Fly Reels

A fly reel is a line manager first and a fighting tool second — until you hook something that runs, at which point the drag system matters considerably. For most trout fishing on streams and small rivers, a basic large-arbor reel with a click-pawl or light disc drag is entirely sufficient. For larger fish, streamer fishing, or saltwater applications, a fully sealed disc drag with smooth, adjustable pressure is the right investment.

We carry fly reels from Stone Creek Outfitters (Poudre Series, TS2 Mini, and TS2 standard) covering 0-weight through 7-weight applications, alongside Risen Fly and Clouser's Fly Shop reels for anglers seeking value performance. Match your reel to your rod's line weight designation and verify the capacity handles your line and appropriate backing for the fish you're targeting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the drag system on a fly reel matter for trout fishing?

For most small to medium-sized trout on rivers (fish under 18 inches), reel drag matters very little — you'll likely strip line by hand rather than fight fish off the reel. As fish size increases — large trout, steelhead, salmon, or any saltwater species — a smooth, consistent drag becomes critically important. Large fish that make long, fast runs require a disc drag that applies even pressure without sticking or jerking.

What size fly reel do I need for trout?

Match reel size to your rod weight. A size II or III reel handles 3-weight through 5-weight lines with backing for most trout fishing. Larger arbors retrieve line faster, which matters when a fish runs toward you. Choose a reel rated to hold your fly line weight plus at least 50 yards of 20-pound backing for river trout fishing.