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.
- Redington Behemoth Series Fly Reel
- Redington Run Reel
- Lamson Liquid Fly Reel
- Orvis Clearwater LA Reel
- Orvis Battenkill Fly Reel
- Redington Zero Series Reel
- Redington I.D Series Reel
- Redington Rise Series Spare Spool
- Redington Crosswater Series Reel
- Sage Spectrum Spare Spool
Redington Behemoth Series Fly 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!
Great for trout, bass, carp, panfish. Solid drag.
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.
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.
Orvis Clearwater LA 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.
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.
Redington Zero Series Reel
This is perfect for hiking in on small streams that come down from the Rocky Mountains. Great entry level equipment.
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.
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.
Redington Rise Series Spare Spool
This reel can handle any trout application outside of streamer fishing.
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!
Sage Spectrum Spare Spool
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
Redington Behemoth Series Spare Spool
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.
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!
Meet the Curated Experts