Sportsman

Fly Fishing Line For Sale

Fly Fishing Line For Fishing

Fly fishing is an art that requires precision, patience, and the right equipment. One of the most critical components of fishing gear is the fly fishing line.

Discover everything you need to know about fly fishing lines, including different types, how to choose the right one and faqs whether you're a beginner or an experienced fisherman.

At Sportsman Finder, we help fishers compare and shop top-quality fly lines, fly reels, fly rods, and fly fishing waders from leading brands. Fly lines are listed from weight-forward to double taper, floating to sinking. Find the perfect and ideal line for your rod, reel, and next adventure.

Cortland 444 SL Fly Line Weight Forward Taper
  • Longer front taper and body than other 444 lines still allows for all skill levels to fish this line well but will perform exceptionally well at distance,
  • Long lasting top coat features hard and durable reduced friction finish,
  • Braided nylon multifilament core,
  • Welded loop on front end of fly line,
  • Ultimate combination of performance and price,
  • Mint green color,
  • Brand: Cortland,

$69.95

Quick View
RIO Elite Predator Floating
  • Short, powerful front taper to cast large and heavy flies,
  • Low-stretch ConnectCore Plus for the best in performance and smoothness,
  • RIO’s triple color line marking system makes it easy to gauge distances and load, with a glance,
  • RIO’s printed line marking system that allows anglers to quickly and easily identify each line.,
  • Dual welded loops,
  • Available in 5-11wt,
  • Brand: Rio,

$99.99

Quick View
RIO Elite Flats Pro Fly Line
  • Built with RIO's exceptionally slick, durable SlickCast coating,
  • Low stretch “DirectCore” for hard, solid strip sets,
  • Designed to easily cast flies from size 2/0 to 8,
  • Mid length head & long back taper for complete line control,
  • SureFire tricolored measuring system for increased accuracy and distance control,
  • Brand: Rio,

$129.99

Quick View
SA Sonar Stillwater Clear Camo Fly Line Overweighted
  • Excellent turnover due to short, powerful head,
  • Slow sink rate gets flies just below the surface,
  • Braided multifilament core,
  • For temperate climates,
  • Sink Rate: 1.25 ips (Intermediate),
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$99.95

Quick View
RIO InTouch Replacment Tip Fly Fishing Line All Sizes
  • Item Package Dimensions L x W x H: ‎3.78 x 3.74 x 0.39 inches,
  • Package Weight‎: 0.01 Kilograms,
  • Brand Name: ‎RIO PRODUCTS,
  • Model Name: ‎Fly Line,
  • Number of Items: ‎1,
  • Manufacturer: ‎Far Bank Enterprises,
  • Included Components‎One RIO 10' Intouch Replacment Tip #5 Flt,
  • Size‎: #5 Flt,
  • Fishing Line Type: ‎Fly,

$29.99

Quick View
RIO Dacron Fly Line Backing 20lb, 30lb, 100, 200, 300 yd spools FREE SHIPPING
  • RIO’s traditional Dacron braided backing features high strength and low stretch and is unsurpassed in quality,
  • Good compromise between thinness and the ability to make blind splice loops,
  • Easier to knot than brands that are very thin but have too tight a weave for a blind splice loop,
  • Available in 3 color options,
  • Choose from 100 yd - 5000 yd spools,
  • Finish Type:White,
  • Brand: RIO,

$279.99

Quick View
SA Spey Lite Skagit Head All Sizes
  • General-Purpose Sinking Fly Line,
  • Aids best in presenting nymphs and streamers,
  • For use in moderate and cold climates,
  • Marked with SA-ID (Scientific Anglers Line Identification),
  • Fast Sinking,
  • Sink rates 7.0 - 8.0 ips,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$59.95

Quick View
SA Frequency Trout Fly Line Buckskin
  • Excellent general-purpose line,
  • Half-size heavy and more powerful than the Trout taper,
  • Better with larger heavier flies,
  • Supple and easy to use,
  • Braided multifilament core,
  • Line Color: Willow,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$59.95

