Top Fly Rod Brands for Angling Excellence

Fly fishing enthusiasts are often on the lookout for quality gear to enhance their angling experience, and selecting the perfect fly rod is vital to their success. Among the vast array of brands, a few have consistently stood out for their innovation, craftsmanship, and customer satisfaction. These brands have built their reputations by providing durable and high-performing rods that cater to both novice and seasoned anglers alike. For those eager to learn more about the top fly rod brands that dominate today's market, explore further below.

Illustration of fly rods

Best brands of fly rods in 2025

Orvis

Orvis is renowned as one of the leading producers of fly rods, known for their exceptional quality and performance. The Orvis Helios, for example, is highly praised for its lightweight design and improved accuracy, making it a favorite among anglers. Orvis products dominate a significant portion of the fly fishing apparel and accessories market, which is expected to reach USD 4.34 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2024 to 2030. The brand's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has solidified its position in the market, with North America accounting for 46.4% of the global revenue in 2023. Orvis continues to be a top choice for anglers due to its reliable distribution networks and extensive product portfolios.

Sage

Sage is renowned as one of the best producers of fly rods, built on the principle of specialty products for specialty shops. The company has been a leader in the industry, with its R8 Core series introduced in 2022, known for its playful nature and forgiving tips, making it suitable for a wide range of fishing applications. Sage's TROUT LL series, inspired by the trout-focused Light Line rods, offers a versatile medium-action rod with a smooth and versatile action, appealing to high-end dry fly fishermen. In the fly fishing industry, rods like those from Sage account for a significant portion of sales, with rods overall making up about 8.3% of total sales in the market. Sage's commitment to innovation and quality has maintained its loyal customer base over the years. For an in-depth review of the Sage Trout LL fly rod, explore further insights from Hatch Magazine.

G. Loomis

G. Loomis is renowned as one of the top producers of fly rods, known for their high-quality, handcrafted products made in Woodland, Washington since 1982. The company's commitment to innovation and craftsmanship is evident in its video series, "Feel Connected," which highlights the passion and dedication of its artisans and engineers. G. Loomis rods, such as the Asquith and NRX+, are praised for their power, stability, and line speed, making them ideal for various fishing scenarios. The fly-fishing rod market, which G. Loomis is a part of, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2022 to 2028, reflecting the increasing demand for high-performance fly rods. G. Loomis's focus on maintaining a family-like work environment and continuous innovation ensures its products remain at the forefront of the industry.

Scott Fly Rods

Scott Fly Rods is renowned for its high-performance fly rods, celebrating 50 years of innovation and craftsmanship since its founding in 1974 by Harry Wilson. The company is known for its award-winning series, such as the Meridian, which dominated the saltwater fly rod market since its release in 2015 and won numerous industry awards. Scott's commitment to quality is evident in their long-lasting product lines, with some series remaining in production for over a decade, like the Radian and G2. The new Sector series, successor to the Meridian, features advanced tapers, new materials, and innovative components. Scott's rods are handcrafted in Montrose, CO, USA, and are available exclusively through specialty local fly shops.

Winston Rods

Winston Rods, founded in 1929, is renowned for producing some of the best fly rods in the industry, known for their exceptional quality, performance, and aesthetic appeal. The company, headquartered in Twin Bridges, MT, has a strong market share and demonstrates revenue growth faster than the industry average, with an annual revenue of $9.2 million and 30 employees. Winston's rods, such as the AIR series, are praised for their accuracy, lightweight design, and medium-fast action, making them ideal for dry fly and light nymph rigs. The AIR series, in particular, stands out for its use of Boron technology combined with a new SuperSilica resin system, enhancing responsiveness and power. Winston's commitment to perfection is reflected in their high-quality materials and craftsmanship. For more information, visit the Winston Rods official site.

Redington

Redington is renowned as one of the top producers of fly rods, offering high-quality products that cater to both novice and experienced anglers. Their rods, such as the Wrangler 690-4S, are praised for their moderate-fast action, making them ideal for all-purpose fly fishing, including dry flies, nymphs, streamers, and poppers. Redington's products are part of the broader fly fishing industry, which saw significant sales in gear categories, with rods accounting for 8.3% of total sales in the market. The company is also noted for its commitment to quality control, distinguishing it from lower-cost, often lower-quality alternatives. As part of the fly fishing apparel and accessories market, Redington contributes to an industry expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% from 2023 to 2030. Explore their range of products on their official website.

Hardy

Hardy, a premier brand in fly fishing, is renowned for crafting high-quality fly rods that stand the test of time. With a rich heritage and unwavering determination to advance fly fishing technology, Hardy's rods are designed for anglers who demand the very best. Their Ultralite LL Fly Rod, for example, is priced at $895 and is highly rated for its performance. Hardy's commitment to quality is reflected in their global market presence, with the fly fishing rod market anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2022 to 2028. Hardy's products are a testament to the brand's dedication to excellence in fly fishing gear. You can explore their collection of fly rods on their website.

Temple Fork Outfitters

Temple Fork Outfitters (TFO) is renowned for producing high-quality fly rods that balance performance and affordability, making the sport more accessible. Founded on the principle of offering the right tools at a sound price, TFO has set a standard in the industry since its inception. Their rods, such as the Pro II and Impact series, are praised for their excellent taper, medium-fast action, and durability, with models available for under $200. TFO's innovative designs, like the Impact series, allow for versatile line handling and improved casting techniques. The company's warranty program and customer service further enhance its reputation among anglers.

Echo Fly Fishing

Echo Fly Fishing, led by renowned casting instructor Tim Rajeff, stands out as a top producer of fly rods, offering high-quality, affordable options. The ECHO Dry fly rod, for instance, is praised for its medium-fast action and delicate casts, excelling in the 25-50 foot range, making it ideal for shallow wade fishing and drift boat use. With a modest MSRP of $229, the ECHO Dry is a compelling choice, backed by a lifetime warranty that ensures prompt and affordable repairs. Echo's commitment to quality and affordability is evident in their BASE model as well, which has been hailed as a workhorse rod capable of handling various fishing conditions. The brand's focus on performance and value has made it a favorite among fly fishing enthusiasts.

Thomas & Thomas

Thomas & Thomas is a renowned brand in the fly fishing industry, celebrated for its 50-year history of crafting high-quality, handmade fly rods in the USA. Since its founding in 1969 by Tom Dorsey and Tom Maxwell, the company has maintained a commitment to American craftsmanship, resisting mass production and focusing on heirloom quality. Under the ownership of Neville Orsmond since 2015, the brand has seen a significant resurgence, with sales increasing by 40% and the workforce doubling. Thomas & Thomas is known for its iconic rod series, including the Paradigm and Avantt II, and has received numerous awards, such as the Best Fly Rod - Saltwater at the International Fly Tackle Dealer show in 1996 and 2018. The company's dedication to conservation and environmental preservation further solidifies its reputation as a leader in the industry. For more information, visit their official website.