The 7 Best River Fishing Rods Of 2024, Tested By CampFireHQ

The Wild Water Fishing Rod is a versatile and robust fly fishing tool. Constructed from IM8 matte black graphite, this 9-foot rod weighs just 4.4 ounces, providing anglers with a lightweight yet durable option. The Western-style cork handle offers a comfortable grip, enhanced by compressed cork and rubber trim rings for added durability.

The accompanying die-cast aluminum fly reel is preinstalled with everything you need, including a 9-foot monofilament leader, making setup quick and easy. Additionally, the package includes a waterproof fly box with nine flies, ensuring you’re well-prepared for any situation on the water. Nevertheless, the rod's medium-fast action may require practice for beginners, but it ultimately provides a rewarding casting experience. 

The Wild Water Fishing Rod is a top choice for anglers seeking a reliable, all-in-one fly fishing package. Ideal for those fishing in diverse environments like streams, rivers, or lakes, this rod is well-suited for catching trout, panfish, or small bass. 

The Moonshine Fishing Rod is a prime example of modern innovation meeting traditional craftsmanship. Made from S2 Glass, this rod is lighter yet stronger than conventional fiberglass, providing a full-flex experience that’s smooth and precise. The slow-action rod is ideal for delicate, close-range casts, with a dynamic tip that responds beautifully to subtle movements.

Moreover, the titanium frame SiC stripping guides and light wire snake guides add to its overall durability and performance. This rod also includes two tip sections, ensuring you have a backup for extended fishing sessions. Nonetheless, the slow-action design may require adjustment for those used to faster rods, but its precise control and responsiveness are well worth the transition. 

The Moonshine Fishing Rod is tailored for the discerning angler who values both performance and style. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting, this rod offers the flexibility and durability needed for various fishing environments. 

The Wakeman Fishing Rod has a comfortable grip handle, reducing hand fatigue and allowing for extended fishing sessions. This feature makes it ideal for longer trips where comfort is key. The 65-inch rod is compact and portable, breaking down into two pieces for easy transport. It comes pre-spooled with a 6lb monofilament line, ensuring you’re ready to fish right out of the box. The rod has durable stainless-steel eyelets and ceramic guides, providing smooth line action.

Besides, the graphite reel seat and single ball-bearing drive add to the rod’s functionality, ensuring a smooth reeling experience. However, the rod’s fiberglass material, while durable, might not be as sensitive as other materials, slightly reducing the feel of light bites. This can be managed by focusing on visual cues or using a more sensitive line for those light-biters.

The Wakeman Fishing Rod is an excellent choice for recreational anglers seeking comfort and convenience. If you’re someone who prefers a rod that requires minimal setup, the Wakeman Fishing Rod is perfect for getting you on the water quickly.

The M MAXIMUMCATCH Fishing Rod excels in delivering delicate presentations in tight, small stream environments. The medium-fast action rod, constructed with IM8 graphite, ensures both strength and sensitivity, offering accurate short-distance casting. The rod’s shorter length, between 6' to 7'6", makes it easy to maneuver in confined spaces, and it’s compact enough to fit in a backpack, making it perfect for adventurous anglers.

This rod is outfitted with high-standard smooth guides, including ceramic stripping guides and hard chrome snake guides, allowing the fly line to glide effortlessly. The pure cork handle and CNC-machined aluminum reel seat add to the rod’s premium feel and improve casting accuracy. However, it would be best if the reel seat could be a little more solid.

The M MAXIMUMCATCH Fishing Rod is designed for the dedicated fly angler who enjoys fishing in small, secluded streams. This rod is ideal if your fishing excursions often take you into untamed areas or if you need a lightweight rod.

The Redington Fishing Rod is a meticulously designed piece of equipment that offers both style and substance. With its moderate action, this rod is perfect for precise, technical spring creek fishing, yet it retains enough power for big river adventures. The lightweight blank reduces fatigue, allowing for extended fishing sessions without discomfort. Its classic design, featuring a dark clay brown blank and rosewood reel seat insert, exudes timeless elegance.

Practical features like custom-machined reel seat components and titanium oxide stripping guides enhance its functionality. Moreover, the rod’s four-piece construction, complete with alignment dots, ensures easy setup and transport. However, while its moderate action is great for precision, it may not offer the fast, high-speed action needed for certain fishing techniques. This rod excels in versatility but may require an adjustment period for those accustomed to faster rods.

This rod is perfect for anglers who value both precision and comfort. For anyone seeking a versatile rod that can handle both small and large water scenarios with ease, the Redington Fishing Rod is an excellent choice.

The Redington Fly Fishing Combos is a comprehensive, ready-to-use package tailored to meet the diverse needs of anglers. The fast-action rod, built with multi-modulus carbon fiber blanks, ensures improved casting accuracy and control, making it suitable for various fishing conditions. Anodized machined aluminum reel seats provide durability and make this combo ideal for all water conditions.

Besides, the laser-etched model reference allows for quick and easy identification. The included durable ID reel, RIO Mainstream fly line, and Cordura tube case with built-in dividers complete this essential package. One minor downside is that this rod is quite stiff and heavy, but it is not a big deal.

This combo is perfect for anglers looking for an all-in-one solution to handle various fishing environments. It offers a great starting point for beginners while also catering to seasoned anglers seeking a dependable backup set.

The Lixada Fishing Rod is equipped with stainless steel construction, providing exceptional durability and long-lasting performance. The automatic feature ensures you never miss a catch, enhancing the fishing experience. Its 3-level adjustable sensitivity tailors the rod to different fishing environments, giving you an edge in various situations.

Furthermore, the glass fiber rod, paired with an engineering plastic reel seat, is convenient and requires no additional accessories. This rod offers superior casting distance and accuracy, thanks to the welded stainless steel guides with ceramic inserts. The ergonomic EVA handle also provides a comfortable, anti-slip grip, allowing extended fishing sessions without discomfort. Nevertheless, its automatic features may require a learning curve, particularly for beginners. However, with some practice, it quickly becomes a reliable tool that enhances the fishing experience.

The Lixada Fishing Rod is an excellent choice for those who value precision and convenience in their fishing gear. Whether fishing in freshwater lakes or rivers, this rod delivers consistent performance. Its ergonomic design makes it suitable for long fishing trips, ensuring comfort.