When it comes to fly fishing, having the right reel is the key. The best 6 weight fly reels can make all the difference in the world when you’re trying to land that fish of a lifetime. So, if you’re looking for a new fly reel for your next trip out on the water, be sure to check out some of the best options available today.Â
Redington Rise Fly Reel is our top pick for the best 6 wt fly reels due to its outclass performance and smooth drag.

Below, we’ll take a look at some of the best 6 weight fly reels on the market today so that you can find the perfect one for your needs. We’ll also discuss some tips and tricks for catching more fish with your weight fly reel.
Let’s get started!
6 Wt Fly Reels: Buyer’s Guide
When choosing from different 6 weight fly reel brands, there are a few things you will want to consider.Â

Arbor Size
Another important consideration is the size of the arbor. A larger arbor will help wind the line onto the reel more quickly, which is important when you’re trying to land a fish.
If you are fishing for bigger fish, you should go for a 6 wt reel featuring a large arbor and a drag system that is strong enough to pull those bigger fish. Plus, you’ll want to find a reel that’s big enough to handle the line and leader you’ll be using, but not so big that it’s cumbersome to use. For freshwater species you can use:
Weight
The weight of the reel is also an important consideration. Heavier reels will be more durable and less prone to wobbling, but they can also be more difficult to use for long periods of time. Choose the weight of the reel that’s best suited to your needs. You want it to be lightweight so that it doesn’t wear you down as you are casting, but you also want it to be sturdy and strong enough to withstand heavy use.Â
Price
Best 6 weight fly reels come in a huge range cheap 30$ reels to 1000$ Abel reels. We have tried to cover top fly reels options under $200.
Material
Other things to look for include the materials used in the reel’s construction, whether made from quality metals or lightweight plastics. There are also reels made from a tough aluminum alloy body and CNC-machined which ensures you have a smooth operation every time you use the—you might want to consider these options if you are looking for less hand force to be used. You will also want to consider the level of drag on the reel and features that may be important to you. Choosing the perfect reel for your fishing needs can be tough.
CNC Machined Aluminium reels are more durable and precise however they are at a pricey end.
Die-cast fly reels for best for beginners and they are slightly less durable. But also cheaper than aluminum machined reels.
Comfortable To Use
Finally, Make sure to choose a reel that’s comfortable for you to use. If you’re going to be using it for long periods of time, you’ll want something that’s easy to grip and doesn’t cause fatigue. With so many different options on the market, you’re sure to find the perfect weight fly reel for your needs.
Best 6 Weight Fly Reels
With that said, here are 6 of our favorite 6 weight fly reels on the market right now:
Best Performance: Redington Rise Fly Fishing Reel

When looking for a fly fishing reel, not only do you have to worry about choosing the right brand and model, but you also have to make sure you’re getting a 6 weight fly fishing reel that’s going to perform well. And that’s where the Redington Rise Fly Fishing Reel comes into play!
The Redington Rise Fly Fishing Reel is a lightweight reel that is perfect for freshwater or saltwater fishing. This 6wt fishing reel has a large arbor for quick line retrieval and a tiny carbon fiber drag system that provides smooth fish stopping torque.
The twin molded soft-touch handles and oversized drag knob make it easy to use, and the CNC machined, anodized 6061-T6 aluminum design ensures durability.Â
And with the one-year warranty from Redington, you can rest assured that you are getting quality equipment. So if you are looking for a high-performing 5 6 weight fly reel, look no further than the Redington Rise.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- U-shaped large arbor for quick line retrieval
- Compact carbon fiber drag system offers smooth fish stopping torque
- Twin molded soft-touch handles and an oversized drag knob make it easy to use
- CNC machined, anodized 6061-T6 aluminum design ensures durability
- One-year warranty from Redington
Cons:
- Not suitable for beginners or inexperienced anglers due to its advanced features and design.
Best Value: Orvis Clearwater Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reel
Fly fishing can be a lot of fun, but it can also be frustrating if you don’t have the right gear. If you’re looking for a best budget 6 weight fly reel that is also easy to handle, the Orvis Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reel is a great option. It’s made from tough die-cast aluminum and has a large arbor design, ensuring fast line retrieval and reducing line memory.
Moreover, this 6 weight reel brand won’t break your bank!Â
This reel is incredibly smooth and perfect for line weights 4-6, making it a great option for a variety of fishing applications.
The overall design is incredibly smooth and delicate, which makes it ideal for shallow-water work It’s also very easy to disassemble and clean, so you don’t have to worry about debris hampering your fishing experience.
Overall, the Orvis Clearwater Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reel is a great choice for those looking for an affordable and easy-to-use reel. Its perfect for a variety of fishing applications and won’t break your budget!
Pros:
- Quieter than before, smoother, more consistent line retrieve
- Lightweight and durable construction
- Easy to handle and use
- Affordable price
- Smooth casting
Cons:
- Does not feature a drag sealed system.
Best Durable: Sage Spectrum C Fly Fishing Reel

