The clean mountain air is ripe with the sounds of nature as it stirs among the tree-lined high Sierra shoreline. You've waded knee-deep into the cool water, becoming a fixture within the epic scene around you. You artfully dance your fly across the water while the sun's first rays leak into the valley and enjoy the moment. Time and practice have made you proficient at this style of angling, but no amount of practice can shield your eyes from the sun and harsh glare that's soon to be bouncing off the water. This is where polarized Oakley Fly Fishing sunglasses come in handy. Having the best optics on the lake isn't an unfair advantage. It's a luxury that makes the nature more magnificent, and takes your fishing ability to the next level.
What to Look for in Oakley Fly Fishing Sunglasses
Before talking about our favorite Oakley Fly Fishing sunglasses, let's go over some of the features to look for, as well as the tech that sets them a step above the rest. For the avid fly angler, having the correct tools for the task is important. You study the seasonal hatches and know the exact type of fly to use based on time of day. You may be the type that goes as far as tying their own flies. All that is to say, you're skipping a big part of your fishing kit if you don't have the optimized eyewear.
Frame Technology
O Matter
Good fly fishing frames need to be durable and flexible so they can stand up to the elements and adventures you take them on. Almost every pair of Oakley frames are constructed with their proprietary frame material, O Matter. The nylon-laced composite has just enough flexibility to fit comfortably on long days, while remaining sturdy and durable for back country treks to that secret spot on the river, that only you know about.
Unobtainium
To go along with the frame material is Oakley's Unobtainium™ grip. This proprietary material will stay right in place and gets tackier (more grippy) when it comes in contact with moisture like water or sweat. The last thing you want to deal with, is your frames slipping off while you're on the water, wading through reeds or through a current. With Unobtainium, your frames are less likely to make a bid for freedom like the elusive golden trout on your line.
Stainless Steel Leash
Not all Oakley Fly-fishing sunglasses come with a leash, but a couple of them do. If you've spent time freshwater fishing, you know that you'll inevitably want to slide your frames off from time to time. Having a leash allows you to slip off your sunglasses worry free. You don't need a leash, but it certainly makes life easier out on the water and it's a nice perk to have.
PRIZM Polarized Lens Technology for Fly Fishing
When it comes to finding the right fly fishing lens, Oakley PRIZM Polarized lenses are a great choice. Of course, much like choosing the right fly for the right stream, not every PRIZM Polarized lens will be great for shallow water fishing. A good starting place is the Oakley PRIZM Shallow Water Lens, which is optimized for, you guessed it, shallow water. But there are a few other options that might suit your needs better, so let's run through a few of the other Oakley fly fishing lenses you should consider.
HD Polarized Lenses by Oakley
No one wants to battle glare while they're trying to focus fly fishing. Glare is the source of headaches and prohibits you from seeing below the surface of the water. Oakley HD Polarized lenses block out 99% of reflective glare to reduce eye fatigue. The lenses are made as a single pair so that the polarization axis is centered across the two lenses, which is the secret behind the glare blocking capability in these lenses.
PRIZM Shallow Water Polarized
As we already mentioned, PRIZM Shallow Water is going to be one of the best options for fly fishing. Though Oakley markets all of their PRIZM Polarized lenses as being specific for bright light, the shallow water lenses are better suited for contrast and variable light situations. Along with these perks, Oakley added an Iridium mirror to the rose base of these lenses to further help deflect glare and light. These lenses are pure fishing lenses.
PRIZM Rose Gold Polarized
The PRIZM Sapphire Polarized lenses are also a great choice for fly fishing because of their low visible light transmission (VLT) of 13%. This lens is similar to the 24k in color, though with more of a rose hue as opposed to green. You also get a little bit more light through these lenses.
PRIZM Tungsten Polarized
Bronze lenses are always a solid choice for freshwater fishing and thus, fly fishing as well. The 14% VLT is paired with fantastic contrast that is great for spotting fish below the surface. All of these perks add up to make the PRIZM Tungsten Polarized lenses great for fly fishing.
PRIZM 24k Polarized
If your flyfishing adventures primarily take place in low light settings, the 24k PRIZM Polarized lens is the way to go! Like the Tungsten lens, 24k polarized has a bronze lens base. From our experience, the true hue of the lens is more of a golden yellow color. You get a VLT of 11% and a nice warm contrast that helps pull underwater features and fish into focus.
A final note on Oakley PRIZM Polarized lenses for fly fishing
All of these lenses are going to get the job done, though it's fair to note that not everyone's vision is the same. What you really need to look for, is a polarized, bronze or rose base lens with a somewhat low VLT ranging from 11-20%. If you want a lens on the brighter side, go closer to 20%, if you want maximum shade, closer to 11%. A gray-based PRIZM polarized lens is another option for fly fishing, though the downside here is that gray doesn't illuminate things below the surface the same way that rose or bronze does. For more info on all Oakley PRIZM lenses, check out our blog.
The Best Oakley Sunglasses for Fly Fishing
Oakley Split Shot PRIZM Polarized
Oakley Split Shot in Polished Black with PRIZM Shallow Water
Shop Oakley Split Shot
The Oakley Split Shot is an obvious choice for fly fishing as it is Oakley's flagship fishing frame. The wrap around design with extended side shields gives ample protection from the sun and glare while the sloped brow line of the frame helps avoid making contact with the brim of your hat. Also included is a 20" coated woven steel leash which can be easily detached/reattached. You get an unobtanium nose bridge to help keep these in place when the fight is on, and a comfortable temple wrap to give you a touch more security.
See our complete Split Shot Review.
Oakley Flak 2.0 XL PRIZM Polarized
Oakley Flak 2.0 XL in Polished Black with PRIZM Sapphire Lenses
Shop Oakley Flak 2.0 XL
Most Oakley lists include the Flak 2.0 XL. When it comes to fly fishing, the Flak 2.0 XL makes for a savvy frame. It's low-profile wrap, ample unobtanium grip, and snug fit, are all the things you want in your fly-fishing shades. Add in that you can get just about every PRIZM Polarized lens option ever created in Rx or plano, and you can see why one of the best do-it-all sunglasses around, is on this list.
Learn more in our Flak 2.0 XL review.
Oakley Clifden PRIZM Polarized
Oakley Clifden in Matte Black with PRIZM 24K Polarized Lenses
Shop Oakley Clifden
The Clifden is an adventurers best friend in the back country. The rugged ready design is fitted with a bunch of unique perks such as the easily detachable side and bridge shields and woven steel leash. When it comes to sun and glare protection, the Oakley Clifden gives you all the PRIZM Polarized options you need for fly fishing and glare protection, while the shields keep you protected from all other angles.
- Side shields offer extra coverage where it counts, but also pop out when you want a more casual look
- Detachable Leash allows for worry-free removal of your shades if you need to slip them off to tie on a new fly or lure
- SFW: (134m) Men's medium and Women's Large
Oakley Fly Fishing Sunglasses in Prescription at SportRx!
Need prescription Oakley Fly Fishing Sunglasses? Done. When you shop with us, you’ll find video guides and tooltips throughout the build process as you customize the perfect pair. An answer to all your questions is at your fingertips, and if you want to chat with an expert, Contact Us. We’ll put you in touch with one of our friendly in-house opticians who can help you build your prescription Fly Fishing sunglasses.
Ditch risky online shopping with the See Better Guarantee. Try your Oakley sunglasses for 45 days. If you’re not satisfied, send them back. Get a full refund, exchange, or credit towards a better pair. And return shipping? Covered. Get your pair of prescription Fishing sunglasses at SportRx today!
