It’s just past tax time. In parts of the country, trout season is underway — with the redbuds and the dogwoods come the Appalachian brook trout and, even in the upper Midwest, warmer water has trout bums wandering the waters between the Driftless area and the Upper Peninsula. If you’re a closet carp junkie, it’s about time to start looking for big carp moving into the shallows along the Snake River Plain. South, along the Gulf Coast, spring reds and specks are in the backwaters and eyes are open for those first migrating tarpon. And spring fishing has been going on in the Caribbean for a couple of months now.
No matter how you welcome the coming fishing season, it's that time of year. Since the calendar rolled around to read 2025, fly fishing gear and equipment manufacturers have been busy putting forth a host of new items — everything from new premium fly rods to more general, yet no less functional items, like hats, wading boots and shoes and new soft goods, too.
With over 60 new products detailed below, this is one of the largest roundups we've ever done. And yet this is just a taste — the highlights, if you will — of what awaits anglers as they get ready to hit the water for the 2025 season.
FLY RODS
Sage Classic R8 fly rod
Introduced in February, the new Sage Classic R8 is a nod to the dry-fly purist who might still be wishing they had never let go of their old Sage SP. Using the phrase “fish slow, feel more,” Farbank’s flagship brand is drawing on a bit of nostalgia and the fact that, while most other rod manufacturers in the business are busting their tech humps for faster and more potent fly rods, it can still crank out a high-performance rod that feels like a fly rod should feel is remarkable.
Yes, the Classic R8 is a slower, more deliberate rod, built for more delicate and purposeful fishing built for contemplative anglers who might spend an hour on a single Henry’s Fork rainbow or Delaware River brown trout trying like hell to get it to eat.
BUY THE SAGE CLASSIC R8
Orvis Superfine Graphite
This might be the rod release of the year. Most longtime fly fishers, particularly those who might be a bit long in the tooth, will reminisce quite fondly when the name “Superfine” is mentioned. This is the iconic Orvis fly rod for the ages, and its “new and improved” version promises to feel familiar. Inspired by rods crafted 50 years ago when Orvis built its first-ever graphite rods, the Orvis Superfine Graphite is kind of a conglomeration of a number of Orvis’ early labels, ranging from the Ultrafine to the Far & Fine.
The new Superfine is based on those old classics, featuring shorter rod lengths and designed to chase wild trout in tight spaces. Throw in Orvis’ patented rod-building features under its Helios label for the last decade or so, and this new small-stream stick promises to take the lead in any respectable rod quiver. The Helios construction likely improves action and durability, and Orvis is going with high-end components, like hard chrome snake guides, chrome stripping guides and the like. It’s a handsome rod and for creek freaks, and it’s definitely worth a look.
Redington EDC fly rod
Redington, despite its existence as the “value” line in the Farbank lineup opposite its premium big brother, Sage, has always had a rogue streak about it. Never afraid to take chances or throw an idea against the wall to see if it’ll stick, the rod-maker has announced its new EDC fly rod line. EDC is an abbreviation for “everyday carry,” a likely utility knife reference which is in line with the company’s past — remember, it was Redington that brought you a line of fly rods with handles based on those found on golf clubs. Regardless, the EDC, as its name might imply, is constructed to be a versatile fly rod that can be used for a number of fly fishing’s ever-growing list of disciplines within the discipline. Using its new NanoResin blank tech, Redington says the new rod “delivers both power and finesse needed to function flawlessly in any environment.” One could argue that meeting such a lofty mission should be the goal of any rod on the market. Nevertheless, Redington declares that its new resin offers better feel, more durability and more backbone when fighting a fish. What’s hard to argue with is the price point — in an uncertain economy, we’re not going to stop fishing. But we might stop paying four figures for a fly rod, and that’s something to which Redington has always stayed true.
