Best Sinking Fly Fishing Line of 2026

Paul Tilton Avatar
Paul Tilton
Last Updated: Jan 18, 2026

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Sinking fly fishing lines are an essential tool for any angler looking to catch fish in deeper waters. These lines are designed to sink quickly, allowing the angler to reach fish that are hiding in the depths. They are available in a variety of sink rates, from slow to fast, and can be used in both fresh and saltwater environments. Sinking lines are typically made from denser materials than floating lines, such as fluorocarbon or sinking-coated nylon, which allows them to sink more quickly. With their ability to reach greater depths, sinking fly fishing lines are a must-have for any serious angler.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

RIO Fly Fishing Agent-Line Cleaning Kit Cover #TOP 1
RIO Fly Fishing Agent-Line Cleaning Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Piscifun Fishing Line Backing Cover #TOP 2
Piscifun Fishing Line Backing
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Loon Outdoors Line Up Cleaning Kit Cover #TOP 3
Loon Outdoors Line Up Cleaning Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Sinking Fly Fishing Line

#TOP 1

RIO Fly Fishing Agent-Line Cleaning Kit

6-26075
White
RIO Fly Fishing Agent-Line Cleaning Kit Cover
Rio Fly Fishing Agent-Line Cleaning Kit, White

The RIO Agent-Line Cleaning Kit is an excellent addition to any fly fisherman's gear. This SPORTING_GOODS product helps keep your fly fishing line in top condition, allowing for better casts and longer life. The package includes a cleaning solution that effectively removes dirt and debris from your line, improving its performance. The compact size of the kit makes it easy to take with you on fishing trips, and the lightweight design won't add extra weight to your gear. Made in the United States, this Fly Fishing Line product is a must-have for any serious fly fisherman.

What We Like
Easy to use
Improves casting distance
Restores line slickness
Extends fly line life
Good value price

Piscifun Fishing Line Backing

Piscifun LE040-D
20lb/100yd
Piscifun Fishing Line Backing Cover
Piscifun Fishing Line Backing, Braided Fishing Backing Line, 20LB, 100yds, Fluorescent Yellow & Black

Piscifun Backing Line is a high-quality and durable braided fishing line backing made of high-strength polyester. Its 8-strand hollow construction makes it extremely abrasion-resistant, ensuring its long-lasting performance. The precision technology used in its production results in a smooth surface, reducing friction and minimizing damage to the fly rod guides. With virtually no stretchability, this backing line offers enhanced sensitivity, making it tangle-free and reliable. It is available in 20lb and 30lb variants, catering to different fishing needs. The high visibility of the line, with options like fluorescent yellow and black, makes it easy to track and monitor. Piscifun Backing Line is a versatile and practical choice for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.

What We Like
Affordable price
Bright, visible color
Good casting distance
Quality material
Versatile usage
#TOP 3

Loon Outdoors Line Up Cleaning Kit

Loon Outdoors
One Color
One Size
Loon Outdoors Line Up Cleaning Kit Cover
Loon Outdoors Line Up Fly Line Cleaning Kit

The Loon Fly Line Cleaner is designed to keep your fly fishing line in top condition. It helps smooth out any small cracks or rough spots on your line, making casting easier and more reliable. The cleaner also adds a protective layer that blocks harmful UV rays, which can damage your line over time, so it lasts longer. Made by Loon Outdoors, this kit uses quality materials to give you the best cleaning results. With these features, you can enjoy a smoother, more durable fly line and better performance on the water.

What We Like
Fly line cleaning effectiveness
Extends fly line lifespan
Improves casting performance
Easy to use
Works on both new and old lines
#TOP 4

Piscifun Sword WF5wt Fly Fishing Line

Piscifun-LE045-C
Sky Blue
WF-5F 100FT
Piscifun Sword WF5wt Fly Fishing Line Cover
Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Line with Welded Loop, Weight Forward Floating Fly Line, WF5wt, 100FT, Sky Blue

The Piscifun Sword Weight Forward Floating Fly Fishing Line is designed to help you cast farther and more accurately, even in windy conditions. It features a braided core for low memory and a 100% Phthalate Free PVC layer for smoothness and strength. The enhanced welded loop helps make leader attachment quick and easy, and the two-color fly line has two exposed core loops for fast rigging. It's suitable for fishing trout, snook, Redfish, salmon, carp, steel head, and bass, and is corrosion-resistant for use in fresh and salt water.

