Choosing the right fly reel is a key part of setting up your fly fishing tackle correctly. The most important factor is ensuring the reel can hold the correct fly line and backing to match the weight of your rod. For example, if you are using a 6-weight fly rod, you will need a reel capable of holding a 6-weight fly line, commonly labelled as a 5/6 weight reel.
Fly reels are available in a wide range of styles and prices, from budget-friendly options to premium reels costing hundreds of pounds. The correct choice depends largely on where you fish, the species you target, and how much you expect to play fish on the reel. Below, we outline the most common fly fishing scenarios and recommend the most suitable Wychwood reel options for each.
Fly Reels for Rivers and Streams
Small Streams and Brooks
When fishing small streams and brooks for trout and grayling, fish are generally smaller and are often played by hand rather than on the reel. Rods used in these environments typically range from 2–3 weight, and pairing them with a lightweight reel helps maintain balance and reduce fatigue.
In this scenario, the reel’s primary role is line storage. Super-lightweight River & Stream reels are an ideal choice, keeping overall weight to a minimum. Their adjustable click-and-pawl drag system will comfortably handle the occasional larger fish while still protecting delicate tippets.
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Bigger Streams and Rivers
Larger rivers bring stronger flows, longer casts, and the chance of bigger fish. Rods used here generally range from 2–5 weight, making a reel with good line capacity and a dependable drag system essential.
For anglers fishing dry fly, wet fly, streamer, or indicator methods, the Wychwood Flow reel (3/4 or 5/6) is an excellent budget-friendly option, offering reliable performance and ample capacity.
👉 Shop Now: Wychwood Flow Fly Reels
For serious river anglers and those practising Euro nymphing, the Wychwood Drift 3/5 weight reel offers outstanding performance. Machined from aluminium and featuring a sealed disc drag, wide arbor, and fully caged frame, it is designed to handle demanding river conditions while preventing leader tangles.
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Fly Reels for Stillwater Fishing
Stillwater fishing covers a wide range of venues and techniques. Rods typically range from 4–8 weight, meaning reels must accommodate larger fly lines and additional backing.
A large arbor design is highly recommended for stillwater fishing, allowing for faster line retrieval and reduced line memory.
Small to Medium Stillwaters
On stillwaters where you usually carry one or two fly lines and expect mostly small to medium-sized trout, an expensive drag system isn’t essential. The Wychwood Flow MKII reels are ideal in these situations, combining lightweight construction with a smooth semi-sealed drag and generous line capacity.
👉 Shop Now: Wychwood Flow MKII Reels
Reservoirs and Deep Stillwaters
Large reservoirs often require anglers to carry three or more fly lines throughout the day. For this style of fishing, cassette-style reels offer major advantages.
The Truefly SLA MKII cassette reel features interchangeable spools that allow quick line changes, are lightweight, and are far more cost-effective than traditional spare spools.
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Big Fish Stillwaters
On venues where large fish are encountered regularly, or where fish are often played on the reel—such as big-fish fisheries or when targeting species like carp—a reel with a strong, smooth multi-washer drag system is essential.
The Ionica range of fly reels is perfectly suited to this type of fishing, offering exceptional drag performance, durability, and reliability under heavy strain.
Predator and Saltwater Fly Fishing
Predator and saltwater fly fishing demand reels capable of handling powerful fish and long, fast runs.
Key features to look for include:
- Large line and backing capacity
- A strong, sealed disc drag system
- Durable construction for harsh environments
For predator species such as pike, where 9 – 10 weight rods are commonly used, the PDR fly reels are the ideal choice and are also well suited to heavier saltwater work.
For lighter saltwater applications, the heavier models of the Ionica fly reels offer excellent performance. With up to 4kg of drag force and large backing capacity, they provide the control needed when targeting powerful species.
Final Thoughts
Although choosing a fly reel can feel overwhelming due to the number of options available, focusing on a few key principles makes the process straightforward:
- Match the reel to your rod weight
- Consider where you fish and how you play fish
- Choose a reel with the appropriate drag system and line capacity
By following these guidelines and selecting the correct reel for your fishing situation, you can fish with confidence and get the most from your tackle.
