Meet the next evolution of a fly-fishing classic: the Lamson Guru S Fly Reel. Trusted by anglers for years, the Guru series has earned its reputation as one of the best-performing reels on the water—delivering rugged durability, precision engineering, and unbeatable value.
Now upgraded with a larger arbor and lighter spool design, the Guru S raises the bar even higher. The result? Faster line pickup, reduced weight, and the same legendary reliability serious anglers depend on.
Lamson Guru S: Lighter. Stronger. Built to perform when it matters.
Guru S Fly Reels Are Engineered for Performance on the Water
Crafted in the USA using advanced machining techniques, the Guru S is built to perform in demanding river conditions. Material is strategically placed where strength matters most—and removed where it doesn’t—creating a reel that’s incredibly durable without unnecessary weight.
Large Arbor Design
A larger arbor diameter improves line retrieval speed and reduces line memory, keeping you ready when the fish runs.
Ultra-Lightweight Spool
Advanced machining removes excess material while maintaining strength, resulting in a noticeably lighter spool than previous generations.
Enhanced Porting for Faster Drying
Expanded porting dramatically reduces weight and improves airflow—helping your line and backing dry faster between sessions.
Integrated Counterbalance
Perfectly balanced rotation ensures smooth performance, even when a big trout takes off downstream.
Curved Structural Frame
Inspired by the natural strength of an egg, the curved cross-section design delivers exceptional structural integrity without added bulk.
Made in the USA
Fully machined in the United States for premium precision, durability, and long-term reliability.
Lamson Guru S Fly Reel Features
- Reel Format: Large Arbor
- Materials: Machined 6061 Aluminum, Stainless Steel
- Reel Finish: Type II Anodize
- Reel Drag: Buttery smooth sealed Conical Drag System as in all Lamson reels
- Weight: 0.8 lbs
- Dimensions: 6 x 6 x 4 in
Why Anglers Choose the Guru S
When you're standing knee-deep in cold current and a trophy fish starts peeling line, you need gear you can trust. The Guru S delivers smooth drag, flawless balance, and lightweight strength—all at a price that makes premium performance accessible.
- ◄Where are Lamson fly reels made?
- All Lamson fly reels are designed in-house in Boise, Idaho. It’s that classic made in America story meets the wild, wild West. Just outside of city limits, Idaho contains more designated wilderness and wildlands than any other state in the lower 48—with over 100,000 miles of river to test our Waterworks-Lamson fly reels on. All of Waterworks-Lamson's machined reels (i.e. Guru S, LiteSpeed G5) use components manufactured by our U.S.-based machining partners. The Lamson Liquid fly reel and Remix use both U.S. and overseas manufactured component parts. Components integral to the conical drag system are U.S.-Manufactured. All reels are assembled and quality controlled at our facility in Boise, Idaho.
- ◄What is the warranty on my Waterworks-Lamson fly reel?
- Your Waterworks-Lamson product carries a lifetime warranty that is valid for any defect in material or workmanship for the original owner. This warranty applies to parts and labor, but doesn’t cover damage due to misuse, improper maintenance, or modification. This warranty is limited to repair or replacement at Waterworks-Lamson's discretion, and repair parts or colors might not match the original reel. If you think you have a warranty related issue, please contact us and we'll help.
- ◄What material are these reels made of?
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The Guru S and Guru S HD reels feature a fully CNC machined frame and spool for durability and lasting finish.
- ◄What type of drag system do Lamson fly reels use?
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The Waterworks-Lamson conical drag has a much larger surface area than normal.
For 20 years, Waterworks-Lamson has set a bold benchmark for innovative fly reel architecture.
Large arbor, lightweight, sealed systems, zero maintenance, advanced materials, state of the art machining, innovative and enviable styling—the list is long. They are probably best known for their innovative conical drag. Most hub/disc drags use a couple of flat, round discs or washers, commonly where a metal surface meets a slippery surface like Rulon, