Improved Ross Animas Reel
The 2019 Animas improves upon the original Animas and incorporates new machined features that bring it into the modern era of Ross. Highlights include a fully-redesigned frame and spool. Cutting-edge manufacturing techniques deliver a spool design that is incredibly strong and visually stunning. The Animas also incorporates an ultra-light canvas phenolic handle which gets tackier when wet. A new trouble-free spool release yields zero-maintenance performance, allowing the Animas to be ready for any fresh or saltwater angling.
The frame is accented by a machined silhouette of the Colorado mountains also seen in Ross Reels’ backyard. The one-of-a-kind ported design and structural profile are eye-catching industry firsts. The two-tone drag knob sports an updated aesthetic with a lower profile and increased grip. An improved composite drag system delivers more power in an established Ross design used and loved by more than 80,000 fly anglers throughout the world.
FULLY REDESIGNED FRAME & SPOOL GEOMETRY
- Bell-shaped, Ultra-Large Arbor
- Intricately machined details
REDUCED WEIGHT & INCREASED STRENGTH
MACHINED CANVAS PHENOLIC HANDLE
TWO-TONE ALUMINUM ACCENTS
MAINTENANCE-FREE SPOOL RELEASE
IMPROVED DRAG
- Composite-Disc Drag with Stainless Steel Interface
- Time-proven design
MADE IN MONTROSE, CO





- Reviews
- Questions
Thank you for posting a question!
Your question will appear on the site once we've answered it.
Thank you for submitting a review!
Your input is very much appreciated. Share it with your friends so they can enjoy it too!
- reel
- stuff
- weight
- line
- penny
- build quality
- piece
- spool size
- trout reel
- Ross

7 wt reel
Already fish this reel on my 6 wt. needed a little more reel for cutthroat and bulls on the flathead so bought one in a 7-8. These reels perform flawlessly and are lightweight. Handles are great when wet and reel is comfortable and efficient throwing streamers all day. Great reel for the money. Can’t beat it in my opinion.

Excellent service
Tyler and Travis nailed it again. They set me up with a great line and a sweet reel. They know their stuff.

A collaboration
Just got it today but this review is about a collaboration. I call and ask for Bryce and tell him what I think I want and Bryce always guides me to what I need to purchase instead! He has never steered me in the wrong direction! I know I am gonna love my purchase! Best service I’ve ever received from any fly shop!!

Buy USA, Buy a Ross Reel
Flawless craftsmanship, amazing quality and a real workhorse of a reel. Ross fan forever!

The Amazing Ross Animas
My new favorite reel. Light, strong, functional and absolutely beautiful. You get what you pay for and the Ross Animas is worth every penny. The build quality is second to none. This is more than just a line holder; it’s a highly functioning piece of art.

Great reel, great service and great prices (and free line!)
The Animas reel is beautiful in design, finish and function. It has a nice outgoing click that is audible but not obnoxious. I wasn't sure how I felt about the bright copper drag knob, and to be honest, it is a little over-the-top, but the positive attributes of this reel far outweigh this little bit of excess "bling." That said, I put optic green backing on the backing on the reel, and the backing, the canvas handle, and copper drag knob all go together pretty nicely. Ross claims 75 yards of backing with WF6F line, and I'd say that is close but a little generous; it fell a few yards short. I could probably have gotten a full 75 yards on, and it would be fine with the head outside the rod tip, but the reel would be stuffed pretty full with all the line wound back on the spool. This is the third Ross reel that I have owned, and I have never been disappointed with the brand. The folks at Stillwater are always a pleasure to deal with, and always ready with good advice.

Solid Trout reel.
Great all around reel from Ross. The looks have improved greatly from the last generation. The drag isn’t super strong but it’s got plenty of force for most freshwater fish.
Stillwater Fly Shop
Glad you like the reel! Thanks for posting a photo!

High performance for the price.
Great USA made in Colorado fly reel. Light weight, reliable, smooth drag and matches up nicely to any fly rod. I own and use several of the reels in different sizes. Great performance and durability.
You may also like
Recently viewed





- Reviews
- Questions
Thank you for posting a question!
Your question will appear on the site once we've answered it.
Thank you for submitting a review!
Your input is very much appreciated. Share it with your friends so they can enjoy it too!
- reel
- stuff
- weight
- line
- penny
- build quality
- piece
- spool size
- trout reel
- Ross

7 wt reel
Already fish this reel on my 6 wt. needed a little more reel for cutthroat and bulls on the flathead so bought one in a 7-8. These reels perform flawlessly and are lightweight. Handles are great when wet and reel is comfortable and efficient throwing streamers all day. Great reel for the money. Can’t beat it in my opinion.

Excellent service
Tyler and Travis nailed it again. They set me up with a great line and a sweet reel. They know their stuff.

A collaboration
Just got it today but this review is about a collaboration. I call and ask for Bryce and tell him what I think I want and Bryce always guides me to what I need to purchase instead! He has never steered me in the wrong direction! I know I am gonna love my purchase! Best service I’ve ever received from any fly shop!!

Buy USA, Buy a Ross Reel
Flawless craftsmanship, amazing quality and a real workhorse of a reel. Ross fan forever!

The Amazing Ross Animas
My new favorite reel. Light, strong, functional and absolutely beautiful. You get what you pay for and the Ross Animas is worth every penny. The build quality is second to none. This is more than just a line holder; it’s a highly functioning piece of art.

Great reel, great service and great prices (and free line!)
The Animas reel is beautiful in design, finish and function. It has a nice outgoing click that is audible but not obnoxious. I wasn't sure how I felt about the bright copper drag knob, and to be honest, it is a little over-the-top, but the positive attributes of this reel far outweigh this little bit of excess "bling." That said, I put optic green backing on the backing on the reel, and the backing, the canvas handle, and copper drag knob all go together pretty nicely. Ross claims 75 yards of backing with WF6F line, and I'd say that is close but a little generous; it fell a few yards short. I could probably have gotten a full 75 yards on, and it would be fine with the head outside the rod tip, but the reel would be stuffed pretty full with all the line wound back on the spool. This is the third Ross reel that I have owned, and I have never been disappointed with the brand. The folks at Stillwater are always a pleasure to deal with, and always ready with good advice.

Solid Trout reel.
Great all around reel from Ross. The looks have improved greatly from the last generation. The drag isn’t super strong but it’s got plenty of force for most freshwater fish.
Stillwater Fly Shop
Glad you like the reel! Thanks for posting a photo!

High performance for the price.
Great USA made in Colorado fly reel. Light weight, reliable, smooth drag and matches up nicely to any fly rod. I own and use several of the reels in different sizes. Great performance and durability.