Last updated on December 6th, 2023.
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Fishing for trout is hugely popular amongst fly fishers. It can be done with different setups. Here are the best fly lines for trout.
Table of Contents:
What to look for in Trout Lines
Best Fly Line for Trout Quick Answer List
– Scientific Anglers Frequency Trout Double Taper
– Cortland 444 Classic Double Taper
– Orvis Clearwater WF Fishing Line
– Scientific Anglers Amplitude Trout
– RIO Products InTouch Trout Spey Shooting Head
– OPST Commando Smooth (Integrated) Skagit Shooting Head
– Rio Elite Single Handed Spey
– Cortland Euro Nymph Mono Core
Conclusion on the Best Fly Lines for Trout
Types of trout fly lines
Most fly fishermen and women will fish for trout sooner or later in their life. Traditionally this type of fly fishing was often done using double taper (DT) lines. Those are fly lines with longer heads that form long loops and are great for delicate presentations.
In recent years weight forward lines (WF) have become increasingly popular. There are two reasons for that. They are easier to cast for beginners since they have a shorter, heavier head that turns over more easily. Secondly, when fishing with streamers weight forward lines are a good option considering the heavier weight of these flies.
Besides these two standard types of fly lines for trout, shooting heads have become popular as well. Especially amongst sea trout fly fishermen and women this type of line has seen an increase in recent years. They are easy to cast and a good option if you are casting into the breeze.
Lastly, trout fly lines for nymphing techniques such as euro nymphing are on the rise. Since nymphing is a great way to catch (big) trout this style has evolved over the last decade. Almost all major manufacturers now produces special nymphing lines that stand out due to their lower diameter to get the nymphs to where the fish are faster.
What to Look for in Trout Fly Lines
Before choosing a trout fly line you should ask yourself the following question: where am I going to use the fly line and what style will I be fishing?
This question is crucial because it determines what kind of line you should be getting: double-taper, weight-forward, shooting head, nymph fly line.
If you are mainly fishing dry flies for delicate trout, a double-taper fly line will perform best. If you are into fishing streamers in faster water a weight-forward is a good option. Should you mainly be targeting steelhead in bigger rivers a shooting head trout line or a single-spey line are great choices. In case you are preparing a nymph setup, a dedicated trout nymph line complements that setup best.
No matter what style of trout fishing you are practicing, we’ll give you our favorites in all categories. We’ll also make sure to include trout fly lines for all budgets. Let’s go.
Best Double-Taper (DT) Fly Lines
In this first part of the review we’ll look at double-taper (DT) fly lines for trout. As mentioned before these are a great option for delicate presentations. DT fly lines feature a longer belly compared to a weight forward line.
After the head they taper off to a lower diameter. At the opposite end of the line they feature the same setup, hence the name double-taper. This means once you’ve used one end of the line for a while you can simply turn it around and will basically have a new, unused fly line.
Scientific Anglers Frequency Trout Double Taper Fly Line
Why we picked it: The Scientific Anglers Frequency is one of our favorite DT trout fly lines on the market. It comes in a variety of sizes from DT3 – DT6 depending on the size of river you are going to fish. The Scientific Anglers Frequency’s mid-length head enables you to make delicate presentations for example when fishing dry flies. The fact that this line floats is another plus when fishing dry flies.
Even if you want to fish small streamers for trout the Scientific Anglers Frequency will do its job. Overall a great trout fly line for less than $50. Welded loops make setting up this fly line easy.
Pros:
- Greatly balanced line
- Ideal for delicate (dry fly) presentations
Cons:
- Not the ideal trout fly line for streamers
Cortland 444 Classic Double Taper Fly Line for Trout
Why we picked it: The Cortland 444 Classic Double Taper is another excellent DT fly line for trout in a similar price range as the Scientific Anglers. This one comes in sizes from DT3 all the way up to DT9. This means you can also use it to target bigger species than trout such as bass.
The Cortland 444 Classic Double Taper has been on the market for decades and proven its quality over and over again. It’s a highly floating line that is easy to track due to its peach color. The Cortland 444 Classic Double Taper also features welded loops. If you are looking for a high quality DT fly line for trout, you can’t go wrong with the Cortland 444. It will last you for years.
Pros:
- Comes in a wide variety of sizes
- Color makes keeping track of the line easy
Cons:
- Not for beginners
Weight Forward (WF) Fly Lines for Trout
Weight-forward fly lines are a solid choice if you are still fairly new to fly fishing or if you plan on mainly fishing streamers. The shorter taper design of weight forward lines makes it easier to turn the line over. Especially when you are fishing bigger flies, this can help to make better casts.
RIO Products Elite Gold
Why we picked it: The RIO Elite Gold is a fantastic overall weight-forward fly line. By default it comes as a WF5, the perfect line weight for most trout fishing.
