.
Ideal for
- Beginners in fly fishing
- Budget-conscious anglers
- Freshwater fishing
- Trout, bass, and bluegill fishing
- Those needing quick line retrieval
Not ideal for
- Saltwater fishing
- Heavy-duty fishing scenarios
- Fishing in muddy, sandy, or dirty conditions
Sage Spectrum Fly Reel
$150.00
$300.00
50% off
The Sage Spectrum Fly Reel is a top-notch choice for fly fishing enthusiasts seeking a high-performing, durable reel without breaking the bank. Its large arbor design offers impressive line capacity and a powerful drag system, making it perfect for chasing large, line-hogging fish. The CNC machine aluminum construction ensures longevity and compatibility with any quality fly rods. However, it may not be the best choice for oversized line or tarpon fishing.
by Curated experts Bob P., Franklin Jones, David W.
Ideal for
- Fly fishing enthusiasts seeking a high-performing, durable reel
- Chasing large, line-hogging fish
- Use with any quality fly rods
- Bass fishing and most inshore salt species
Not ideal for
- Oversized line
- Tarpon fishing
Lamson Remix Fly Reel
$110.00
$219.99
50% off
The Lamson Remix Fly Reel is a perfect blend of quality craftsmanship and reliable performance. It's a large-arbor reel with a sealed conical drag system that offers smoothness and stability. It's ideal for medium to heavy freshwater applications, including trout, bass, steelhead, salmon, pike, and musky. The reel is also suitable for 9-11 weight saltwater rods. It's not recommended for use with a rod heavier than a 6 weight or anything smaller than an 8 weight rod.
by Curated experts Connor McCollum, Kendrick Wilson, Jade F.
Ideal for
- Medium freshwater applications (trout, bass, etc.)
- Heavy freshwater applications (steelhead, salmon, pike, musky)
- 9-11 weight saltwater rods
- Anglers seeking a good size to weight ratio to balance their fly rod
- Anglers who need a robust and reliable reel
Not ideal for
- Use with a rod heavier than a 6 weight
- Use with anything smaller than an 8 weight rod
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
- Orvis Hydros Fly Reels
- Redington Behemoth Series Fly Reel
- Redington Run Reel
- Lamson Liquid Fly Reel
- Redington Rise Series Fly Reels
- Sage Spectrum C Fly Reel
- Lamson Guru S Fly Reel
- Orvis Clearwater LA Reel
- Sage Spectrum Fly Reel
- Lamson Remix Fly Reel
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