# Best Sinking Fly Lines: Getting Flies Down Where Fish Hold Source: https://flyfishnest.com/best/best-sinking-fly-lines 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 Most of the water column is invisible to a floating line. When fish hold deep in lakes, heavy runs, or cold water, a sinking line puts the fly in front of them and keeps it there through the retrieve. The choices are sink-tip lines, which keep a floating running line for easier mending and pickup, and full sinking lines, which fish deeper and straighter. Sink rates, measured in inches per second, determine how deep and how fast. We weighed casting manners with heavy flies, how straight each line tracks to the fly for strike detection, density options, and durability. Sink tips suit river streamer anglers who change water frequently. Full sinkers earn their place in stillwaters and deep, steady flows. If you are new to the category, one moderate sink tip covers more situations than a drawer of specialty densities. ## Picks ### 1. Cortland Full Sinking Type 6 Fly Line - Black 90ft WF7S Our score: 8.4/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) Cortland full sinking Type 6 black 90ft WF7S line, a fast-sinking line for deep lakes and streamers on 7 weight rods. Pros: - Type 6 sink rate gets flies down quickly to deep holding fish - Black color stays low-visibility to wary fish - WF7S spec pairs with 7 weight rods for bass, pike and trout lakes Cons: - Fast sink rate snags easily in shallow or weedy water - 90ft length needs more backing than a longer floating line Details: https://flyfishnest.com/product/B01NAYO9Q3 ### 2. Cortland Full Sinking Type 6 Fly Line - Black 90ft WF8S Our score: 8.4/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) Cortland full sinking Type 6 black 90ft WF8S line, the heavier 8 weight version for deep streamer fishing and salt. Pros: - WF8S sizing matches 8 weight rods for big streamers and strong fish - Type 6 sink rate reaches depth quickly in current or deep lakes - Black finish keeps the line discreet in clear water Cons: - Heavy sinking line is tiring to cast repeatedly - Specialized deep line is not useful for surface or shallow fishing Details: https://flyfishnest.com/product/B01M4OHSFN ### 3. Cortland Streamer Sink Tip 10 Fly Line - Black/Olive 100ft WF5S/F Our score: 8.4/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) Cortland Streamer Sink Tip 10 black/olive 100ft WF5S/F line, a sink tip line for streamers on 5 weight rods. Pros: - Sinking tip with floating running line is easier to mend than full sinkers - WF5S/F spec lets a trout rod fish streamers below the surface - Two-tone black/olive helps separate head and running line visually Cons: - Short sink tip does not reach the depths of a full sinking line - 5 weight size limits it to smaller streamers Details: https://flyfishnest.com/product/B07YDZTW6H ### 4. Scientific Anglers Frequency Full Sinking Type VI Fly Line Our score: 8.3/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10) Scientific Anglers Frequency full sinking Type VI line, a budget-friendly fast sinker from a leading line brand. Pros: - Type VI fast sink rate targets fish holding near the bottom - Frequency series gives Scientific Anglers quality at a lower price - Full sinking design keeps flies deep through the entire retrieve Cons: - Check the line weight before choosing the right size carefully - Fast sinkers hang up on rocks and weeds in shallower water Details: https://flyfishnest.com/product/B01AIQXU6Q ### 5. Cortland 333 Full Sinking Type 3 Fly Line Our score: 8.1/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10) Cortland 333 full sinking Type 3 fly line, an affordable sinking line for fishing streamers at mid-depth in lakes. Pros: - Type 3 sink rate reaches mid-depth fish in lakes and slower rivers - Full sinking design keeps the whole line at a consistent depth - Cortland 333 is a long-running value line series Cons: - Sinking lines are harder to pick up and recast than floaters - Check the line weight option before ordering to match your rod Details: https://flyfishnest.com/product/B075NJQ335 ### 6. Scientific Anglers WetCel Full Sinking Fly Line Sink Type IV Our score: 8.1/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) Scientific Anglers WetCel full sinking Sink Type IV line, a classic mid-to-deep sinking line for lakes and rivers. Pros: - Type IV sink rate sits between mid-depth and very deep lines - WetCel is a long-trusted sinking line name among stillwater anglers - Full sinking profile gives a straighter connection to the fly Cons: - Check the size variant matches your rod before ordering - Sinking lines need a different casting approach that takes practice Details: https://flyfishnest.com/product/B01AIQYEEI ### 7. RIO Mainstream Type 6 Full Sinking Fly Line WF4S6 Black Our score: 8.0/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) RIO Mainstream Type 6 full sinking WF4S6 black line, a light sinking line for small rods fishing deep water. Pros: - WF4S6 lets a light 4 weight rod fish streamers and wet flies deep - Mainstream series offers RIO quality at a value price - Black color is stealthy in clear stillwater Cons: - 4 weight size is too light for heavy streamers or larger rods - Fast sink rate is overkill in shallow creeks Details: https://flyfishnest.com/product/B07YT89QMD As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.