Ross Reels: The World's Best Fly Reels Are Made Right Here in Montrose, Colorado
There's a question we get asked a lot at Ed's Fly Shop: "Why do you carry so many Ross Reels?"
The answer is simple. Because they're the best fly reels in the world. And they're made right here in Montrose, Colorado — a few miles from the rivers we guide on every single day.
That's not a marketing line. That's just the truth.
The Montrose Connection
Ross Reels has been handcrafting fly reels in Montrose since 1986. While most fishing gear companies long ago moved production overseas, Ross has stayed right here in western Colorado — machining, assembling, and finishing every reel by hand in their Montrose facility.
When you buy a Ross Reel from Ed's Fly Shop, it was made by people who live in this community, fish these rivers, and take enormous pride in what they build. You can feel that pride in every reel they make — in the smoothness of the drag, the precision of the machining, the quality of the finish.
We're neighbors with Ross Reels. And we couldn't be more proud to carry their full lineup.
The Ross Lineup — Something for Every Angler
Ross makes reels for every type of angler and every type of fishing. Here's a quick breakdown of their core lineup:
Ross Evolution LTX The Evolution LTX is Ross's most popular freshwater reel — a lightweight, large arbor design with a smooth, reliable drag system that handles everything from delicate dry fly fishing to serious streamer work. Available in a range of colors and sizes to match any rod. If you're looking for one reel that does everything beautifully, this is it.
Ross Evolution R The Evolution R is built for anglers who demand the ultimate in performance and refinement. Ross's most technically advanced freshwater reel features a Teflon and stainless drag system that delivers silky smooth stopping power across the full drag range. Built to last a lifetime.
Ross Animas Named after one of Colorado's most beloved rivers, the Animas is Ross's mid-range freshwater reel — delivering premium performance at a more accessible price point. Smooth, reliable, and beautiful. Available in a stunning range of colorways including the Native Series limited editions.
Ross Colorado The Colorado is Ross's tribute to the rivers and landscapes of their home state. A classic large arbor design with Ross's signature drag system in a clean, elegant package. The Rio Grande Cutthroat Special Edition Colorado — serialized to just 495 reels — is one of the most beautiful reels we've ever stocked.
Ross Cimarron The Cimarron is Ross's most affordable reel — and proof that you don't have to spend a fortune to fish a Ross. Built with the same attention to detail as their premium lineup, the Cimarron is an outstanding value for anglers who want Ross quality at an entry-level price.
The Limited Edition Collections — Where Ross Gets Special
Here's where things get really interesting. Ross has a tradition of releasing limited edition reels that go far beyond standard fishing gear — they become collector's items, conversation pieces, and connections to something larger than just catching fish.
The Native Series Three of Colorado's most iconic native trout — the Golden Trout, Brook Trout, and Rainbow Trout — rendered in stunning detail on the face of the Animas reel. Each reel in the Native Series is individually serialized to just 495 units and comes with a Trout Unlimited membership. These aren't just reels. They're works of art that support the conservation of the fish they celebrate.
The Coors Banquet Collection This is our personal favorite story. Ross teamed up with Coors — the iconic Colorado beer brand — to create a collection of limited edition reels that celebrate the deep connection between Colorado's rivers, its culture, and the people who love both. The Coors Banquet Cimarron, Coors Banquet Cimarron Creek, and the legendary Coors Banquet Nipper have become some of the most talked-about items in the fly fishing world.
There's something deeply Colorado about a Ross reel stamped with the Coors Banquet logo. If you fish Colorado rivers and you appreciate things that are authentically, unapologetically from this place — these reels are for you.
The San Miguel Underwood Series Artist Casey Underwood brought his extraordinary vision to three limited edition San Miguel reels — each one a piece of wearable art featuring his distinctive wildlife illustrations. Serialized to just 100 reels each, these are among the rarest and most beautiful reels Ross has ever produced.
The San Miguel 50th Anniversary Celebrating a milestone with the kind of craftsmanship and attention to detail that only Ross can deliver. A collector's item from the day it was made.
Why We're Proud to Be a Ross Dealer
We've been selling Ross Reels since we opened. Not because we had to — because we wanted to. In a world where it's increasingly hard to find gear that's genuinely made in America by people who care about what they're making, Ross Reels is a beacon.
Every time we hand a customer a Ross Reel we get to tell them something that no other fly shop in the country can say quite the same way: this reel was made in our town. By our neighbors. On the same rivers you're about to fish.
That means something to us. We think it means something to you too.
Shop our full Ross Reels collection at edsflyshop.com — including limited edition and special edition reels while supplies last. Free shipping on orders over $50.