Echo Fly Rods

Born and raised in San Fransisco, California, it didn’t take long for Tim’s youth to carry him over to the famed Golden Gate Casting Club. At a young and impressionable age, surrounded by skilled and dedicated casters, Tim quickly began absorbing everything that was happening around him. This interest in proper casting technique and consistent practicing of the skill has helped make Tim the award-winning caster and lifelong angler that he is today, and it also sparked a perpetual curiosity about what makes one rod operate better–or worse–than another. 

Continuing his passion rooted in all things fly fishing, Tim spent years learning the waters around California and Oregon, and in 1973, he was hired by the Fenwick Fly Fishing School in Montana. A deeply involved and in-depth school of fly fishing, Tim helped train the future fly anglers of the globe here for years before he migrated to Alaska to work as a guide. After years spent guiding, Tim furthered his diverse fishing career and created the first fishing camps on Russia’s Kola Peninsula, where he remained until 1994.

Despite living a large and accomplished life up until this point, 1994 was a big year for Tim, and it was the exact time when his years of fishing expertise finally culminated in the world of rod building. Tim took a position with one of the nation’s premium rod manufacturers as their Fly Brand manager and head of engineering. This job allowed Tim to thoughtfully craft fly rods, learn everything about what made them work, and also take some creative design that pushed the envelope of fly rod design. One of the best examples is when he invented the first single-foot guides–a standard component of today’s fly rods, but an ingenious weight-saving invention at that time.  

So after decades spent working various positions in the fishing industry, what was the unconventional approach that Tim took to founding Echo Fly Fishing, you ask? Well, it’s sort of like the story of Isaac Newton sitting under an apple tree one day when an apple fell and konked him on the head, only for him to later connect the dots of that event to formulate the concept of gravity. About eleven years back, Tim slipped in the shower, and like Sir Isaac Newton, konked his head on the bathroom floor pretty badly. While most may nurse their wounds, Tim decided to make lemonade out of lemons and convert that fall into the founding of the company that is Echo Fly Fishing–as Tim puts it: “Sometimes all it takes is a good jolt to the head to get one’s ‘mind right’.” And with that, Tim took the decades of casting, fishing, and rod building experience and began crafting some of the best-quality rods on the market today.

Eleven years later, Echo remains one of the top fly fishing companies on the market. With Tim’s help, Echo manufacturers high-quality fly rods and reels, and their current line of products covers just about every situation you’ll find yourself in as a fly angler. From fiberglass rods made for saltwater scenarios or casting dry flies to two-hand rods to swing up steelhead, Echo has a rod for it all, and in typical Tim Rajeff form, they continue to regularly fine-tune their assortment of rods. This statement directly from Tim describes Echo’s mission perfectly “that engineering spirit drives me. It’s what makes this job so fun, and my passion’s always been finding the best fly rod that matches the people’s casting style, or their fishing style, or trying to achieve more performance; pushing the envelope of product development–finding the new, the next.”

As of 2022, Echo has a wide range of fly rods on the market that spans around thirty different models. From apex predators like GTs and musky to your kid’s first panfish on the fly, Echo has an option for every scenario. 

Prime - A rod designed to make fast shots at quickly cruising fish, Echo’s Prime is a cannon that you can take to nearly any saltwater environment. The lightest weight saltwater rod that Echo’s ever made, their Prime series has a fast-action that handles blustery days with ease while letting you throw anything from a heavy crab to a large articulataed streamer. Made in line weights 8 through 12 in both 4 and 2-piece options, the Prime has an option whether you’re doing light striped bass and bluefish work in New Englad or need a heavier stick to chase tarpon in excess of 100 pounds, and with high-quality componentry like its solid titanium stripping guides with SiC rings and aluminum reel seat, the Prime is a rod you’ll be fishing for years to come.

