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Is the New Orvis Recon the Best Rod for the Money? Our Thoughts

By
Max Inchausti
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Orvis just announced the newest addition to its fly rod lineup, the redesigned Recon series. Since the release of the first Recon back in 2015, this rod has developed a huge following as a mid-priced, performance-driven fly rod. Now on its third iteration, Orvis is poised to continue this trend with a reasonably priced premium fly rod. Considering the trend of fly rod prices (like the $1700 G. Loomis Asquith), this is especially refreshing to see. Follow along as we break down what options anglers are getting, as well as our first thoughts on one of the new Recon models.

All products featured on Flylords are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Photo courtesy of Orvis.

Orvis Recon Freshwater Fly Rods

Orvis

Recon Fresh

Orvis Recon Fresh
See Here

Tech Specs

The new Recon series is available in two models: freshwater and saltwater. The freshwater series consists of 13 different rod configurations, ranging from small stream brookies (3-wt) to the biggest muskies around (11-wt). In terms of freshwater fly rods, having one model to do it all is a rarity in the fly fishing industry. The freshwater series sports a matte olive blank, with honey accents and premium hardware. Best of all, every rod configuration comes in at the same retail price of $698.

Orvis designed the Recon with inspiration from the Helios. This is not a repurposed Helios blank, but rather a completely new blank based on the tapers of the Helios—regardless, the Recon maintains the signature fast action found in Orvis’ flagship rods. In addition to standard 8’6″ and 9′ industry standard fly rod offerings, Orvis also includes five 10′ models (3-7-wt) and an 8’9″ 8-wt bass model, as well as the 8’9″ 11-wt pike and musky model. The last thing worth noting is that all rods in the Recon series are backed by Orvis’ 25-year no-questions-asked warranty program.

Orvis Recon Saltwater Fly Rods

Orvis

Recon Salt

Orvis Recon Salt
See Here

Tech Specs

The Recon Saltwater fly rods consist of six new offerings, ranging from 9′ 6-wt to 9′ 11-wt. Like the freshwater models, they are also based on Helios technology, creating a fast-action blank designed for the ever-changing conditions of saltwater fly fishing. This series features a matte blue blank finish with light blue accents throughout. Unlike most saltwater fly rod offerings, the Recon does not go up in price. Any model comes in at $698, the exact price of its freshwater counterparts. These models also come with a 25-year warranty.

Our Thoughts on the Recon

Prior to the launch, we were fortunate enough to get our hands on a 9′ 8-wt Recon Salt. Among saltwater fly rods, this configuration is the most versatile, making it the gold standard for saltwater rod testing. For all you trout anglers, stay tuned, a freshwater review is in the works.

We ran the Recon through our standard testing, a day of lawn casting followed by time on the water. This test is two-fold: first, to see how it casts without outside factors like wind, the pressure of a fish coming your way, or someone yelling at you from the poling platform. Second, we get out on the water to see how the rod performs in actual fishing scenarios.

Aesthetics

Photo courtesy of Orvis.

While I haven’t been a fan of Orvis’ aesthetics as of late, the new Recon is definitely a step in the right direction. The matte blue blank, while untraditional, is easy on the eyes and seems right at home in the salt. My only gripe with the aesthetics is the now-signature, glaringly white-wrapped Orvis logo at the bottom of the blank. That said, it’s notably smaller than that of the Helios—hopefully a sign that this design is on its way out.

When it came time to test the Recon on the lawn, the Helios-inspired design immediately became apparent. The rod blank is definitely fast, with plenty of power to launch casts when you need to. However, this rod is no broomstick; the softer tip section creates an overall pleasant, controlled casting stroke. I will say the Recon is definitely heavier than the Helios models, which is to be expected. That said, the weight had no effect on the rod’s swing weight.

The Orvis Recon Salt 9′ 8-wt is an excellent redfish, snook, striper, and bonefish rod.

Fishing the Recon confirmed our lawn testing results. The rod is used for accurate casts at various distances. It also had the needed punch for windy days and throwing larger, weighted flies. Upon hooking a few fish, the Recon had no issues steering them clear of structure and boatside in short order. All in all, the newest iteration of the Recon is built for the demanding needs of saltwater anglers.

