6 Best Fly Reels For Salmon In 2024
Experienced anglers and guides understand that the right gear makes a huge difference, especially regarding the fly reels they use for salmon fishing.
I have eleven fly reels that I use when guiding and fishing for salmon. I loan these to my clients on guide trips, so these reels need to be up to handling salmon over 40 pounds.
I spoke with several salmon fishing guides to get their feedback on what they use and what they think are good salmon fly reels.
The best fly reels for salmon fishing will have a wide arbor design which helps hold more fly line and backing and helps to retrieve the line quicker, and they should have a smooth sealed drag system to help fight the big salmon without breaking them off.
As a salmon guide, I often allow my clients to use their personal reels if they prefer. Doing so has given me experience with a wide variety of salmon fly reels ranging in price from $79.00 to over $600.00.
Our Expert’s Top 3 Quick Pick Fly Reels For Salmon
There are a few things that I consider important when it comes to choosing a fly reel suitable for large and strong salmon.
- Waterworks-Lamson Guru S HD Fly Reel – Top Overall Salmon Fly Reel
- Redington Behemoth Fly Reel – Top Budget Salmon Fly Reel
- The Nautilus CCF-X2 – Top High-end Salmon Fly Reel
Large Arbor Reels Are Ideal for Salmon Fishing.
Salmon are renowned for their fighting ability, often resulting in long runs that sometimes take over 100 feet of line. Large arbor fly reels are the best for salmon fishing because they have a greater outer diameter, allowing the angler to wind the line back onto the reel quicker after those long runs.
This speedy retrieve also comes in handy when the salmon darts toward me, and I need to reel it in as quickly as possible.
The large arbor reel also allows me to fit the larger fly line on the reel with at least 300 feet of fly line backing.
The Drag
Two essential features to look for when considering salmon fly reels are a smooth disc drag reel and a fly reel with a sealed drag.
A smooth drag is critically important and will help land more salmon without breaking the line. Some of the more economical reels do not have effective drag systems and the line releases with inconsistent tension.
An inconsistent drag means that a lot of pressure is required to get the drag to start, and then once it begins, the drag pressure reduces temporarily, and then tightens or repeats. This results in a jerky drag with alternating high and low tensions, which can lead to line breakages.
A high-quality smooth drag system will start easier and maintain a consistent and smooth tension while the salmon is pulling.
A sealed or enclosed drag system means that the disc and plate are sealed and protected and prevents water and dirt from getting into the drag system.
Choosing the Right Size Fly Reel for Salmon
Salmon fly reels come in different sizes, and matching the reel size to the rod is recommended. For instance, use a #8 fly reel with an 8-weight fly rod. However, if you need to choose between a larger or smaller reel, opting for a smaller fly reel is better.
A larger salmon fly reel adds unnecessary weight and bulkiness to the setup. A lighter reel and rod combination is more comfortable to avoid fatigue during long fishing sessions.
A smaller reel, properly equipped with ample backing, can still accommodate enough fly line and backing line to handle large salmon effectively.
Great Lakes Salmon Fly Reel Size:
- 8-Weight Fly Reel: Best For Small Rivers and Creeks
- 9-Weight Fly Reel: Best For Large Rivers
West Coast Salmon Fly Reel Size
- 9-Weight Fly Reel: Best For Small Rivers and Creeks
- 10-Weight Fly Reel: Best For Large Rivers
Spey Vs. Single Hand Reels
Any of the reels below are suitable for both Spey fishing and for single-hand rod use.
The only thing to remember is that spey line are thicker and heavier and so is the rod, which means that it’s good to upsize the fly reel by one or two sizes. I discuss this in my article Best Spey Reels For Salmon.
Check out my recommendations for the Best Fly Lines For Salmon Fishing and Best Fly Line Backing.
Price and Quality
Expensive Reels: Expensive reels are not required, however, they offer superior quality, durability, lightweight design, and improved drag systems, which are all good things when dealing with large fish like salmon.
Mid-Price Reels: Mid-range reels priced between $200 and $400 can still deliver exceptional performance and land hundreds of salmon each year. I have no issues with these reels, and in fact, most of the reels I use for guiding fall into this category.