Available models: 

8’10” 8 weight (2-piece)
8’10” 8 weight (4-piece)
8’10” 9 weight (4-piece)
8’10” 10 weight (2-piece)
8’10”10 weight (4-piece)
8’10” 11 weight (2-piece)
8’10” 11 weight (4-piece)
8’10” 12 weight (4-piece)

Boost Blue - Built for the angler with an aggressive casting stroke that generates maximum line speed and creates a tight loop, the Boost Blue is an excellent rod whether you’re casting flies in a river for lunker peacock bass or casting large poppers at hungry jack crevalle. Strategically designed, the Boost Blue takes inspiration from the build of Echo’s original Boost Salt and improves on it to provide a more lightweight feel with added accuracy and ease of use. Priced at just under $300, the Boost Blue is an excellent choice for pursuing saltwater species that doesn’t break the bank, and with line weights ranging from a 6 all the way to a 12, there’s an option for every predatory fish you’re after.

Available models: 

9’ 6 weight
9’ 7 weight
9’ 8 weight
9’ 9 weight
9’ 10 weight
9’ 11 weight
9’ 12 weight

Ion XL - A do-it-all labor-driven rod built for quality performance, Echo’s Ion XL family is designed to accommodate a wide range of anglers, casting strokes, and skill types while letting you chase anything from freshwater species like trout and bass to heavy-duty saltwater species like albies and bonefish. Made with a medium-fast action, the Ion XL is a great choice for those who want to feel the flex of their rod, while still maintaining a fast enough action to punch into winds and generate high linespeed. The Ion XL is made in line weights 5 through 10, allowing you to pursue both fresh and saltwater species while staying within a modest budget. 

Available models: 

9’ 5 weight
10’ 5 weight
9’ 6 weight
10’ 6 weight
9’ 7 weight
10’ 7 weight
9’ 8 weight
10’ 8 weight
9’ 9 weight
9’ 10 weight

Trip - Just like its name implies, Echo’s Trip is the perfect rod for taking on those long adventures where spaces is limited and there’s no choice other than to bring a fly rod. Breaking down into 8 15” sections and fitting into a rod tube that’s only 18”, the Trip is the perfect tool for things like long backpacking trips packed with rich blue lines, tightly-crammed travel situations, or even resting in the back of a small sedan while en route to the next destination. And although the Trip was made with a compact design, fishing performance isn’t sacrificed. The Trip has a medium-fast action with ample power to cover a range of different conditions and is equipped with quality components. Made in 5, 6, and 8 weight models, the Trip has an option whether you’re padding into a remote section of the Everglades or hitting that high-altitude pond packed with hungry brookies. 

Available models: 

9’ 5 weight
9’ 6 weight
9’ 8 weight

EPR - A stick designed to handle the rough stuff with ease–whether it’s a stiff 20 knot wind, powerful pelagic specie, or a fly that makes your foot-long sandwich look small–Echo’s EPR is rod that you can count on for it all. To build their EPR series of rods, Echo worked with bass and musky-fanatic, Pat Ehlers–setting a high bar for pursuing predators, Pat fine-tuned this series of rods and included thoughtful components like oversized SiC stripper guides, corrosion-proof reel seat, and an ergonomic full wells handle. Blending a fast action tip section with a powerful butt section, this rod is quick to load so you can make fast shots at cruising fish, while still maintaining all of the butt strength that you need to pull on heavy fish. Built in line weights 6 through 12, the EPR is a family of rods that meet all of your predatory needs; from streamer-striking trout to that ticked off GT on a flat, there’s an option for it all with the EPR.

Available models: 

9’ 6 weight
9’ 7 weight
9’ 8 weight
9’9 weight
9’ 10 weight
9’ 11 weight
9’ 12 weight

Musky - Ah, the musky, the “fish of ten thousand casts” that’s downright brutal and demands top-notch fortitude, huge flies, and seriously long days. When you’re pursuing these beasts, Echo makes things just a bit easier with their Musky series of rods. Designed to throw the largest flies, figure-8 like a champ–whether from a boat or on land–and quickly tame heavy fish, the Musky Fly Rod is a must-have for Esox fishermen all over the country. Designed with the help of the midwest’s toughest musky fly anglers, this rod was built with purpose in mind. Featuring two different lengths–an 8’8” and 9’4’--the Musky Rod has an option for the shore angler or someone fishing out of a larger boat where the extra reach is crucial to delivering a proper figure-eight.

