Rio Fly Lines are designed with tapers and coatings that help you achieve longer, more accurate casts with less effort, whether you’re working a dry fly on a trout stream or throwing streamers for bass. The lines load your rod properly and turn over leaders cleanly, giving you better control and more effective presentations that put your fly where the fish are.

RIO Fly Fishing: Premier Gold, Skagit, and Saltwater Lines

Subscribe to newsletter

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

Rio Elite Gold Fly Line

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 by Rio

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

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.

Rio Premier Gold Fly Line, Melon/Gray Dun

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 by Rio

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

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.

Rio Creek Fly Fishing Line

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 by Rio

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.

Elite Perception Slick Cast Fly Line by Rio

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.

Rio Premier Bonefish Quickshooter

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 by Rio

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

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.

About brand

FAQ

What does “OutBound” mean and how does it differ from other RIO lines?

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.

Which RIO lines are full sinking types?

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.

Is the RIO Tropical OutBound Short WF9F/I an intermediate line?

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.

Which Scandi line best matches the old RIO Scandi Short 330g?

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.

What are the color codes for MOW and VersiLeader tips?

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.

Can you provide technical data sheets for 15ft tip sink rates?

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.

Which RIO 5-weight floating line is best for a 9ft fast action rod?

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.

How do I use RIO’s T-14/T-17 welded tubing for loop connections?

RIO’s welded tubing can be used two ways:

  1. Permanent method: Heat-shrink and leave tubing on for a smooth, permanent connection
  2. 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

Other products of this brand

Rio Trout Powerflex Plus Leader

Trout Powerflex Plus Leader

Fly Fishing Tippet Head Gate by Rio

Fly Fishing Tippet Head Gate

Fly Fishing Flies Kit Assortment for Saltwater Fishing

Fly Fishing Flies Kit Assortment for Saltwater Fishing

Accessories Leader Wallet

Accessories Leader Wallet