Quick View
SA Mastery Infinity Fly Line
  • Welded loops,
  • Designed for demanding tropical saltwater applications,
  • Loads rods quickly, cuts through wind with ease, and turns over big saltwater flies,
  • Short, powerful head for quick casts to moving targets,
  • Overweighted by nearly a full line weight,
  • Tropi-Core technology for tropical climates,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$79.95

Quick View
Scientific Anglers SONAR Saltwater Intermediate Weight Forward Fly Line
  • Welded loops,
  • Slow sink rate gets flies just below the surface,
  • Engineered for use in salt water,
  • Clear tip for stealthy presentations,
  • For temperate climates,
  • Tropi-Core technology for tropical climates,
  • Sink Rate: 1.25 ips (Intermediate),
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$99.95

Quick View
SA Amplitude Smooth Redfish Warm Fly Line
  • Features the revolutionary AST Plus slickness additive for superior shooting ability and increased durability,
  • Short front taper and head for quick, powerful casts,
  • Made a half-size heavy to deliver large flies in demanding situations,
  • Warm and cold version to cover both summer and winter redfish,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$99.95

Quick View
SA Frequency Full Sink Type VI Fly Line All Sizes
  • Especially effective for fishing streamers,
  • Thin diameter cuts through wind,
  • Ideal for use in stillwater situations,
  • Front welded loop on Sink 3; Sink 6 includes braided loop connection,
  • Mid-length head for enhanced line control,
  • Sink Rates: 2.5 – 4.0 ips (Sink 3),
  • Sink Rate: 5.0 – 6.0 ips (Sink 6),
  • Monofilament core,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$59.95

Quick View
SA Sonar Grand Slam Clear Tip Fly Line Tarpon, Bonefish & Permit
  • 8' Clear Tip,
  • Intermediate Sink Tip,
  • Overweighted by .75 line weight to Load Rods,
  • Short Powerful Head,
  • Tropi-Core technology remains stiff and slick in tropical environments,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$99.95

Quick View
RIO Technical Mono Euro Nymph Shorty
  • Ultra-thin, incredibly light line for the utmost in sensitivity,
  • Integrated leader for no-knot connection,
  • Level, adaptable line that can be cut and tuned to individual preferences,
  • Monofilament core for sensitivity and stiffness,
  • Coating Length: 20ft,
  • Leader Length: 14ft,
  • Coating Diameter: 0.023in,
  • Leader Diameter: 0.013in,
  • Brand: Rio,

$42.99

Quick View
RIO Elite Single-Handed Spey Floating
  • Incredibly easy roll and overhead casting line design,
  • Thick Handling section lengthens out the head for stability and control,
  • Low-stretch ConnectCore Plus for the best in performance and smoothness,
  • Built with RIO's exceptionally slick, durable SlickCast,
  • RIO’s printed line marking system that allows anglers to quickly and easily identify each line.,
  • Dual Welded loops,

$129.99

Quick View
Cortland 444 Sylk Fly Line Designed Specifically for Bamboo Fly Rods
  • Ultrathin diameter,
  • Front welded loop,
  • Freshwater,
  • Floating,
  • Weight forward,
  • Braided Nylon Multifilament,
  • 90 ft,
  • Brand: Cortland,

$69.95

Quick View
SA Absolute Flat Mono
  • Rectangular Profile reduces line twist,
  • Hardness tailored per size,
  • Low memory in any conditions,
  • Vibrant Colors,
  • 30m and 600m lengths,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$219.95

Quick View
SA Sonar Stillwater Seamless Density S3 / S5 Fly Line
  • Double-Density Sinking Lines,
  • Based on popular MPX taper,
  • Welded Loops,
  • Advanced Shooting Technology,
  • Marked with SA-ID (Scientific Anglers Line Identification),
  • For use in moderate and cold climates,
  • Aids best in presenting Nymphs and Streamers,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$99.95

Quick View
Zen Tenkara Uni Line Hi-Vis
  • Red makes it Hi-Vis for you, but Low-Vis for the Fish,
  • Furled and Tapered Design,
  • Lillian Connection Loop,
  • Tippet Ring,
  • Provides good rod load and feedback for better timing on casts,
  • Tip Can be Waterproofed (salve sold separately),
  • Brand: Tenkara,