What We Like
Affordable price
Good durability
Smooth casting
Quality coating
Low memory

SF Fly Fishing Dacron Braided Backing Line Trout Line 20LB 100m/108yds Orange

SF
FL0405B-NEW
Orange-100m-New
20LB 100m/108yds
SF Fly Fishing Dacron Braided Backing Line Trout Line 20LB 100m/108yds Orange Cover
SF Braided Fly Fishing Trout Line Backing Line 20LB 100m/108yds Orange

SF Trout Backing Line is made of high-quality polyester, making it slim, rot-proof, and UV resistant. It is strong and sturdy, with 8 strands of hollow Dacron braided backing line that is extremely abrasion-resistant. The soft and low coefficient of friction feature allows for good curl degree and easy knotting, preventing damage to your favorite fly rod guides. Available in 20lb and 30lb, the 20lb option is perfect for trout, bass, and most freshwater fishing, while the 30lb option is good for salmon, saltwater, pike fishing or where extra bulk is needed. SF is committed to customer satisfaction, and if you're not satisfied with their products, they offer excellent customer service.

What We Like
Strong and durable
Smooth and tangle-free
Easy to spool
Great value price
Variety of color options
#TOP 6

RIO Dacron Fly Line Backing 200 yd.

6-205
White
20LB - 200YD
RIO Dacron Fly Line Backing 200 yd. Cover
RIO PRODUCTS Dacron Fly Line Backing - High Strength Braided Line with Low Stretch - Super Smooth Fly Reel Backing - 20LB - 200YD - White

RIO Dacron Fly Line Backing is a high-quality and durable backing option for fly fishing enthusiasts. Made with traditional Dacron braided material, this backing offers high strength and low stretch, ensuring reliable performance on the water. The backing is also easier to knot compared to other brands, thanks to its well-balanced thickness and weave. This feature is particularly useful when creating a blind splice loop. With three color options available, you can choose the one that best matches your fly line and personal preference. Whether you need a 100 yd or 5000 yd spool, RIO Dacron Fly Line Backing has you covered. Upgrade your fly fishing setup with this top-notch backing and enjoy its superior quality and convenience.

What We Like
High visibility color
Easy to clean
Strong and durable
Lays out smoothly
Quality manufacturing
#TOP 7

Rio Mainstream Trout Freshwater Fly Line

WF5F
green
WF5F - Lemon Green
Rio Mainstream Trout Freshwater Fly Line Cover
Rio Mainstream Trout Fly Fishing Line, Targeted to The Overall Needs of The Average Fly Fisher, Lemon Green, 80ft, WF5F

The Rio Mainstream Trout Freshwater Fly Line is designed to be slightly heavier than standard lines, making it easier to load. This fly fishing line is perfect for those who want an effortless casting experience.

What We Like
Smooth casting performance
Easy to handle
Good value for price
Durable in saltwater
Beginner-friendly design
#TOP 8

RIO Dacron Fly Line Backing 30LB 100YD

6-20511
Orange
30LB - 100YD
RIO Dacron Fly Line Backing 30LB 100YD Cover
RIO Products Dacron Fly Line Backing - High Strength Braided Line with Low Stretch - Super Smooth Fly Reel Backing - 30LB - 100YD - Orange

The RIO Dacron Fly Backing offers a strong braided line that holds up well when you're battling big fish, thanks to its durable and low-stretch design. You'll appreciate how smoothly it moves through your reel, reducing friction for better casting and retrieval. Tying knots or making blind splice loops is easier with this backing, so you can spend less time prepping and more time fishing. Plus, its thin diameter lets you fit more line on your reel, which is great when you need extra line for long-running fish. This backing combines strength, smoothness, and convenience for a better fly fishing experience.

