FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
No, registering your reel isn’t necessary. We stand behind what we make and if warranty or repair is needed please contact us and we will get you taken care of.
For questions regarding warranty coverage please check out our warranty page for a more detailed explanation.
Several generations of our reels are compatible to other varying generations.
View the compatibility chart for specific spool interchangeability, and see what rods are compatible too:
Hold the reel in your hands with the drag knob facing you. Place your fingertips around the edge of the reel case and place your thumbs in the ports against the spool. Push the spool away from the case. You will feel the reel “click” as the o-ring unseats from its groove. Withdraw the spool from the body.
Watch our instructional video that visually walks you through this process.
Important: Do not remove the drag knob or the black nut with two small holes in it.
First, with the drag knob facing you, remove the spool (by holding the edge of the case with your fingers push your thumbs through the ports of the case and push the spool out). Put the spool aside.
Holding the frame/case in your hand, unscrew the black cap with gear teeth at the end of the center cylinder. The clutch should fall out (tap lightly on flat surface if necessary).
Flip the clutch over and reinstall. Female notches on the clutch must fit into male notches inside the cylinder.
To ensure the clutch is fully seated and notches are properly engaged, use your pinky, ball point pen or similar clean tool to rotate clutch as necessary. Reinstall the cap by hand.
Please watch our instructional video that will visually walk you through this process.
Our warranty is valid for the lifetime of the original purchaser of a rod or reel against any defect in material or workmanship. This warranty applies to parts and labor, and does not cover damage due to misuse, improper maintenance or modification.
This warranty is limited to repair or replacement at our option.
We will fix and ship your rod or reel promptly so that you can get back on the water quickly. If you need to return a rod or a reel for repair, please refer to the instructions and return form below.
Please print and fill out the relevant form. To insure proper return of your rod or reel please print clearly.
*Note: Repair parts or color may not match the original reel.
Late in 1998, we acquired Lamson from Sage Manufacturing. The LPs were discontinued and the remaining stock was sold. We are sorry to inform you that we no longer repair or have parts for LP reels and spools.
Here are some options for you:
• You can purchase a Speedster, Guru, Remix or Liquid reel at 50% off retail price. If you are interested in returning your older reel and taking advantage of our upgrade program Download our LP upgrade form.
• LP reels can be repaired by Bill Archuleta of Archuleta’s Reel Works. Bill can be reached by phone at 541-956- 1691 or you can email him at flyreels@msn.com or view his website at archuletasreelworks.com
• If you have a Lamson DCA or Saltwater Series (Bonefish, Permit, Steelhead or Tarpon) reel and would like to inquire on repairs or parts the original manufacturer, Sage Manufacturing, can be reached at: 888-848-7243 or repairs@sageflyfish.com.
Waterworks-Lamson offers an upgrade program to all purchasers of old Lamson LP reels. When you send in your LP reel, you have the opportunity to purchase a Waterworks-Lamson Speedster, Guru, Remix or Liquid for 50% off of the retail price.
If you are interested in taking advantage of this program, you may find out more here. Once your old reel is received and confirmed we will process your order.
Our reels are all designed in-house. All of our machined reels (Guru Series II, Guru HD Series II, Speedster, Speedster HD, Litespeed Micra5, Force SL Series II, Arx and Cobalt) use components manufactured by our U.S.-based machining partners. Liquid and Remix use both U.S. and overseas manufactured component parts.
Components integral to the drag system are U.S.-Manufactured. All reels are assembled and quality controlled at our facility in Boise, Idaho.
Our rods are all designed in-house. The rods are manufactured to our specifications by our partner, a manufacturer who makes some of the world’s most famous, prestigious and award-winning rods. The Center Axis reels are manufactured by our U.S.-based machining partners.
Large arbor reels are central to our design philosophy. In fact, the performance benchmark of a fly reel is retrieve rate per ounce—and larger arbors dramatically improve retrieve rate while we minimize added weight through design and machining.
A reel’s arbor size affects three key things:
1. Line Retrieval
Bigger arbor = faster pickup.
On hot fish that sprint and turn, rapid line recovery can be the difference between staying tight or losing the fish. Our Hyperspeed series pushes this concept further, our M10 retrieves 16 inches of line per turn.
2. Line Management
Fly lines (and leaders) develop memory. Tight coils from small arbors lead to tangles, snags, and frustration.
