Fall 2025 Launch - New From RIO Products

Our friends at RIO Products have some exciting new gear that just launched!  Here's the rundown of the new products available 8/12/25.  

Elite Scandi Body

RIO's original Scandi Body has a long-standing cult following among Spey enthusiasts.  It was particularly unique in that you could fish it on a shorter rod with a shorter 10' leader or light tip or add a longer tip to fish it on a longer rod.  This still holds true in the new Elite Series Scandi Body, but they made a few distinct changes.  This series comes with the current core and coating tech found in other Elite Series lines.  From a fishing perspective, the head length now varies more with the corresponding grain weight.  The heavier versions are a bit longer to better accommodate commonly used Spey rods in 8-10 weight.  

Elite Scandi MDC Kit

These kits are replacing the Scandi Short Versitip and Scandi Versitip.  Kit includes an Elite Scandi Body shooting head, spool of RIO Slickshooter, four new MDC Sink Tips and a Sink Tip Wallet.  This system allows anglers to cover most depths with small-medium sized flies.  With a short and longer offering, the RIO Elite Scandi MDC Kit has all bases covered for Spey rods of any length imaginable.  

Ambassador Series - Skagit Timberline

The RIO Ambassador Series Gray Struznik Skagit Timberline is an 18-foot shooting head that brings effortless performance to your coastal steelhead program. The compact design makes shorter two-handed rods sing when casting space is limited. Because of its heavily rear-loaded and progressively tapering design, it easily handles the heaviest T-tips, while still delivering a full range of marabous and modern steelhead flies with controlled loop precision.

MDC Versitip

The VersiTip gets an upgrade for 2025.  This Alaska favorite now comes with the tech advantages of the Elite Series core and coating.  Similar to RIO's other line kits, the RIO Elite MDC VersiTip Fly Line comes with the line, four new MDC Sink Tips and a Leader Wallet.  

MDC Sink Tips

After all this "MDC" talk, what the heck does "MDC" mean!?  It stands for Multi-Density Control.  Beyond the full floater tip, all other tips in this series are dual or triple density with the terminal end being the most dense.  The idea here is to facilitate positive turnover and hold your fly at depth.  The MDC Sink Tips are available in 12' 75, 90 and 100 grain and in 18' 130 and 150 grains.  

Classic Sink Tip

By the popular demand of B.C. anglers in particular, RIO launched this new line of 15 footers in the Classic Sink Tips Series.  Available in five different densities at 95, 110 and 125 grains, these tips will be right at home on any big river with gravel bar runs.  

Micro Leader Material

Euro Nymphers rejoice!  There's a new leader material!  RIO's Micro Leader Material is made of a unique nylon polymer that knots easily and firmly and is also incredibly sensitive.  Available in brown, pink and white to allow for endless customization of tight-line leaders.    

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  Join our Team |  Contact Us

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

REVISED: STILLWATER LINES UPDATE AND A PLUG FOR PONTOONS!

I guess I could've named this revised edition, Revised Addition.  I felt compeled to add to my previouse article titled:  Buyer's Guide to Specifically Designed Stillwater Fly Lines since there has been a new line introuduced that came out shortly after the piece was written.  That new series of fly lines where created in partnership by Phil Rowley and RIO, to bring us some exceptionally nice, and to be honest long needed floating, Interemdiate and Hover type lines.  Not that we didn't already have these types of lines available, it's just that these new lines feature new upgrades.

First off, what makes these lines unique right off the bat, is the integrated tippet ring into the front of the fly line where you would attach your leader.  This has virtually eliminated the loop to loop connections that tend to irritate some fisherman, especially when using techniques which require bringing the loop to loop connection inside the guides at the top of the rod. Techniques where longer than normal leaders are used is my case in point. This also allows for easy changing of the lines, without sacraficing existing leaders.

If you've ever searched YouTube for information regading stillwater/lake fly fishing tactics and or techniques, chances are you've already watched a few or more of Phil's educational videos.  I know I've personally watched nearly every one, and more than once.  Phil knows his stuff and anyone can gleen from his knowledge.  His experience and expertise bring credit to his creation of these lines.  You can have confidence in what he says in the videos and apply these techniques using his lines for stillwater success.

