10 Best Fly Rods For Trout [Buying Guide 2021]

Fly fishing for trout is a popular sport and can be done using any of the various methods. In fact, a lot of techniques and presentations in fly fishing were first developed for trout.

Thus, fly fishing is a perfect method for catching your next trout.

However, when we begin our search for fishing tackle, there are a lot of options. The same is true for fly rods.

You are here searching for your next fly rod for trout and we can help with that. We have spent quite a few hours looking for the best today’s market has to offer.

What follows is our picks and you will see short reviews for each of them explaining their pros and cons. I hope it will help you find your next best rod after going through this piece.

So, stay with us.

Comparing 10 Best Fly Rods For Trout 2021

1. Redington Classic Trout – Well-Balanced, Travel-Friendly Rod

Classic Trout by Redington is the first rod that has made it to our list and for the right reasons. The kind of balance it provides between cost-effectiveness, performance, and convenience is amazing. Plus, the rod has a specific purpose which is, as the name implies, to catch trout. These attributes make this blank essentially hard to ignore.

Only the regular travelers realize the struggle of putting something as big as a fishing rod into the luggage. Sometimes, one has to leave the rod behind and get the new one at the arrival just because of its sheer size. Fortunately, you would not have to put yourself through this struggle again because of Redington Classic’s multi-piece design. The four-piece design goes into a very small bag when unmounted which makes it your perfect travel rod.

I know what this makes you think, “the multi-piece design! it will break even before I set up the line”, Right? It is understandable and only natural to think all that because frankly, such designs do not hold a decent repute. However, there is a reason I am recommending it to you and that has to do with its quality and material of construction.

Usually, the fishing blanks that come in this price range have fiberglass in their construction which is a fragile material. Therefore, the tips of those rods break down and when you catch a bigger fish by chance the blank simply loses the fight. However, none of that would happen with a rod because of the graphite which is the material used in this particular rod.

Besides the construction material, the craftsmanship that has gone into making it is staggering. The pieces fit into each other flawlessly and when mounted together provide the feel exactly like a single-piece rod.

As long as we are discussing construction, it would be unfair to not mention the guides of this rod. Titanium oxide has gone into the construction of these guides which is a corrosion-resistant material. This essentially means the line will glide smoothly and effortlessly to deliver an excellent feel.

If we talk about its action, it is a moderate one which is perfect for the angler who is just starting out. The moderate angle provides learning forgiveness without taking the fun out of it. Plus, you can catch some other fishes too, in case the trout bores you.

2. Maxcatch Ultra-Lite Fly Rod – Ace The Panfishing Competitions

For people who happen to live around a lot of cold-water springs, this fly fishing blank can make your evenings delightful. It will help you catch all sorts of pan fishes especially the trout, take them home to fry, or put them back in, as you wish. Want a surprise?

You must have seen people with their expensive rods and reels going home without a single catch. Why?

The best way to maximize your chances of catching in narrower and shallow waters is by getting a soft and low weight rod. The rod at hand fits perfectly to the given criteria which is why it performs amazingly in these mentioned conditions. However, do not expect to catch big monster trout with this, as this is only good for panfish.

The blank comes in two different sizes, has light action, and can support the line weight of around 2. The blend of these specifications allows you to cast precisely into the water and catch the panfishes out of it. Another plus point of these specifications is that it makes a perfect rod for the kids to have fun with. For those of you whose kids are interested in angling, this blank would make perfect christens.

Moving on, the rod features a multi-piece design consisting of four pieces that can go in a compact bag when packed together. Each piece fits tightly into another so the chances are these falling apart are almost negligible.

The material used in its construction is IM8 graphite and features tippet protection to add extra strength to the tip. Therefore, the rod would provide decent longevity and the value of money you spend on it. The use of ceramic stripping guides enhances its prolificity even further as it allows a smooth glide of line. This, in turn, makes the rod more sensitive and consequently increases the chances of a catch.

3. Moonshine Rod Co. The Drifter Series – Aesthetic Versatile And Effective Fly Rod

Moonshine Rod Co. was established just a few years ago but even in such a short span of time, it has made a name for itself. The company has become the go-to brand for many anglers when it comes to fishing rods. Along with many other things, the company is now known for delivering some of the most beautiful fishing rods in the market. The one we have at hand is one of such fly rods.

No matter how experienced you are or how many rods you have used before, the look of this rod would leave you in awe. The brownish base with 3D print coupled with a spalted reel seat simply makes it a treat for the eyes. However, it is not just the look I am a fan of, the performance of the rod is just as good.

The material in the construction is graphite which speaks for its strength and durability. The company has not disclosed the grade of graphite used but I can tell you it is not cheap by any means. The headline though is, copper anodized hardware which makes it virtually 100% corrosion-resistant.

