The Native Reel Series is a collaborative project between Trout Unlimited and Mayfly Outdoors to restore and preserve native fish.

On Tuesday, February 21st, 2023, Trout Unlimited and Mayfly Outdoors launched their new Native Reel Series. The first reel in the series will be based on the greenback cutthroat trout, the state fish of Colorado, and the focus of intense reintroduction efforts over the past decade. The reel, a Colorado 2/3, is the first Ross Reel to be anodized in the dark orange color, as well as the first to include hand painting on the clicker plate, as it is meant to capture the colors of the spawning cutthroat trout. Mayfly Outdoors will donate a portion of each reel sold directly to Colorado Trout Unlimited and its Poudre Headwaters Project, which is focused on restoring a large stronghold for native greenback cutthroat in its original South Platte River basin.

CTU Executive Director, David Nickum, said “We are extremely excited to partner with Mayfly Outdoors and appreciate their dedication to restoring and protecting Colorado’s native trout. Greenback cutthroats are near to the heart of many Colorado anglers, and with Mayfly’s support we can secure a long-term future for these unique fish.”

Jeff Wagner, CEO of Mayfly Outdoors (Ross Reels, Abel Reels, Airflo Fly lines, and Dyna-King Vises) noted, “As a member of the greater fly-fishing industry and as stewards of our lands, we, therefore, have an obligation and duty to conserve and protect our native fish heritage and our river ecosystems that are the lifeblood of the lands we enjoy. It’s the least we can do to partner with Trout Unlimited and help in their efforts to conserve, protect, and restore river habitat in order to preserve existing populations and reintroduce native fish. This mission is not just for today, but for generations to come.”

Mayfly Outdoors is a Certified B Corporation headquartered in Montrose, Colorado, and its mission is to inspire adventure. Their brands include Abel Reels, Ross Reels, Airflo Fly Lines, and Dyna-King Vises. Visit their website: http://www.mayflyoutdoors.com

Colorado Trout Unlimited is a non-profit organization with more than 11,000 members across Colorado in 23 local chapters, working toward a shared mission to conserve, protect, and restore Colorado’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds.  http://coloradotu.org