Ross Fly Reel Reviews

Ross Reels has been handcrafting fly reels in Montrose, Colorado since 1973, and that American-made heritage is felt in every piece of the lineup. Ross is known for their precision machining, smooth sealed drag systems, and a build quality that holds up in demanding conditions season after season. Their Evolution LT, Animas, and Colorado series have earned devoted followings among trout anglers who want a reel that feels as good as it performs, and their saltwater-ready frames are built to the same standard. These are reels made by fly fishers, for fly fishers.

Thirty-plus Ross reels tested with hands-on evaluation of drag smoothness, construction quality, and long-term durability across freshwater and saltwater applications. The full breakdown for each model is in the reviews below.