$28.00

Quick View
SA Amplitude Textured MPX Taper Fly Line
  • The revolutionary AST Plus slickness additive,
  • Floating Texture on the tip section for the ultimate in flotation,
  • Shooting Texture running line delivers longer casts,
  • For use in moderate and cold climates,
  • Made a half-size heavy to load fast-action rods,
  • The ultimate general presentation line,
  • Braided multifilament core,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$129.95

Quick View
SA Mastery Expert Distance Taper Fly Line All Sizes
  • Extra-long head and tapers allow smooth long-distance casting,
  • Excellent long-distance line control,
  • Compound head design ensures strong turnover at distance,
  • Great in the wind,
  • Braided multifilament core,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$84.95

Quick View
RIO Elite Permit
  • Easy casting taper that presents typical crab patterns gently,
  • Long back taper for fast, 2nd shot casts,
  • Low stretch “DirectCore” for hard, solid strip sets,
  • Built with RIO's exceptionally slick, durable SlickCast coating,
  • SureFire tricolored measuring system for increased accuracy and distance control,
  • Brand: Rio,

$129.99

Quick View
RIO Elite Switch Indicator Fly Line
  • Short, powerful front taper,
  • Easily casts indicators and large flies,
  • Long head,
  • Great mending and fly control at distance,
  • Unique taper that can be overhead or spey cast according to casting skill and situation,
  • Brand: Rio,

$129.99

Quick View
Cortland Liquid Crystal Guide Taper Fly Line Super Smooth PE+ Coating
  • Half line size heavy for today's faster action saltwater rods,it is equally at home fishing on the ocean side or in the backcountry with quick short shots or shooting distance casts.,
  • Soft Sea Foam color allows for stealth yet good visibility of where the fly is at,
  • 100% monofilament core,
  • Welded loops on both ends for convenience and smooth turnovers,
  • Coating to core fusing process eliminates most all line stretch for better hook sets,
  • Sea Foam color,
  • Brand: Cortland,

$99.95

Quick View
RIO Mainstream Intermediate Fly Line
  • Slightly heavier, easy casting lines for a multitude of situations,
  • Short, powerful front taper for good presentation and turnover,
  • 1.5 – 2ips sink rate,
  • 80' total length,
  • Clear color for low visibility,
  • Brand: Rio,

$39.99

Quick View
SA Mastery MPX Fly Line Taper Floating Weight Forward
  • Welded loops,
  • The ultimate general presentation line,
  • Excels in short-to-medium distances with dry flies, smaller nymphs, streamers,
  • Built a half-size heavy to load rods and turn over large flies easily,
  • Excellent with dry flies, nymphs, and streamers,
  • Features the ST+ slickness additive,
  • For use in moderate and Cold Water climates,
  • Braided multifilament core,
  • Brand: Rio,

$79.95

Quick View
SA Infinity Smooth Salt Fly Line
  • Features the revolutionary AST Plus slickness additive for superior shooting ability and increased durability,
  • Made half size heavy turns over large flies on windy days,
  • Extended head length for accuracy at distance,
  • High-contrast sighter to identify the back of the line when fighting fish on long runs,
  • Tropi-Core technology remains stiff and slick in tropical environments,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$99.95

Quick View
SA Mastery Anadro Fly Line Taper Floating Weight Forward
  • Welded loops,
  • For extended line control, long-distance casting, and turning over heavy rigs,
  • Ideal for roll casting and long-distance mending,
  • High-vis and high floating yellow tip,
  • For use in moderate and Cold Water climates,
  • Braided multifilament core,
  • Brand: Rio,

$79.95

Quick View
SA Mastery Competition Nymph Fly Line All Sizes
  • Ultra-thin level-line design for premium performance and sensitivity,
  • For use with rods 0- through 5-weight,
  • For use in moderate and cold climates,
  • Monofilament core,
  • Available in single-colored floating and clear intermediate sink (sink rate: 1.25 Ips) versions,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$59.95