Available models: 

8’ 8” 11 weight
9’4” 12 weight

Streamer X - With helpful designing tips from the famous Kelly Galloup, Echo’s Streamer X Rod is about as good as it gets when you’re looking to huck meat and hook predators. For the Streamer X, Kelly created a custom handle that transitions into a powerful butt section and quickly-loading tip. This design makes for excellent accuracy, all of the pulling power you need, and solid casting with a minimal amount of false casts. A lightweight rod that’s designed to cast streamers of all sizes, you can count on Echo’s Streamer X whether you’re dead drifting a Wooly Bugger over steelhead or getting your nocturnal fix of large buttery brown trout. 

Available models: 

9’ 6 weight
9’ 7 weight
9’ 8 weight

Boost - Taking design inspiration from their original Boost series and reducing the weight while adding a more modern action, Echo’s Boost is the perfect tool for the angler looking for accuracy and increased line speed. Built in line weights 4 through 6, the Boost has an option whether you want to drift nymphs through pocket water, place dries in front of rising fish, or strip streamers in front of bass. The Boost is made from an intermediate modulus graphite that’s strong, responsive, and provides solid connectivity while keeping the price affordable. 

Available models: 

8’ 4 weight
9’ 4 weight
9’ 5 weight
9’ 6 weight

Trout - When it comes to fishing for trout, you may end up on a large river, then a trickle of a stream, and then a deep reservoir, and finally, a clear limestone stream…all in the same day. Having a tool that can keep up with those demands is tough, but with their Trout series of rods, Echo has you covered. A design that’s focused on versatility and a range of performance, the Trout series has a fast action and an ultra-sensitive tip. Not only does this design give the power needed to handle inclement weather, but it also protects lightweight tippets when casting over super-picky trout, while catering to that “sweet spot” casting range of 30 to 50 feet. Made in line weights 4 through 6, in various lengths, there’s an option in the Trout family whether you want something for casting dry flies or fishing a sink tip on a deep stretch of water.

Available models: 

8’ 4” 4 weight
9’ 4 weight
9’ 5 weight
9’ 6 weight
9’6” 6 weight

Trout X - Built with the same mindset of versatility found in their Trout series, Echo’s Trout X Fly Rods are ready for any trout situation you find yourself in. Whether you’re casting dry flies over tough risers, rolling nymphs on the bottom, or even stripping streamers back to your feet, the Trout X can stand up to it all. Utilizting Echo’s Variable Sweet Spot technology, this rod was designed to accommodate at nearly any distance, making it an excellent tool for fishing wide rivers where your choice fish may be 55 feet away. With line weights ranging from a 3 to a 6 in various lengths, the Trout X series has an option for whatever environment the adventure leads you to.

Available models: 

7’ 6” 3 weight
8’ 4” 4 weight
9’ 4 weight
9’ 5 weight
9’ 6 weight

Stillwater - Sure, you can fish a stillwater situation with your conventional rod…and, sure, you can probably mow five acres with a pushmower too, but let’s face it, doing either of these sacrifices your efficiency while wasting precious time. You can think of Echo’s Stillwater series as the perfect tool for pursuing trout in ponds, lakes, and reservoirs. Partnering with stillwater-mastermind Pete Erickson, the Stillwater series was made for anything that the stillwater angler faces. The Stillwater is built with the lifting power needed to fish multi-fly rigs nice and deep, while also maintaining an ability to delicately place dry flies in front of cruising risers, making it a truly versatile tool for the angler fishing in ponds more than in a river. 

Available models: 

10’ 5 weight
10’ 6 weight
10’6” 6 weight
10’ 7 weight

Lago - A close cousin to their Stillwater that’s a bit more budget-friendly, Echo’s Lago is designed for the stillwater angler. Thoughtfully crafted for the angler fishing out of a pontoon, boat, or float tube, the Lago features a 10-foot length to prevent you from hitting the water on your back cast. A unique taper and action also works to provide the power you need when fishing deep without sacrificing delicate fly placement when fish are looking up. And although this rod was designed with the stillwater angler in mind, it’s been increasingly popular as a nymphing rod when pursuing large trout or steelhead. 