Airlite fly rods
Airlite might be a new brand for most American fly-fishing consumers, but the names behind it are anything but new to the rod-building craft. Longtime industry pros Jeff Wagner and Gareth Jones have updated Airlites rods for a U.S. launch, and the company, which falls under the Mayfly Outdoors Label along with brands that are likely more recognizable, like Ross, Abel and Airflo, claims its refreshed line of rods that are more familiar to UK anglers offers quality and value in a range of options for anglers. From dry-fly rods like the Airlite Glide to a saltwater stick conveniently dubbed the Salty, Airlite is pushing a varied rod lineup at value prices, similar to others in the market who are trying to offer quality products without a four-figure card swipe.
Solid S1 Series fly rods
Solid Tackle, founded by Christer Sjöberg of Loop and Solid Adventures and Steingrimur Einarsson of Einarsson Reels, launched its S1 fly rod series. Boasting both single- and two-handed offerings, the S1 rods purport to offer a unique blend of attributes — power, control and forgiveness. Crafted by Tomas Ögren, who designed rods and reels for Loop for 20 years, the upstart company’s rods “are built to maximize your chances,” a phrase only a salmon or steelhead angler will truly appreciate.
Time will tell if this well-known group can strike collective lightning, but the talent behind the label is undisputed. Already, the company is showing a bent toward innovation by offering the sharp-cornered hexa-grip complete with the grippy carbon shield over the foam handle — a move that hasn’t been seen since in earnest since Redington tried the coating with its Vapen rod more than a decade ago. According to Sjöberg, the hexa-grip is designed to make gripping the rod easier and putting more of the rod’s grip in touch with the casting hand. Another aggressive move? All of Solid’s two-handed rods break down into six pieces ready to travel — that’s huge.
Redington Miami Vice fly rod
Some will love it. Some will despise it. But, in line with Redington’s reputation for taking chances and trying new things, the new Miami Vice fly rod that boasts a progressive hot pink and neon blue color pattern (meant to look like the neon lights of the South Beach club circuit) that’s both bold and loud. The rod is really the Redington Vice, a proven value-driven fly rod, with a Miami flare. The Vice has been a solid edition in Redington’s lineup for a bit now, and it’s a fast-action rod built for the salt, but not built for the average salt budget. A value rod to the core, it’s still a quality product that casts easy and boasts solid components. And, for most of us who live on a budget, the price is right. And, even at its competitive price, the Miami Vice has Redington’s lifetime warranty. The bad news? The rod was greeted with some real excitement — good luck finding one before Redington has to make another production run.
FLY REELS
Ross Coors Banquet Cimarron and Animas fly reels
More than just a kitschy nod to “Coors Heavy,” Ross’ new beer-branded Cimarron (4/5) and Animas (7/8) fly reels represent a continuation of a long line of successful fly reels that stretches back 45 years. These are a bit special, though, as it’s part of an effort to raise $100,000 for conservation efforts on some iconic western rivers and streams, like Clear Creek in Colorado, long the source of Coors’ water supply; the Big Hole in Montana; La Barge Creek in Wyoming; and the Provo in Utah.
The Coors-branded Cimarron is the ideal trout reel, and has been for years. This latest version is a bit more innovative than Cimarrons from years past — it features a ceramic coating to reduce friction and tangles and an escapement cover meant to make it a bit more durable. The clever addition of the Coors bottle cap for a drag knob is pretty damned cool, too.
The Animas, also one of Ross’ more venerable products, bears the Coors label and an engraved silhouette of the Colorado mountains (and the killer bottlecap/drag knob). The Animas has been fully redesigned — it features an improved composite drag system and a new zero-maintenance spool design. Note: despite its larger size, the Animas is still a freshwater reel — consider it the ideal reel for streamer fishing or for larger lines used to throw bigger flies.
Both Banquet beer-branded models have been extremely popular since release. If you find one, grab it before it’s gone.
BUY ROSS COORS CIMARRON
BUY ROSS COORS ANIMAS
Ross San Miguel
To round out the triumvirate, Ross is re-releasing its long-standing fly reel stalwart, the San Miguel. Named for that idyllic trout streams that winds its ways through the north San Juans near Telluride, this timeless classic trout reel has been thoughtfully updated with a number of performance features, including the canvas micarta handle that gets more grippy when its wet and a larger arbor for faster line retrieval. The new San Miguel boasts a stunning polished and high-gloss finish and a carbon/stainless sealed drag system, as well as a push-button spool release. It’s an appealing reel and it boasts Ross’ excellent lifetime warranty.
