I was playing at my home game with some friends and .25, .50 blinds. The normal raise was about four dollars and everyone had a decent amount (60 to 150$) in front of them, I had $140. A loose player in early position (just added on, stack :$120) makes it 3.50 and gets 2 callers I call with J9 and one more player joins making the pot around $14.

The flop reads QJ9
It is checked to me and I fire $8.50 (maybe too small) and am called by the PFR

The turn brings an 8 giving me the J high flush draw and puting a straight out... I check and my opponent bet's 15$ into the $31 pot... I call

River brings the 4 completing my flush, I check ... my opponent bets $30 into the $60 pot....

Is this always a raise?

As played this is always a raise

yes especially with his sizing.

Yep

Alright I thought so, the guy did end up having a10 of course for the nut flush.. thanks for the fast responses. I've never used a poker forum but I'll start now

As played I probably lead river against most btw.

I mostly agree but in this case I knew the player well, and knew he'd either bluff or value bet a straight, and not fold it to a checkraise.