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Advantages
Smooth Casting Performance
Rio fly lines are designed to provide an even weight distribution, allowing for better control and accuracy when casting.
Versatility
With a range of options suited for different fishing techniques and environments, Rio fly lines cater to various skill levels and preferences.
Durability
Made with high-quality materials, these lines resist wear and tear, maintaining their performance over time even in harsh conditions.
Choose your fly lines

Elite Gold Fly Line
This all-around fly line handles flies from size 2 to 22 with an ultra-slick coating that makes casting easier and works well across different fishing situations.

Mainstream Trout Fly Line
This double taper floating line is designed for trout fishing with smooth casting performance that works well for average anglers in freshwater streams and lakes.

Premier Gold Fly Line, Moss/Gold
This versatile fly line casts flies from size 2 to 22 with an ultra-slick coating, providing smooth performance for a wide range of freshwater fishing situations.

Premier Gold Fly Line, Melon/Gray Dun
This versatile fly line handles everything from tiny size 22 flies to larger size 2 patterns with a slick coating that shoots through the guides effortlessly.

Elite Gold Fly Line, Moss/Gold/Gray
This all-purpose fly line casts a wide range of fly sizes smoothly thanks to its low-friction finish that glides through rod guides with minimal resistance.

Avid Series Trout Fly Line
This freshwater floating line is designed specifically for trout fishing with a slick coating that helps achieve smooth, accurate casts in streams and lakes.

Creek Fly Fishing Line
This floating trout line features a long back taper for pinpoint accuracy in tight spaces, with a low-stretch core and slick finish for responsive control on smaller waters.

Elite Perception Slick Cast Fly Line
This all-around floating trout line combines a low-stretch core with a smooth casting taper and slick coating for easy presentations in varied fishing conditions.

Mainstream Series Saltwater Fly Line
This braided Dacron backing offers high strength with minimal stretch, ties easily, and runs smoothly off the reel when big fish make long runs.

Premier Bonefish Quickshooter
This saltwater floating line is built for flats fishing with a quick-loading taper that lets wading anglers make fast, accurate casts to cruising bonefish.

Elite Salmon/Steelhead Fly Line
This line features a specialized front taper that handles both roll casts and spey casts with a single-handed rod, making it ideal for swinging flies to salmon and steelhead.

Fly Line Mainstream Bass/Pike/Panfish
This affordable trout line delivers reliable performance for everyday fishing with a taper that handles standard fly presentations across common freshwater situations.
Features
Smooth Casting Performance
Fly lines feature low-friction coatings that glide through rod guides with minimal resistance, allowing for longer casts and better line control. The carefully designed tapers load rods efficiently across different casting styles, making it easier to present flies accurately whether you’re a beginner or seasoned angler.


SlickCoating Technology
Rio’s SlickCast coating creates an ultra-smooth surface that reduces friction as the line passes through the guides, resulting in longer casts with less effort. This durable finish maintains its slickness over time, performing consistently even after repeated use in both fresh and saltwater conditions.
Low-Stretch Core
The low-stretch core in Rio fly lines provides direct connection to your fly, transmitting every strike and allowing for quicker, more powerful hook sets. This responsive core also improves line control during mending and helps you feel what’s happening at the end of your leader in real time.

FAQ
RIO OutBound lines are designed specifically for maximum distance casting and shooting line efficiently through the guides. They feature a low-stretch core (ConnectCore Plus technology), slick hydrophobic coating for reduced friction, and optimized head lengths for long casts. The key differences from standard lines are: longer head designs, enhanced shootability, and construction focused on distance rather than delicate presentations. OutBound lines are ideal for saltwater, steelhead, bass, and any situation where casting distance is a priority.
RIO offers several full sinking line options in their product range, including various sink rates in the InTouch series. Full sinking lines sink uniformly along their entire length, unlike sink-tip lines where only the front section sinks. For specific models and sink rates (Type 3, Type 6, Type 8, etc.), we recommend checking RIO’s current product catalog or contacting them directly, as their lineup and specifications may change. Full sinking lines are excellent for deep water fishing, lakes, and getting flies down to bottom-feeding fish.
Yes, the “/I” designation indicates this is an intermediate (slow-sinking) line. The code breakdown: WF = Weight Forward, 9 = 9-weight, F = Floating body, I = Intermediate tip. This is actually a float/intermediate line where the main body floats and the front section sinks slowly. This configuration is excellent for fishing just below the surface in saltwater or warm freshwater environments where you need subtle depth control.
The 330-grain RIO Scandi Short has been a popular choice for two-handed casting. For current equivalents, look at RIO’s Scandi VersiTip or Scandi Short lines in similar grain weights (320-340 grain range). The exact replacement depends on your rod specifications and casting style. We recommend contacting RIO directly or checking their line recommendation chart with your specific rod weight and length, as their Scandi lineup has evolved and they can provide the most accurate modern equivalent.
RIO uses a color-coding system to identify different sink rates and tip types in their MOW tip system and VersiLeader lines. While we don’t have the complete current color chart, the system typically uses different colors to denote floating, intermediate, and various sinking rates (Type 3, Type 6, etc.). For the most accurate and up-to-date color code reference chart, please visit RIO’s official website or contact their customer service, as they can provide detailed specifications for all current tip options.
For detailed technical specifications including exact sink rates (inches per second), core strengths, and performance data for 15ft tips and other RIO products, please contact RIO directly through their official website. As an unofficial informational site, we don’t have access to proprietary technical data sheets or engineering specifications. RIO’s customer service can provide comprehensive technical documentation for professional guides, serious anglers, and those needing precise performance specifications.
For a 9ft fast action 5-weight rod, consider these RIO options:
- RIO Gold: All-around performance, excellent for dry flies and nymphs
- RIO Elite: Premium option with ultra-slick coating for smooth casting
- RIO Mainstream: Budget-friendly option for recreational fishing
Fast action rods pair well with weight-forward lines that load quickly. The RIO Gold WF5F is often the most versatile choice, offering good turnover and presentation. Your specific casting style and target species may influence the best choice—RIO’s line selector tool on their website can help match lines to your exact rod model.
RIO’s welded tubing can be used two ways:
- Permanent method: Heat-shrink and leave tubing on for a smooth, permanent connection
- Removable method: Heat-shrink, then slide off once cooled for a clean welded loop
For making loops and joining different T-rated lines, the permanent method is recommended—overlap your materials inside the tubing, apply heat until shrunk tight, and leave the tubing on for maximum strength. This creates a smooth transition between line sections. For step-by-step instructions with your specific application, RIO’s website has detailed tutorials, or contact their technical support.
Ask your question
What customers are saying
I’ve been using Rio fly lines for years, and I can honestly say they’ve never let me down. Whether I’m casting in the local streams or going after larger fish in saltwater, these lines give me the control and accuracy I need. The SlickCoating makes a huge difference for smooth casting, even in windy conditions. I wouldn’t trust any other brand for my fly fishing needs.

James Carter
Customer
I’ve been using Rio fly lines for several seasons, and they consistently outperform everything else I’ve tried. The smooth casting and sensitivity are unbeatable, especially when targeting tricky species in tough conditions. Whether it’s a windy day or a delicate presentation, these lines handle it all. They’ve made me a more confident angler.

David Thompson
Customer
Rio fly lines have truly transformed my fishing knowledge. Whether I’m fishing for trout in small streams or chasing larger species in saltwater, these lines always deliver smooth, accurate casts. The low-stretch core really helps with strike detection and hooking fish, and the durability is incomparable. I trust Rio for every fishing trip.

Emily Roberts
Customer
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