Budget Reels: When it comes to hard-fishing salmon, I am reluctant to recommend budget reels, especially the really cheap ones under $100.00. My experience with these reels is that they can NOT handle large fish, and the drag systems are not smooth.
Top Salmon Fly Reels
1. The Nautilus CCF-X2 7-9-10 For Salmon
The Nautilus CCF-X2 is a highly recommended saltwater fly reel and freshwater reel with excellent features. It offers a high maximum drag, adjustable drag, and fast retrieval rates.
I have used this fly reel in the rivers in fresh water and when beach fishing for salmon in the salt water.
This reel has been redesigned to be stronger, more durable, and more versatile than its predecessor. It is available in brushed titanium or black anodized finish and is built with corrosion-resistant machined aluminum.
The Nautilus CCF-X2 utilizes a cork carbon fiber disc brake drag system and features a sealed drag with cork and carbon fiber disc brakes and hybrid ceramic bearings.
Its ultra-large arbor design provides increased line pickup and is suitable for fighting large saltwater fish. Nautilus offers a limited lifetime warranty for defects in materials and workmanship.
2. Lamon Guru S HD Fly Reel
The Lamson Guru S HD fly reel is a remarkable and affordable saltwater and/or spey reel that is great for salmon fishing and is a favorite of many guides and salmon anglers.
I have used this reel for the last season and like the complete cage design and a blaze-finish in Type-II anodize.
The reel has been updated with improved spool geometry for enhanced retrieve rates and increased porting for reduced weight and better line drying. It also integrates a counterbalance and introduces a curved cross-section arbor for structural stability.
Crafted from machined 6061 aluminum and stainless steel, this reel offers durability and strength.
With its large arbor full frame design, the Guru S HD provides efficient line management.
3. Waterworks Lamson Liquid Fly Reel – Best Under $200.00
Another great option for salmon fishing under $200.00 is the Waterworks Lamson Liquid Fly Reel. It combines a pressure cast design with unique elements, offering high performance at an affordable price.
The Liquid features a smooth cork disc drag system, sealed conical drag, and a large arbor design for increased line pickup. It is made of pressure-cast aluminum, providing lightweight affordability.
The Waterworks Lamson Liquid comes with a protective Polyurethane coating and a lifetime warranty for material and workmanship defects.
4. TFO NTR IV Fly Reel
For under $190.00, the Temple Fork Outfitters NTR IV Fly Reel is worth considering.
It features a “No Tools Required” design, making it easy to change the retrieve, tighten the drag, or perform maintenance without additional tools.
The NTR fly reel is fully CNC machined from lightweight 6061-T6 aluminum and comes with a smooth cork disc drag system.
It has a one-way stainless-steel spindle bearing with an internal cap and O-ring seal, ensuring reliable performance.
The NTR reel has an outgoing check and is simple to change from left to right-hand retrieve. Each NTR fly reel comes with a black neoprene pouch.
5. The Waterworks Lamson Remix HD Fly Reel
The Waterworks Lamson Remix Fly Reel is another top choice for salmon fishing under $300.00. It offers a combination of machining and lightweight cast construction.
The Remix features a fully machined aluminum case with a pressure-cast aluminum spool. Its U-shaped arbor and narrow spool design allow for efficient line control.
The reel has a sealed machined drag system, a type II Anodize case finish for durability, and a polyurethane spool finish for decreased weight.
The Waterworks Lamson Remix comes with a conical drag system, a large arbor design, and a lifetime warranty for material and workmanship defects.
6. Redington Behemoth Fly Reel
The Redington Behemoth Fly Reel is popular among saltwater anglers due to its affordability and exceptional performance.
This reel boasts the strongest drag in its class and comes in various colors, and it is inexpensive when compared to other salmon fly reels. The Behemoth features a lightweight, aesthetically pleasing design with a die-cast aluminum construction.
It has a twin-molded, soft-touch handle and an oversized aluminum drag knob for comfortable operation. The reel utilizes a reliable carbon fiber drag system and offers a large arbor design for increased line pickup. Redington provides a lifetime warranty for defects in materials or workmanship.
Tight lines,
Graham