"I love fishing lakes using long leader presentations. For years, loop-to-loop leader connections have made these presentations challenging. We now have a solution. As a devoted stillwater fly fishing, these Ambassador lines are a game changer, making long leader presentations a breeze. The smooth leader-to-line connections of these lines slide through my rod guides smoothly, not only when threading the rod and preparing to cast but, most importantly, allow me to bring long leaders into the rod without binding at the tip to land fish efficiently. With loop-to-loop leader-to-line connections removed, on the water line changes are now a breeze. Having these lines in my kit bag gives me a critical presentation advantage." - Phil Rowley | RIO Ambassador

These new lines are offered in 6 and 7 weight versions, for the most popular rod weights used in stillwater fly fishing. I recently got out on one of many of our local lakes to give these new lines a go. Although I didn't use everyone of them, I did use the "Stillwater Floater" and "Aqualux" versions.  Lake fishing has been pretty good the past couple of weeks, although I have had to live vicariously through others who have actually went out.  Although I am jonesing to get out and use my brand new Outcast Pac 1000 for the first time, my current schedule has not allowed me to do that.  That issue will be resolved soon because I am taking a few days off to specifically fish!  So no more excuses.  I will update when I get back...

Ready to roll - Loads up nicely in the bed of my truck.

...Well, I'm back. Spent a little bit of time fishing the lake recently with the new RIO Ambassader Series Phil Rowley lake lines and I am in love.  The lines performed flawlessly and were a joy to fish. Due to conditions I mostly fished the new Phil Rowley Aqualux line, although I did spend a bit of time fishing dries on the surface with the Phil Rowley Stillwater Floater as well, and enjoyed a few fish on the dries. The dry fly bite didn't last for too long and then I was back to using a parabolic line, that worked well.

Super Happy with the Outcast Pac 1000.  Perfect for lake fishing.

Just like the new RIO Abassader Series Phil Rowley Lines, my new OUTCAST PAC 1000 worked stellar on the lake and my customized rod holders also worked great, not to mention the view was stunning. The Pac 1000 was super study and stable.  I am a big guy at 6'5" 240 pounds and it was literally the perfect size for me.  At one time I had two eagles flying overhead and an Osprey caught a fish right next to me, I only wish I could have gotten his catch on film. It was pretty cool!

If you're an aspiring stillwater fisherman or a seasoned verteran, give the new RIO lines a go and seriously consider a pontoon or float tube, they are worth it. I am a firm believer in things new and improved and especially if it makes me more efficient and or effective, and these lines do that.  If your tired of fishing on the bank and want to me more effective in covering water and hard to fish areas, look at the Outcast series of pontoons and or float tubes, you'll be glad you did.

Thanks for reading.

GFS Team

John G.

PARTING SHOTS:

Look at the stunning detail of a decent rainbow trout caught using a Parabolic stillwater fly line.

The Outcast Pac 1000 - Your next step for greater adventures!

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  Join our Team |  Contact Us

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

New RIO Ambassador Phil Rowley Stillwater lines

With Stillwater season coming into full swing, Rio has released new series of lake lines design by Stillwater guru and Rio Ambassador Phil Rowley. Phil took some of Rio most effective lake lines and replaced the front loop with a integrated tippet ring. The tippet ring helps smooth the transition from fly line to leader. It also makes switching between fly lines on the water a breeze, when fishing long leaders. These lines are available in Stillwater Floater, Aqualux and all configuration of Rio Midge Tip for 6wt and 7wts.

Shop the Ambassador Phil Rowley lines here

Shop other new arrivals here:

Link to Justesen Ranch Lakes

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  Join our Team |  Contact Us

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

RIO NEW Eco Friendly Gear Compostable Spools

RIO has adopted a new 100% compostable and recyclable spool—the most sustainable fly line spool ever made. Our new spools are made of 100% recycled newsprint from renewable resources that have been used at least once and will deliver the lowest environmental impact of any spool on the market. Once you’ve spooled your new RIO line, simply drop the new spool in the recycling bin or better yet, add it to your compost pile or garden.

Note: These will gradually change over until all spools have gone to compostable. 

RIO Fly Lines

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  Join our Team |  Contact Us

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

RIO XL Streamer Leader - New for 2023

The XL Streamer Leader is specifically designed to handle big streamers and big fish. The medium-stiff nylon butt section turns over with maximum power to deliver the heaviest and most wind-resistant flies in your box while the 18-inch Fluoroflex Strong tippet section provides maximum clarity, strength, and abrasion resistance. The XL Streamer also features a RIO Micro Swivel tied between butt and tippet to reduce line twist and make replacing or lengthening the tippet quick and easy. Lastly, the short overall length of 4 feet helps get a fly down fast when paired with a sink tip fly line.