The Recon is known as the mid-priced workhorse of the Orvis lineup, and the newest iteration carries that torch. They are fast-action, technique-driven fly rods built for anglers who use and abuse their gear. At $698, for any rod in the lineup, they are also very attainable for a majority of fly fishing anglers. Not to mention, species-specific anglers benefit from several speciality models like the musky stick. Is it a flagship fly rod? No, but it’s not designed to be. What you get is a versatile, yet still premium fly rod that makes sense for the fly fishing community. At a time when rod prices are skyrocketing, it’s reassuring to see Orvis stay in touch with the needs of the average fly anglers.

Skagit River Steelhead Season Not Likely To Open

By
Spencer Durrant
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The late winter and early spring catch-and-release season on the famed Skagit River may not happen in 2026, and not because of too few wild steelhead returning to the river. In fact, the numbers support a limited catch-and-release fishery with no retention of wild fish allowed. Roughly 4,557 wild steelhead are estimated to return to the Skagit, which is above the minimum needed to hold a season.

Instead, the season might not happen due to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) not receiving enough funding.

According to PNW Daily, to hold a season for Puget Sound steelhead, the Endangered Species Act requires state fisheries officials to conduct in-season monitoring that includes creel sampling, population surveys, and real-time run tracking. This ensures the projected wild fish return to the river, and will close the season if too few fish return. It’s one of the many tools fisheries managers can use to help these struggling fish.

But without the funding to conduct that real-time data tracking, WDFW can’t justify opening the Skagit River season. This happened because of budget quirks at Washington’s state legislature. According to NW Sportsman Mag, the budget that was passed last spring (to fund this year’s operations) completely eliminated the potential for a Skagit fishery this winter. To compound the problem, WDFW hasn’t proposed a budget that would allow for a 2027 season, either.

These fisheries are already suffering from the myriad of problems facing wild steelhead in the Pacific Northwest. Changing ocean conditions and habitat degradation have been major culprits, along with dam construction in the latter part of the 20th century. There is some hope in the steelhead community that no 2026 season will be a net gain for the fish, as they won’t be bothered by any anglers. But there is worry that, without sufficient ground-level support, the fishery won’t receive funding in the near future.

Angler Story of the Week: Getting a Two for One

By
Tripp Nazziola
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A Note from Noah (@noahstuddardfishing):

“Winter fishing can be humbling for even the most seasoned anglers. Low water, lethargic fish, and unpredictable weather conditions can all play a role in making winter months on the river a bit less action packed… However – fish do still have to eat!

This time of year, I usually find nymphing to be the most productive method for consistently catching fish. Yes, I know it can be boring, believe me. But when weather may only allow for 3-5 days of decent conditions per month, a fly fisherman will take a tight line where he can get it! Thankfully, this was not a very productive nymphing day. 

After tight-lining the first couple runs of this short beat, and only coming up with one small fish in about 20 minutes – I was ready to put down the nymphing rod… It doesn’t take much. 

I tied on a go-to streamer, and proceeded back to where I started. Within the first few casts, I saw a big flash and felt a solid BUMP… then nothing. “Missed my chance on that one”, I pondered to myself. Torn between leaving him alone for 10 minutes or putting another cast right back on his head, I decided on the latter. 

As lethargic as trout may be this time of year, this predator in particular decided it would be worth his time and energy to go after a decent meal… again. Thankfully, this time he did not miss – nor did I. I scoop him into my net, and kneel down for a closer look. To my astonishment, I am met with TWO sets of eyes peering back at me. One from my fish, and one belonging to his last victim… A phenomenon you most definitely do not see every day! 

No wonder this buck wanted more than a snack today…”

Angler Story of the Week from Noah, be sure to check out his Instagram HERE!

Behind the Lense: Return of the Guide: Jurassic Lake

Why Do Trout Eat Purple Flies?

The Drift: Do We Care Too Much About Fly Rods?

By
Spencer Durrant
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Photo: Courtesy of Peter DeWitt

Last week, I wrote about my close encounter with a highly-collectible rod, the Winston 8’6″ 4-weight BIIt, nicknamed “The Staff of Moses.” I’m still kicking myself for not buying it (despite the $800+ price tag), but hopefully when the next one comes along, I’ll have some extra cash laying around.

In the meantime, I thought a lot about that rod, and fly rods in general. I spent part of last week fishing the final pre-production prototype for a new 9′ 5-weight slated to hit the market in July. Retail will be around $350, and the rod was final except for a color change on the reel seat hardware.