Available models:

10’ 5 weight
10’ 6 weight
10’ 7 weight

Indicator - Designed to give complete control over your drifts in order to maximixe success, Echo’s Indicator series is a nymph-anglers dream tool. With a powerful lower section, this rod helps to turn over clunky multi-fly rigs packed with lead and an indicator, while lengths in the 9’6” and 10’ category give the reach that you need to hit those faraway pockets with added sensitivity. 

Available models:

9’ 6” 6 weight
10’ 6 weight
10’ 7 weight

Gecko - There’s nothing better than a kid catching their first fish on a fly rod, and with their Gecko family of rods, Echo takes the frustration right out of it. Combining a medium action with a small lower grip, this rod lets your little angler feel the flex in each cast, simplifying the learning curve, while the lower grip lets both hands get put to work. Finished off with a unique look that’s sure to help keep their attention, the Gecko is a solid tool for fishing with the aesthetics to back it up. 

Available models:

7’ 6” 4 weight
7’ 9” 5 weight

Carbon XL - A versatile series of rods for all skill levels that doesn’t break the bank, Echo’s Carbon XL is at home whether you’re casting poppers to smallmouth in a lake or drifting nymphs in front of trout on a freestone stream. Light in hand with a moderate action, the Carbon XL provides solid flex and feel while fishing, and with a range of line weights starting at a 2 and ending with a 6, there’s an option for all freshwater fishing styles. 

Available models:

7’ 3” 2 weight
7’6” 3 weight
8’4” 4 weight
9’ 4 weight
9’ 5 weight
9’ 6 weight 

Lift - Performance meets value with Echo’s Lift series of rods. The Lift is designed as a do-it-all rod that barely costs more than a C-note, and it’s an equally perfect choice for the angler just getting started or someone looking for a reliable backup. Built in a range of line weights, the Lift family begins with a 7’6” 3 weight that’s perfect for light freshwater duty and ends with a 9’ 8 weight–a great choice whether you’re taking that family vacation to the beach and need something to fish or when hitting some tribs for lake run steelhead. 

Available models:

7’ 6” 3 weight
8’ 4 weight
9’ 5 weight
9’ 6 weight
9’ 7 weight
9’ 8 weight

18. Shadow X - While European nymphing can be an incredibly effective way to fish, it requires solid precision and a rod that reliably transfers feel right to your hand, Echo’s Shadow X does all of that and then some. Calling it their “most advanced rod,” the X series lives up to this title and Echo teamed up with the likes of Pete Erickson, Norm Maktima, and Mariusz Wrobewski to dial in this family of rods to perfection. Shaving down the weight by using state-of-the-art high-modulus graphite, the Shadow X is 20% lighter with all of the sensitivity you need to set every strike you get. Built to competition-standards, the Shadow X is an excellent options whether you’re clocking the first beat of the day or are nymphing your home waters. 

Available models:

10’ 2 weight
10’ 3 weight
10’6” 3 weight
11’ 3 weight

19. Shadow II - When you’re looking at a full day’s shift of bouncing the bottom, closely watchin every seam, finding the best pocket, and hitting every run–all without a lunch break–Echo’s Shadow II series has everything that you need to find succes. Built for all of your Euro nymphing needs, the Shadow II utilizes a light build, fast action tip, and reliable taper that provides excellent sensitivity throughout your every drift. Built for performance with a sub $300 pricetag, the Shadow II series of rods is a tool that you can grab anytime you’re looking to feed those nymph-eating hogs. 

Available models:

10’ 2 weight
10’ 3 weight
10’ 6” 4 weight

20. Carbon XL Euro Nymph - Whether you’re a Euro nymphing junkie who needs to try every taper of rod before you settle on “the best one” or you’re just starting out bouncing the bottom, Echo’s Carbon XL Euro Nymph series is sure to leave you impressed. A value-driven tool that doesn’t sacrifice performance, this family of rods is designed with Euro nymphing needs in mind, yet with a versatile construction, you can also rely on it when casting dries during an unexpected afternoon hatch, drifting an indicator, or even hitting the lake after work. Made in a 3 and 4 weight in a 10’ length, the Carbon XL Euro Nymph Rods are ready for everything that comes your way.