Nautilus GTS 5/6 fly reel
Nautilus’ new GTS 5/6 fly reel uses the company’s latest reel tech aimed at on-the-water performance. The GTS is billed as “remarkably lightweight” and easy to convert from left- to right-hand retrieve, but the reel’s best asset might be its 4-inch diameter frame that can now cover four line weights by simply switching between two spools. As Nautilus Owner and Designer Kristen Mustad explains, having a 4-inch diameter in a 5-weight reel “will give you less line coil and faster line pickup.” Then, if you’re going from fishing for trout to the salt, it’s just a spool switch to 7/8.
Abel Bonefish & Tarpon Trust SDS Bahamas Fade reel and Rove 7/9 Flats Fade reel
Artists Derek DeYoung and Eric Estrada both contributed artwork to these new saltwater reels from Abel, and a portion of the sale of each individually numbered reel (1 to 100) will go to the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust as it continues its science-based work to protect and restore inshore fisheries in the Caribbean. The limited series SDS 7/8 Bahamas Fade features DeYoung’s artwork and is meant as a tribute to the Bahamas complex mangrove cays and islands that provide ideal habitat for the country’s most valuable sportfish, The limited SDS Rove 7/9 reel features Estrada’s work and is meant to help BTT’s ongoing research into the complex and often mysterious bonefish spawning process. Additionally, both proven saltwater reels come with a matching set of Abel custom-made Fade nippers.
Orvis Clearwater II reel
The venerable Orvis Clearwater has been one of the most recognizable names in both fly rods and fly reels for decades, and there’s a reason for that — it’s good, reasonably priced gear that will serve anglers for years. Orvis’ new Clearwater II large-arbor fly reel is built to the company’s exacting specs and will likely be the next generation of affordable gear that might attract newcomers to the craft while also giving experienced anglers a solid piece of gear they can count on. The Clearwater II incorporates a die-cast design and a powder-coat finish to go with its sealed disc drag. It converts easily from left- to right-hand retrieve and it’s easy to adjust the reel’s drag with its positive click knob. Available in 3- to 5-weight designs, it’s a solid addition to the Orvis lineup and likely worth bearing storied Clearwater label.
Solid E Series Fly Reel
Like its new fly rod counterparts, the most intriguing aspect about Solid’s new E Series fly reels is the people behind the company. The handsome reels, designed by Steingrimur Einarsson, who is behind the new Solid label along with Christer Sjöberg, promise precision, durability and performance and are equipped with waterproof drag systems, high-tech aerospace-grade materials and ready for the fresh or the salt. The three models available — the E5, E7 and E9— correspond with line weights and are billed as the “ultimate all-around reel.” Judging from the gang behind the brand, the E Series reels look to be stellar, and we suspect, with the team of experts pushing Solid forward, we’ll hear more from this label in the very near future.
FLY LINES
Scientific Angler striper lines
A longtime leader in fly line development, Scientific Angler has launched a trio of new striper lines for 2025. First up is SA’s Sonar Striper Intermediate, a two-size heavy line that purports to load quickly and deliver big flies at a distance. The second new line for 2025 is SA’s Sonar Striper I/5/7, which features a full-sink head and is constructed with a braided monofilament core for added strength. Also a two-size heavy line, it’s built for throwing big flies at distance. SA’s third striper line this year is the Amplitude full floater, also a two-size heavy line for better shooting and for casting big streamers on the flats or pulling poppers or Gurglers on top.
RIO Gold Standard, XP and MAX fly lines
RIO’s Gold fly lines have been an industry leader for years. But, as the company’s engineering and production chops improve, so, too, do its fly lines. Honestly, picking which line to use can be a head-scratcher. To combat that, RIO is making it simpler with its new power classification system for the Gold lineup: Standard, Extra (XP), and MAX.
