Fly Reels — Abel, Galvan, Hardy, Nautilus, Ross & More

A fly reel holds your line and backing, helps balance your rod, and provides resistance when a fish runs. Stillwater Fly Shop carries reels from Abel, Galvan, Hardy, Nautilus, Ross, Tibor, and Lamson for applications ranging from light trout fishing to saltwater.

Matching Your Reel to Your Rod and Target Species

Start with the manufacturer's line-weight rating, then check reel weight and capacity for your chosen fly line and backing. Light trout setups can use a simple tension system such as the Galvan Brookie's Click-Ball design, while the Ross Animas combines an ultra-large arbor with a composite drag. For steelhead, salmon, and saltwater, choose a reel with suitable backing capacity, corrosion resistance, and drag performance for the fish you target. Check the manufacturer's maintenance instructions for the specific reel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What size fly reel do I need?
Choose a reel rated for your rod and line weight, then check its capacity with your actual line and backing. Reel weight also affects how the outfit balances. A large arbor can help recover line quickly, but capacity and overall fit matter too.

Q: Are expensive fly reels worth it?
Compare the features you need: weight, construction, drag adjustment, backing capacity, corrosion resistance, and service support. Price or drag material alone does not establish how well a reel will suit your fishing. For fish that make long runs, pay particular attention to drag performance and sufficient backing capacity.