Fishing is a wonderful sport that allows you to get outside and enjoy the fresh air in a much more casual way, wouldn’t you agree? When you go backpacking, however, it’s not always easy to have the right tools to go fishing.
The best backpacking fly rod, can help take care of that problem by making sure that you have everything you need to comfortably fish but then get back on the trails as well. We’ve helped by rounding up some of the absolute best of the best when it comes to fly fishing while backpacking.
You can take a look at all of these fly fishing rods to find out just which ones are going to work best for you and how you can get the best results out of your fly fishing rod. If you want to know more about setting up a reel you can find more by clicking here. Each one is going to be great for someone traveling.
Our Top Picks
| Product Name | Length | Pieces | Material | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redington Classic | 9 ft | 6 | Glass | Check price on Amazon |
| Eagle Claw PK601 | 7 ft 6 in | 4 | Glass | Check price on Amazon |
| Tailwater Outfitters Toccoa | 8 ft 4 in | 4 | Graphite | Check price on Amazon |
| MaxCatch Explorer | From 8 ft 6 in to 9 ft | 4 | Carbon | Check price on Amazon |
| Fiblink B01FH | From 8 ft 6 in to 9 ft | 4 | Carbon | Check price on Amazon |
| Eagle Claw Featherlight | 6 ft 6 in | 2 | Fiberglass | Check price on Amazon |
| Piscifun Graphite | 8 ft 6 in | 4 | Graphite | Check price on Amazon |
Things to Consider Before Buying
Everything is important when it comes to fishing. It is a sport which is closely related to nature, to the weather, and even to you, if you decide to give it a try. There are a few features that are rather important when it comes to choosing your rod, however, so make sure you’re looking into that first.
Length
Even though, for traditional fishing, short rods up to 210 cm, are usually used, there are many high quality rods which are longer, from 270 to 300 cm. For beginners, it is recommended that your fly rod should be no more than 274 cm in length. Longer rods are intended for more experienced anglers.
A rod that’s shorter is going to be a lot easier to control where a longer rod requires a bit more practice and expertise. Be patient. You can definitely get there, but starting out with something you’re comfortable with is going to be your best bet.
Weight
The weight of your rod would depend on the fish you are planning on catching, and the length of your hiking trip. If you are planning on going on a long backpacking trip, and you prefer wearing less weight, you are probably focusing on the trip, instead of the fishing.
Nevertheless, nowadays, there are fly rods which are extremely lightweight, yet very strong.
The price of these rods is also higher, however, so if you are a beginner, a maximum of 6 lbs. for a rod is perfect for you. Generally, the rods with a higher weight are more suitable for heavier fish. Also, make sure that the weight of your fly reel matches the weight of your fly rod and that it is similar to the fly line weight.
Price
Professional anglers don’t need price advice since they have tried many fly rods in their lifetime and notice that the price matters. There are professional fly rods for around $900, however, they will not be covered in this buying guide. Beginner anglers should focus on the middle price range.
It is recommended that you avoid the cheapest, since they could cause frustration to beginners, and lead to giving up fishing all together. You also don’t want to spend much money on a product you are not sure whether you are going to use or not. For this reason, it is better to stick to the middle price range, especially if you are a beginner.
Backpacking Fly Rods
If you are frequently going on long backpacking trips you should consider only fly rods which are packed in 4 or more pieces. They usually come with a tube. If they don’t, you should definitely buy one, because it will be the most used item in your backpack.
These are also called backpacking rods and they make traveling with a rod very easy. You want a specially made rod for backpacking because that’s how you’re going to enjoy your trip and your fishing at the same time instead of only the fishing.
Size Capacity
You want a rod that you can quickly and easily store away when you’re done with it. If you have to carry a full size fishing rod around with you, it’s not going to be very efficient for your trip. You’ll find that you are struggling with it overall and that you don’t have a way to store it when you want to hike.
The best thing is to choose a rod that can fold or come apart and that will fit into a small section of your backpack. That way you can enjoy your trip and you’ll still be able to take the rod out and fish whenever you want.
