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Most Recommended Fly Reels under $150
Updated

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 $150. 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.

Result summary
  1. Redington Behemoth Series Fly Reel
  2. Redington Run Reel
  3. Lamson Liquid Fly Reel
  4. Orvis Clearwater LA Reel
  5. Orvis Battenkill Fly Reel
  6. Redington Zero Series Reel
  7. Redington I.D Series Reel
  8. Redington Rise Series Spare Spool
  9. Redington Crosswater Series Reel
  10. Sage Spectrum Spare Spool
1
Redington Behemoth Series Fly Reel
#1 in the Top 10 Fly Reels under $150
Redington

Redington Behemoth Series Fly Reel

From $129.99

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.

Fly Fishing Expert Jeff Henderson
Jeff Henderson
Verified Fly Fishing Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022

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!

Fly Fishing Expert Lawson T.
Lawson T.
Verified Fly Fishing Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022

Great for trout, bass, carp, panfish. Solid drag.

Fly Fishing Expert Elijah Saint Blancard
Elijah Saint Blancard
Verified Fly Fishing Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022
We haven't found this product listed elsewhere. If you find a lower price, let your expert know - we'll match it!
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2
Redington Run Reel
#2 in the Top 10 Fly Reels under $150
Redington

Redington Run Reel

$119.99

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.

Fly Fishing Expert Kendrick Wilson
Kendrick Wilson
Verified Fly Fishing Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022

Smooth stopping power, quick line retrieval, very lightweight, smooth drag, interchangeable spools. Large arbor design, compact carbon fiber drag system.

Fly Fishing Expert Jesi Scott
Jesi Scott
Verified Fly Fishing Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022

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.

Fly Fishing Expert Jeff Henderson
Jeff Henderson
Verified Fly Fishing Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022
Bass Pro Shops+ free shipping$119.99
Cabela's+ free shipping$119.99
Backcountry.com+ free shipping$119.99
3
Lamson Liquid Fly Reel
#3 in the Top 10 Fly Reels under $150
Waterworks-Lamson

Lamson Liquid Fly Reel

From $139.99

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.

Fly Fishing Expert Tellan Lloyd
Tellan Lloyd
Verified Fly Fishing Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022

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.

Fly Fishing Expert Aaron Tate
Aaron Tate
Verified Fly Fishing Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022

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.

Fly Fishing Expert Andrew Bowen
Andrew Bowen
Verified Fly Fishing Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022
We haven't found this product listed elsewhere. If you find a lower price, let your expert know - we'll match it!
4
Orvis Clearwater LA Reel
#4 in the Top 10 Fly Reels under $150
Orvis

Orvis Clearwater LA Reel

From $98.00

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.

Fly Fishing Expert Austin Wilt
Austin Wilt
Verified Fly Fishing Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022

This is great for trout/bass/bluegill - just about any species you would be targeting on a 5wt rod.

Fly Fishing Expert Tommy Stornant
Tommy Stornant
Verified Fly Fishing Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022

Great starter reel with a lot of line capacity. Easy to use and very durable.

Fly Fishing Expert David W.
David W.
Verified Fly Fishing Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022
We haven't found this product listed elsewhere. If you find a lower price, let your expert know - we'll match it!
5
Orvis Battenkill Fly Reel
#5 in the Top 10 Fly Reels under $150
Orvis

Orvis Battenkill Fly Reel

From $129.00

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.

Fly Fishing Expert Hayden B.
Hayden B.
Verified Fly Fishing Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022

Very simple design, quality construction. It has a narrow spool which prevents line stacking, and its easily adjustable for left or right hand retrieve.

Fly Fishing Expert Jake Williams
Jake Williams
Verified Fly Fishing Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022
Cabela's+ free shipping$129.00
Bass Pro Shops+ free shipping$129.00
Backcountry.com+ free shipping$129.00
6
Redington Zero Series Reel
#6 in the Top 10 Fly Reels under $150
Redington

Redington Zero Series Reel

$109.99

This is perfect for hiking in on small streams that come down from the Rocky Mountains. Great entry level equipment.

Fly Fishing Expert Franklin Jones
Franklin Jones
Verified Fly Fishing Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022
We haven't found this product listed elsewhere. If you find a lower price, let your expert know - we'll match it!
7
Redington I.D Series Reel
#7 in the Top 10 Fly Reels under $150
Redington

Redington I.D Series Reel

From $85.99

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!

Fly Fishing Expert Chase Chapman
Chase Chapman
Verified Fly Fishing Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022

A sturdy cast aluminum construction, smooth rulon disc drag, and larger arbor. Speedy line retrieve, customization decals, very low price point.

Fly Fishing Expert Jesi Scott
Jesi Scott
Verified Fly Fishing Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022

Holding your line and getting big fish to the net. I am frequently surprised by the smoothness and reliability of the drag on this reel.

Fly Fishing Expert Aaron Tate
Aaron Tate
Verified Fly Fishing Expert • Reviewed Jul 13, 2022
We haven't found this product listed elsewhere. If you find a lower price, let your expert know - we'll match it!
8
Redington Rise Series Spare Spool
#8 in the Top 10 Fly Reels under $150
Redington

Redington Rise Series Spare Spool

From $109.99

This reel can handle any trout application outside of streamer fishing.

Fly Fishing Expert John T.
John T.
Verified Fly Fishing Expert • Reviewed Sep 16, 2022
We haven't found this product listed elsewhere. If you find a lower price, let your expert know - we'll match it!
9
Redington Crosswater Series Reel
#9 in the Top 10 Fly Reels under $150
Redington

Redington Crosswater Series Reel

From $59.99

This reel comes pre spooled with line and ready to fish. All you will have to do is tie on a fly!

Fly Fishing Expert Wade D.
Wade D.
Verified Fly Fishing Expert • Reviewed Dec 7, 2022
We haven't found this product listed elsewhere. If you find a lower price, let your expert know - we'll match it!
10
Sage Spectrum Spare Spool
#10 in the Top 10 Fly Reels under $150
Sage

Sage Spectrum Spare Spool

From $150.00

The Spectrum is a well-made durable reel from Sage. At 4.7oz, this is a lightweight reel, but still has the strength to land the bigger ones! It is designed with a large arbor for quick line retrieval, and the arbor is concave for added strength

Fly Fishing Expert Blake Thomas
Blake Thomas
Verified Fly Fishing Expert • Reviewed Sep 15, 2022
We haven't found this product listed elsewhere. If you find a lower price, let your expert know - we'll match it!
Honorable mentions
Redington Behemoth Series Spare Spool
Redington

Redington Behemoth Series Spare Spool

From $64.99

This spare spool is great for making quick line changes on the water for the angler that wants to carry one rod, but tackle a variety of possible scenarios on the river.

Fly Fishing Expert Matt Kaercher
Matt Kaercher
Verified Fly Fishing Expert • Reviewed Sep 16, 2022
We haven't found this product listed elsewhere. If you find a lower price, let your expert know - we'll match it!
Why you can trust this list

Curated Experts don’t get paid by the manufacturer to write these reviews. All of their opinions are their own and unbiased. Want to learn more about our experts? Check out the video or view some of their profiles to learn more!

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