Need to throw big streamers from a boat and be able to quickly lift and recast? Go with the new Gold MAX that’s a full-size heavy and features the shortest head in the line class. Are you a streamer fisherman or a dry-fly angler that throws big bugs? Consider the Gold XP that’s a half-size heavy with a mid-length casting head. Or, if you just need a dependable general purpose fly line that matches well, line weight to rod weight, the Gold Standard is … well, exactly that.
BUY RIO GOLD STANDARD
BUY RIO GOLD XP
BUY RIO GOLD MAX
LEADERS AND TIPPET
Umpqua Stratos X Dry Fly nylon
Umpqua bills its new Stratos X Dry Fly nylon tippet as a game changer for dry-fly anglers. Terms like “game changer” get thrown around a lot in the world of marketing copy. In this case, Umqua’s new tippet is crafted from a proprietary low-density co-polymer that makes it 10 percent less dense than standard nylon tippet. It’s also dyed with a non-uniform camo pattern. These features, if it doesn’t go without saying, are aimed at making Stratos X float better and be less visible than standard dry fly nylon.
Assuming Stratos X delivers as promised, these new features will no doubt be welcomed by dry fly aficionados. We’re not sure they change the game all that much, but they may give anglers a reason to reach for Stratos X over whatever is hanging on the shelf next to it.
WADERS
Patagonia Swiftcurrent Waders
In creating its new lineup of Swiftcurrent waders, Patagonia tore its wader system down to the studs — completely rethinking how they design and build waders. Given that the previous incarnation of Swiftcurrent waders was already quite good (if a bit top heavy), that’s considerably ambitious. The new Swiftcurrents, according to Patagonia, offer a better fit, more comfort, and are more easily repaired. While only Patagonia can likely prove or disprove the repairability claim, we can attest to the better fit. The new Swiftcurrent waders move better, are more comfortable, and feel lighter without feeling flimsier.
Most importantly, with the new Swiftcurrents, Patagonia has quietly (very quietly) done something incredibly notable. It has built a modern, full-featured, high-performance wader using C0 construction. If “C0” doesn’t mean anything to you, you’re not alone. It’s an industry insider term that’s becoming more mainstream because it indicates the use of textiles and other materials that aren’t treated with any PFAS- or PFC-based water repellents. PFAS and PFCs are chemicals that are polluting waterways (and many other things, like the tissues of living organisms such as human beings) the world over, leading to widespread and mounting bans and phase outs.
Patagonia is ahead of the curve here, folks. Big time.
BUY PATAGONIA SWIFTCURRENT WADERS
Orvis Ultralight waders
Orvis’ new all-purpose Ultralight waders sport four layers of breathable nylon making these lightweight offerings a perfectly appropriate choice all year long, even in the winter. The waders also stretch a bit and move with the body, allowing active anglers to rock hop and climb over/under downed trees and such. If you’re a traveling angler, you’ll appreciate the lightweight assets. For anglers who are notoriously tough on their gear, Orvis claims the waders are puncture resistant. That should appeal to anglers who like to scramble down scree slopes, climb over downed wood or fish aggressively on far-flung waters.
Simms G3 Guide Bootfoot Wader
Warmth, warmth, warmth. If you’re a frequent coldwater angler and have yet to experience bootfoot waders, there’s an entirely new world of warmth and comfort waiting for you. We’re not talking about a minor uptick in on-the-water warmth. This is big time. Biiiiiiig time.
Simms’ new G3 Guide Bootfoot wader is the Bozeman-based wader maker’s latest and greatest incarnation of their premium bootfoot offering. If you’re thinking about taking the leap into bootfoot waders for the first time, there’s likely no better place to start. They’re available in both rubber and felt sole versions, too.