Best Products on Today’s Market
Always knowing where the best products are is crucial for anything and when you’re planning to go fly fishing that’s no different. Make sure you have one of these rods and you’ll get a great experience without the hassle.
Redington Classic Rod
Price: Approx. $300
Length: 9 ft
Specific features: 6 pieces, lightweight
Best use: Backpacking, hiking
Description: The Redington Classic Rod is pretty lightweight so you will be able to use it everywhere. It would even be a nice addition if you are planning on hiking to a nearby lake. The rod is perfect for supporting the weight of bigger fish.
Also, the moderate action is gentle enough so that you don’t scare the river life off when casting it into the water. This is an often underestimated feature, which is not present in many rods from this price range.
Its weight provides excellent support and it is comfortable for all anglers. You could fish for hours and you won’t get fatigued because of the lightweight blank.
This rod makes casting pretty accurate and it is especially beneficial that it has a quality warranty. Not only that, but it also has titanium oxide stripping guides and cork handle, which makes it comfortable to hold and reliable when using.
PROS:
- Cork handle for easier hold
- Lightweight blank
- Perfect for trout fishing
- Able to support heavier fish
- Moderate action
CONS:
- Several pieces have to be put together
- Not ideal for other types of fish
- Takes a little getting used to the motion
Related: If you’re going fishing, you’re definitely going to need lures and this Go-to-Dry Fly Lure Kit is going to be a great option for trout fishing. It’s a moderate price, but you get a whole lot of lures so you’re ready to go.
Eagle Claw PK601 Fly Rod
Price: Approx. $30
Length: 7 ft 6 in
Specific features: 4 pieces, durable glass rod construction
Best use: Hiking, fly fishing
Description: The Eagle Claw PK601 Fly Rod is in the low price range and is made from glass. This makes it the perfect solution for the trunk (of your car) or the trail. Although, most glass constructed rods are suitable for this.
This rod in particular, comes equipped with a plastic reel attachment. Nevertheless, it works perfectly and smoothly, and you won’t have any troubles while using it. The rod is perfectly good for catching the big fish.
Make sure you keep in mind that this is a perfect product for fly fishing. The biggest advantage it comes with, is that it is perfectly good for smaller as well as larger fish, even though the dimensions might feel small at first.
It is also recommended for hiking, since it could be assembled into a small rod of around seven ft, and when packed, perfect for a backpack, plus it is lightweight so you won’t even feel carrying it.
PROS:
- Can be assembled to a smaller size
- Great for fly fishing
- Low price for any budget
- Good for any size fish
- Lightweight and easy to carry
CONS:
- Not ideal for other types of fishing
- Top section is loose
- No coated line eyelets
Related: If you want a higher quality reel this Croch Fly Fishing Reel can be a great option. It’s inexpensive and comes with the reel, backing, fly line and leader so you’re all ready to go and just have to install it.
Tailwater Outfitters Toccoa Fly Rod
Price: $70
Length: 8 ft 4 in
Specific features: 4 pieces, suitable for longer casts, IM8 graphite
Best use: Backpacking, hiking
Description: The Tailwater Outfitters Toccoa Fly Rod has a great performance and is a highly durable product. Even though it is in the middle price range, it is more than worth the price. It is supported with IM8 graphite, which provides its durability feature.
The stripping guides are made of ceramic material, and the snake guides are from chrome, which makes its gliding capabilities, smooth and fast. Compared to the Eagle Claw fly rod, the Tailwater Outfitters rod has a reel seat made from aluminum, which is a nice update from the plastic ones that usually come with lower price rods.
It also has double lock rings, which are usually used for a sturdy attachment. It has a cork addition right on the handle. This is not just a design. It adds up to the casting accuracy and makes fly fishing very comfortable and not tiring at all.
It is also nice that this rod, includes a rod tube, which is good because otherwise you would have to get a rod case. The tube also has four slots, with one for each section of the rod. The rod itself can also be used easily in a river or lake with great accuracy at long, middle and short range, which is a very important feature in a fly rod.
