Fly Lines for Freshwater and Saltwater Fishing
Fly lines are the heart of any fly fishing setup. They determine how your fly casts, how it lands, and how effectively you can present to fish in different water types and conditions. Cortland fly lines are designed around real anglers, real techniques, and real environments so you can fish with confidence.
Designed for rivers, streams, and lakes across a wide range of techniques and conditions.
Built to perform in demanding saltwater environments, from flats to open water.
Fly line basics
Fly lines are specialized weighted lines that supply the mass needed to cast artificial flies. They vary in design based on taper, buoyancy, visibility, and fishing conditions, from delicate freshwater presentations to powerful saltwater shots.
Which Line Should You Choose: Freshwater or Saltwater?
Most anglers start by asking:
- Where do I fish most often?
- What species do I pursue?
- What conditions shape my presentations?
If you fish rivers, creeks, lakes, or tailwaters most of the time, a freshwater line is typically the best match. If you fish flats, surf, or offshore environments, a saltwater line gives you the durability and performance you need. The Cortland Line Selector can help you narrow this down further based on your rod, target species, and technique.
Get Personalized Recommendations
Not sure which series or line weight is right for you? Use the Cortland Line Selector to answer a few simple questions and get tailored recommendations based on where you fish, what species you target, and your rod setup.
FLY LINES FAQ
A fly line is the weighted line that allows you to cast flies effectively. Its design affects presentation, distance, and control in different fishing scenarios.
Different environments demand different performance. Freshwater lines focus on finesse and accuracy. Saltwater lines focus on durability, visibility, and power.
Think about water type, species, rod weight, preferred technique, and typical conditions. These inform the right line type, taper, and sink rate for your needs.
In a pinch, lighter freshwater lines can work in inshore saltwater, but saltwater lines are built to tolerate sun, abrasion, and harsher conditions.