Ross Colorado Fly Reel Review

Dec 11, 2023 · 2 min read

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Ross Reels have earned a loyal following over the years, producing legendary reels like the Gunnison, San Miguel, and the Animas. Here, we examine the Ross Colorado, a click-and-pawl reel that redefines old-school technology with a technical spin. Read on to see our thoughts on this gorgeous new reel from Ross.

Weight

As we’d expect from a click-and-pawl, this reel is very lightweight, the 4/5 weighs in at a mere 3.5oz. This would pair well with any ultralight rod for a dynamite small stream outfit.

Drag

Black anodized aluminum Ross Colorado fly reel frame and spool with open skeletal design and central stainless spindle

This is a click-and-pawl reel, so the drag isn’t adjustable. That being said, we noticed that the all-metal external clicker on this Ross Colorado is visibly higher quality than overseas-built componentry.

Sound

Like many clickers, the Ross Colorado produces a satisfying sound on both the incoming and the outgoing retrieve. The two sounds aren’t exactly the same, but they’re very similar, and this might vary slightly from reel to reel.

Spool & Retrieval Rate

Black machined-aluminum Ross Colorado fly reel with bronze engraved drag plate, skeletonized arbor and light wood handle

The Colorado sports a 3.3” diameter, a 0.9” width, and a 2.2” arbor which takes up an impressive 7.8” of line per revolution. This ain’t your granddaddy’s click-n-pawl!

Looks & Ergonomics

Silver Ross Colorado fly reel, machined aluminum large-arbor design with cutouts and brown wooden handle

Concerning aesthetics, the Ross Colorado is a beautiful reel. Its sturdy, aerodynamic design comes in three attractive colors: Matte Black, Matte Platinum, and Colorado Cutt (I’d call it “sunrise”). The backside of the reel also contains a machined silhouette of Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. The Handle is plenty big and is made of a canvas micarta, which remains grippy even when wet.

Warranty

As of 2023, Ross offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty to the original owner.

Price: $375

Conclusion

Overall, the Ross Colorado is a fantastic click-and-pawl reel. Ross did a great job of taking an old-school concept and implementing modern innovations to make a high-performance clicker. With a large arbor, a classic-sounding click, and a techy handle, it would be easy to forget that this is a straightforward reel mechanically. Combine all that with its beautifully crafted appearance, and it makes sense why Ross is asking a hefty retail price of $375 for the Colorado. So while this reel may not fit every budget, we feel it will have a place in the quiver for Ross aficionados, creek junkies, and click-and-pawl connoisseurs alike.

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Pros

Quick line pickup
High-quality, made-in-USA craftsmanship
Lightweight

Cons

Expensive for a click-and-pawl

Written by

Patrick Blackdale

Patrick Blackdale is the Travel Director at Trident Fly Fishing, where he helps anglers turn bucket-list fishing trips into reality. Born in Colorado, Patrick began his career guiding on the Arkansas, Gunnison, and Taylor Rivers, eventually managing a bustling outfitter and fly shop in Almont, CO. With years of experience in fly fishing hospitality and outfitting, Patrick brings a firsthand understanding of what makes a great trip, from setting realistic expectations to clear and punctual communication that keeps everything running smoothly. When he's not planning your next adventure, he's probably out on the water on one of his own.

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