What struck me about that rod was just how effective it was, especially with a heavy nymph rig. Roll casting some split shot, a bobber, and two tungsten-bead nymphs barely made the rod flinch. It’s light, sensitive, and powerful. About my only complaint is the rod’s extremely quick action, but that’s mostly personal preference. Despite what some folks out there claim, fast rods aren’t inherently bad. Fast rods that don’t load well with true-to-weight lines, and that don’t offer any sort of feedback, are awful. But those rods are few and far between these days. There’s a fast-action boogeyman out there, leftover from rods that more closely resembled broomsticks than fishing tools, but in my experience, it’s rare to run into a 5-weight rod that doesn’t offer enough feedback and sensitivity.

Anyways—that prototype I fished with made me really wonder just how much I need a rod like the Staff of Moses. Sure, from a collector’s standpoint, owning something like that is a no-brainer. As a diehard Winston fan, it’s almost a must-have. And having cast it side-by-side with the company’s new Pure 2, it’s still a rod I desperately want.

Fly rods have only improved since the BIIt was released. The cheapest decent rods on the market are leaps and bounds better than the cheap rods I used when learning to fish. A fly fisher today can spend $400 or so on a mid-priced rod and stay fairly happy for the rest of their lives, I reckon. Of course, most of us don’t stop at just one rod, and most anglers I know personally either own, or are saving up for, a flagship rod. Fly fishing is the sort of sport where you end up wanting the best you can get, not because you think it’ll transform how you fish, but because you appreciate what a great fishing and casting tool does for an angler who pays attention. Time your cast right, and the casting feels effortless. Keep the tip tracking straight, and you’re rewarded with uncanny accuracy. The best rods (which are usually the most expensive, but not always) enhance what you do well, and highlight where you need to improve.

It was Tom Morgan who said that a good fishing rod will always be a good rod, and I agree with him wholeheartedly. The going rate for used Winston IM6s is example enough of that. It just feels like fly rods have made such intuitive leaps forward, especially in the last 20 years, that you can find most of what you need without breaking the bank.

As much as I love my Winstons, and enjoy reviewing new rods every year, I’d happily fish with that prototype I used last week. Sure, it was a bit fast for my liking, but it’s light, responsive, powerful, and has a tip soft enough to lay down small dry flies with just the right amount of delicacy. It’s objectively a great fishing tool, even if I’d love a slower casting stroke.

I worry that, if and when I own my own Staff of Moses, I’ll revere it too much as a historical and collectible item to fish it all that often. I worry even more, though, that it won’t live up to the high price tag. My current daily driver rod—a 9′ 5-weight Winston BIIIx—was around $800 brand new, if memory serves correctly. It was the first expensive rod I owned, and I’ve fished it everywhere from Alaska to Arizona. That rod does just about everything I need it to, and I consider that money well spent.

But an $800+ collectible rod—that’s out of warranty, mind you—and really shines when throwing medium-to-small dry flies? That’s my favorite kind of fishing, but I rarely go out for a day with only a box of dries and a 4-weight. It’s too windy here in Wyoming to ever leave the 5 and 6-weights at home.

When that prototype rod I fished last week does everything the Staff of Moses does, sans the classic Winston action, at less than half the price, it’s hard to wrap my mind around why I want one so bad. In today’s era of great fly rods, at just about any price point, it’s especially hard to convince myself I’ll both need, and be happy with, yet another antique.

Then again, I’ve spent almost 2,000 words over the last two weeks about one fly rod, so I reckon that’s all the answer I need to both buying it, and the question posed in the title of this column.

What Current Fly Rods Will Be Collectibles In 20 Years?

By
Spencer Durrant
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Some fly rods end up as more than just another entry in that year’s product catalog. A select few gain a cult following, often retaining their value (and exceeding their original retail price) as the years march on. The venerable Winston IM6 rods are a great example of that, along with the Sage XP, Scott G Series, the original Orvis Seven Eleven, and plenty of others.

These highly-collectible rods probably don’t get fished as much as they should, but we love owning them anyways, because they’re both a snapshot of fly fishing history, and downright fantastic fishing tools.

Are there any rods on the current market that might end up as sought-after as the Winston BIIT 8’6″ 4-weight? Or the Sage LL 380? It’s hard to say for sure, but I think the following list is as good a guess as any.