When we talk about the handle, AAA corks grips have been used which provide a nice balance between comfort and sensitivity. Unlike most of the companies that claim to have used AAA but use regular-grade instead, Moonshine has used the exact AAA grade. You would second me on this when you get your hands on this blank.

If we talk about the guides, the material used in their construction is just as good as the rest of the blank. However, some of the users have complained online that the diameter of these guides is not wide enough for DT lines. However, the single tampered line glides smoothly through it without compromising the sensitivity of the blank.

4. Goture Fly Fishing Rod – Best Trout Fly Rod For Money

“Rods that come under 100$ are a waste of money”, you must have heard or read it somewhere. To debunk this myth, we have come up with an extra-ordinary fishing blank that comes well under 100$. Hold your horse because there is something even more exciting, the blank comes with one year of warranty. So, even if the rod breaks down you can always claim it and if it lasts a year you have got the value of money, right?

The blank has a multi-piece construction design with graphite fiber as the construction material. The pieces fit together perfectly and do not fall apart no matter how strong the catch is. Furthermore, the reel seat has anodized aluminum alloy as construction material which provides maximum protection against corrosion.

Moving on, the handle of the blank has a grip made from AA grade cork which is a decent material. It is not as sensitive as the AAA grade which is the go-to material for grips but still good enough for occasional anglers. However, in case you want to upgrade it to AAA, you can get that grip separately and change it by yourself.

The guides are hard chromed with ceramic inserts in them so even if you use them in saltwater, chances of corrosion are minimal. The design of these guides is such that they do not twist which delivers even smoother casts. The combination of this design with ceramic inserts essentially allows you to cast the line swiftly with greater accuracy and control.

The rod comes in three different actions and four weights which means it has a piece for everyone. However, if you want to get something specifically for mid-size trout the 9ft 5wt medium action would make a perfect choice. The specifications mentioned are the most versatile you can get your hands on.

5. Wild Water Fly Fishing Rod – Jump Start Fly Fishing In Price As Low As 100$

Technology has taken over every field of the world and the fishing industry is no exception. It has improved the equipment and has helped companies in designing better tackles. This is definitely great for experienced anglers.

However, for those, who are just starting out the terminology and the variety can be quite confusing. The struggle of finding a compatible line, reel, and rod is real. For these people, we have found a decent package that is a real savior.

Wild Water Fly Fishing Rod comes with a complete package and this includes the compatible line, reel, and flies. Therefore, you do not have to put yourself through the struggle of finding the right line and flying. The best thing is, all of this comes at a price that is affordable to pretty much everybody. Anglers who are just starting out would find it hard to get a better deal than this.

The lower price does not come at the expense of the quality which is something I appreciate the most. The company has used quality materials like IM8 Graphite to construct the blank. Graphite is now standard material in fishing blanks because of its light-weightiness and high strength. Therefore, durability with this rod is guaranteed.

The action of the rod is slow which is pretty forgiving for learning purposes. Though it comes in 5 and 6 weights, you should not expect to catch big-size trout with it. No matter how powerful the rod is, the slow action makes it very difficult to catch big fishes. Therefore, this is something you should be mindful of.

6. Sougayilang Fly Fishing Rod with Reel Combo Kit – Complete Package In An Affordable Price

If the angling interests you but the price of fishing tackle is beyond your reach, we might have a treat for you. Sougayilang Fly Fishing Rod is one of the most affordable tackle combos you can find on the market. The price of this particular rod is well under 100$ and that includes the reel, line, and flies as well. It is understandable that the rod is not suitable for professionals but for those of you who are just starting out, this might be the best option.

The action of the rod is medium-fast which means you can jump-start the angling straight from catching average-size trout. Plus, the rod is available in two powers, 5 and 6 Wt., both of which are suitable for catching mid-size trout. Since it comes with a box of flies and reels you wouldn’t have to struggle to find the compatible ones for the rod. All you have to do is to get the combo and start fishing straight away.

I would not say the construction of this rod is too powerful or sturdy and that it would last years. However, I can assure you that it would provide good value for the money. Plus, the purpose of the rod is to get you started and once you begin to like the sport you can move on to high-end tackle.

The material used in the blank is graphite which is pretty much the standard. The company has not specified the grade of graphite but I can say it with certainty that you would not be disappointed. Moreover, even if something happens and it breaks down, you can always ask the company for a claim. The point is, the durability of the blank is sorted.

Like almost all of the rods mentioned in the list, it features a multi-piece construction. When these pieces are packed together it becomes very compact and easy to carry around. People who travel a lot dig for something like this.

Though the company claims it can be used in saltwater as well, I would recommend against it. The blank does not have an effective coating against corrosion and saltwater tends to produce it. However, you would not encounter this problem in freshwater if you take adequate precautionary measures.

