The Cortland Ultralight II Fly Line is a premium, weight-forward floating trout fly line designed for exceptional delicacy, accurate casting, and precise fly presentation. Featuring a refined Triangle Taper, an extended front taper, and a thinner overall diameter, the Ultralight II excels when fishing small dry flies to selective trout in clear, technical water.
Unlike many modern fly lines that are manufactured heavier than their designated line weight, the Cortland Ultralight II features a true-to-line-weight design. This traditional approach provides balanced casting performance, excellent loop control, and the finesse needed to deliver small flies with minimal disturbance to the water's surface.
The Ultralight II is particularly well suited for dry-fly anglers who value accuracy, subtle presentations, and the ability to carry and control longer lengths of fly line. Whether targeting rising trout on technical spring creeks, fishing mayfly hatches on larger rivers, or presenting small dry flies to pressured fish, this line delivers the performance and control that demanding trout fishing requires.
Built with Cortland's advanced Shooting Technology (ST), heat-tempered surface treatment, and a supple braided nylon multifilament core, the Ultralight II combines traditional fly line characteristics with modern materials and coating technology.
Key Features
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True-to-Line-Weight Design: Manufactured to traditional fly line weight standards, delivering balanced casting performance without the additional mass found in many overweighted fly lines.
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Long Front Taper: Provides delicate fly turnover, controlled presentations, and soft landings when fishing smaller dry flies.
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Triangle Taper Profile: Designed for precise loop control, smooth energy transfer, and accurate dry-fly presentations.
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Thin Overall Diameter: Helps minimize surface disturbance when presenting flies to wary or heavily pressured trout.
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Extended Head Length: Features a 40-foot head in 2–3 weights and a 45-foot head in 4–6 weights, providing excellent line control and versatility for longer casts.
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Weight-Forward Floating Design: Ideal for technical dry-fly fishing on rivers, streams, and lakes.
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Shooting Technology (ST): Advanced line coating reduces friction and improves shooting performance for smooth, efficient casting.
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Heat-Tempered Surface Treatment: Incorporates slickness additives while helping resist dirt and oils for consistent line performance.
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Double Welded Loops: Convenient, durable loop connections simplify leader attachment and rigging.
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Braided Nylon Multifilament Core: Offers flexibility and dependable handling in cold to moderate fishing conditions.
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Wide Range of Line Weights: Available in WF2F through WF6F for everything from small-stream trout fishing to technical presentations on larger rivers.
Cortland Ultralight II Fly Line Specifications
| Line Weight | Grain Weight | Head Length | Total Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| WF2F | 80 grains | 40 ft | 80 ft |
| WF3F | 100 grains | 40 ft | 80 ft |
| WF4F | 120 grains | 45 ft | 90 ft |
| WF5F | 140 grains | 45 ft | 90 ft |
| WF6F | 160 grains | 45 ft | 90 ft |
Line Type: Weight-Forward Floating (WF-F)
Taper: Triangle Taper / Long Front Taper
Line Weight Profile: True to Line Size
Core: Braided Nylon Multifilament
Technology: Shooting Technology (ST), Heat-Tempered Surface Treatment, Double Welded Loops
Color: Aqua Green / Dark Green
Water Type: Freshwater
Recommended Water Temperatures: 30°F–70°F
Primary Applications: Technical Dry-Fly Fishing, Small Dry Flies, Delicate Presentations
Target Species: Trout
Designed for Delicate Dry-Fly Presentations
When fishing over selective trout, presentation often matters more than casting distance. The Cortland Ultralight II is engineered for exactly these situations.
Its long front taper progressively transfers casting energy toward the leader, helping turn over smaller flies without the aggressive delivery associated with heavier, more concentrated fly line tapers. This allows anglers to present dry flies naturally, with less disturbance to the water and greater control over the final presentation.
The thin overall diameter further reduces surface disturbance, making the Ultralight II particularly valuable when fishing clear water, slow-moving pools, spring creeks, and heavily pressured trout streams.
For anglers who enjoy traditional dry-fly fishing techniques, longer leaders, and precise presentations, the Ultralight II provides the finesse and line control needed to approach challenging trout confidently.
True-to-Weight Performance and Precise Loop Control
Many contemporary fly lines feature additional weight concentrated toward the front of the head to help load fast-action fly rods quickly. While these designs offer advantages for heavier flies and aggressive casting styles, they are not always ideal for anglers seeking a more controlled, delicate presentation.
The Cortland Ultralight II takes a different approach.
Its true-to-line-weight design and extended taper allow anglers to take advantage of the rod's natural loading characteristics and develop precise, controlled casting loops. The longer head also provides additional versatility when carrying line in the air, making accurate presentations to rising fish at varying distances.
Combined with Cortland's smooth-shooting ST coating and flexible multifilament core, the Ultralight II offers a refined casting experience for anglers who appreciate finesse over brute force.
Premium Cortland Fly Line Technology
The Ultralight II incorporates Cortland's advanced line manufacturing technologies to provide consistent performance throughout a wide range of trout fishing conditions.
The heat-tempered surface treatment incorporates slickness additives and helps resist dirt and oils, while Shooting Technology (ST) reduces surface friction to improve line shooting and casting efficiency. A braided nylon multifilament core provides flexibility and reliable handling in both cold and moderate temperatures.
Double welded loops simplify rigging and provide convenient leader and backing connections.
For trout anglers seeking a premium, true-to-weight floating fly line with exceptional presentation characteristics, the Cortland Ultralight II delivers the precision, finesse, and casting control needed for technical dry-fly fishing.
