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In this post, I’ll list the best 6wt fly lines and what to look out for when you’re buying.
A 6 wt line is a step up from a 5wt if you plan on targeting bigger trout, bass, carp, and medium-sized snook and stripers. If you want a little extra weight, then this is the one for you.
Table of Contents
So, if you’re looking to move up to something bigger but you aren’t ready to commit to a 7 or an 8 weight, then you’ll probably be hovering comfortably in the 6wt fly line category.
I’ll list some important features of the best 6wt fly line as well as some of my favorites on the market today.
Looking to set up a 6wt kit? Check these out:
When to Use a 6wt Fly Line
Of course, you’ll use your best 6 weight fly line along with your 6 weight rod and 6 weight reel to ensure that you have a well-balanced kit.
If you plan on primarily chasing trout and bass, then a 6wt will be the perfect size for you. It’s right in between, so it’s delicate enough to handle smaller nymphs but strong enough to handle larger streamers and poppers.
With this, you can throw any number of flies with success and have the strength to pull in some of those big brutes. You can easily shoot streams long distances on lakes or flip out a nymph in a run.
Any body of water that holds trout and bass will be perfect for a 6wt. So, below I’ll go more into depth on why a 6wt line is ideal for fishing for these species.
Different 6wt Fly Line Tapers
There are several different types of fly line tapers out there, but I’ll cover the four most popular. Below, I’ll talk more about each of them and what their pros and cons are.
Weight Forward Taper (WF)
The WF taper has a heavier front section that allows for longer and more precise casts while also allowing for great fly turnover. This lets you throw just about whatever you want to throw with great accuracy.
Double Taper (DT)
This is the best fly fishing line for 6 weights for long distances and for delicately placing a fly in the water. The WF is probably a better pick for a 6wt. However, the DT could also be an effective taper as well.
Level Taper (LT)
A level taper doesn’t have any taper to it. It’s just a flat line that goes straight across. Because of this, it’s the cheapest line on the market. It also doesn’t cast as well as a weight forward or a double taper does.
Shooting Taper (ST)
This is a great streamer fishing line. You’re able to cast farther than with a DT of a WF. This way, you can cover more water, which is effective when you’re fishing a body of water you’re not familiar with.
Length of 6 Weight Fly Line
Don’t be too worried about the length of your fly line. Most rolls come with around 100 feet on them. So, unless you plan on targeting some monsters, then you shouldn’t be worried about a fish spooling you.
However, if you plan on targeting big fish, then ensure that there’s enough backing on the reel to make you comfortable. You can either do this yourself or have the guys at the fly shop do it for you when you set up your fly reel.
What Makes a Great 6wt Fly Line?
There are many different features that fly lines can have. Each of these will help you in different scenarios, and below I’ll go over the four most popular.
These will help your fishing in ways you might not have thought of before. So, check out some of the features below and use these when you’re looking for the best 6 weight fly fishing line for you.
Temperature Control
Since the best 6wt lines are so versatile, you’ll have to keep in mind that air and water temperature can affect the line. With fluctuations in these, your line may expand and contract, which can damage its coating and durability.
So, if you’ll be fishing in extremely hot or cold climates, make sure that the line is rated for those varying temperatures.
Floating, Sinking or Sink Tip
A 6wt will allow you to throw all different types of flies. So, you’ll need to take into account what kind of flies you plan on throwing so you can match the line accordingly.
The best floating 6 weight fly line will let you throw dries, nymphs, and streamers to shallow trout and bass. However, sometimes you need to get a little deeper in the water column, and that’s where the best sinking tip 6 weight fly line and best sinking 6 weight fly line will come into play.
Specialty lines
Once you start getting into lines that a 6wt or larger uses, you’ll notice that there are specialty lines out there. These fly lines are made especially for certain species of fish or custom tapers that help cast bigger flies.
So, if you plan on chasing bass primarily, then a bass line is ideal. The same goes for reds, bonefish, or tapers to help you get a longer cast.
Line Color
The line color is important, because when you’re tight line nymphing or throwing dries, you need to see how your floating line is impacted by the current. Or, it can be used as an indicator for a fish biting your fly. So, choose something bright.
However, for throwing a sinking line, you should look for something dark. You don’t want a bright orange sinking line, as that could spook fish.
Best 6wt Fly Line in 2023
Now that you know the features to look out for in a good 6wt fly line, it’s time to look at three of my favorites. These are based on the criteria above as well as my personal preference.
Orvis Hydros Saltwater
The Orvis Hydros Saltwater line was created in order to meet all of the demands of saltwater anglers. There’s a compound taper that was created to land flies of all sizes in different kinds of conditions.
The front taper gives you a light presentation, while the back end gives you loop stability and will allow you to cut through the wind.
Orvis Trout Line Smooth
The Orvis Trout Line Smooth is one of the best 6wt fly fishing lines for trout. The Orvis Smooth 6wt is ideal for chasing big fish.
The 50′ foot line has a very slow taper and a powerful belly. This gives you powerful casting and delicate presentations.
Scientific Anglers Mastery MPX
Similar to the Orvis Smooth, the Scientific Anglers Mastery MPX is one of the best fly lines for a 6wt and a great all-around trout line. Use it for delicate presentations or throwing larger streamers through runs and pools.
This is a half-size heavy, which helps load more effectively. The half-size also helps turn over larger flies.
Conclusion
There are many different 6wt lines, but hopefully now you have a better understanding of them. They’re very versatile and catch all different species.
Now that you have a better understanding, you’ll be more equipped, so go into a store or shop online for them. Head on down to your local fly shop and pick some up!
Some images in this post are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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