Ask MidCurrent: Why and How You Should Clean Your Fly Line

This could be you if your fly line was clean. Image by David Lambroughton

Question: I’ve never really paid much attention to cleaning my fly line. Do I need to? I don’t want to mess up my gear, but I also don’t want to waste time on unnecessary maintenance if it’s not really needed.

Answer: We invest hours of time and oodles of money into selecting the perfect fly rod, reel, flies, and keep all of these tools in tip-top shape. So let’s start this answer with another question, though, of the rhetorical sort: Should we treat our fly line—the item that literally ties it all together—with any less respect than these other essential implements?

We’ll go ahead and answer for the sake of absolute clarity: No. There is no reason not to and bunches of reasons we should. Cleaning your fly line is a crucial aspect of fly fishing equipment maintenance that offers several significant benefits. Bonus—its easy to do.

Extended Lifespan: Save Money in the Long Run

One of the primary advantages of cleaning your fly line is the extended lifespan it provides. A well-maintained fly line can last for several years, saving you money on frequent replacements. By investing a small amount of time in regular cleaning, you can significantly prolong the life of your line, making it a cost-effective practice for anglers of all levels.

Improved Casting: Enhance Your Fishing Experience

Clean lines cast better, allowing for smoother shooting through the rod guides. This improved performance can make a noticeable difference in your casting accuracy and distance. By removing dirt, grime, and other debris that can accumulate on your line, you’ll experience less friction and better overall casting performance, enhancing your fishing experience.

Better Flotation: Keep Your Line on the Surface

For floating lines, regular cleaning helps maintain their hydrophobic properties. Over time, dirt and oils can accumulate on the surface of your line, affecting its ability to float properly. By cleaning your line, you restore its water-repellent qualities, ensuring that it rides high on the water’s surface as intended.

Prevent Rod Damage: Protect Your Investment

Gritty, dirty lines can wear down your rod guides over time. These abrasive particles act like sandpaper, slowly eroding the smooth surface of your guides. By keeping your line clean, you’re not only maintaining the line itself but also protecting your valuable rod from unnecessary wear and tear.

Early Damage Detection: Stay Ahead of Potential Issues

Cleaning your fly line provides an excellent opportunity to inspect it for any signs of damage. As you clean, you can closely examine the line for abrasions, nicks, or cuts that might compromise its performance or integrity. Detecting these issues early allows you to address them promptly, potentially extending the life of your line or helping you decide when it’s time for a replacement.

How Often Should You Clean Your Fly Line?

It depends.

For anglers who fish frequently in relatively clean waters, cleaning your fly line after every 3-5 uses is a good rule of thumb. This schedule helps maintain optimal performance without being overly time-consuming. If you often find yourself fishing in muddy banks, silty water, or algae-rich ponds and lakes, you may need to clean your line more frequently. Consider cleaning every 2-3 trips to prevent the buildup of harmful debris that can affect your line’s performance.

Some dedicated anglers prefer to clean their lines after every trip, ensuring that their equipment is always in top condition. Others may opt for a less frequent schedule, such as cleaning every couple of months. Ultimately, the key is to find a balance that works for you while still maintaining your line’s performance and longevity.

Signs That Your Fly Line Needs Cleaning

Knowing when to clean your fly line is just as important as knowing how to clean it. Here are some telltale signs that indicate it’s time to give your line some attention: You may notice a micro-grit feeling when stripping the line, or floating lines may not float properly in the first 10 feet. The line might retain coil memory more than usual, or you might observe small cracks appearing on the surface. A brittle feeling in the line is also a clear indicator that cleaning is necessary. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to clean your fly line to restore its performance and protect your investment.

The Fly Line Cleaning Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that we’ve established the importance of cleaning your fly line and how often to do it, let’s walk through the cleaning process step by step.

You will need:

• Mild dish soap
• Clean rags
• Warm water
• Sink or bucket
• Line winder (optional, but helpful)

Step 1: Soaking

Begin by filling a sink or bucket with about a gallon of hot water. Add a few drops of mild dish soap, being careful not to overdo it. Strip out all the fly line into loose coils in the water and let it soak for 15-30 minutes or until the water becomes lukewarm. This soaking process helps loosen dirt and grime, making the cleaning process more effective.

Step 2: Cleaning

Take a clean, moistened rag in one hand and draw the fly line from the water through the rag. Apply mild pressure to strip away debris and dirt. You should hear a slight “squeak” as the line passes through your hands, indicating that you’re removing the accumulated grime. Loosely coil the cleaned line on the floor as you work.

Step 3: Drying and Stretching

As you clean each section, gently stretch it to help remove coils and straighten the line. This stretching helps maintain the line’s suppleness and prevents memory coils, which can affect casting performance.

Step 4: Rinsing

After cleaning, rinse the line thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue. This step is crucial to prevent any leftover soap from attracting dirt or affecting the line’s performance.

Step 5: Final Drying

Run the line through a piece of paper towel or a clean, dry cloth, applying mild pressure to ensure the line is completely dry. This final step helps prevent any water spots or residual moisture that could lead to premature aging or damage to your line.

To Dress or Not to Dress: The Line Dressing Debate

There’s some debate in the fly fishing community about using line dressing products. While some anglers swear by them, others prefer to skip this step. Those in favor of dressing argue that it can help lines shoot through guides more easily and may improve flotation for floating lines. On the other hand, critics point out that dressing can collect dirt quickly and may require more frequent cleaning. Many anglers find that clean lines generally perform well without additional dressing.

If you choose to use line dressing, apply it sparingly after cleaning and drying your line. Remember that a little goes a long way, and excessive dressing can attract more dirt and debris.

Additional Tips for Fly Line Care and Maintenance

Store your fly line on the reel when not in use to prevent damage and tangling. Keep the reel and line out of direct sunlight for prolonged periods to avoid UV damage. Avoid exposing the line to extreme heat, such as leaving it in a hot car for extended periods. Be cautious with sunscreen, insect repellent, and other solvents that could damage the line.

When fishing, try to avoid dragging your line through gravel or casting on abrasive surfaces like asphalt. If you notice small cracks or brittleness in your line, cleaning may extend its life, but start planning for a replacement. Invest in quality fly lines, as they tend to last longer with proper care. Consider using a line winder to make the cleaning and dressing process easier and more efficient.

Remember, the key to successful fly line maintenance is consistency. Whether you choose to clean after every trip or on a less frequent schedule, making it a regular part of your fishing routine will help you get the most out of your equipment and improve your angling experience. So, the next time you’re preparing for a fishing trip, take a few extra minutes to clean your fly line—your future self will thank you when you’re out on the water, casting with ease and precision.