Available models:

10’ 3 weight
10’ 4 weight

21. Bad Ass Glass (B.A.G.): Quickshot - When thinking of fiberglass rods, most tend to picture slower actions that don’t always translate into an ability ot make quickshots, Echo’s Bad Ass Glass Quickshot is a series of rods that crushes that theory. Designed to huck large and heavy rigs all day long, while still providing that enjoyable “glass” feel, the BAG Quickshot is a tool that makes you enjoy each day on the water that much more. Ready for use in saltwater or freshwater, you can look at the BAG Quickshot as a reliable tool whether you’re sight fishing bonefish on a flat or sending articulated down river in pursuit of smallmouth bass. 

Available models:

8’ 6 weight
8’ 7 weight
8’ 8 weight
8’ 9 weight
8’ 10 weight

22. River Glass -  You know what’s fun? Casting a fly rod all day and catching a few fish. But do you know what’s really, really fun? Casting a fiberglass rod all day long and catching those same fish. Echo knows this enough to have crafted their River Glass family of rods–an affordable and versatile group of rods that lets you bring that “glass” feel everywhere you go. Starting with a 2 weight and bumping all the way up to a 5 weight, there’s an option in the River Glass series whether you’re looking to cast small Elk Hair Caddis to wild brookies or send larger streamers into a pond for largemouth bass. Built with solid componentry and available in two colors, the River Glass brings performance and style that just doesn’t get old. 

Available models:

6’9” 2 weight
6’9” 3 weight
7’6” 4 weight
8’ 4 weight
8’ 5 weight
8’6” 5 weight

23. Full Spey - The perfect stick for the angler that wants to send their cast all the way across the river and swing the day away, Echo’s Full Spey series is an excellent option for your two-handed needs. Echo’s Full Spey is their “lightest and most advanced two hand series to date,” and with a medium-fast action and solid componentry, it lives up to that tall statement. Made in a 6, 7, and 8 weight, the Full Spey has an option for nearly any line you’re looking to throw or any species you’re after. From the first salmon of the season to, dare we say, swinging up musky on a fast warmwater river, the Full Spey offers versatility in every mission you take it on.

Available models:

13’ 6 weight
13’ 7 weight
13’ 8 weight

24. Compact Spey - Taking their Full Spey series and shrinking it by a foot, Echo’s Compact Spey series of rods is perfect for handling more modern and compact spey lines, while still letting you deliver those longshots across the river. Echo’s  “lightest and most advanced two hand series to date,” the Compact Spey is a joy to work with, and with solid components like an anodized aluminum reel seat and SiC stripping guides, it’s a rod that you’ll have in the lineup for years to come. Whether you need something a littl shorter to hit those narrow sections of the Salmon River or just want something a bit more compact to swing your home river, Echo has you covered with their Compact Spey. 

Available models:

12’ 6 weight
12’ 7 weight
12’ 8 weight

25. Trout Spey - You’ve done it all–caught thousands of fish on nymphs, had blackout days stripping streamers, there aren’t enough days in a decade to mention how my dry fly eats you’ve experienced, but now you’re ready to switch up how you catch trout (or smallmoutn, or pike, or…well, you get it), and Echo has just the tool with their Trout Spey series. Designed to swing wetflies and streamers on your favorite trout river, this family of rods is made to handle a range of two-hand casts and a variety of different line types, and when things get tough and the wind starts to how, this is also a family of rods that you can singlehand cast. Made in a 2, 3, and 4, weight with a medium-fast action, these rods can handle all of the trout water you come across while also being an excellent tool to help the beginning two-hander hone their casting skills. 

Available models:

11’ 2 weight
11’ 3 weight
11’ 4 weight

26. King - There’s nothing like swinging up a fresh salmon, and whether it’s a monster king or a fresh chinook on the Salmon River, Echo’s King has you covered for those explosive runs, unexpected jumps, and hard pulls. A series of rods that was built for tackling the largest beasts of the system, the King features a full 13’ length progressive medium-fast action, and a seriously tough backbone that provides all of the pulling power you need. Combine all of that with reliable components like the TiCH stripping guides, quality cork handle, and anodized aluminum reel seat, and you’ll see exactly why this will be your go-to two-hander anytime monsters are on the docket. 