Quick View
Orvis Pro Power Taper Fly Line - Textured
  • AST Plus treatment provides continuous slickness that incorporates completely, continuously migrates out, works longer, and is eight times slicker than any other slickness additive available for better shooting, improved floatation, and performance. Easily sheds dirt and oils allowing line to perform better longer,
  • Orvis Line ID quickly identifies the line with the taper, weight and functionality,
  • Enhanced welded loop makes leader attachment quick and easy while holding up to repeated use. Helps to transfer energy more efficiently to the leader allowing better turnover,
  • All PRO lines are 90' in length and incorporate three color sections at 8'(stealth tip), 30' (from the tip), and rear taper and running line,
  • Brand: Orvis,

$129.00

Quick View
RIO Elite Gt
  • Short, heavy head to load powerful saltwater rods,
  • Short, aggressive front taper to cast large flies with ease,
  • Low stretch “DirectCore” for hard, solid strip sets,
  • Built with RIO's exceptionally slick, durable SlickCast coating,
  • SureFire tricolored measuring system for increased accuracy and distance control,
  • Brand: Rio,

$129.99

Quick View
RIO Elite Switch Chucker Fly Line
  • Short, powerful front taper,
  • Easily casts indicators and large flies,
  • Low-stretch ConnectCore Plus for the best in performance and smoothnes,
  • Built with RIO's exceptionally slick, durable SlickCast,
  • Variety of line options to cover all situations,
  • Brand: Rio,

$129.99

Quick View
SA TC Textured Tip Float All Sizes
  • Shooting Texturing reduces friction, allowing for easier pick-ups of sinking tips,
  • Tapered design aids in turning over flies at any distance,
  • Suited for two-hand and switch rods,
  • Available in 8? 80 grains, 10’ 120 grains, 12’ 160 grains, and 15? 200 grains,
  • Colors: Ivory / Optic Green,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$29.95

Quick View
SA Frequency Trout Double Taper Fly Line All Sizes
  • All-Around Trout Lines,
  • Excel in all weather conditions,
  • Advanced Shooting Technology,
  • Welded Loop,
  • Braided multifilament core,
  • For use in moderate and cold climates,
  • Aids best in presenting Dries and Nymphs,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$59.95

Quick View
SA SONAR Titan Int / Sink 3 / Sink 5 Fly Line
  • Welded loops,
  • Loads quickly and delivers the biggest flies to the furthest targets,
  • Excellent turnover due to short, powerful head,
  • Triple density construction provides straight-line connection to fly,
  • Mastery Texturing reduces friction, providing longer casts, easier pick-up, and increased durability,
  • For temperate climates,
  • Braided multifilament core,
  • Sink Rates: Int. = 1.25 ips, Sink 3 = 2.5 - 3.5 ips, Sink 5 = 4.5 – 6.0 ips,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$99.95

Quick View
SA Sonar Titan Sink Tip Sink 3 Fly Line Sub-Surface
  • Two line sizes heavy for loading quickly and delivering the biggest flies to the furthest targets; use designated line weight for your rod,
  • Excellent turnover due to short, powerful head,
  • The perfect streamer line for boat or wade fishing,
  • Designed for throwing streamers at trout, smallmouth bass, pike, steelhead, and salmon,
  • Sink tip is between 8-16 feet, depending on line weight,
  • Available in two densities:Sink 3: 2.5 – 3.5 ips | Sink 6: 5.5 – 6.5 ips,
  • For use in moderate and cold climates,
  • Braided multifilament core,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$99.95

Quick View
RIO Premier Outbound Short F / H / I
  • Front loaded to cast large flies with ease,
  • Designed for easy distance,
  • Built with RIO's exceptionally slick, durable SlickCast coating,
  • Multi Density Control on select sinking options,
  • RIO’s printed line marking system that allows anglers to quickly and easily identify each line.,
  • Multi Density Control on select sinking options,
  • Brand: Rio,

$99.99

Quick View
SA Sonar Titan Tropical Clear Tip Fly Line All Sizes
  • Loads quickly and delivers the biggest flies to the furthest targets,
  • 15’ clear tip for stealthy presentations,
  • Excellent turnover due to short, powerful head,
  • Slow sink rate gets flies just below the surface,
  • Tropi-Core technology for tropical climates,
  • Sink Rate: 1.25 ips (Intermediate),
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$99.95