7. Orvis Encounter Rod – Reliable Blank By A Trust-Worthy Brand

Orvis was established back in 1856 and is one of few companies that were pioneers in producing fly rods. Since then, Orvis has been delivering innovative tackles in the market that inspire many of the other companies as well. The company has experience of almost 160 years and they have been channeling this experience to produce quality products. The product I am about to discuss is one such product and something you can blindly rely on.

The target audience of this fishing blank is the people who are just starting out but plan on committing to the sport. The construction quality and the performance of this rod is better than most of the beginner rods. It provides you the liberty to learn by forgiving but at the same time does not take the fun out of it.

The design of the rod is multi-piece like most of the blanks in the list and the construction material is graphite. Furthermore, the grip of the blank is super comfortable and sensitive at the same time. The situation is not any different if we talk about the guides. The point is, the extra few bucks you pay to get this particular are totally worth it.

Moving on, the action of the rod is medium-fast which is perfect if you want to start by catching bigger trout straight away. Plus, the rod comes in 5Wt. which is the most versatile option as it allows you to catch other fish as well.

The thing I liked most about it was the accessories that the company delivered with it. Though by the standard of Orvis, these are not some high-end accessories they perform exceptionally if we compare them with other blanks. It comes with a large-arbor encounter reel which is preferred in fly rods. The material used in it is plastic but the quality of that plastic is not cheap by any means.

8. KastKing Emergence Fly Fishing Combo – Everything You Need In Single Package

KastKing was not established a long time ago but with the consistent delivery of quality fishing tackle, they have made a name for themselves. It has become one of very few companies one can rely on. The company produces a variety of fishing rods and lines and has a large market share. However, the targeted market of this blank is the people who are new to angling.

The company does so by providing all the equipment one needs to start the sport. It is a complete package that contains a reel, line, scissors, and pretty much everything else. The idea is to help the people who are new to the sport by providing them everything in a single package. Therefore, these people do not have to browse the market to find compatible accessories for the blank.

If we talk about the construction, the KastKing has used high-quality graphite to produce this multi-piece blank. Furthermore, the material used to produce the grip is AAA cork which is both comfortable and sensitive. To ensure the smooth glide of the line, the stainless-steel snake foot, and ceramic stripping guides are available. The point is, the placement and the material used are well-thought-out which ultimately translates into performance.

Moving on, the rod comes in medium-fast action, has two lengths, and can support four different line weights. The choice of length and line depends on the type of trout you want to go after. In case you are into pan fishing, the shorter length that can support the line of 4 wt. would be the ideal choice. However, if you want to go after bulkier, bigger, and heavier trout you need to consider higher powers.

Furthermore, the package comes with 12 hand-tied flies, some of which are highly popular. All the other tools like forceps and line nippers are also available in the package. Surprisingly, all of this does not cost even 150$ and this makes them highly appealing for those who are looking for something in the budget category.

9. Leland Rod Co. Sonoma Starter Trout Fly Fishing Combo – Premium Experience In A Budget

Leland Rod Co. is a well-known company to the angler and has experience of about 35 years. The company has delivered some of the best fly rods, one of which is Sonoma Traveler. I used that rod for quite some time and enjoyed myself while I was out on the water. However, price-wise, that fly rod is on a bit expensive side. So, for the anglers who could not afford that rod, Leland has launched the Sonoma Starter that falls into the budget category.

Frankly, when I bought the Sonoma Starter, I didn’t have high expectations since it was understandable that the company had to do some things for cost-cutting. However, surprisingly, the rod performed well above my expectation which is why I couldn’t help but include this in our list.

As the name implies, Sonoma has introduced this fly rod particularly for people who are just starting out. The rod, I mentioned before, Sonoma Traveler, was launched for people who are established anglers. The design, mechanism, and actions of both rods are the same but the material used in both is different. Sonoma Traveler was made to withstand the abuse a professional can offer to fly rod. Since, beginners do not subject rods to a great deal of wear and tear, the material in this is of slightly lighter quality.

Graphite is the main material used to produce Sonoma Starter. The grade of this graphite is understandably lower than Traveler but if you compare it with the rods of budget category it falls on a higher side. Therefore, the price of the blank is also a bit higher than the regular budget fly rods that are mentioned here on the list.

The company has not specified the rod action but I can tell it falls in the slow medium to medium category. Furthermore, it can support the line weight of about 5, which makes it ideal for average-size trout catches. From what I understand, the company has not disclosed the action on purpose as it can cause confusion to the newcomers. Therefore, all you need to know is that if you get this, you can learn angling in no time.

10. Fenwick AETOS Fly Rods – The Rod For Big League

The last rod, that has made it to our list, is slightly different from what we have reviewed before. Not that it is golden-plated or anything of that sort. It just has a different action which is ideal for catching bigger or monstrous trout. So, for those of you, who are bored with catching pan and average-sized trout, this one’s for you.

