If you’ve ever balked at how light modern fly reels can be, have started fishing Bamboo and want a more refined, classic look, or have taken to fishing with a 9ft or longer fly rod, (think Euro-nymphing) these reels are worthy of your attention.
Since Ross Reels started in 1973, there has been one model that epitomizes what a Ross Reel is: the San Miguel. It defined the ultimate in class and finesse, and now, over two decades since it was first launched, the classic returns…”
The Abel Nippers are ON SALE! These are nippers for a lifetime. Replaceable jaws and a magnetic system to eliminate faults like a corroded or broken spring. These magnets can also act as a temporary fly dock as you are changing flies. Truly the pinnacle of quality nippers.
Created in Colorado, the Vaya is the perfect reel for trout fishing. Lightweight, a strong 5 disc drag, the quick-change spool, and a gorgeous finish of a hand painted native brown trout. This Vaya is the perfect combination of functionality and beauty which compliments any rod you pair it with.
A great assortment of reels that complement each other wonderfully. Fresh to salt, painted to matte, we have a reel for you.
3) G. Loomis NRX+ Saltwater
The perfect rod for any saltwater application. It’s quick action and stiff midsection allow anglers to cast large flies for the bigger predatory fish or perfectly place a shrimp for a cruising bonefish. Designed to be able to cut through the toughest winds, this will be the only Fly rod you will ever need for saltwater.
Undoubtably the best valued boot on the market. the collaboration between Patagonia and Danner Boots created a lightweight and extremely grippy boot. The perfect boot for both hiking and cruising the flats.
Patagonia’s new and improved wading staff is extremely light weight and has many accessories to make your experience safer and easier on the water. A retractor attaches to the handle, allowing anglers to leave the staff off hand when needed. It also includes a carrying bag for longer hikes and camping. This staff is adjustable so one size fits all.
Patagonia’s wading staff compacts into the bags shown in the center of the table and can be adjusted between 47″ and 55″ in length.
6) Umpqua ZS2 Wader belt
The ZS2 Wader belt can be purchased “Fully Loaded” with a net quiver, water bottle holder, bag and gel floatant holder or can be purchased as a singular belt and be customized to your liking. The belt provides support to the lower back with its padded design and can act as your wading belt.
Throwing big flies has been all the rage for the past few years, and if you’re looking into getting into it this is the perfect line for you. The 26 foot sinking head allows anglers to get their flies down deep even in strong currents. A line like this is very useful for the larger rivers and lakes for trout, bass, and other predatory fish.
Tenkara takes fly fishing and makes it simple. The long, flexible, telescopic rod allows for extreme sensitivity and precision while being compact and storable for the bushwhacking us anglers do. Tenkara is a great way to pick apart the smaller bodies of water and is well worth getting into.
The winter weight fleece oversock was originally designed to help those with packable waders that had the rubber foot, but it has quickly become a necessity for me while winter fishing. The slim fit doesn’t cramp your boots while keeping your feet warm in the cold water and air.
These fleece oversocks are perfect for the snowy days on the water. For those who are not a fair-weather fisherman, these are essential.
10) Ross Animas
The Animas is our standard for a quality fly fishing reel. A strong drag, large arbor, and varying colors to match your rod. Built in Colorado, these reels will meet every expectation an angler has of their reel. Ross has exceptional customer service and warranty extends for the lifetime of the reel.
Likely the last rod out of the “old factory” (Airplane Hanger) in Twin Bridges Montana.
It’s a new 3 piece, 2 tip, hex rod featuring a cigar grip with an uplocking boxelder burl reel seat that needs a good home.
This from R. L. Winston:
The use of bamboo dates to our founding in 1929, when Robert Winther and Lew Stoner began innovating with the material, and eventually patented the hollow-fluting process we still use today. The craftsmanship is legendary. The performance is something every angler should experience. Bamboo is part of Winston’s DNA. Please call us or your nearest dealer for current availability and timeframes. All bamboo rods come with a powder coated aluminum tube and logo rod sock.