WADING BOOTS AND SHOES
Skwala RS Boot and Carbon Boot
Skwala has upset the “balance of power” in fly-fishing soft goods manufacturing over the last half decade, and now, the rising brand is offering wading boots — the RS and the Carbon. This should be a welcome development for consumers who have really only had a handful of quality wading boot options over the last 25 years or so, and it'll be interesting to see how the company’s first footwear product is greeted by anglers.
The RS, Skwala says, is engineered with rugged environments in mind (read: the company says it’s well-built). The Carbon boot features the same general construction, but is “designed with a hiking boot mentality and a wading boot backbone.” If true, the Carbon is ideal boot for wandering creek anglers and anglers who spend a lot of time out of the boat.
Simms G3 Guide BOA boot
With the new G3 Guide BOA boot Simms is introducing its M4 BOA lacing system that thoughtfully gets away from quick-dying boot laces and allows wearers to really tighten their wading boots for a customizable fit. The boot is constructed with a leather upper and synthetic materials and is designed with a Goodyear welt for better support. The boot’s Vibram Idrogrip outsole is a proven performer across brands and is about as good as it gets for felt-free wading. The BOA lacing system is the most notable feature, which allows for easy on and easy off — why more wading boots don’t incorporate the BOA system is one of life’s great mysteries.
Teva Hydratrek close-toed sandal
The effort to match the bulbous and highly functional OGs of this footwear category — Keen’s ubiquitous Newports — continues, and Teva is next up in the challenger’s corner. And, dare we say, these sandals might actually be described as downright handsome. Engineered with a tread that disperses water beneath the wearer’s feet, this rugged sandal is built for the water, but might be just as functional on terra firma. They sport quick-dry materials and a low profile and Spider Rubber outsole for grip.
Korkers Bantam Lite Boots
Korkers’ new Bantam Lite wading boots are built for both the fresh and the salt, and they’re billed as being able to withstand the rugged terrain of both disciplines. Like all Korker boots, they feature the company’s famous interchangeable sole system. They also feature Korkers’ “speed lace” construction with non-corrosive hardware and a fast-drying construction featuring hydrophobic materials that lessen the likelihood of spreading invasive species from watershed to watershed. Korkers’ also built the boots with solid ankle support and excellent cushioning to help with shock absorption. Better yet? As a pair, the boots weigh 2 pounds and 8 ounces. Lightweight, indeed.
Simms Flyweight men’s and women’s boot
Constructed for anglers who like to roam when the fish, Simms continues its line of Flyweight wading boots for both men and women. The Flyweight line has been around for a while now and it has a devoted following amongst anglers who spend as much time on the trail as they do in the water. The new Flyweight boot is, unsurprisingly, the lightest option in Simms’ wading boot lineup. Built with solid foot and ankle support and the proven Vibram outsole and, the latest evolution of the Flyweight boot is definitely worth a look.
Simms Free Salt boot
Simms’ new Free Salt boots are the latest in the company’s saltwater footwear line. They are constructed with corrosion-resistant materials and a durable gum rubber outsole that can handle the harsh, salty environs of the beach, surf, jetty rocks and mucky estuaries. Though the Free Salt boots can be worn without waders, they’re primarily designed to be worn with them — as a saltwater-capable wading boot option able to go where normal wading boots will quickly falter thanks to being built with components that will corrode or otherwise fail to stand up to the challenges introduced by saltwater. These boots are crafted for varied salty environs and anglers who might put in miles on foot in search of everything from striped bass and blues to winter redfish.
Simms Flat sneaker
Simms has improved on its already-impressive Flats Sneaker, reportedly making the quality product more durable and comfortable. That’s a tall order — the existing line is likely the best-known flats sneaker on the market. Claims that the new iteration is better make it worth a look.
APPAREL
Buff booney hat and bucket hat
Buff is launching its new line of hats — a booney hat designed to keep the sun off the face and ears, and a bucket hat that serves much the same purpose, albeit with a different vibe. All of Buff’s sun hats offer 50 SFP protection, and lightweight, breathable construction built to keep the wearer cool. Will you look cool, though? If only enough of us wore wide-brimmed hats 20 or even 30 years ago — we might have steered a few physicians away from dermatology.