PROS:
- Separates into 4 parts
- Moderate price for beginning rod
- Included tube with separate compartments
- Works well at any range
- High casting accuracy
CONS:
- Finishing is not as good as it could be
- Reel doesn’t fit in case
- Action isn’t as fast as expected
Related: A good quality sword weight line could be great for your fly fishing rod and this Piscifun Line is designed for just that. It’s available in several different colors and sizes so you can get just what you’re looking for as far as quality and durability.
Maxcatch Explorer Fishing Rod
Price: Approx. $40
Length: 8 ft 6 in – 9 ft
Specific features: 4 pieces, carbon fiber construction, Helical taper slim blank design
Best use: Backpacking, hiking, fishing
Description: This Maxcatch Explorer Fishing Rod’s main advantage is that it’s lightweight. Such fishing rods are usually made out of cheaper, and therefore, more fragile materials, which need to be handled with care. However, this is not the case with Maxcatch. It is made from carbon fiber and it has an exceptional line.
It has a cork attachment on its handle, which is good because it increases accuracy and it provides greater comfort. The cork is made from a Portuguese cork material which has a grade of pure A. You could wet it as much as you like and it won’t matter since it is from the greatest quality.
The reel seat is light and durable. Unlike plastic easily breakable reel seats, this rod has an aluminum seat which is graded 6061T. That means that it is corrosion resistant and it provides you with a smooth fishing experience.
The ring stripping guides are made from ceramic and they provide minimum friction. It is also good that it has a one year warranty which is pretty convenient for replacing the damaged parts.
All in all, if you are in search of a low price fly rod with great features and great performance, but you are not looking for the lowest possible price, this would be your choice. A rod is judged by its materials, and this one has the most quality materials available on the market.
PROS:
- Corrosion resistant aluminum reel seat
- Ceramic ring stripping guides
- Portuguese cork handle
- Lightweight and durable rod
- Weight options to choose from
CONS:
- Case is not very high quality
- Could be better blank
- Not tuned
Related: If you’re going fly fishing a good pair of wading socks could be a great idea and these Wetsox Wader Socks are a great choice. They’re high quality, tall and definitely prepared to keep you warm and comfortable (and dry) while you’re out there in the water.
Fiblink B01FH Fly Rod
Price: Approx. $40
Length: 8 ft 6 in – 9 ft
Special features: 4 pieces, carbon fiber construction, Helical taper slim blank design
Best use: Hiking, fishing, backpacking, camping
Description: The Fiblink B01FH Fly Rod is made especially for backpacking and hiking trips. It is specifically designed to be lightweight, which might be one of the most important features in a fly rod, yet it has a great overall strength for bigger fish. Its light weight, durability, and strength, come from the solid carbon construction.
The reel seat is aluminum, which is common for fly rods in this price range. It is the highest quality material and the most recommended one for reel seats. In this fly rod, the reel seat is made with enhanced aluminum, which is even stronger.
The cork material on the handle is also common in this kind of fly rod; however the cork grade varies from one product to another.
In this case, it is ultra-premium grade, meaning that you will be able to use it without changing, for years to come. The frame is made out of stainless steel and it is inserted with ceramic inside combined with stainless steel.
The stainless steel used for production of this fly rod is corrosion resistant, which is the least that you could expect and look for in a rod.
PROS:
- Weight options
- Multipurpose hook holder
- Aluminum reel seat
- Enhanced sensitivity graphite
- Breaks down to 4 pieces
CONS:
- Feels a little cheap
- Tightening nut for reel is plastic
- Guides aren’t ideal
Related: A better, higher quality reel can always be a great investment for your fishing adventure and with this fishing rod you’re not going to have any exception to that. The Fiblink Fly Fishing Reel is an inexpensive purchase that can improve your fishing experience greatly.
Eagle Claw Featherlight Fly Rod
Price: Approx. $25
Length: 6 ft 6 in
Specific features: 2 pieces, fiberglass, high quality angler gear
Best use: Backpacking, hiking, fishing
Description: This Eagle Claw Featherlight Fly Rod is the perfect choice for fishing beginners. It has a wooden reel seat and a fiberglass rod, making it perfect for your first day of fishing, or your first rod.