Orvis H3D 9′ 6-weight

The H3 was groundbreaking in many ways, not the least of which is the NASCAR-style sticker Orvis slapped on these sticks. I personally like the departure from traditional design, even if it’s still polarizing (although it’s telling that Orvis has kept that same theme all these years later).

The H3D series is powerful, built for distance casting and larger flies. The 9′ 6-weight is the most impressive of the bunch (closely followed by the 8-weight), however, because it retains a soft enough tip to still fish dry flies. I’ve used this rod in the Alaskan interior chasing grayling, on rainbow trout streams in southern Alaska, and even on some high-alpine lakes in Utah. It’s not the first rod you’d reach for in those situations, but it has such great line control, and such a wonderfully soft tip, that it does a great job with flies down to about a size 16.

On the flip side, I’ve used it to land sockeye and pink salmon, dolly varden in the surf, cutthroat from Pyramid Lake, and plenty of larger rainbow and brown trout on streamers. This rod is a workhorse, with the backbone and strength to handle large flies and large fish. It’s a rare rod with both power and feel, and it’s now what I reach for first when heading to Alaska.

Sage R8 Classic 8’6″ 5-weight

Photo: Sage Fly Fishing.

Of all the rods I’ve recently fished, the Sage R8 Classic 865 stands out as perhaps the best dry fly rod made in the past decade. It utilizes the latest and greatest in materials and tapers from Sage, but it’s built not for the more modern fast-action we tend to see these days. It’s finely-tuned for dry fly fishing.

The R8 Classic, in the 865 configuration, throws laser-tight loops that are accurate, land softly, and stay together out to 60 feet. For a shorter rod, that’s incredible, and it makes the 865 a true dry fly weapon.

Unlike other dry fly rods, though, the rod doesn’t lack stability or backbone. It’s not going to throw a heavy hopper-dropper rig through the wind as well as other rods, but it has enough power to bring in large fish in heavy current.

Scott Radian 9′ 5-weight

When the Radian released, I think it was Scott who coined the “fast meets feel” phrase that’s been liberally borrowed by other rod manufacturers and gear reviewers alike. It’s a great marketing phrase, but also an accurate way to describe this rod.

I first fished a Radian on a lake, throwing long leaders with multiple flies, and it handled that work effortlessly. On the river, it’s accurate, light, responsive, and everything you’d want a flagship rod to be. That Scott chose to re-issue it for part of the company’s 50th anniversary speaks a lot to the rod’s staying power, and it’s still selling for $800 to $900 on eBay.

Winston Pure 2 8’3″ 4-weight

In picking the most collectible size of the Pure 2 4-weight, I opted for the 8’3″ instead of the 7’9″ because, while both are sweet, the extra bit of reach I get from the 8’3″ makes the rod slightly more versatile for fishing pocket water, or reaching out at greater distances for rising trout.

You can’t go wrong with either, as any of the Pure 2 models I’ve fished are among the best rods to ever come out of Twin Bridges, Montana. Winston knocked it out of the park with this rod series, building something that evokes the lovely light, crisp action of their vaunted IM6 sticks, but with modern stability and tapers that give the rod an edge against the wind, at distance, or when stalking picky trout.

The Pure 2 is definitely a dry fly rod. If I was spending the day on a spring creek, or tossing flies to high-mountain trout, it’d be among the first rods I reach for. Outside of that, it’s not the best with dry-dropper rigs, although it has enough power to coax larger trout to the net.

Montana Brothers Rodworks 9′ 4-weight M

The 904M from Montanan Brothers Rodworks is the best four-weight you’ve never heard of. These rods are built by two brothers from Bozeman, who run the company as a hobby. Their rods aren’t cheap (retail is $975) and they’re built to order, with wait times up to 8 months. Currently, they’re not taking orders for 2026 anymore, either.

I was lucky enough to get a rod a few years ago, and it’s become a go-to stick for me. These three-piece rods are wonderfully slow and relaxed, but the blanks are stable, accurate, and incredibly light. They cast almost effortlessly, and love true-to-weight lines in both double taper and weight-forward configurations.

These rods were designed and optimized for the style of fishing done in Yellowstone National Park, and its surrounding streams. The rod matches it perfectly, handling all sorts of fly sizes and fish with ease. It’s not the rod I’d reach for when throwing heavier rigs, but even in the wind, it holds its own.

What do you think? Are there any other more modern rods that should be included on this list of potential collectibles? Let us know in the comments!