Features - 

• Medium-stiff nylon butt section
• Integrated Fluoroflex Strong tippet for clarity and strength
• Integrated Micro Swivel to reduce line twist
• Hand tied perfection loop for quick rigging

Buy Here

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  Join our Team |  Contact Us

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Just In - RIO Premier Tarpon Clear Tip Floater

RIO's Tarpon Clear Tip Floater features ten feet of gin-clear floating line, eliminating the need for a long, cumbersome leader, and allows the angler to cast flies closer to the target without spooking the fish. The subtle seafoam head color behind the clear tip helps the angler and guide track the location of the fly throughout the retrieve.

The Tarpon Clear Tip Floater also includes x2 RIO Fly Line Cleaning Towelettes in the box. When fishing for big, migratory tarpon, every shot matters and keeping a line clean and shooting like new is the best way to capitalize on each opportunity

Built with RIO's classic tarpon taper, this fly line combines a mid-length head and a short, powerful front taper, designed to efficiently cast typical Tarpon flies. This unique design makes quick casts to moving fish easy while also enabling longer shots when you need to reach out to distant fish on the flats.

Features:

• 10 ft of floating Clear Tip for stealthy presentations and use of shorter leaders.
• Effortless casting, accurate line design that turns over typical tarpon flies with ease
• Built on a strong, medium stiff core which will not wilt in the heat
• Includes x2 RIO Fly Line Cleaning Towelettes

Shop RIO Premier Tarpon Clear Tip Floater

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  Join our Team |  Contact Us

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

RIO Versileaders for Trout, Steelhead, and Salmon - New for 2022

Versileaders come in configurations to match single hand, trout spey, steelhead spey, salmon spey and work well for single hand, scandi and light skagit applications. Four different densities including clear floating, clear intermediate, medium sink, and fast sink, in each of three size categories including 7' Trout, 10' Medium, and 10' Heavy. 

Shop RIO Versileaders

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  Join our Team |  Contact Us

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

RIO Elite Skagit Mini Max Power Shooting Head - New Trout Spey Skagit

OVERVIEW

The Elite Skagit Mini Max Power Shooting Head is the ideal head for casting streamers and heavy sink tips on light two-handed rods and trout spey with exceptional ease.

The unique weight distribution deeply loads the rod for long casts while a powerful front taper delivers enough punch to turn over all the weight you need to get large flies down to the fish. Shorter head lengths make this line the perfect choice for two-handed rods in lighter sizes, enabling easy casts when space behind the caster is limited.

Each head is built on RIO's low-stretch ConnectCore Plus, giving the angler enhanced detection of takes, more positive hook sets, and greater control when playing a fish. In addition, SlickCast coating technology creates the slickest, most durable coating on the market - producing the least amount of friction ever measured in a fly line. A shooting line is required to make this head fishable.

A shooting line and a front tip are required to make this head fishable.

• Easy Casting
• Shorter head designed specifically for lighter two-handed rods
• More power for casting larger trout spey flies
• Works perfectly with MOW tips
• ConnectCore Plus
• SlickCast
• Easy ID
• Front and Back Welded Loop
• Color Yellow / Blue

Specs

SKU	Grain Size	Trout Rod Size	Spey Rod Size	Sink Rate	Head Length	Length
6-19750	200gr	#4/5	#1/2	Float	16ft / 4.9m	Head Only
6-19751	225gr	#5	#2	Float	16ft / 4.9m	Head Only
6-19752	250gr	#5/6	#2/3	Float	17ft / 5.2m	Head Only
6-19753	275gr	#6	#3	Float	17ft / 5.5m	Head Only
6-19754	300gr	#6/7	#3/4	Float	18ft / 5.5m	Head Only
6-19755	325gr	#7	#4	Float	18ft / 5.5m	Head Only

Shop RIO Spey Lines

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  Join our Team |  Contact Us

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

RIO Glacial Gold Fly Line - Cold Weather Specialist

THE ULTIMATE DEEP WINTER TROUT LINE

With PolarFlex technology that keeps line soft, pliable, and functional in the coldest extremes of trout fishing temperatures.