The holiday shopping season is here and we’re ready to outfit the angler in your family. We have a great selection of rods and reels from Scott, G. Loomis, Echo, Ross, and Abel. We will be running many ‘In-store Only’ specials. Some of those specials include a free Scott Tumbler with the purchase of any Scott fly rod, a discount on a staff-selected fly line with the purchase of a new reel, or a free staff- selected fly line with the purchase of a rod and reel combo. When you stop by be sure to check out our 50% off rack with some great cold weather clothing for the season. We will also have gift certificates available for merchandise, fly fishing schools, and guide trips. Gift certificates can also be purchased online and mailed directly to you. Happy Holidays from Backwater Angler.
The shop will be open from 10AM till 3PM on Tuesday, November 21, Friday, November 24th and Saturday the 25th from 10 till 3 and he shop will reopen on Monday November 27th.
Please note: We will be closed on Wednesday the 22nd, Thursday the 23rd, and Sunday the 26th.
As stream levels rise and seasons change some streams become a bit more tricky to navigate. The all new Patagonia wading staff is the perfect combination of durability, packability and function all in one. This wading staff is much lighter than traditional wading staffs while maintaining a high level durability. The Patagonia wading staff is completely size customizable.It comes with attached retractor device to keep the staff close when needed but also allows for you to keep your hands free as well. The non-slip foam grip is designed to fit all hands and give you the stability expected from a wading staff. Included is a stuff bag for easy storage and transport. Come by the shop or visit the website to get yours today.
For gear we propose three set-ups you can find in the shop. Our low-price option is the Echo lift kit, which comes in sizes 9 for 4-6 with the echo base reel and a 12-month warranty. The Echo Lift kit will come in at a price of $189.99 making it a great choice for a starter or low-cost rod. Our second suggestion falls into the mid-price range with the Echo Trout 9-foot 5 weight costing $349.99 with a warranty extended through the life of the rod. For your reel and line, we suggest the Lamson Liquid reel ($139.99) and Airflow Universal Taper ($100). In total this kit will cost you $589.98.Echo Trout Fly Rod | BACKWATER ANGLERLamson Liquid – Smoke | BACKWATER ANGLER
Another great mid-price rod is the IMX pro Creek with a price of $570 with lifetime warranty. Its a great smaller river rod with no particular disadvantages and lots of play to the tip making it the perfect rod for the Gunpowder. We suggest a Lamson Remix with this rod ($189) with the Airflow Tactical Taper ($100). In total this setup will cost you around $859. G Loomis IMX Pro Creek | BACKWATER ANGLERlamson remix | Search Results | BACKWATER ANGLER
If you’re looking for something a bit wider ranging, we suggest the NRX + ($915). A stiffer and faster rod from G-Loomis. The rod will work wonders on larger waters such as those found out west and give you easy control over your casts. We would pair this rod with the Abel TR 4/5 (625$) with the Airflow Power Taper ($100) to take advantage of that powerful cast you can get with this rod. this setup will cost you around ($1640) But is an excellent choice for around home and on bigger water. G. Loomis NRX + | BACKWATER ANGLER Abel TR 4/5 in Satin Black | BACKWATER ANGLER
Final suggestion we offer a high price kit featuring a Scott Centric ($945), a handcrafted rod with lifetime warranty. For your reel and line, we suggest an Abel Vaya ($675) and Airflow Power Taper ($129.99) or Airflow Tactical Taper ($100). in total this kit will cost you around $1800 and will last you a lifetime. Scott Centric | BACKWATER ANGLER Abel Vaya 4/5 Satin Black | BACKWATER ANGLER
In other news the gunpowder has entered peak beetle season. Larger foam patterns and stimulators will work all day especially under bushes and overhanging trees. We highly suggest running a dropper setup with any large flies you throw.