National Wildlife Refuge, Fish Hatchery System Under Review

By
Spencer Durrant
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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) director Brian Nesvik recently ordered the National Wildlife Refuge System and National Fish Hatchery System to complete a “comprehensive review” in order to find refuges or hatcheries “established for a purpose that no longer aligns with the mission.”

Nesvik, the former Wyoming Fish & Game Director, also ordered both refuges and hatcheries to review their current funding and workforce resources. These moves have sparked concern in the conservation and outdoors community that wildlife refuge lands, and even fish hatcheries, may be on the chopping block in the coming months.

Maggie Hudlow reports that the timing of this order “speaks volumes about its intentions.” She goes on to detail that a complete summary of organizational changes for the refuge and hatchery systems were due January 5, but the order wasn’t issued until the week before Christmas. Hudlow says that “the quick timeline may suggest that the administration has refuges picked out for closure or overhaul.”

Nesvik was asked point-blank whether this was a move to dispose of public lands, to which he replied, “The intention for this order is in no way trying to find lands to sell off. In any way.”

However, that still has some in the fishing and hunting community concerned after a recent initiative published by Doug Burgum, Secretary of the Interior. Burgum has directed all departments within the Interior to expand hunting and fishing access, which may mean changing existing laws and regulations on national wildlife refuges.

The Center for Biological Diversity responded, telling Politico that the review is “insidious.”

But Ashley Nunes, public lands policy specialist with the Center for Biological Diversity, called the review “insidious.”

Nunes told Politico “The Fish and Wildlife Service has already fired scientific experts and undermined the agency’s ability to protect our country’s wildlife — and now Mr. Nesvik is looking for more pretext to shutter Refuge and Hatchery operations.”

Ross Reels Release Newest Limited Edition Coors Light Reel Supporting TU

By
Max Inchausti
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Ross Reels has been paving the way for collab reels with its Coors Banquet series. As of today, another reel joins the family, this time sporting Coors Light styling (and yes, the mountains are blue. This collaboration, in partnership with Coors Brewing, brings to life the Coors Banquet Cimarron reel, Coors Banquet Airlite fly rod, and Coors Light Cimarron LT reel. In addition, both brands have partnered with Trout Unlimited, contributing $100,000 dollars to the Embrace A Stream program. For more information on this collaboration, view the full press release below.

From Ross Reels:

Montrose, CO, Jan. 15, 2026 — In the continued evolution of a partnership rooted in Colorado heritage, Rocky Mountain fly fishing, and a shared commitment to conservation, Ross Reels and Coors are proud to introduce a new limited-edition collection that brings together iconic design, industry-first innovation, and meaningful support for Western rivers.

Building on the success of previous collaborations, the latest Ross × Coors release includes the Coors Banquet Cimarron Creek reel, the Coors Banquet Airlite Aspire 905 fly rod, and—following strong demand from anglers—the addition of the Coors Light Cimarron LT reel.

Once again, Ross Reels and Coors will contribute up to a combined $100,000 to Trout Unlimited, marking the third year of the partnership and bringing total conservation support to up to $300,000 through Trout Unlimited’s Embrace A Stream grant program. These funds directly support on-the-ground volunteer-led river restoration and protection efforts.

“Rocky Mountain water is central to how we brew and to Coors’ story,” said Candace Hancock, Field Marketing Manager at Molson Coors. “It’s also why this partnership with Ross Reels and Trout Unlimited matters so much to us. Together, we’re creating products that celebrate Colorado and give back to the rivers and fisheries that make the West such a special place to fish.”

Through Trout Unlimited’s Embrace A Stream program, the Ross Reels × Coors partnership has been supporting conservation work across four Western river systems: Clear Creek in Colorado, the Big Hole River in Montana, the Provo River in Utah, and La Barge in Wyoming. Restoration projects on Clear Creek and La Barge have already been completed, with additional work planned or underway on the remaining rivers.

“Embrace A Stream helps anglers give where they fish and be champions for the rivers and streams they love,” said Jeff Yates, Senior Director of Engagement at Trout Unlimited. “This partnership, and this kind of sustained, multi-year support is essential to TU’s mission to care for and recover rivers across the country for the benefit of the fish and communities that depend on them.”

