October 15th, 2025
Built for versatility, power, and control, the Compact Switch fly line from Cortland Line Company, is designed to give anglers maximum performance in tight casting situations. Whether you’re working sink tips through coastal steelhead runs or swinging streamers across fast-moving Western rivers, this short, aggressive head delivers loads of punch in a compact footprint. If you fish switch rods and need a Skagit-style head that loads fast, turns over heavy flies, and performs when space is limited, the Compact Switch was built for you.
With a 20-foot head and grain weights ranging from 420 to 600, the Compact Switch covers a wide spectrum of two-handed fishing applications. The line features Cortland’s Shooting Technology coating, a slick finish that reduces friction and increases shootability for effortless distance. From the front-welded loop to the low-stretch core, every detail is crafted to optimize energy transfer and turnover—whether you’re tight-lining a streamer along the bank or driving a sink tip into a deep run. It’s no surprise that this line continues to earn praise from anglers across the U.S., but it all starts in Cortland, New York.
Powerful Design for a Powerful Launch
The magic of the Compact Switch lies in its streamlined design. With its condensed head and short rear taper, it loads fast and delivers power quickly—ideal for Skagit-style casting with limited backcast room. That means you can cast from tight quarters, load deeply into your rod, and confidently turn over heavy sink tips, bulky streamers, or tandem rigs. If you’re used to long-belly Spey lines or traditional floating switch lines, the Compact Switch offers a much shorter, more aggressive feel built for fast-paced fishing.
And thanks to the shooting-style running line, once the head is out of the guides, it launches. Whether you’re stepping into icy runs in the Pacific Northwest or swinging deep pools along the Great Lakes, this line brings the Skagit system's efficiency to switch rods in a clean, user-friendly format. Pair it with your favorite tip and get dialed in fast—even on unfamiliar water.
Trusted Craftsmanship from Cortland Line
At Cortland Line’s headquarters in Cortland, NY, each Compact Switch is built with the company’s century-long commitment to innovation and quality. The team in Cortland, New York, understands what two-handed anglers need because many of them are out fishing with these lines themselves. From advanced coatings to loop integrity, their hands-on approach ensures every spool that ships meets the performance demands of modern fly fishing.
It’s also why the Compact Switch isn’t just a "big water" line. Anglers across North America are using it on steelhead rivers in Oregon, salmon streams in upstate New York, and trout tailwaters in Montana. It handles high water, wind, and tricky angles with ease—while giving you the finesse and loop control required for precise fly placement. If your switch rod is ready for more versatility, the Compact Switch delivers that next level of performance, straight from the heart of fly fishing innovation in Cortland, NY.