The rod comes in several lengths and powers but if you really want to go after bigger trout, I would recommend only 9 feet 8 wt. All the remaining combinations do not make much sense and do not go well with the fast action of the rod. In case, you want to get a little versatile option, 5wt is a decent option but anything below that is futile unless you want to catch panfish in Montana.

The material used in the AETOS fly rod is standard graphite but what sets this apart is the anodized reel seat. It essentially means you do not have to worry about the rod getting rusty or encountering corrosion. The guides are also stand-out features because of their wider diameters. Even the double tapered lines glide smoothly thorough which is great especially when one is going after trout.

If we talk about the grip, it has a AAA cork handle which is sensitive and comfortable. The plus point of cork handles is, it keeps the hands warm in colder temperatures. Therefore, you do not have to worry about catching frostbite when you are after trout in the morning or in the late afternoon.

From the price point of view, it is on the higher side of the market and does not come with a line or reel. So, you would have to purchase them separately and it can be quite confusing if you are new to angling. However, if you know any angler you can ask them for help.

Best Fly Rods For Trout: Buyer’s Guide

Angling has become a popular sport, particularly, in the US and Canada. Competitions are taking place every other week and people are becoming more and more passionate about it. All of this is not a secret, which is why the industry has witnessed an acceleration in investment by big companies.

While all of this is amazing for the sport, with so many companies and a variety of products, it can be quite tough for people who are starting out. There is a lot of jargon going on and that can confuse a beginner.

We have this section where we help you in decision making by breaking these all down to basics.

1. Understanding The Rod Action

The first thing one should consider while shopping for a fly rod is its action. The action ranges from slow to extra fast and the bend or the flexibility of the rod defines this action.

The slow action rod bends from the base and as the bend goes higher the action becomes faster. Each action has some benefits and a fair share of shortcomings. However, for the sake of better understanding let’s just stick to the basics.

The slower action rods are easy to cast but provide inadequate control. Faster action rods, on the other hand, provides better control and sensitivity but is difficult to cast. The ideal action for those who are starting out is the medium action as it balances control, sensitivity, and casting.

Another consideration you must undertake while selecting the rod action is the type of waterbody you intend to use it on. The slow action rod works best when the water bodies are narrow or smaller while the fast actions are ideal for bigger water bodies. Since the medium action falls in between you can make it work in both situations, which is why it is often termed as most versatile.

2. Length of Rod

If you have visited a store or online website you must have seen that the same rod is available in different lengths. Why? Because the length of the rod largely determines how far you will be able to cast the lure. Now again, the choice of length depends on the water bodies you want to fish in.

Generally, for trout fishing, the ideal length of the rod ranges from 8.5 feet to 9.5 feet. Since in the smaller water bodies you do not need to cast much farther, the shorter sizes are ideal. On the contrary, for those who want to fish in bigger water bodies, the ideal length would be 9 feet plus.

3. Line Weight

The third and probably most confusing parameter of the rod is line weight. It is the weight of the line that has to do with the rod, right? No, it has everything to do with rods because at the end of the day rod has to support that line. So, the weight that you see written in the description of rods is the measure of how bulkier the line can support it. The question is, how to select the right line?

Like the selection of length and action depending on the water bodies, the choice of line weight depends on the type of fish you want to go after. If you want to catch panfish 2-3 wt. The line would do it for you and if you want to catch something bigger the weight of the line also goes higher.

The point is, before selecting the line weight you have to know what type of fish you are after. This will help you decide the line weight and ultimately the rod that has to support that particular line. Plus, you have to match the line weight with the rod’s because otherwise, the rod would not simply hold.

A lot of people get 8wt line but their rods can only support up to 3-4 which ultimately results in a rod torn into pieces.

Another important parameter while selecting the line is the type of bait you want to cast. You must understand, it should be the line that controls the bait not the other way around. If the bait is heavier than the line, it will dictate the direction of the line which results in poor lure control.

Conclusion

Trout fishing is another name for fly fishing, so you are at the right place looking for the right tackle. Flying fishing is a game of patience and perseverance and you want all the help you can from your tackle and there is none more important than your rod.

A good rod goes a long way in you being able to catch a trout and thus massively increase your catch rate.

From a whole range of fly rods made up of different materials, we have chosen the 10 of the best. We have selected the ones which have good solid construction, come in a variety of sizes, and above all are good for trout fishing. There are some beginner-friendly options and others that experienced anglers would love to get their hands on.

So, we hope our list helped you to pick your next best fly rods for trout and if it did not we have the buyer’s guide laid out to educate yourself and make better decisions.

If you would ask for my favorite it would be Redington Classic Trout. However, if you are just starting out go for Kastking Fly Fishing Combo, which has all you need to start fly fishing.