How to Choose The BEST Spey Reel
Spey Fly Reels Quick Picks
Best Premium Performance: Sage Spey II Fly Reel - Designed specifically for two-handed anglers, this reel features a full-frame design and a sealed carbon drag. It offers the perfect balance of modern technology and classic aesthetics for swinging flies.
Best Heritage Reel: Hardy Cascapedia Fly Reel - A timeless classic made in England that combines a traditional S-shaped handle with a distinct click sound. This reel is ideal for anglers who value history and craftsmanship on the water.
Best Value: Orvis SSR Disc Spey Fly Reel - Built on the reliable Hydros platform, this reel offers a powerful sealed drag and full cage at an accessible price point. It is a workhorse option for anglers targeting steelhead and salmon.
Best for Trout Spey: Sage Trout Spey Fly Reel - Scaled down for lighter two-handed rods, this reel provides the necessary weight to balance 2-4wt trout spey setups. Its full-frame construction ensures thin running lines stay contained.
How to Choose Spey Fly Reels
Selecting the right reel for a two-handed rod involves different criteria than choosing a standard single-hand reel. The physics of casting long rods and the specific line systems used in spey fishing dictate specific design requirements.
Weight and Balance
Balance is critical: Unlike single-hand rods where light weight is often preferred, spey rods require a heavier reel to counterbalance the long tip. A reel that is too light will make the rod tip feel heavy, leading to fatigue during a long day of casting. Look for reels specifically designated as "Spey" models, as they are often built with extra mass to properly balance 12 to 15-foot rods.
Full-Frame (Full Cage) Design
Line containment: This is perhaps the most important feature for spey fishing. Many anglers use shooting head systems with very thin mono running lines. On a standard open-frame reel, these thin lines can slip between the spool and the frame, causing catastrophic jams. A full-frame or full-cage reel completely encloses the spool, preventing line pass-through and ensuring your running line stays where it belongs.
Line Capacity
Volume matters: Spey lines are significantly thicker and more voluminous than standard fly lines. A reel must accommodate a large arbor for the backing, a long running line, and a thick Skagit or Scandi head. When sizing a reel, ensure it is rated for "Spey" line weights, which are different from single-hand weights. A reel rated for a 10wt single-hand line might only hold a 6/7wt spey line.
Drag vs. Click-and-Pawl
Modern vs. Traditional: You have two main choices for resistance. Disc drag reels (like the Sage Spey II or Orvis SSR) offer powerful, consistent stopping power, which is excellent for fighting hot fish like king salmon or steelhead in heavy current. Click-and-pawl reels (like many classic Hardy models) use a mechanical clicker to prevent overruns but rely on the angler to palm the spool for drag pressure. Traditionalists often prefer the "scream" of a clicker reel, but it requires more skill to fight large fish.
Care & Maintenance
Rinse after use: Even in freshwater, silt and grit can accumulate. Rinse your reel under low pressure, especially if it has a ported frame where dirt can enter the backing.
Dry your backing: Spey reels often hold hundreds of yards of backing. If submerged, ensure the backing dries out to prevent corrosion on the spool face.
Check screws: The vibration from boat rides and heavy casting can loosen reel foot screws over time. Check them periodically with a proper screwdriver.
Complete Your Setup
Related Gear
Spey Rods - Pair your new reel with a balanced two-handed rod for optimal casting performance.
Spey Fly Lines - Find the perfect Skagit or Scandi head to match your rod and target species.
Running Lines - Essential shooting lines for connecting your head to your backing.
Related Guides
Spey Fly Reels FAQs
Q: What is the difference between a spey reel and a regular fly reel?
A: Spey reels are typically heavier to balance long rods, have larger capacities for thick lines, and often feature a full-frame design to contain thin running lines. Standard reels may lack the weight and line containment features needed for two-handed fishing.
Q: Do I really need a full-frame reel?
A: If you plan to use mono running lines or thin shooting lines, a full-frame reel is highly recommended. It prevents the line from slipping between the spool and frame, which can ruin your day on the water. If you use exclusively thick integrated lines, a standard reel may suffice.
Q: How do I size a reel for my spey rod?
A: Look for manufacturer recommendations specifically for spey rods. Generally, you will need a reel that is 2-3 sizes larger than the single-hand equivalent (e.g., use a 9/10 size reel for a 7wt spey rod) to handle the line volume and provide proper balance.
Q: Can I use these reels for saltwater fishing?
A: Many modern spey reels with sealed drags, like the Sage Spey II, are fully saltwater safe. However, classic click-and-pawl reels often have exposed mechanisms that require careful maintenance if used in salt.