The Coors Banquet Cimarron Creek reel anchors the collection with a return to simplicity and feel. Designed, machined, and finished in Montrose, Colorado, the lightweight click-pawl reel features Ross’s patent-pending CERANO ceramic-based coating process, delivering enhanced durability and a distinctive Banquet-inspired finish. Each reel is individually serialized, marking it as a unique piece of the collaboration’s history.

New to the lineup, the Coors Light Cimarron LT reel introduces Ross’s industry-first, patent-pending ThermoChromic process, which uses temperature-responsive pigments to shift the reel’s mountain graphics to blue when temperatures drop below 70 degrees. The visual change provides a simple cue tied to safer fishing conditions for trout. Built on the Cimarron LT platform, the reel pairs lightweight performance with a smooth composite-disc drag.

Rounding out the collection, the Coors Banquet Airlite Aspire 905 fly rod delivers a versatile, all-around option designed for everyday trout fishing. The 9-foot, 5-weight rod offers smooth, balanced performance across a wide range of water and includes a custom Coors Banquet combo rod case, creating a clean, travel-ready setup designed to pair seamlessly with the Cimarron Creek reel.

The Ross × Coors collection launches Jan. 15, 2026, with select models and sizes available via pre-order, followed by additional product releases rolling out through early 2026. The collection will be available at rossreels.com and through select specialty fly shops.

ABOUT ROSS REELS

Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Montrose, Colorado, Ross Reels is a premier manufacturer of high-performance fly fishing reels and accessories. With a legacy of craftsmanship and innovation, Ross Reels has become a trusted name among anglers worldwide. Each reel is meticulously designed, engineered, and handcrafted in Colorado to deliver unparalleled performance, durability, and aesthetic appeal. As a Certified B Corporation and part of the Mayfly Outdoors family, Ross Reels is dedicated to conservation, sustainability, and the long-term stewardship of the natural environments that inspire the sport. For more information, visit rossreels.com.

ABOUT MOLSON COORS BEVERAGE COMPANY

For more than two centuries, Molson Coors has brewed beverages that unite people for all life’s moments. From Coors Light, Miller Lite, Molson Canadian, Carling, Madrí Excepcional and Staropramen to Coors Banquet, Blue Moon Belgian White, Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy, Vizzy Hard Seltzer, Topo Chico Hard Seltzer, Simply Spiked Lemonade, ZOA Energy, Blue Run Spirits, Creemore Springs and more, Molson Coors produces some of the most beloved and iconic brands in the beverage industry. While the company’s history is rooted in beer, Molson Coors offers a modern portfolio that expands beyond the beer aisle with energy drinks, bottled spirits, ready-to-drink cocktails, cider and more. To learn more about Molson Coors Beverage Company, visit molsoncoors.com.

ABOUT TROUT UNLIMITED

Trout Unlimited is the nation’s leading conservation organization working to care for and recover rivers and streams and their trout and salmon populations. We bring people together across the country to be champions for their rivers and help make our water cleaner and our communities healthier. Founded by a small band of Michigan anglers in 1959, we have grown into a national organization with more than 350 staff, 400 chapters, and 300,000 members and supporters. We bring science-driven restoration know-how, state and national policy muscle, and local volunteer energy to bear on behalf of clean water, healthy trout and salmon, and thriving communities.

2026 F3T Behind the Lens: Return of the Guide: Jurassic Lake

By
Tripp Nazziola
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Image courtesy of Will Phelps.

For this Behind the Lens, we sit down with RA Beattie and Will Phelps to dig into Return of the Guide: Jurassic Lake. The film follows Erik Argotti back to Lago Strobel, the rugged Patagonian fishery he once helped shape. Through his return, the team uncovers the history, emotion, and mystique behind one of the world’s most prolific trout waters. Here’s how they told the story, and what it took to film in such a raw, remote place.

Flylords: To start things off, could you give me a brief overview of the film “Return of the Guide: Jurassic Lake”?
Image courtesy of Will Phelps.

RA Beattie: Return of the Guide follows former fly-fishing guide Erik Argotti as he returns to Lago Strobel (“Jurassic Lake”) — a place he helped pioneer more than a decade ago. Through Erik’s perspective, we explore the history of this fishery, its misunderstood ecology, and what it means to revisit a place that shaped you during a defining chapter of your life.

Will Phelps: The film is about the history of the rainbow trout fishery in Lago Strobel in
Patagonia, Argentina. It encompasses how the fishery came to be and the story
of a couple of guys who crossed paths and became great friends through fly
fishing there. One of them now returns, after a decade away.