The RIO Elite Gold features Rio’s super slick coating for easy distance in your casts. The slightly longer head and back taper make this a great allrounder fly line that almost feels a bit like a double taper. Hence it’s a great line to present dry flies as well. On the other hand, the RIO Elite Gold has no problems turning over a heavier streamer pattern.
The RIO Elite Gold also comes with welded loops for easy rigging. SureFire tricoloured measuring system makes managing your line and distance control even easier. (read our in-depth review of the Elite Rio Gold here).
Pros:
- Slick coating makes this line shoot extremely well
- Good choice for streamers
Cons:
- Steep price tag
Orvis Clearwater WF Fly Fishing Line
Why we picked it: The “Made in the USA” Orvis Clearwater WF Fly Fishing Line has everything you’re looking for in a WF line. It is aimed at the intermediate caster since its compact head makes precise casts easy.
The Orvis Clearwater WF features a core made of braided monofilament. This technology makes sure the line performs well in a wide variety of conditions. As most premium fly lines, the Orvis Clearwater WF features welded loops for an easy connection to your backing and leader.
Pros:
- Made in the USA
- Compact head facilitates turn over of the line
Cons:
- A little less feedback than the Rio Elite
Scientific Anglers Amplitude Trout
Why we picked it: Here’s my third favorite when it comes to WF fly lines for trout: the Scientific Anglers Amplitude Trout. Yes, it’s a little on the more expensive end but it performs superbly. Coming in at 90′ of overall length, the head length is 68′ (as a WF 5) making it a great allrounder fly line for trout. The Scientific Anglers Amplitude Trout comes in two color ways (Moss/Mist Green/Willow and Celestial Blue/Bamboo/Blue Heron – however SA came up with those names?).
The Scientific Anglers Amplitude Trout is particularly great for dry fly fishing since it floats superbly well. Small flies can be presented in a very delicate manner. For easy rigging, the SA Amplitude comes with welded loops on both ends.
Pros:
- Floats exceptionally well
- Ideal for presenting (small) dry fly patterns
Cons:
- This line has a very steep price tag compared to its competitors
Shooting Heads
Shooting heads were traditionally often used in salmon and steelhead fly fishing. They provide a bigger weight to load your rod easier. They are connected to a so-called running line which then connects to your backing. Shooting heads give you flexibility in that you can change them for different types depending on your fishing situation. You might want to exchange a floating shooting head for a sinking one.
RIO Products InTouch Trout Spey Shooting Head
Why we picked it: The Trout Spey Shooting Head is another one of our favourites from Rio. You can either fish it on a two-handed rod or a single-handed rod depending on your preferences.
Other than “normal” lines, shooting heads are measured in grain rather than a weight class. The lower the grain number the lighter the shooting head. Together with the Trout Spey Shooting Head you can use 10ft replacements tips or VersiLeaders to complete your setup.
A shooting head such as the Trout Spey Shooting Head are a great way to swing flies all day long for steelhead. We found it very easy to cover large distances and fish bigger rivers very effectively.
Pros:
- Excellent choice for all-day casting
- Turns over big streamers with ease
Cons:
- Takes a little getting used to on single hand rods
OPST Commando Smooth (Integrated) Skagit Shooting Head
Why we picked it: The OPST Commando Smooth (Integrated) Skagit Shooting Head (make sure to read our in-depth review) is a fantastic shooting head for trout fishing that has gained a big followership in recent years.
OPST (which stands for “Olympic Peninsula Skagit Tactics”) was founded by steelhead icon Ed Ward. The OPST Commando Smooth (Integrated) Skagit Shooting Head is special because it is a so-called integrated shooting head. This means there is no connection from shooting head to running line, the running line is integrated instead.
This gives you less flexibility but makes retrieving your line more seamless. This can come in handy for example when fishing for sea trout or sea-run cutthroat in saltwater because you can seamlessly strip in your line and can get takes right in front of your feet.
The OPST Commando Smooth (Integrated) Skagit Shooting Head is an excellent choice for that kind of fishing. It is also perfect for swinging flies for steelhead. Make sure to check out OPST’s rods as well. The Pure Skagit Series works beautifully with the Commando Skagit Shooting Heads.
Pros:
- Integrated shooting head takes friction out of the equation
- Perfect line for two-handed trout spey rods
Cons:
- Less versatility because of integrated shooting head
RIO Single Hand Spey
Why we picked it: Now here’s another great specialty fly line that also works great as an allrounder as we found out. Out of the box, the Single Handed Spey line by Rio (read our full review here) is designed – as the name suggests – for single hand spey casts. This niche technique can come in handy if you’re fishing in tight quarter where you don’t have room for a backcast.