Quick View
RIO Powerflex Ultra Shooting Line
  • Hard, tough coated shooting line for durability and long casts,
  • Powerflex Core,
  • Does not wilt and tangle,
  • A neat, bulletproof loop welded at the front of the fly line for fast Spey-specific rigging.,
  • Brand: Rio,

$64.99

Quick View
SA Sonar Titan Sink Tip Sink 6 Fly Line Deep Water Column
  • Two line sizes heavy for loading quickly and delivering the biggest flies to the furthest targets; use designated line weight for your rod,
  • Excellent turnover due to short, powerful head,
  • The perfect streamer line for boat or wade fishing,
  • Designed for throwing streamers at trout, smallmouth bass, pike, steelhead, and salmon,
  • Sink tip is between 8-16 feet, depending on line weight,
  • Available in two densities:Sink 3: 2.5 – 3.5 ips | Sink 6: 5.5 – 6.5 ips,
  • For use in moderate and cold climates,
  • Braided multifilament core,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$99.95

Quick View
Elite RIO Gold Fly Line
  • Long head for ultimate casting control,
  • Taper design to cast flies between #22 and #2,
  • Low-stretch ConnectCore Plus for the best in casting control, performance and smoothness,
  • Built with RIO's exceptionally slick, durable SlickCast,
  • Features RIO's SureFire tricolored measuring system for increased accuracy and distance control,
  • Brand: Rio,

$129.99

Quick View
RIO Elite Indicator Fly Line
  • Perfect for wade fishing or anchored boat,
  • Turns over big indicators and heavy flies,
  • Low-stretch ConnectCore Plus for the best in casting control, performance and smoothness,
  • Built with RIO's exceptionally slick, durable SlickCast technology,
  • EasyID on front taper for fast line recognition,
  • Brand: Rio,

$129.99

Quick View
SA Dacron Fly Line Backing 20, 30 pound, 100, 250, 3000, 5000 YD
  • Extremely thin,
  • Low coefficient of friction,
  • High abrasion resistance and colorfast,
  • High visibility,
  • Material: Dacron,
  • Finish Type: Orange,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$259.95

Quick View
SA Amplitude Smooth Bonefish Fly Line Weight Forward Floating
  • Features the revolutionary AST Plus slickness additive for superior shooting ability and increased durability,
  • Revised taper for delicate deliveries to skittish fish in crystal-clear water; an excellent line for bonefish and permit,
  • Loads fast and lands light for increased accuracy,
  • Medium-length head for line control and optimal casting and fishing at 60-80 feet,
  • Tropi-Core technology remains stiff and slick in tropical environments,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$99.95

Quick View
SA Amplitude Smooth Titan Long Taper Fly Line with AST Plus
  • Features the revolutionary AST Plus slickness additive for superior shooting ability and increased durability,
  • Designed for targeting bass; perfect for pike, carp, and throwing streamers at trout,
  • Powerful head loads quickly and delivers large flies to distant targets,
  • Built two sizes heavy for turning over big rigs; use designated line weight and your rod,
  • Extended rear taper for line control and mending ability,
  • Ideal line for boat or wade fishing,
  • Braided multifilament core,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$99.95

Quick View
RIO Dacron Fly Line Backing 5000 yd. Spools 20, 30 pounds, Multiple Colors
  • A high quality, super smooth braid that is 100% reliable,
  • 5000 yd. spools in an array of colors,
  • A good compromise between thinness and the ability to make blind splice loops,
  • Easier to knot than other brands that are very thin but have too tight a weave for a blind splice loop,
  • RIO’s traditional Dacron braided backing features high strength and low stretch and is unsurpassed in quality,
  • Brand: Rio,

$319.99

Quick View
SA Mastery Trout Fly Line Taper Weight Forward Floating Dry Tip
  • Welded loops,
  • Revised compound taper perfect for delicate deliveries,
  • Excels in short-to-medium distances with dry flies, smaller nymphs, streamers,
  • The ultimate fly line for chasing trout,
  • Braided multifilament core,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$79.95

Quick View
Cortland Ultralight Trout Series Fly Line Delicate Presentations
  • Extremely fine front taper,
  • Thinner overall diameter,
  • Delicate presentation,
  • Freshwater,
  • Floating,
  • Weight Forward,
  • 80 ft/90 ft,
  • Braided nylon multifilament,
  • Brand: Cortland,