Available models:

13’ 9 weight
13’ 10 weight

27. TR (Tim Rajeff) - Named after the man himself, Echo’s TR takes everything that Tim Rajeff sees as important in a two-hand stick and applies it to this versatile and purpose-driven series of rods. Whether you’re making touch and go style casts with a dry line or tossing a beefy Skagit head with a dense sink tip, the TR series has an option to handle it all. Made in a variety of lengths and line weights, the TR family of rods accommodates nearly all swinging situations. Want to send wetflies and hook trout in a fast river? The 11’ 3 weight will be perfect. Need a tough rod for freshly run salmon? The 13’6” 8 weight has you covered. A family of rods that does it all, the TR is an excellent choice whether you’re just geting started in the world of two-hand fishing or you need another reliable option to add to the quiver. 

Available models:

11’ 3 weight
11’3” 4 weight
12’6” 6 weight
13’ 7 weight
13’6” 8 weight

28. SR (Switch Rod) - A solid and reliable tool for those of us who don’t like venturing into the 11 foot and up range, Echo’s SR series is driven by versatility and an ability to swing up anything from small trout to large anadromous species. The SR features a fast-action and quality components like hard chrome snake guides and an anodized reel seat that add up to a reliable stick that you can bring to almost any water worth swinging. Whether you’re taking the 3 weight SR to your favorite river to catch trout and bass or want the 7 weight for hitting the Great Lakes tribs, the SR is a rod that you can place confidence in everywhere you take it. 

Available models:

10’ 6” 3 weight
10’6” 4 weight
10’8” 5 weight
10’10” 6 weight 
10’10” 7 weight
10’10” 8 weight

29. Swing - With a clean action that’s equally friendly to the beginner as it is the more experience two-hand angler, Echo’s Swing Rods are a dependable series of rods that you can take almost anywhere. Made with both switch and full Spey options, the Swing is ready for everything from large rivers filled with anadromous fish to tighter areas packed with dense tree cover. Priced under $300, the Swing offers an affordable option for two-handed fishing that doesn’t reduce quality. Whether you’re swinging chunky streamers, casting Bombers and Wogs, or taking the unconventional approach and drifting eggs on the Cat’, the Swing can handle it all with class and ease. 

Available models:

11’ 6” 6 weight
12’6” 6 weight
11’7” 7 weight 
13’ 7 weight
11’8” 8 weight
13’6” 8 weight

30. OHS - Looking to dip your toes into the two-handed world but a little nervous to do so? Well, Echo makes bridging that gap simple and frustration-free with their OHS Rods. This series of rods is super lightweight and includes a removable fighting butt with a 2.5” spey grip for those days when you need to let your casting hand take a rest. With a medium-fast action, the OHS lets you feel your stroke and really hone your cast, while a longer length increases leverage to help you hit those faraway targets. Built in line weights 6 through 8, the OHS lets you tackle just about any run that you come across.

Available models:

10’ 4” 6 weight
10’4” 7 weight
10’4” 8 weight

31. Boost Beach - Fly fishing in the surf is one of the most enjoyable ways to catch fish, but fishing an expansive area like the open ocean can be limited by a single hand rod, which is exactly why Echo created their Boost Beach series–to effortlessly bomb casts in excees of 100’. The Boost Beach was designed to meet all of your surf needs, and whether you’re wading a flat in Cape Cod for striped bass, a beach in San Diego for halibut, or working the trough in Florida for snook, it makes it easy to fish them all. Combining a fast action with a smooth taper, this rod loads with ease, and thanks to its line weights ranging from a 6 all the way to a 9, you get a wide range of grain weight options. Whether you’re dragging the bottom with a crustacean or casting streamers into the blitz that seemed too-far-off with a single-hander, you’re sure to love how easy it is to deliver your flies long distances with the Boost Beach. a