It will allow you to feel it in your hand and learn how to cast properly. It is not recommended for fishing bigger fish, however, it is perfectly good and strong enough for middle weight fish.
It has a slower action compared to graphite rods, for instance, but it is perfect for “getting the feeling.” You could even practice casting it in your yard before throwing it to the fish. The graphite and glass make the rod more durable and stronger, able to withhold a larger fish weight.
All in all, it is a great rod for beginners and the price is as low as it gets for the features it has to offer. It is a great bargain and has a cork handle with stainless steel guides for improved performance.
PROS:
- Wooden reel seat
- Fiberglass and graphite rod
- 1 year warranty
- Great for beginners
- Breaks down to 2 pieces
CONS:
- Doesn’t come with case
- Reel ring doesn’t feel totally secure
- Not ideal for heavy fish
Related: A floating line can help with catching what you want and getting a good quality cast. This SF Fly Fishing Line is designed to float and it’s super inexpensive at the same time. It’s also available in several colors and weights so you can get whatever you want.
Piscifun Graphite Fly Rod
Price: Approx. $50
Length: 8 ft 6 in
Specific features: 4 pieces, japanese toray carbon fiber blanks, ceramic ring stripping guides
Best use: Backpacking, camping
Description: This Piscifun Graphite Fly Rod is well known for its exceptional balance and smooth performance. It is made out of stainless steel, which makes it extremely durable as well as highly corrosion resistant. The reel seat is made out of aluminum.
As many other rods in this price range, it also has a cork grip for an increased balance and comfort while holding it. The cork grip is made out of Portuguese material that is AAA graded.
The combination of ceramic ring stripping and graphite materials, makes it perfect for backpacking trips since it gives the rod the perfect weight and the perfect strength. You won’t carry much weight, yet you will have a reliable product with you that has the right backbone, which is often required for longer casts.
It’s available in different versions to get exactly what you want and it has a light weight that you can feel very comfortable with.
PROS:
- Very lightweight
- Good for beginners
- Breaks down to 4 pieces
- Packs smaller for trips
- Low price for most buyers
CONS:
- Slow action rod
- Some eyelets are fragile
- Best for travel
Related: This Manefish Nymph Flies Army is great for your next fly fishing trip, whether you’re looking for bluegill, bass or trout. It comes with 12 lures that will help you get the fish you’re looking for with no problem and that you’ll love to use.
Wrapping It Up
With the Fiscifun Graphite, we have reached the end of our article. By now, you should know how to pick the right rod for your needs, and to know which ones are the best on the market.
We have presented the features that every fly rod contains, however, the choice should be individual and it depends on many things. It depends on the depth and the fishing techniques, the weight of the fish and many more variables that are specific to you. Of course, now you should have a good idea of where you’re starting out.
So what do you think of the rods we’ve discussed? Which one do you think is the best? Is there a different one that you feel would be even better? Do you have something else you think we should have included? We definitely want to know about it.
I usually made my own rods, but one time I was running late for a trip and I had to buy one. I never regretted getting the Tailwater Outfitters Toccoa Fly Rod because the quality on this rod is top notch. I can only find one characteristic regarding this purchase that I would improve, and it has nothing to do with the rod but has everything to do with the case. While the case protects the rod quite well, I plan to pack this into my backpack, but I don’t think I will be carrying the case because it’s too heavy.
Thank you for sharing with us!
I have had three Eagle Claw PK601 Fly Rods over the past 3 decades. My uncle got me my first one when I was still a teenager, and I used it for many years. I bought my third one just recently, to replace my second one which was damaged by no fault of its own. They are great for backpacking, but the action is good enough for an everyday pole as well. I have used the pole for fly fishing as well as spin-casting, and it works well for both.
You are definitely right; the 4-Piece set is good for backpacking. Also, the top-quality glass design makes the rods effective for trail and trunk.