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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.

RIO Premier Creek
  • Designed to load at close range Ideal for nymphs, dries and small streamers,
  • Supple coldwater core for tangle-free performance,
  • Perfect for small creeks, streams and brooks,
  • Built with RIO's exceptionally slick, durable SlickCast coating,
  • Marks the sweet spot of a fly line by providing an obvious color change in the line at the sweet spot.,
  • RIO’s printed line marking system that allows anglers to quickly and easily identify each line.,
  • Brand: Rio,

$99.99

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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

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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

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RIO Elite Bonefish Fly Line
  • Front-weighted to quickly load a fly rod for minimum false casting,
  • Long head, and back taper for maximum casting versatility,
  • 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

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SA TC Textured Tip Intermediate / Sink 2 All Sizes
  • 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,
  • Sink Rates: Int./Sink 2 = 1.25/2.0 Ips,
  • Available in 8? 80 grains, 10’ 120 grains, 12’ 160 grains, and 15? 200 grains,
  • Colors: Surf / Green,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$29.95

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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SA Spey Lite Integrated Skagit Fly Line
  • Ultra-short head for turning over heavy tips with light two-handed rods,
  • Tip recommendations:,
  • 180-210 grains – SONAR leaders,
  • 240-300 grains – 8’ TC Tips,
  • 330-420 grains – 8’ or 10’ TC Tips,
  • Lines can be used with single-handed rods as well,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$99.95

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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

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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

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SA Amplitude Smooth Redfish Cold 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

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Cortland Euro Nymph Mono Core
  • Modern nymphing techniques,
  • Ultra-thin diameter,
  • Freshwater,
  • Floating,
  • Level line,
  • 90 ft,
  • Brand: Cortland,

$54.95

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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

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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

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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

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SA Amplitude Tarpon Taper Fly Line Weight Forward Float Smooth
  • Features the revolutionary AST Plus slickness additive for superior shooting ability and increased durability,
  • High contrast sighter to identify the back of the line when fighting fish on long runs,
  • Loads fast, shoots quickly, lands softly for wary fish,
  • Stealthy color scheme,
  • Reinforced 45lb big-game core,
  • Tropi-Core technology remains stiff and slick in tropical environments,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$99.95

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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

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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

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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

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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

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RIO Elite Xtreme Indicator Fly Line
  • Perfect for fishing out of a boat,
  • Short, easy loading head to throw all manner of indicator rigs,
  • 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

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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

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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

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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

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SA Amplitude Smooth Infinity Fly Line Weight Forward Floating
  • Features the revolutionary AST Plus slickness additive for superior shooting ability and increased durability,
  • Excels in medium-to-long distances with dry flies and smaller nymphs; wonderful on glass and bamboo,
  • The best smooth, true to grain weight line for casting small dry flies to picky risers,
  • Designed specifically for chasing trout; also useful for grayling and panfish,
  • Elongated front taper is designed for delicate presentations,
  • For use in moderate and cold climates,
  • Braided multifilament core,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$99.95

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SA Sonar Stillwater Seamless Density I / S3 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

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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

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RIO Elite Flats Pro
  • 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

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Cortland 5' Ghost Tip Intermediate Precision Subsurface Fly Line
  • Tip sink rate 1.25-1.75 IPS,
  • Short 5 foot clear tip creates separation from colored floating line section, effectively an extended intermediate butt section for your leader, allowing use of shorter leaders without spooking wary fish,
  • 100% monofilament core,
  • Welded loops on both ends for convenience and smooth turnovers,
  • Very versatile line good for stillwater, nymph and streamer techniques,
  • Mint green/clear tip color,
  • Brand: Cortland,

$69.97

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RIO Multi Color GSP Fly Line Backing 65 pounds 100 yards, 200 yards, 300 yards
  • Knottable wire bite tippet,
  • Tough, flexible, nylon-coated wire tippet,
  • Supple enough to tie a fly on to,
  • Brand: Rio,
  • The bright multicolored backing changes color every 10 meters,

$49.99

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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

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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

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RIO Premier Lightline
  • Short front taper and weight distribution makes it ideal for creeks,
  • Perfect for bamboo, glass and softer graphite fly rods,
  • Built with RIO's exceptionally slick, durable SlickCast coating,
  • MaxFloat Tip technology for the very best in performance,
  • Marks the sweet spot of a fly line by providing an obvious color change in the line at the sweet spot.,
  • Dual Welded loops,
  • Brand: Rio,

$99.99

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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

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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

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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

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SA TC Textured Tip Sink 2 / Sink 4 All Sizes
  • 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,
  • Sink Rates: Sink 2/Sink 4 = 2.0/4.0 Ips,
  • Available in 8? 80 grains, 10’ 120 grains, 12’ 160 grains, and 15? 200 grains,
  • Colors: Green / Dark Green,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$29.95

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RIO Elite Tarpon
  • Effortless casting, accurate line design that turns over typical tarpon flies with ease,
  • 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 contro,
  • Brand: Rio,

$129.99

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SA Spey Lite Scandi Head Fly Line
  • Short head for quick casts and line control,
  • Excellent line for swinging soft hackles, light streamers, and can be used as a dry-fly line with long leaders,
  • Longer front taper for lighter, softer presentations,
  • Designed for use with a shooting line on shorter two-handed rods and single-handed rods,
  • Braided multifilament core; for use in moderate and cold climates,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$59.95

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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

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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

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SA Skagit Floating Heads
  • 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

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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

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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 RIO Premier Creek for $99.99
  • AvidMax SA Mastery Competition Nymph Fly Line All Sizes for $59.95
  • AvidMax RIO Elite Switch Chucker Fly Line for $129.99
  • AvidMax RIO Elite Bonefish Fly Line for $129.99
  • AvidMax SA TC Textured Tip Intermediate / Sink 2 All Sizes for $29.95
  • AvidMax SA Mastery MPX Fly Line Taper Floating Weight Forward for $79.95
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