Fishing is one of the most relaxing activities, as you sit outdoors near clean and fresh water, which is a sight for sore eyes. Fly fishing is an even better experience as it helps you catch more fish easily. For attracting and catching salmon, the method of fly fishing has been in use for quite some time.
However, you can not just take any reel from your gear, dust it off, and hope to catch a king salmon. Every angler is familiar with the importance of having the right fly reel if he wishes to catch salmon on his fishing trip. I am sharing the 7 best fly reels for salmon for my fellow fishermen that have always proved handy to me.
Also Read: Best Steelhead Fly Fishing Reels
Our Top 7 Picks Of Best Salmon Fishing Reels
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7 Best Salmon Fly Reels Review
Here you can read detailed review on our top salmon fly reels:
1. Redington RISE – Best Salmon Reel
There are many things that make a fly reel the perfect one for catching a salmon; this model features each one of those perks. Every part of this fly reel has been constructed with aluminum, so you can be sure that it comes with a long life.
The package includes a nylon case so that you can safely carry it to your fishing trips without inflicting any damage on the reel.
Moreover, the feature that stood out to me was that this model has an ambidextrous design, meaning it can be held in both left and right hands comfortably.
Furthermore, the addition of an oversized drag knob leaves room for adjustments. Moreover, this model comes with a large arbor design that adds a faster-retrieving line speed to its list of perks.
In addition to that, the manufacturers have added a carbon fiber drag system to the Redington Rise Fly Fishing Reel. This drag system adds an impressive 20 lbs of stopping power to the reel. Lastly, this model comes with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer.
Pros
Cons
If you are looking for an all-in-one kind of fly reel for your next fishing trip, then you need the Redington Rise Fly Fishing Reel. From the construction of this reel to every feature added to its design, this model has been proven to be the best fly reel for salmon.
2. Orvis Hydros – Best Salmon Fly Reel
One look at the Orvis Hydros Reel, and you can tell that this model will help you fish salmon for many years. First of all, this model comes with a stainless steel construction which has many features.
On top of the list are strength and corrosion resistance, hence a prolonged life of the reel. Moreover, this fly reel has a larger size but no extra weight, which is quite thoughtful.
What makes this fly reel unique and one of the 7 best fly reels for salmon is that it comes with a stiffened narrow spool. This feature ensures that you do not suffer from line stacking.
Furthermore, the larger arbor on this fly reel increases the speed at which the reel retrieves the line.
Moreover, Orvis has added a carbon fiber drag system to this fly reel. The addition of this drag system adds 20 lbs of stopping power to this fly reel, which is needed when you are fly fishing salmon. Moreover, there is a seal on the drag system, which keeps the parts of the drag system protected.
Pros
Cons
The Orvis Hydros fly reel does come at a comparatively heavier price, but this model has many perks that make it worth the extra money. It has a durable and robust construction and comes with a larger arbor and a strong carbon fiber drag system.
3. Piscifun Aoka – Salmon Fishing Reel
Fly fishing for salmon has never been as easy as it became with the Piscifun Aoka Fly Fishing Reel. The fly reel is constructed with stainless steel, so it is notably strong and corrosion-resistant, which is an extra perk. This model is in three sizes, varying from ¾ to ⅞.
You can forget about the hassle of figuring out which hand to hold the reel in, as this model has an ambidextrous design.
This means it can be held easily in both the left and right hands. The package does not only include the reel, but it also has a small bag to carry the reel in.
This model is suitable for saltwater. In addition to that, it has a medium-sized arbor design, which retrieves the line quickly.
The further addition of a disc drag system which is built from cork and Teflon, makes this model ideal for catching salmon as it has amazing drag engagement.
Pros
Cons
This fly reel has to be one of the best fly reels for salmon, and it comes at a meager price, so that is another plus. It has every feature that you need when you are on the water trying to catch a salmon. The advanced disc drag system makes sure that the reel halts immediately.
4. Redington Behemoth – Salmon Fly Reel
This Redington Behemoth Fly Reel has earned a spot among the 7 best fly reels for salmon due to a reason. This model comes with a very powerful carbon fiber drag system. This drag system adds more strength to the design of the fly reel in the form of higher fish stopping power.
This model comes in 5 different sizes, so you can pick one according to your requirements.
In addition to that, this model bears twin molded ergonomic touch handles, and that is not all; the handle of this reel has an ambidextrous design. This means that it can be held comfortably in both hands.
Moreover, the lifetime manufacturer’s warranty makes this fly reel a good investment.
This addition of a larger arbor to the fly reel is a very thoughtful inclusion, in my opinion, as it heightens the retrieving speed of the line. The addition of a case in the package is another star on this model as you can carry it to your fishing spot easily.
Pros
Cons
If you are interested in fly fishing for salmon, then you need this Redington Behemoth Fly Reel in your gear. It comes at a very low price and still bears really remarkable features. From a larger arbor to a carbon fiber drag system, this model has some of the finest specifications that will make fly fishing easier for you.
5. Sage SPECTRUM MAX – Salmon Fly Fishing Reel
This is not an average fly fishing reel; the Sage Fly fishing reel is one of the 7 best fly reels for salmon. First of all, this model comes in 5 different sizes varying from ⅚ to 11/12.