Skwala RS Outpost jacket
“Overbuilt” is the claim here, which is the kind of marketer speak that usually throws up red flags. Only, Skwala is one of the few companies out there that can throw around terms like “overbuilt” with a straight face. The RS Outpost jacket aims to be the warmest, most substantial cold weather wading jacket on the market and Skwala put a long development cycle into making it so. On paper, it certainly raises a few eyebrows — packed with almost double the insulation of another jacket (a different Skwala product) we’ve twice lauded for its serious warmth.
Possibly the most intriguing unique feature of the RS Outpost is its pass-through pockets, which are designed to line up directly with the hand-warmer pockets in Skwala’s RS Waders — where theoretically there is much more hand-warming body heat waiting to bring feeling back into your numb hands and fingers.
Orvis men’s PRO fishing jacket
Orvis new men’s PRO fishing jacket is both puncture and abrasion resistant, and made for anglers who fish from boats or from the water. More importantly, the company claims the jacket is built for years of service and that its ergonomic construction is ideal for everything from hiking and scrambling to casting and rowing. It features the usual features anglers have come to expect in their “daily driver” fishing jacket, plus one cool addition: Zip pockets in the armpits that allow anglers to access their waders without having to take the jacket off.
BAGS AND PACKS
Patagonia Stealth pack collection
Patagonia has launched its new line of Stealth packs — the diverse lineup includes a sling, a backpack and two switch packs. The packs are all constructed of water-resistant, recycled ripstop fabric coated with a postindustrial recycled film laminate — it’s all part of Patagonia’s commitment to environmental responsibility. The packs are minimalist and utilitarian (and that’s a good thing) and there are smart ideas incorporated into their construction.
First, the use of magnets on the chest and sling packs is brilliant — it’ll help wearers free up needed hands for knots, fly changes and such while metal nippers and even flies are handily and temporarily stored. Additionally, the smaller packs come with attachment gear necessary to secure them to Patagonia waders or to larger packs. Finally, the sling is ambidextrous, and the switch packs are true to their name — they can be worn as chest packs, hip packs, belt packs and even small sling packs. The lineup looks to be useful and, of course, knowing Patagonia, will be durable and repairable over time.
Simms Headwaters pack collection
Featuring a backpack, sling pack, chest pack and hip pack, Simms’ Headwaters line of on-the-water packs is robust. The company markets the packs as necessities for anglers who want lots of storage for lots of gear on the water, and each Headwaters pack is customizable when it comes to storage solutions. For instance, the backpack features a U-shaped side entry, which allows the wearer to use it as a sling for easier access to gear stored inside. The chest pack features attachment compatibility with the backpack, as well as with any set of Simms waders. The sling pack boasts an ambidextrous shoulder strap design, making it easy to wear the pack over a preferred shoulder.
Sea Run Cases Spey cases
Longer spey and switch rods that break down into four pieces are still too long for most travel duffles. Sea Run’s new Spey travel cases are the answer. Long enough for most cased spey rods (and about as expensive, too), they allow steelhead, sea trout and salmon anglers the same convenience of being able to safely check these rods on planes and avoid any extra headaches on long travels. The hard-sided cases boast three TSA-compliant recessed locks, closed cell, marine-grade foam inner construction, and room for both rods and big spey reels. If you’re a long-rodder who will travel to the ends of the earth for sea-run trout and salmon, this is a product that demands your attention.
ACCESSORIES
Scientific Anglers Launch Pad
For flats anglers and striper anglers who spend hours in the bow of a boat, line management is a wrinkle within the discipline that we’ve all had to learn to deal with. Scientific Anglers hopes to make things a bit easier with its new Launch Pad, a portable “pad” that can be placed on the boat bow to catch fly line as it's either pulled from the reel in preparation for a cast or as it's piled at the feet during a fight or on the retrieve. It’s made from UV resistant silicone (it won’t crack or break under constant sunlight), and its spikes both keep errant fly line from slipping over the deck into the water and from tangling with itself before a big cast.
Comments