What We Like
high quality material
smooth texture
easy reel installation
fast delivery
versatile uses
#TOP 9

Orvis Clearwater Fly Line - Versatile 90-Foot Weight Forward 3-9WT Fly Fishing Line

2ZKE2105
Moss
WF 5
Orvis Clearwater Fly Line - Versatile 90-Foot Weight Forward 3-9WT Fly Fishing Line Cover
Orvis Clearwater Fly Line - Versatile 90-Foot Weight Forward 3-9WT Fly Fishing Line with Welded Loop, Multifilament Core, Moss - 5

Features
WEIGHT-FORWARD TAPER Gives Loop Stability At Distance For Improved Projection And Accuracy For Your Trout Flies, With A 40-Foot Head Length, 4-Foot Rear Taper, 31-Foot Belly, And 5-Foot Front Taper
PERFECT TROUT LINE For Beginner Or Budget Anglers, The Clearwater Is A Great Value And Excellent All-Around Line To Meet The Demands Of General Fly Fishing
ORVIS IS DEDICATED To Making High-Quality Fly Fishing Accessories For New Anglers And Veterans, And The Versatile Clearwater Fly Line (2ZKE) Is Perfect For Beginners And Anglers On A Budget, Delivering The Best Quality For Its Price In General Fly Fishing Use
FRONT WELDED LOOP And A Multifilament Core For Cool To Moderate Water Conditions
COMMON SEARCH TERMS: Fishing Line, Fly Fishing Accessories, Fly Rod, Fly Fishing Rod,fly Line, Fly Fishing Reel, Fly Fishing Line, Fly Fishing Leader, Fly Line Backing, Fly Leader, Trout Flies, Fly Fishing Leaders, Fly Fishing Flies Trout
#TOP 10

RIO Products Fly Line Mainstream Trout Dt5F Lemon Green

6-20751
Lime Green
DT5F - Lemon Green
RIO Products Fly Line Mainstream Trout Dt5F Lemon Green Cover
RIO PRODUCTS Mainstream Trout DT Fly Line - Developed for The Average Fly Fishermen - Easy Casting and Smooth Design - Freshwater - 5 Weight

RIO Products Fly Line Mainstream Trout Dt5F Lemon Green is a great fly line for the money, designed to optimize rod performance with slightly heavier and shorter head lengths. It has a short, powerful front taper for good presentation and turnover, and is made with pride in RIO's Idaho Fall facility. Customers have praised its top quality and value, as well as its ability to cast long distances. The only downside is that it doesn't come with looped ends, but this can be easily remedied.

What We Like
Top quality product at a great price
Designed to optimize rod performance
Short, powerful front taper for good presentation and turnover
Ability to cast long distances
Made with pride in RIO's Idaho Fall facility
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why use a sink tip fly line?

There are several reasons: a sinking tip gets the fly deeper, I can fish much shorter leaders, they allow for greater accuracy than fishing a longer leader on a floating line, and it's easier to throw a sinking tip than it is to throw a heavily weighted fly with a floating line.

2. Should I use floating or sinking fly line?

If you are fly fishing for trout in the river then a floating line is all you will need. If you are fishing on lakes and reservoirs then you may need to invest in some sinking lines too. A sinking line enables you to get your wet fly down to deeper depths than the floating line will allow.

3. Will floating fly line sink?

Yes, floating fly lines will sink. It is very important to frequently clean the line with a mild soap and water. Then wipe it dry and buff with a clean towel. A fly line dressing can be applied after that to help floatability and slickness.

4. What fly rod for sinking line?

Use a Fast Rod- A softer rod can cast sinking lines, but fast and especially extra-fast rods are perfect for them. The faster the rod, the less deeply it will flex and the more power it offers for hucking heavy lines and weighted flies.

Editor's Notes

During our sinking fly fishing line research, we found 24 sinking fly fishing line products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 29,473 customer reviews through our big data system to write the sinking fly fishing line list. We found that most customers choose sinking fly fishing line with an average price of $13.58.

The sinking fly fishing line are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of sinking fly fishing line, including RIO PRODUCTS, Piscifun, Loon, SF, Orvis. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 184 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Paul Tilton Avatar

Paul Tilton is a fitness enthusiast. He doesn't like to work in front of a computer screen so he quit his job and runs a gym in Washington. He spent a lot of time on the road and has been a contributing writer for a well-known travel guide website. He is now happy to share his travel experience and professional knowledge of travel gear and fitness here.