$99.95

Quick View
SA TC Textured Tip Complete Kit System Double Density Sink Tips
  • The world’s first tapered, textured multi-density Spey tips,
  • Shooting Texturing reduces friction, allowing for easier pick-ups of sinking tips,
  • Tapered design aids in turning over flies at any distance,
  • Suited for two-hand and switch rods,
  • Sets come by grain weight,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$149.95

Quick View
SA Freshwater Floating Shooting Distance Fly Line All Sizes
  • For exceptional casting distance,
  • Advanced Shooting Technology freshwater line,
  • Minimal-friction design delivers high speeds and long distances,
  • Easier handling with fewer tangles,
  • Braided multifilament core,
  • Welded Loops,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$39.95

Quick View

Why Fly Line Selection Matters

Fly line selection isn’t just a technical detail—it’s the foundation of successful fly fishing. The right fly line allows you to present flies accurately, cast efficiently, and connect better with your target species. Whether you're stalking trout in a backcountry stream or chasing redfish on the flats, your line choice can make or break the day.

Types of Fly Fishing Lines

Floating Lines (F)

  • Weight Forward (WF): The most popular type, with a thicker "head" for easier casting and distance. Ideal for general use, dry flies, and nymphing.
  • Double Taper (DT): Evenly tapered at both ends for delicate presentations and roll casting. Offers versatility for short to medium distances.
  • Level (L): Consistent diameter throughout, rarely used today.

Specialty Lines

  • Shooting Heads/Shooting Taper (SH/ST): Short, heavy heads designed for long casts, often used with a thin running line.
  • Spey Lines: Designed for two-handed rods and specialized casting techniques for distance on large rivers.
  • Coldwater Lines: Maintain flexibility in low temperatures.
  • Warmwater/Tropical Lines: Stiffer with coatings to withstand high temperatures.
  • Species-Specific Lines: Engineered for the demands of specific fish (e.g., bass, bonefish).

Sink-Tip Lines

  • Sink-tip fly lines combine the best of both floating and sinking lines by incorporating a sinking tip with a floating main body.
  • This design allows the fly to reach deeper parts of the water column while maintaining easy line control and visibility on the surface.
  • Sink-tip lines are especially effective when fishing in rivers, streams, or still water where you need your fly to drop into specific depths without pulling the entire line under.

Top Brands in Fly Fishing Line

Scientific Anglers

A pioneer in modern fly line technology, Scientific Anglers is renowned for its advanced coatings, slickness additives, and versatile tapers. Their Amplitude series is especially popular among pros for its durability and superior casting distance.

  • Best For: All skill levels, freshwater and saltwater
  • Popular Lines: Amplitude Smooth, Mastery Series, Frequency Series

Rio

RIO combines performance and innovation with a wide variety of specialty tapers tailored for specific species and environments. Their fly lines are trusted by anglers worldwide for precision and control.

  • Best For: Technical anglers, specialized fishing situations
  • Popular Lines: RIO Gold, InTouch series, RIO Grand

Cortland

With a rich history dating back over 100 years, Cortland is a favorite among traditionalists and modern anglers alike. They offer dependable lines with consistent tapers and excellent sink-tip options.

  • Best For: Value-conscious anglers, nymphing and streamer fishing
  • Popular Lines: 444 Classic, Precision, Ultralight Series

Orvis

Known for their high-quality fly rods and reels, Orvis also offers excellent fly lines engineered for smooth casting and consistent turnover. Their Hydros series delivers high performance for a range of fishing styles.

  • Best For: Anglers seeking a balance of quality and affordability
  • Popular Lines: Orvis Hydros, Clearwater series

Choosing the Right Fly Line

Weight & Matching to Your Rod

Fly lines come in weights ranging from 1 to 14+. The line weight must match the rod weight for optimal casting performance.