Example: Our Purist II -3+ is sized large for a 3‑weight intentionally—less coiling, and easier handling.
3. Drag Consistency
Small arbors shrink rapidly as line is pulled off, causing drag pressure to spike. Larger arbors maintain a more constant diameter, which keeps drag pressure more consistent throughout the fight.
Lamson reels are designed to be as close to maintenance‑free as a fly reel can get without the need for special tools. Our drag systems rely on carefully engineered friction surfaces, so adding oils or greases only interferes with performance. That said, a few simple tips can keep your reel operating smoothly for years.
Below is a practical, straightforward guide to caring for your Lamson fly reel—what to do, what not to do, and when to call us for backup.
A Lifeline
No matter what happens on the water, Lamson is here to help. Our typical turnaround time is 72 hours or less once the reel arrives at our facility. Repairs are covered by a flat service fee that includes parts, labor, and return shipping. Expedited service is available when needed.
Need help? Reach out anytime:
Phone: 1‑208‑562‑1310 (a real human will answer)
Email: customersupport@lamsonflyfishing.com (send photos, ask questions, or request parts)
Saltwater Maintenance
Saltwater is harder on everything—your reel, rod, line, and backing. A quick freshwater rinse after every outing goes a long way. Here’s how to care for each drag type (click‑pawl models excluded):
Sealed Conical Drag
Our sealed conical drags are designed to keep out water and debris. Still, if the spool is removed or the reel spends extended time submerged or in sand, the drag can be exposed.
After each trip:
- Rinse your reel and rod thoroughly with fresh water.
Periodically:
- Remove the spool and rinse the drag area. Let it dry completely.
Optional deep clean:
- Unscrew the gland cap and remove the clutch.
- Rinse all parts thoroughly.
- Allow everything to dry fully before reassembly.
- Ensure the clutch is oriented correctly and the gland cap is securely tightened (a towel for grip helps).
Cobalt Drag
Cobalt reels are fully sealed and built to be waterproof and debris‑proof.
Maintenance is simple: rinse after each use and you’re done.
Rinsing Agents
Products like Salt‑X won’t harm your Lamson reel. If you like using rinse agents to thoroughly remove salt from your gear, you can safely do so.
Conical Drag Maintenance (General Tips)
Lamson conical drags are engineered to be maintenance‑free. Still, a few small steps can extend longevity and help your reel perform at its best.
Changing Retrieve Direction
If you’re switching retrieve from left‑hand (factory default) to right‑hand, follow our instructional video. A few additional tips:
- Add a small drop of Blue Loctite to the gland cap threads. This keeps the cap secure during battles with fast, powerful fish. This thread locker is breakable meaning we can service your reel down the line if needed.
Oil Is Not Your Friend—Except Here
There’s really only one place a tiny amount of light lubricant can help: the O‑ring in the gland cap.
How to do it:
- Leave the reel fully assembled.
- Rinse the area with fresh water and let it dry.
- Use a Q‑tip with a very small amount of light lubricant.
- Swab the O‑ring and the base of the spindle (metal post on the spool).
- Put the frame and spool back together and spin the reel.
This can help if the O‑ring gets dry or grabby after long use in gritty or salty environments.
Handle Care
If your handle feels gritty:
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Blow it out with compressed air.
- When dry, add a tiny drop of lubricant around the Allen head.
Clicker Care
Clickers can be replaced by sending the reel in. If your reel has gotten quieter over time:
- Gently bend the clicker body away from the spool to increase tension.
And yes—if you prefer a silent reel, you can cut the clicker off.
Pre‑Trip Gear Check
Headed on a big trip? This is the time to check everything—not the night before.
- Inspect rods (and pack extras when possible).
- Look through fly boxes and replace missing patterns.
- Check fly lines for nicks or cracks.
- Test your drag at both high and low settings.
We offer a fast repair turnaround, but shipping time is out of our hands. Give yourself a buffer so gear surprises don’t kill a trip.
Storage Tips
Proper off‑season storage helps extend reel and drag life.
- Use the storage bag your reel came with to protect the reel and finish.
- Never store the reel wet—let it dry fully first.
- Store gear in a dry place.
- Back off your drag completely. Drag systems rely on friction and springs; releasing pressure during storage preserves your high‑end drag.
If you ever have questions or want help diagnosing an issue, we’re here. A quick call or email can prevent bigger problems down the road—and keep you on the water where you belong.