OUR MOST RECOMMENDED ROD, REEL & LINE OUTFITS
If you want the best right out of the box, look no further. We consider these to be the ultimate equipment packages for each type of fly fishing.
ALL PURPOSE TROUT | DRY FLY SPECIAL | CREEK | SALTWATER | STEELHEAD & SALMON | EURO NYMPH
All Purpose Trout
Scott Centric 905-4 (9′ 5-weight rod, 4-piece)
Abel SDF 4/5 reel, black-red fade with red aluminum handle
Scientific Anglers Amplitude Infinity Taper line
Remarks: The Scott Centric 905-4 is among the finest fast action fly rods ever designed. A powerful rod in the hands of any angler, the Centric possesses exquisite touch and responsiveness, unusual characteristics in a fast action trout rod. Paired with an Abel SDF 4/5, you’ll have 5-weight outfit for the ages. The SA Infinity taper is a versatile freshwater line that taps the spectacular casting qualities of the Centric.
Sage R8 Core 690-4 (9′ 6-weight rod, 4-piece)
Ross Evolution R 5/6 reel
Rio Elite Gold WF6 line
Remarks: This remarkable 6-weight can do everything on the water. It has plenty of command for streamer fishing and also possesses the finesse required for advanced line management technique when nymphing and even delicate dry fly fishing, if called upon. Pair it with a Ross Evo R and a Rio Gold for an outfit you’ll hand down to your favorite child.
Winston Air 2 9′ 5-wt
Abel SDF 4/5 reel, native rainbow
Rio Elite Technical Trout WF5F line
Remarks: Frontrunner for “product of the year” in 2021, the Winston Air 2 9′ 5-wt could someday be known as the finest individual fly rod ever made by that storied company. 
Outstanding in all areas of performance, the touch and feel of this rod are on a different plane from other fast action fly rods. Match with an Abel SDF in the rainbow trout graphic for an outfit that will never be outclassed.
Scott GS 884-4 (8’8″ 4-weight rod, 4-piece)
Ross San Miguel 3/4 reel
Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth Trout Taper line
Remarks: The G 884-4 is Telluride Angler’s all-time best selling trout rod. It has a lighter touch than either of the above 5-weights, but still versatile enough to be a primary trout rod for anglers who fish slightly smaller water, as we do here in Telluride. The Ross San Miguel makes this a home grown outfit unsurpassed and truly beyond superlatives.
Trout Dry Fly Special
Winston Tom Morgan Favorite (8′ 4-weight, 2-piece rod, slow action)
Abel TR 2/3 reel, Native Cutthroat graphics
Scientific Anglers Mastery Trout Taper WF4F line
Remarks: Legendary fly rods evoke an emotional response from the angler, none more so than Winston’s TMF, the fly rod that defined a company for decades. Paired with an Abel heirloom, we have something truly special.
Small Stream Outfits
Sage Dart 376-3 (7’6″ 3-weight graphite rod, 3-piece)
Sage Click Reel 3/4/5
Rio Creek WF3F line
Remarks: Sage’s clever Dart/Creek line combination illustrates how specific fly lines can bring a fly rod to life. This rod, reel and line were made for each other, offering an exquisite kit for an old fashioned form of the sport: creek fishing.
Scott F 662-4 (6’2″ 2-weight fiberglass rod, 4-piece)
Ross Colorado 2/3 reel
Scientific Anglers DT2F line
Remarks: Surprising no one, Telluride Angler considers a Scott Fibertouch and Ross Colorado to be required material for anyone who loves the high country and small stream fishing. Half of our guides own this exact outfit.
Saltwater
Scott Sector 908-4
(9′ 8-weight rod, 4-piece)
Hatch Iconic 7+ large arbor reel
Rio Elite Bonefish WF8F line
Remarks: Winner of IFTDs “Best of Show 2019,” the Scott Sector is rapidly becoming known as the finest saltwater fly rod ever designed. Choose an 8-weight for maximum versatility. A Hatch Iconic 7+ is a match made in heaven, particularly in the “clear/blue” color, but Abel and Tibor also offer compelling choices. Make sure to try the Rio Elite Bonefish line on this rod (or any other rod, for that matter). Stand alone, this is our favorite floating line for the flats.
Steelhead & Salmon
G.Loomis NRX+ 7100-4 (10′ 7-weight rod, 4-piece)
Abel SDS 7/8 reel
Rio InTouch Salmo/Steelhead WF7F line
Remarks: Perhaps the ultimate single-handed steelhead rod, the NRX+ 7100-4 has magic wand lightness for all day casting on rivers of grand scale. Paired with an Abel SDS 7/8, we have the ultimate salmon and steelhead outfit.
Euro Nymph
Sage ESN 3106-4 (10’6″ 3-weight rod, 4-piece)
Sage ESN Reel
Rio FIPS Euro Nymph line
Remarks: Every angler should own a Euro nymphing kit. Initially popularized by its shocking effectiveness, Euro nymphing continues to gain popularity for a reason that is even more important: it’s one of the most fun things you can do with a fly rod. By a longshot, the finest Euro outfit available is the Sage ESN rod and reel.