 

Flylords: What was the moment or idea that sparked Return of the Guide: Jurassic
Lake? Why tell this story now?

RA Beattie: Nick Reygaert from the film tour suggested the idea initially, so we looked into it. In the fly-fishing world, Jurassic Lake has become legend—reduced to size statistics and highlight-reel moments. When we learned Erik hadn’t been back since the early years of guiding there, we recognized a unique narrative: the emotional pull of return. We are not super interested in films that shamelessly promote lodges, but this felt like a great opportunity to tell a real story about a cool place.

 

Flylords: The core message centers on returning to a place that shaped you. What drew you to Erik’s story specifically as the lens for this return narrative?
Image courtesy of Will Phelps.

RA Beattie: Guides carry these fisheries on their backs—long days in harsh conditions, sacrificing sleep and personal goals so clients can live out their dreams. Erik embodies that reality. He’s walked this shoreline in wind that tears you sideways and sees the fishery with a depth only earned through labor. His return lets us explore how people evolve — and how the places that once defined us evolve too.

 

Flylords: What surprised you most about Erik’s experience stepping back into this
landscape after years away?
Image courtesy of Will Phelps.

RA Beattie: His calm. He wasn’t chasing the biggest rainbow or rushing to count eats. He savored it — sipping mate, laughing with old friends, choosing dries and mouse patterns even when he could have been stacking numbers. Watching him fish for joy rather than validation was incredibly moving.

Will Phelps: I was surprised by Erik’s calm demeanor. He wasn’t chomping at the bit to catch a giant rainbow. He caught a fish or two, had a mate, joked around with Martin
and Lucho, and fished the way he wanted to. It was about getting one on a dry or
on a mouse, not about catching the biggest or the most fish.

Flylords: You emphasize complete fishing sequences over highlight-reel moments. What does that add to the viewer’s experience?

Image courtesy of Will Phelps.

RA Beattie: Authenticity. Most films show only the glory — but real fishing is a story: the setup, the adjustments, the misses, the doubt, the teamwork. Full sequences let viewers feel the decisions and witness the human side of angling — the emotions that bead up between the casts.

Will Phelps: This gives the viewer a closer look at the reality of what is happening on screen. Real emotion when Erik loses a big fish or hooks one on a mouse. We get to listen in on his deep conversations with Martin as they walk the shoreline.

Flylords: Jurassic Lake has become legendary in fly-fishing culture. From your
perspective, what do most anglers misunderstand about this fishery?
Image courtesy of Will Phelps.

RA Beattie: The reputation is “easy giant trout,” but the reality is raw and humbling. The same violent wind that rips hats into next week is literally why the fishery exists — oxygenating the lake and driving its productivity. If you choose to challenge yourself — on top, on foot, in conditions only Patagonia can deliver — it’ll test your resilience as much as your rig.

Will Phelps: It is often misunderstood as super-easy fishing. The weather can change at any moment, and the harsh winds and conditions can make the fishing utterly
challenging. Even with good conditions, you can make the fishing quite
challenging by tying on a dry fly or a mouse.

 

Flylords: For anglers who only know Jurassic Lake as “where the giant rainbows live,” what ecological factors did you feel were most important to highlight?
Image courtesy of Will Phelps.

Will Phelps: It is important to note that the lake produces giant fish for several reasons. The wind, although challenging to fish in, is important for stirring the lake’s surface
and oxygenating its waters. The lake has no outlet, so the water that enters exits
by evaporation. The river that feeds the lake, the Barrancoso, is essentially a
bottleneck for spawning fish. The high gradient limits the number of fish that
reach the upper reaches of the river, thereby limiting the fish’s spawning habitat.
Without this effect, more fish would spawn, increasing the population of fish, and
perhaps lowering the average size of each fish. There is also an insane amount
of scuds that live around the rocky shoreline. Fish gorge on these scuds.

 

Flylords: What conversations do you hope this film sparks within the angling
community?

RA Beattie: We hope anglers ask themselves: When opportunity is endless… why do I choose the way I fish? Is it about the biggest fish? The most likes? Or is it about connection, challenge, and story? We want people to think about motivation — to choose meaning over measurement.