There are many different options to choose from when it comes to finding the best 6 wt fly reel. But, if you’re looking for a versatile reel and can be used for both freshwater and saltwater applications, the Sage Spectrum C Fly Fishing Reel is a great option.
This reel features an SCS Drag System designed to easily and repeatedly handle high pressure and quickly dissipate the kinetic energy of a running fish into thermal energy. Result is a smooth, consistent drag that won’t fail you when you need it most.
Plus, the powder-coated finish on this reel is designed for surface protection and corrosion resistance in all fishing conditions. That being said, the Sage Spectrum C is an excellent option for a versatile and durable reel.
Pros
- Rugged machined die-cast frame for strong structure
- SCS Drag System designed for high pressure and quick dissipation of energy
- Large arbor with generous concave vented spool for faster line pickup
- Powder-coated finish for surface protection and corrosion resistance in all fishing conditions
Cons:
- None that we could find
Best Versatile: Waterworks-Lamson Liquid Fly Reel

The Waterworks-Lamson Liquid Fly Reel is also one of our personal favorites. This 5/6 wt reel is incredibly strong because it’s made of pressure-cast aluminum and subsequently post-CNC machined to very tight tolerances.mittedly, it’s not the lightest reel in its class but what it lacks in weight, it more than makes up for in terms of durability and overall strength. The drag is also very impressive on this reel with a great range of adjustability to boot.
You’ll find that the Waterworks-Lamson Liquid Fly Reel is one of the few reels to consistently hold up under some pretty tough conditions.
So, whether you are fishing in fresh or saltwater, this is the best 5/6 weight fly reel that can handle your fishing needs.
Pros:
- Amazing strength and durability
- Great drag with a wide range of adjustability
- Can handle just about anything you throw at it
- Fantastic value for the price
- Polyurethane coating protects against wear and abrasion
- Large arbor design prevents line stacking
Cons:
- The quality may not satisfy everyone
Best Quality: Redington Behemoth Fly Fishing Reel

The Redington Behemoth is a great option if you’re looking for a high-quality fly reel that can handle big fish. This reel is made of durable die-cast construction, and it has a super-heavy-duty carbon fiber drag system.
An adjustable footrest and winch handle that sits above the reel, together with a large arbor design for quick line retrieval and reduced line memory,
The Behemoth is available in sizes 5/6 through 11/12, and it has a backing capacity of 125 yards for the 5/6 size and 250 yards for the 11/12 size.Â
The Redington Behemoth is our other top choice for serious anglers with its unique construction and powerful drag system.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Comes with a big door knob
- Super-heavy-duty carbon fiber drag system for powerful dragging
- Large arbor design for speedy line retrieval and reduced line memory
- Twin molded handle with soft-tough ergonomic grip provides great feedback when you’re pulling in larger fish
Cons:
- The reel can be a bit heavy for some anglers
Best Drag: Piscifun Platte Pro Fly Reel

The Piscifun Platte Pro Fly Reel is a great option for anglers looking for a quality reel that can handle both fresh and saltwater environments. The fishing reel is constructed of high-quality 6061-T6 aircraft aluminum alloy and is precision CNC machined to guarantee a smooth operation.
Additionally, the large arbor spool design increases retrieve rate, while the sealed drag system keeps your line protected from water and other contaminants. And with its click drag and precise retrieve mechanism, you can enjoy a smooth and reliable performance every time you cast.
So if you’re looking for a top-quality 6 weight fly reel that can do-it-all, be sure to check out the Platte Pro from Piscifun.
Pros:
- Made of high-quality aircraft aluminum alloy
- Precision CNC machined for smooth operation
- Large arbor spool design increases retrieve rate
- Sealed drag system protects the line from water and contaminants
- Click-drag and precise retrieve mechanism provide smooth performance
Cons:
- None that we could find!
Tips and tricks for catching more fish with your weight fly reel
- Make sure your reel is in good condition and properly lubricated.
- Make sure you have enough lines on your reel to reach the target fish.
- Make sure your drag is set correctly so the fish can’t pull the line off the reel.
- Practice casting your weight fly reel so that you can hit your target accurately and consistently.
- Choose a weight fly reel that is designed specifically for the type of fish you are targeting, whether it’s trout, bass, salmon, or another species.
- Take the time to learn about the different types of weight fly reels and how they work so that you can make the best choice for your fishing needs.
Last Words
Now that you know what to look for when choosing a weight fly reel, we hope you feel confident in your ability to purchase the best one for your needs.
Remember to consider the size of the fish you are targeting and how many lines you need to give yourself room for error.
We also recommend trying out different reels before making your final decision to get a sense of which one feels most comfortable in your hand.
Once you have chosen the perfect weight fly reel for your needs, it’s time to put it into practice and start reeling in those big catches!