  • 3–5 wt: Best for small streams, panfish, and trout
  • 6–7 wt: Ideal for larger trout, bass, and freshwater predators
  • 8+ wt: Built for saltwater, big game, and heavy flies

Consider the Water Type

  • Freshwater Lines: Softer coatings for flexibility and control
  • Saltwater Lines: Stiffer cores and UV-resistant coatings for durability and heat resistance

Choose the Right Line Type

  • Floating Line: Great for dry flies, poppers, and shallow water
  • Sinking Line: Used when targeting deep water or strong current
  • Sink-Tip Line: Blends the control of the floating line with the depth of a sinking tip
  • Intermediate Line: Slow sink for subsurface presentations without spooking fish

Taper Matters

  • Weight Forward (WF): Most common helps with distance and accuracy
  • Double Taper (DT): Ideal for roll casting and smaller waters
  • Level Line: Least used, but can be helpful for specific techniques.
  • Shooting Head: Great for long-distance casts and saltwater fly fishing

Fishing Conditions

  • Windy Days: Heavier or weight-forward lines help cut through the wind
  • Cold Climates: Softer lines prevent coiling in low temps
  • Warm Weather: Stiffer lines perform better in heat

Line Weight and Fishing Application

Fly line weight plays a crucial role in determining how your rod loads, how far you can cast, and what size flies you can effectively present. Choosing the right line weight ensures your setup is balanced and optimized for your target species and fishing conditions.

Understanding Fly Line Weight

Fly line weights are measured on a scale from 1 to 14, with 1 being the lightest and 14 the heaviest. The line weight should match your rod and reel for smooth casting and proper energy transfer.

Choosing Based on Fly Size

  • Light Lines (1–4 wt): For small, delicate flies like dry flies or tiny nymphs.
  • Medium Lines (5–7 wt): For versatility with dry flies, nymphs, and streamers.
  • Heavy Lines (8+ wt): For large, heavy flies or windy conditions in open water

Freshwater vs Saltwater Fly Lines

Fly fishing lines are designed to match specific environments—what works in a quiet mountain stream may fail in the heat and salinity of an ocean flat. Knowing the difference between freshwater and saltwater fly lines helps you choose the right gear for optimal performance and durability.

Freshwater Fly Lines

These fly lines are designed for colder, softer environments. Freshwater fly lines are built with more flexibility and lower stiffness to perform well in moderate to cold temperatures.

Key Features

  • Softer core and coating for smooth casting in cool water
  • Less abrasion and salt resistance needed
  • Ideal for trout, bass, carp, and panfish
  • Available in a wide range of tapers and weights for delicate or powerful presentations

Best For

  • Streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds
  • Precise fly placement and short to medium-distance casting

Saltwater Fly Lines

These are engineered for harsh conditions. Saltwater lines are stiffer and more rugged to withstand heat, UV exposure, and salt corrosion.

Key Features

  • Rigid core to resist softening in warm climates
  • Durable coating resists salt, UV rays, and abrasion.
  • Optimized tapers for casting heavy flies into the wind
  • Often color-coded for depth visibility.

Best For

  • Flats, bays, estuaries, and open ocean
  • Targeting strong species like tarpon, redfish, snook, bonefish, and permit

FAQ’s

What’s the best fly line for beginners?

A weight-forward floating line in 5-weight is typically the most versatile and beginner-friendly option, ideal for learning in freshwater environments.

What is the difference between floating and sinking fly lines?

Floating lines stay on the surface, making them great for dry flies and topwater techniques. Sinking lines descend into the water column, which is useful for deeper fish or faster currents.

Can I use freshwater fly lines in salt water?

It's not recommended. Saltwater lines are built with tougher coatings and cores to withstand UV, salt, and larger fish. Freshwater lines may degrade quickly in saltwater.

