# Best Fly Line Backing: The Insurance Under Your Fly Line Source: https://flyfishnest.com/best/best-fly-line-backing Updated: 2026-09-15 Publisher: Fly Fish Nest. Our score is an editorial rating out of 10 (fit 35%, features 25%, build 20%, value 20%), not a customer rating. Method: https://flyfishnest.com/how-we-research#our-score Backing spends most of its life doing nothing, then decides everything the day a strong fish empties your fly line. It also fills the spool so your line sits on a larger arbor and picks up faster. The choice is between dacron, which is cheap, easy to knot, and standard for trout, and gel-spun polyethylene, which packs far more capacity and strength at the same diameter but costs more and demands care with knots and fingers. We weighed strength ratings, diameter and resulting reel capacity, knot behavior, color options for tracking a running fish, and rot resistance. Twenty-pound dacron covers nearly all freshwater fishing and most anglers should not overthink it. Thirty-pound dacron or gel-spun suits saltwater, spey setups, and small reels that need more capacity than their size suggests. Replace backing when it fades and feels fuzzy, not after a decade of guessing. ## Picks ### 1. RIO Products Dacron Fly Line Backing High-Strength Braided Line 20lb/30lb Multiple Colors and Lengths Our score: 9.2/10 (Fit for the job 10/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10) RIO Products Dacron braided backing in 20lb/30lb with multiple colors and lengths, a dependable backing for any reel size. Pros: - 20lb/30lb options cover trout reels through saltwater setups - Multiple colors and lengths let you match reel capacity easily - Dacron is easy to knot and has low stretch for backing use Cons: - Dacron takes up more spool space than gel spun backing - Right length must be chosen to avoid overfilling the reel Details: https://flyfishnest.com/product/B07T57XX4J ### 2. Cortland Gel Spun Fly Line Backing 300 Yards 30 LB White Our score: 8.8/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10) Cortland gel spun 300 Yards 30 LB white backing, a thin, strong backing for saltwater reels and long running fish. Pros: - Gel spun has a thin diameter so more backing fits on the reel - 300 Yards of 30 LB backing suits saltwater and big game rods - White color is easy to mark and spot on the spool Cons: - Gel spun needs special knots to prevent slipping - Thin line can cut into itself if not wound on tightly Details: https://flyfishnest.com/product/B075QPK3WV ### 3. Scientific Anglers Fly Line Backing Dacron 20 lb Test White 150 yds Our score: 8.6/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10) Scientific Anglers Dacron 20 lb test white backing, 150 yds, a standard trout and bass reel backing. Pros: - 20 lb test is the standard backing strength for trout reels - 150 yds provides plenty to fill most freshwater reels - White color makes it easy to see and mark with line codes Cons: - Not strong enough for big saltwater species that need heavier backing - White backing can show stains and dirt over time Details: https://flyfishnest.com/product/B00U31KPOW ### 4. Maxcatch Braided Fly Line Backing 20lb 100yds Orange with Tapered Leader 9ft 5X 6pcs Our score: 8.6/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10) Maxcatch 20lb 100yds orange braided backing with 6pcs 9ft 5X tapered leaders, a combined rigging bundle for trout reels. Pros: - Includes 6pcs 9ft 5X leaders so the whole reel can be rigged at once - Orange color is highly visible when a fish takes you into the backing - 20lb 100yds backing suits typical trout reels Cons: - Bundle adds leaders you may not need if you already have a supply - Bright orange is less subtle for anglers preferring neutral colors Details: https://flyfishnest.com/product/B09DKXYNQM ### 5. Cortland Micron Fly Line Backing Our score: 7.9/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) Cortland Micron fly line backing, a classic braided backing that many anglers have used for decades. Pros: - Micron is a well-known braided backing with smooth handling - Low stretch keeps a solid connection when fish run - Knots bed down cleanly for secure backing-to-line connections Cons: - Check the backing strength and length before choosing a spool - Takes more space than gel spun for large saltwater reels Details: https://flyfishnest.com/product/B003PY36IQ ### 6. Aventik Dacron Braided Fly Line Backing for Fly Fishing Trout 20LB 100 Yard Blue Our score: 7.8/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10) Aventik Dacron braided 20LB 100 Yard blue backing for trout, a colorful budget backing for freshwater reels. Pros: - Blue color helps spot the backing clearly when a fish runs - 20LB Dacron is a good trout backing strength - 100 Yard spool fits most freshwater reel capacities Cons: - Not enough length or strength for saltwater reels - Colored dye may fade after heavy sun exposure Details: https://flyfishnest.com/product/B0C27YZ37Q ### 7. Maxcatch Braided Fly Line Backing for Fly Fishing 20/30lb 100yards Our score: 7.6/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 9/10) Maxcatch braided backing in 20/30lb, 100yards, a budget backing for anglers setting up new reels. Pros: - 20/30lb options let you choose for trout or bigger fish - 100yards is enough for most trout and bass reels - Maxcatch price keeps rigging costs low for new setups Cons: - 100yards may be short for large saltwater reels - Budget braid can fray sooner than premium Dacron Details: https://flyfishnest.com/product/B07L9V26K8 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.