Will Phelps: I hope this film sparks a conversation about fishing in a way that speaks to you as an angler. When you’re faced with hundreds of large fish willing to eat a fly, what are you going to tie on? Are you going to try and catch every single one of
them? Or the biggest for the ‘gram? Or are you just going to observe them all
and enjoy the spectacle? What truly motivates you as an angler?

 

Flylords: Is there anything else you would like to tell us about this film?

RA Beattie: This is a film about work, weather, resilience, and the way certain places shape who we become. Erik isn’t going back to relive the past. He’s going back to understand it. Jurassic Lake forged the guide he once was. Now he returns as a different man — ready to see what changed, and what didn’t.

Biologists Report Trouble For Trout In Blue River

By
Spencer Durrant
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Photo: Courtesy of Colorado Parks & Wildlife.

Colorado’s Blue River is back in the news, this time with scientific data to accentuate the challenges trout are facing within the stretch of river near Kremmling. Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) recently completed trout sampling efforts within the Jurassic Park stretch of the Blue, which flows through the Blue Valley Ranch. Ranch owners have long fed and stocked huge trout in the section of river that flows through their land, in addition to building new structures designed to create optimal habitat for jumbo trout.

The issues those manmade alterations to the Blue present anglers are well-documented here, but of particular note to anglers is the CPW data on falling trout populations and overall health problems affecting trout.

The CPW report says that, in the fall of 2018, brown trout comprised 98% of the river’s biomass. By spring of 2023, brown trout only made up 55% of the biomass, with rainbow trout responsible for the other 45%. More alarming is that “all Rainbow Trout captured in these surveys were heavily infected with gill lice parasites,” according to the report.

Photo: Courtesy of Colorado Parks & Wildlife.

The report also details how many of the fish caught had fish pellets in their stomachs, and showed signs of heavily relying on artificial food.

“The apparent association between fed fish and heavy gill lice infestation on this reach is a  major concern regarding the health of this fishery as well as the Colorado River in Grand County. Fish feeding has the potential to negatively affect both the brown trout and rainbow trout populations by overcrowding and spreading disease.”

Photo: Courtesy of Colorado Parks & Wildlife.

Too many trout concentrated in a river that can’t support that many fish naturally will spread disease and cause problems for a fishery. CPW reports that gill lice are a “highly visible indicator of conditions that have the potential to foster and proliferate other parasites or communicable diseases which may not be as obvious or detectable.”

These disease-riddled fish also have easy access to the Gold Medal reaches of the Colorado River, which adds further concern for CPW.

CPW also commented that there is a 1,600 foot stretch of the Blue they observed that has the qualities of a giant spring creek. They recommend no habitat work on this stretch to help preserve the unique qualities of that piece of water.

How to Tie: Pass’s Guide Shrimp

By
Greg Stohrer
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In this week’s “How to Tie” feature, Michael Passalacqua with Ole Florida Fly Shop ties a shrimp fly that every saltwater angler should carry in their flats box, Pass’s Guide Shrimp.

Learn How to Tie This Fly:

Difficulty: Easy

Despite winter temperatures having a negative impact on a large portion of the country, states such as Florida allow anglers to fish year-round without battling frigid conditions. Florida and other gulf side states offer some of the most entertaining inshore fishing in the United States, propelled by large biodiversity and sight fishing opportunities. Shrimp patterns are a staple in any southern saltwater angler’s arsenal and there are few flies that combine the versatility, durability, and ease of tying as well as Pass’s Guide Shrimp.

Tying saltwater patterns is a fantastic way to begin your tying journey or expand your skillset. Regardless of if you’re prepping for a trip to the Bahamas, stalking Keys bonefish, or simply expanding your saltwater tying skills, this fly offers a perfect blend of technique and fish‑catching confidence. By using brushes, you’ll be able to master and add your own variations to this pattern with ease. Regardless of skill level behind the vise, Pass’s Guide Shrimp will be your friend from start to finish, especially on the water.

Whether you’re sight‑fishing in ankle‑deep water or blind‑casting edges on a windy day, this pattern produces. Depending on the species and conditions, bringing an 8-9wt rod paired with a floating line and a reel with a strong drag will likely be the ticket. Add a few Pass’s Guide Shrimps to your saltwater box, experiment with colors and weights, and get ready for some unforgettable flats fishing.

Ingredients:

Now you know how to tie Pass’s Guide Shrimp!

Video courtesy of Ole Florida Fly Shop.

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