Moreover, this model also comes in 4 different colors, so you can pick one of your likings.
In addition to that, what makes it the best fly reel for salmon is that it has a carbon drag system and not just any, but a sealed carbon system.
This is a perk because, thanks to the seal, any dirt, sand, and any other particle does not enter the reel. So, you can use this model anywhere to catch some salmon.
Moreover, it comes with 40 detented drag settings which will allow you to adjust the drag easily.
That is not all; this model also bears a larger arbor, so the line pickup speed of this fly reel is remarkable. On top of that, every part has been constructed from aluminum, so this salmon fly reel will have your back for a long time.
Pros
Cons
Although this model comes at quite a hefty price, it comes with some handy technologies packed in a small body that can easily convince any angler to purchase it. It has a larger arbor and a drag system with 40 settings—moreover, a stainless steel construction which is a cherry on top.
6. Cheeky Fishing PreLoad – Reel For Salmon Fishing
The Cheeky Fishing Preload is your best friend if you want to fly fish for some salmon. This model of fly reel comes in 2 different sizes, so you can pick one according to your requirements.
Moreover, it comes at quite an affordable price, so you can enjoy the benefits without sacrificing an arm and a leg.
An outstanding feature of this model of a fly reel is that it has an ambidextrous design, so you can easily shift the reel from your right hand to the left.
Furthermore, in my experience, the best feature of this model that sets it apart from the competition is that it comes preloaded with 20 lbs of backing.
In addition to that, the disc drag system of this fly reel adds a remarkable stopping power to this model.
Hence, even if you catch a bigger salmon with this model, it has the power to hold it.
All in all, this model comes with nifty features and a lightweight design which is needed when you have to fly fish for several hours.
Pros
Cons
What makes this model worth the investment is that it comes preloaded with 20 lbs of line. Moreover, the disc drag system and the ambidextrous design of the fly reel will make sure you can catch salmon easily. On top of that, it comes at an affordable price.
7. M Maximumcatch Maxcatch Salmon Reel Review
The combination of aluminum and stainless steel used in constructing this fly reel is one reason it is the best fly reel for salmon. It is resistant to corrosion, dust, and rust.
Moreover, the construction makes it highly durable and strong.
In addition to that, the disc drag system of this model is not just any drag; it comes with a hidden drag knob screw and has engraved numbered settings.
Moreover, the usage of Teflon and cork in the disc drag system of this fly reel delivers highly smooth drag engagement.
You can forget all about the hassle and struggle of catching salmon as this model will have your back out there.
Furthermore, M MAXIMUMCATCH has added a medium arbor spool to this fly reel so that you can retrieve your line at high speed.
This fly reel comes in 5 different sizes along with 5 different colors, making it more appealing to anglers as they can easily find one that suits their requirements.
Pros
Cons
The engraved numbers on the disc drag system, medium arbor spool are some of the nifty features of this fly reel that make fly fishing salmon seem like a piece of cake. Moreover, it has been constructed with aluminum and stainless steel, so it will have your back for a prolonged period of time.
How To Choose The Best Salmon Fly Reel
Salmon fishing means dealing with heavy currents either on freshwater or saltwater. So you must have a setup that legitimately deals with heavy fights and provide good backup. For this purpose, you must consider these suggestions before buying the reel for salmon fishing.
The Reel Should Balance The Rod Well
You can choose different fly rods for salmon fishing. But double-handled rods and baitcasting rods work well in this regard. After deciding the rod type, select the reel that perfectly fits the rod to maintain equilibrium for a smooth casting experience. Always choose the same type of reel with a rod.
Additional Backing up Capacity Is Important
Fly fishing means a long casting distance that requires long yards of line, either braided or monofilament. To avoid any incident, go for the larger backing capacity of at least 250+ meters to avoid such hassle during the cast.
Appropriate Weight and Size of The Reel
Depending on the size of salmon fish, you can choose the weight or size of the reel accordingly. Such as, for king salmon, you must need a reel of having 5 wt. respectively. It is better to go for bigger fly reels for salmon fishing.
People Also Ask About Salmon Fly Reels
1. Where do you fly fish for salmon?
There are many places in the US where you can fly fish for salmon. However, on top of the list is Alaska. Furthermore, in Alaska, the Alaska Wilderness Safari, Alaska West, and Alaska River Lodge are the best locations for fly fishing for salmon.
2. What weight fly rod do you use for salmon?
The ideal weight of a fly rod that is intended specifically for salmon is between 8 to wt. These fly rods are capable of handling a 20 lbs salmon effortlessly. However, if you wish to catch a bigger and heavier salmon, then it is best if you get a 10wt fly rod.
Final Thoughts On Best Salmon Fly Reels
Fly fishing is one of the best techniques for catching salmon. This technique is used not only by fishermen, but some fishing enthusiasts also use this trick to lure some salmon their way. I have shared in detail every model of the fly reel that has proven to be the best for salmon.
Here are a few recommendations if you need to pick one of the best models.
- Redington Rise Fly Fishing Reel has a carbon fiber drag system, ambidextrous design, and a lifetime warranty.
- Orvis Hydros Reel comes with stainless steel construction, a larger arbor, and a sealed drag system.
- Piscifun Aoka Fly Fishing Reel features a disc drag system, ambidextrous design and comes in 3 different sizes.
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