Latest products for Fly Lines

  • AvidMax Cortland 444 SL Fly Line Weight Forward Taper for $69.95
  • AvidMax RIO Elite Predator Floating for $99.99
  • AvidMax RIO Elite Flats Pro Fly Line for $129.99
  • AvidMax SA Sonar Stillwater Clear Camo Fly Line Overweighted for $99.95
  • AvidMax RIO InTouch Replacment Tip Fly Fishing Line All Sizes for $29.99
  • AvidMax RIO Dacron Fly Line Backing 20lb, 30lb, 100, 200, 300 yd spools FREE SHIPPING for $279.99
  • AvidMax SA Spey Lite Skagit Head All Sizes for $59.95
  • AvidMax SA Frequency Trout Fly Line Buckskin for $59.95
  • AvidMax SA Mastery Infinity Fly Line for $79.95
  • AvidMax Scientific Anglers SONAR Saltwater Intermediate Weight Forward Fly Line for $99.95
  • AvidMax SA Amplitude Smooth Redfish Warm Fly Line for $99.95
  • AvidMax SA Frequency Full Sink Type VI Fly Line All Sizes for $59.95
  • AvidMax SA Sonar Grand Slam Clear Tip Fly Line Tarpon, Bonefish & Permit for $99.95
  • AvidMax RIO Technical Mono Euro Nymph Shorty for $42.99
  • AvidMax RIO Elite Single-Handed Spey Floating for $129.99
  • AvidMax Cortland 444 Sylk Fly Line Designed Specifically for Bamboo Fly Rods for $69.95
  • AvidMax SA Absolute Flat Mono for $219.95
  • AvidMax SA Sonar Stillwater Seamless Density S3 / S5 Fly Line for $99.95
  • AvidMax Zen Tenkara Uni Line Hi-Vis for $28.00
  • AvidMax SA Amplitude Textured MPX Taper Fly Line for $129.95
  • AvidMax SA Mastery Expert Distance Taper Fly Line All Sizes for $84.95
  • AvidMax RIO Elite Permit for $129.99
  • AvidMax RIO Elite Switch Indicator Fly Line for $129.99
  • AvidMax Cortland Liquid Crystal Guide Taper Fly Line Super Smooth PE+ Coating for $99.95
  • AvidMax RIO Mainstream Intermediate Fly Line for $39.99
  • AvidMax SA Mastery MPX Fly Line Taper Floating Weight Forward for $79.95
  • AvidMax SA Infinity Smooth Salt Fly Line for $99.95
  • AvidMax SA Mastery Anadro Fly Line Taper Floating Weight Forward for $79.95
  • AvidMax SA Mastery Competition Nymph Fly Line All Sizes for $59.95
  • AvidMax Orvis Pro Power Taper Fly Line - Textured for $129.00
  • AvidMax RIO Elite Gt for $129.99
  • AvidMax RIO Elite Switch Chucker Fly Line for $129.99
  • AvidMax SA TC Textured Tip Float All Sizes for $29.95
  • AvidMax SA Frequency Trout Double Taper Fly Line All Sizes for $59.95
  • AvidMax SA SONAR Titan Int / Sink 3 / Sink 5 Fly Line for $99.95
  • AvidMax SA Sonar Titan Sink Tip Sink 3 Fly Line Sub-Surface for $99.95
  • AvidMax RIO Premier Outbound Short F / H / I for $99.99
  • AvidMax SA Sonar Titan Tropical Clear Tip Fly Line All Sizes for $99.95
  • AvidMax RIO Powerflex Ultra Shooting Line for $64.99
  • AvidMax SA Sonar Titan Sink Tip Sink 6 Fly Line Deep Water Column for $99.95
  • AvidMax Elite RIO Gold Fly Line for $129.99
  • AvidMax RIO Elite Indicator Fly Line for $129.99
  • AvidMax SA Dacron Fly Line Backing 20, 30 pound, 100, 250, 3000, 5000 YD for $259.95
  • AvidMax SA Amplitude Smooth Bonefish Fly Line Weight Forward Floating for $99.95
  • AvidMax SA Amplitude Smooth Titan Long Taper Fly Line with AST Plus for $99.95
  • AvidMax RIO Dacron Fly Line Backing 5000 yd. Spools 20, 30 pounds, Multiple Colors for $319.99
  • AvidMax SA Mastery Trout Fly Line Taper Weight Forward Floating Dry Tip for $79.95
  • AvidMax Cortland Ultralight Trout Series Fly Line Delicate Presentations for $99.95
  • AvidMax SA TC Textured Tip Complete Kit System Double Density Sink Tips for $149.95
  • AvidMax SA Freshwater Floating Shooting Distance Fly Line All Sizes for $39.95