This past week I was lucky enough to fish Yellowstone National Park and many of the surrounding waterways. This was my fourth time visiting the park and it was for sure one to remember. After fishing 16 different bodies of water in the area I am sure on what is necessary to have a great trip.
A good pair of waders is key to an enjoyable fishing trip. Leaky, worn, or uncomfortable waders can hinder your maneuverability, create unnecessary wet clothing, and cut your fishing trips short. I have been using the Patagonia Swiftcurrent waders this summer and they provide the perfect balance of comfort, breathability, and durability. Heavy enough to protect you from the cold water and light enough to not be sweating buckets. Even more important are the boots. You need to ensure that your boots are fresh rubber or equipped with studs because the currents, rocks, and algae make for difficult wading on many of the rivers.
Your rod is another major factor to your success while fishing. Depending on the size of the water you’re fishing the rod needs to change. Larger water like the Madison River and many of the lakes a 5 or 6 weight rod is ideal. With larger fish and stronger currents, you need a rod with a little extra backbone to turn the heads of fish. Larger rods also help fight the wind commonly found out on western streams. If you’re looking to fish smaller water like the firehole, gibbon, or water similar to them a 4 or a 5 weight is ideal. Rods like the G. Loomis NRX, Scott Centric, or Echo Trout all have a fast action to battle these tough fish and conditions.
A large Yellowstone Lake Cutthroat caught on an articulated streamer.
The last and possibly most important is your fly selection. From the biggest streamers to the smallest dries, it is important to be prepared for any situation on the water. We can set you up with the perfect assortment of flies for your trips out west and cater them towards the bodies of water you plan on fishing.
Between G. Loomis and Scott Fly rods we have never had a better assortment of saltwater weaponry. From the stiff and fast action NRX + S to the subtle presentation of a Sector we have just what you need for every species of fish you plan on targeting.
The NRX + S is the perfect fast action rod for your bigger flies and tough conditions. The extra stiffness greatly improves your longer casts and help fight the windier conditions. This rod will turn over bigger flies with ease and is great for all sorts of saltwater applications. With the fast action and stiffness, you do lose sensitivity in the close range however the precision is still there.
The Scott lineup includes the Sector, Wave, and Tidal rods ranging from a 7 weight to a 9 weight. These rods provide the most sensitivity a saltwater rod can offer and are perfect for any flats or low tide situation where precision and accuracy is key to an angler’s presentation. The added sensitivity is a drawback for larger flies and heavy winds however the rod will still be effective in these conditions.
A look at our extensive selection of Scientific Angler leaders and tippet.
Through July we are going to be running a sale on Scientific Angler leaders. We will be selling 4 packs for the price of three. This is a great value and helps you stock up on leaders for your summer fishing or trips in the future. The leaders are very high quality and come in a variety of sizes and styles for your needs.
Stop by the shop and stock up on all your fishing necessities.
In the shop we have a wide variety of three weights for all of your small water needs. From fiberglass to Euro style rods, we have all the bases covered.
For the extra small creeks look no further than the Scott F series and Scott G series These rods are both under 8 feet long and provide excellent precision on the water. The F series is the best fiberglass rod we have come across and is perfect for your backcountry fishing as it breaks down to just 18 inches.
If you want something delicate yet sturdy enough to handle larger water the best options are the G. Loomis IMX Pro Creek and NRX+ LP. These rods come in at 7′ 9″ and 8′ 3″ respectively and provide precision like no other. The fast action on the rods help cast in tight areas and will provide the delicacy needed to present a fly in tight conditions while having enough backbone to stand up to larger fish.
With the popularity of Euro nymphying greatly increasing recently, it is important to bring the right gear for the tactic. The 10′ 3 weight shadow II and shadow X from Echo have been spectacular Euro rods for our customers and employees. The extra foot makes an incredible difference in presentation and a very sensitive tip sections allows the user to feel every strike or rock throughout their drift. Despite being a 3weight, these rods can withstand large rivers and turn over large nymph rigs.