This is the territory where the Single Handed Spey excels. Its weight is distributed a little more towards the rear of the taper which in turn allows you to make easy roll cast and single hand spey casts (where you form a loop next to you with the line always touching the water so you can load it properly.
Surprisingly as we found out when we took this line to the water, it works really well when casting overhead and even for dry fly fishing, which – you guessed it – makes the Rio Single Handed Spey line an excellent all-round trout line.
Pros:
- Great line for roll casts and to fish in tight quarters
- Also performs surprisingly well overhead
Cons:
- Not the ideal nymph fly line
Best Nymph Lines
As we mentioned in the beginning of this review, nymph techniques like Euro nymphing become ever more popular. The reason is simple: you can catch a lot of (big) trout fishing this style.
Cortland Euro Nymph Mono Core
Why we picked it: The Cortland Euro Nymph Mono Core is another great line for pure nymph style fishing. It comes in a variety of diameters with the .022 one being the most popular.
The DT version of the Cortland Euro Nymph Mono Core allows you to fish other techniques as well. If you are purely into nymphing and want the least line sag and the most sensitive way to detect subtle strikes you should opt for the level version.
Pros:
- High versatility for a nymph fly line
- Reduces drag effectively due to its low diameter
Cons:
- A little less visibility compared to the Rio Nymph
Airflow SLN Euro Nymph
Why we picked it: The Airflow SLN Euro Nymph shines in difficult nymphing situations when a slim diameter and high sensitivity are key. The combination of its non-stretch core and the high visibility tip facilitate the detection of the slightest take (always make sure to set the hook in case you think there is a take). I’m also a fan of the subtle olive coloring on the Airflow SLN Euro Nymph which makes in blend in nicely in most trout rivers.
You should be aware of the fact that the Airflow SLN Euro Nymph is a highly specialised line for nymphing techniques. Hence don’t expect it to be a great allrounder and cast your streamer effectively with it (if that’s your focus go for a WF or DT line). It’s also made for colder environments below a water temperature of 70 degrees (which should not be a problem since trout love colder water as well).
Pros:
- Excellent sensitivity and subtle coloring
- Very low diameter for optimal performance in runs with a lot of current
Cons:
- Highly specialised line for nymphing techniques – not recommended if you’re looking for an allrounder trout line
Conclusion on the Best Fly Lines for Trout
As you can see from our review of the best lines for trout there are many different options to choose from. It really depends on your style of fishing. If you want a line to cover several situations and techniques you should go with a DT or WF line.
Shooting heads and nymph lines for trout are more specialized gear for certain conditions. If fished right, they give you an advantage in these situations and can add a different level to your fly fishing game.
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Fly Lines for Trout: FAQ
What is the best type of fly line for trout?
The best type of fly line for trout often depends on the fishing situation. However, weight-forward floating lines are the most versatile and popular choice for many trout fishing scenarios. They work well for both dry flies and nymphs in a variety of conditions.
What weight of fly line should I use for trout?
Fly line weight should match the weight of your rod and reel. For most trout fishing situations, a 4 to 6 weight line is common. Lighter weights can be used for small streams and delicate presentations, while heavier weights may be necessary for larger rivers or windy conditions.
What are some top brands for trout fly lines?
Some top brands for trout fly lines include Scientific Anglers, Rio, Orvis, and Cortland. These brands are well-respected in the fly fishing community for their quality, performance, and durability.
What is the difference between floating, sinking, and sink-tip fly lines?
Floating fly lines float on the water’s surface and are ideal for dry flies and topwater presentations. Sinking lines sink entirely below the surface and are used for deep-water fishing. Sink-tip lines have a floating section with a sinking tip, useful for fishing at varying depths, especially in moving water.
How often should I replace my fly line?
With proper care, a good quality fly line can last several seasons. However, if you notice any cracks, significant memory (coiling), or if the line doesn’t float or shoot through the guides as well as it used to, it might be time for a replacement.
How do I maintain my fly line?
To maintain your fly line, clean it regularly with a mild soap and warm water. Avoid stepping on the line or dragging it over abrasive surfaces. After cleaning, apply a line dressing or conditioner to help it stay clean, float better, and last longer.
What color fly line is best for trout fishing?
The color of the fly line isn’t usually a crucial factor for trout as the line is often beyond the fish’s field of view when fishing. However, some anglers prefer muted, natural colors to minimize the chance of spooking the fish, while others prefer bright colors to help with visibility while casting.
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Our Expertise
Why you should trust us: Leonard Schoenberger and his team have tried and tested hundreds of rods, reels, lines and other fly fishing gear over the years. We always express our honest opinions about a product to help you make a solid purchase decision. We never get paid for reviews and are proud of keeping our editorial independence. Our focus is on bringing you the latest in gear so you can have a great time at the water. Thanks for being a reader of The Wading List.