• Ideal For fishing conditions 40 degrees and below
• Improves durability in cold temperatures
• Maintains inherent soft and easy to handle trout line properties
• Reduces memory in extreme cold

Snow on the banks? Ice in your guides? Can't feel your hands? Typical trout line coatings perform best between 40 and 70 degrees. Below that range, they get harder, stiffer, and more brittle. Memory becomes an issue and, even worse, ordinary fly line coatings are more likely to crack with use.

Color: Frost White / Glacial Green / Ice Blue

The Glacial Gold is made with a proprietary PolarFlex coating that stays soft, easy to handle, and performing efficiently, even on the coldest days. With the perfect all around application RIO Gold taper, the Glacial Gold will keep anglers on the water and fishing effectively. Taking on those icy cold weather trout days just got a little easier.

Features

• PolarFlex
• Surefire
• Front and Back Welded Loop

Shop RIO Fly Lines

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  Join our Team |  Contact Us

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Lake Fly Lines - Must Haves

How many of you love to fish lakes (Stillwater)?  Here are our favorite must have lines for fishing stillwater.  To qualify as a favorite, it has to perform well and cover the needs of the various techniques used in fishing lakes.  The list below are our favorites…

FLOATING APPLICATIONS:

RIO Elite Stillwater Floater:  Perfect ALL AROUND fly line.  Easily cast long leaders and multi fly systems such as when fishing Chironomids (buzzers).  Also has a 2’ Orange colored tip section which helps in bite detection.

• Available in 5 through 8 weight lines.

Scientific Anglers Anadro (Stillwater Indicator):  Designed specifically for indicator fishing stillwater systems such as Chironomids (buzzers).  The long rear taper gives extended line control when casting long distances.  Overweight 1.5 sizes to help turn over heavier rigs like indicators and appropriate sized streamers.

• Available in 4 through 9 weight lines.

• NOTE: RIO Grand - Is another line that works as a good floating line but not necessarily a lake specific line.

SUB-SURFACE APPLICATIONS:

RIO Camolux:  This is a full intermediate 1.5 line that is deadly efficient for fishing between 2’ and 6’ depths in lakes.

• Available in 4 through 8 weights.

RIO Midge Tips:  Perfect for fishing unweighted nymphs and Chironomids (buzzers) in the top foot of the water column.  These lines come in a 3’ clear intermediate tip (Midge Tip) that sinks about 1.5” per second or a 6’ long (Midge Tip Long) gray hover tip that sinks about 1” per second.  These are DEADLY effective and MUST HAVE on windy days when fishing close to shores or even the top of weed beds.

• Available in line sizes 5 through 8 weights.

Scientific Anglers Sonar Stillwater Clear Camo:  If being stealthy is your game this full intermediate (1.25 ips) line which is built over a camouflage core will give you the ultimate in stealthiness.

• Available in line sizes 4 through 8 weights.

Scientific Anglers Sonar Stillwater:  This is a full intermediate line based on their popular MPX taper.  Overweight by a full size allowing for bigger flies and long leaders.

• Available in an Emerger Tip: 5’ clear intermediate tip (1.25 ips) with floating running line and head for fishing just under the surface.
• Available in a Clear Camo:  Full intermediate over a camo core.
• Available in a Hover:  Extra-slow sinking hover (1 ips) for fishing the film.

Deep Stillwater Applications:

RIO Premier Fathom:   Each of these lines have a short, quick-loading head for minimizing the number of false casts, and for quick, easy distance, and a color contrast between the head and the running line to easily show the line's loading point. In addition, each line is built with a Hang Marker that shows anglers when to stop stripping, and when to fish the "hang".

• Sink 3 (3ips) - Available in 5 through 8 weights.
• Sink 5 (5ips) - Available in 5 through 8 weights.
• Sink 6 (6ips) - Available in 5 through 8 weights.
• Sink 7 (7ips) - Available in 6 through 8 weights.

Final Note:  This is a short list of line possibilities, and a few of our favorites.  If you’re a beginner or advanced stillwater fisherman with any questions regarding lines, give us a call, we love to talk fishing and techniques and would love to help get you dialed.

Shop Fly Lines

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  Join our Team |  Contact Us

"Fly Fish the World with Us"