4 Fly Reels Every Colorado Beginner Needs | Tested for Rocky Mountain Trout

Discover the top 4 reels that every beginner fly fisherman should consider for a successful fishing experience.

Colorado rivers don’t hand out easy fish. One day, a hungry brown will smash your streamer, the next you’ll swear trout have gone on strike. The difference usually comes down to one thing: matching the hatch. In this guide, we’ve pulled together the top flies that consistently fool trout across Colorado’s rivers — patterns proven by local guides, hatch charts, and years of on-the-water trial and error. Whether you’re swinging a streamer on the Gunnison, nymphing the South Platte, or chasing risers on the Arkansas, these are the flies that turn “just another cast” into a fish-on moment.

Top All Around Fly Reel

1. Redington Behemoth Fly Reel:

This reel is designed to handle large fish species and strong currents. It has a powerful drag system and a durable construction. It's also user-friendly and easy to operate. We own many, many of these reels. This is the Toyota driving, plaid wearing, Coor Orginal drinking, gas station burrito eating angler/guide reel of choice (you know that guy).

You don't need more, you shouldn't look for less - IOHO. This should be your first reel, may also be your last.

2. Orvis Clearwater Fly Reel:

This reel is known for its reliability and performance. It has a smooth drag system and a strong construction, making it suitable for different fishing situations. It's also affordable and provides good value for your money. Good, not as pretty or as durable as the reddington reel. 

3. Piscifun Sword Fly Reel:

This reel is known for its affordability and performance. It has a smooth drag system and a lightweight construction, making it suitable for beginners who want to enhance their fishing skills. When you fish maybe five times a year and don't really care about "the finer things in fishing" or you can't afford a Ross but wanna something that looks cool and works. 

4. Sage Spectrum C Fly Reel:

This reel is designed for versatility and performance. It has a smooth drag system and a strong construction, making it suitable for different fishing situations. It's also easy to operate and provides good value for your money. Sometimes there are things that are cost more than the joy they bring, for us, this reel feels more like something you want to look at vs use. If you want a trophy reel to match the trout you're chasing, sure, spend up on a sage. If you want an erloom that could be passed down, also sure. This one is for the Cummis 2500 driving, Leopold shooting, Carhart investor that wants something for his grandkids to remember him by. 

These top all-around fly reels come highly recommended by seasoned fly fishermen for good reason. Not only do they offer excellent value for money, but they also provide the versatility and performance needed to tackle various fishing scenarios and target different fish species. Whether you're a beginner looking to improve your fishing skills or an experienced angler in search of a reliable and efficient reel, these options have got you covered. With features like smooth drag systems, durable constructions, and user-friendly designs, these reels will help you navigate different water conditions with ease and confidence. Don't compromise on quality when it comes to your gear – invest in one of these top fly reels and elevate your fishing experience to new heights.

Best Quality Fly Reel

Investing in a high-quality fly reel is a wise decision for serious fly fishermen. There are several important factors to consider when selecting the best quality fly reel that will last for years to come. Firstly, a solid construction made from durable materials like machined aluminum or titanium is crucial. This ensures that the reel can withstand the pressure of fighting big fish. Secondly, a smooth and reliable drag system is essential for effective fishing. Lastly, a lightweight and large arbor design is preferred by many fly fishermen as it reduces fatigue and allows for faster line retrieval with less line memory.

If you are looking for a top-quality fly reel, the Behemoth Fly Reel is a popular option for both beginners and seasoned anglers alike. It is renowned for its durability, performance, and high-quality construction. Although it may be pricier than some beginner reels, it is worth the investment for those who are serious about fly fishing. The Behemoth Fly Reel boasts a solid construction made from machined aircraft-grade aluminum, a smooth and reliable carbon fiber drag system, and a large arbor design that allows for faster line retrieval and reduces line memory.

Top Budget-Friendly Choice for Beginner Fly Fishermen

If you're new to fly fishing and want to get started with a reliable and functional fly reel that won't break the bank, the Piscifun Word Fly Reel is a great option to consider. This budget-friendly reel is designed to provide decent performance without compromising on quality.

It's constructed from composite materials, which makes it more affordable compared to reels made from machined aluminum or titanium. Additionally, the Piscifun Word Fly Reel features a simple and straightforward design with fewer bells and whistles, which helps keep the price down.

Despite its affordable price tag, this reel offers excellent value for money and is perfect for beginners who are just starting their fly fishing journey. With the Piscifun Word Fly Reel, you can enjoy a reliable and hassle-free fishing experience without worrying about your budget.

Key Features to Look for in a Quality Fly Fishing Reel

When determining the difference between a quality fly reel and a lower-quality one, there are several key features to consider. These features can help you identify a high-quality reel that will enhance your fly fishing experience.

• The drag system of the reel. A quality fly reel should have a smooth and adjustable drag system that allows you to control the amount of resistance when reeling in a fish. This is crucial when fighting big, powerful fish.
•  The construction material of the reel. Quality reels are often made from machined aluminum or titanium, which provides durability and strength. Avoid reels made from cheap plastic or low-quality metals, as they are more prone to breaking or warping.
• The weight and balance of the reel. A lightweight reel is preferred by many fly fishermen as it reduces fatigue during long fishing sessions. It's also important to ensure that the reel is well-balanced with your fly rod for optimal performance.