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.
- Orvis Hydros Fly Reel
- Redington Behemoth Series Fly Reel
- Redington Run Reel
- Redington Rise Series Fly Reel
- Sage Spectrum C Fly Reel
- Orvis Clearwater LA Fly Reel
- Sage Spectrum Fly Reel
- Lamson Liquid Fly Reel
- Redington Zero Series 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 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.
Certainly a high quality first reel, from a respected manufacturer. Die-cast construction and large arbor reel will make tackling larger fish a possibility.
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!
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.
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.
Fighting medium to small fish. Throwing drys, nymphs and small streamers.
Redington Rise Series Fly Reel
- Lighweight
- Salt friendly
- Strong smooth drag
- Easy to clean
- Fighting and reeling in your next hog!
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.
Quality reel with a great drag system. Great fit on a 5wt rod. Will handle larger fish if needed.
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.
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.
Sage Spectrum Fly Reel
Large arbor fly reel that offers a ton of performance, line capacity and a run stopping drag system. CNC machine aluminum construction designed to match and balance any and all quality fly rods.
Large line capacity and a smooth feel. It is a great match for any rod.
Perfect for chasing large brutish fish that hog the line.
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.
Redington Zero Series Reel
This is perfect for hiking in on small streams that come down from the Rocky Mountains. Great entry level equipment.
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
Fresh water or salt water fishing on 5-7 weight rods. Another classic 5-weight fly reel that Orvis has been producing for 70 years. This is another reel that will last you a lifetime with the classic trout reel styling. Super smooth drag system that is fully sealed when the spool is engaged. You just cannot go wrong with this reel for this price point.
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.
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!
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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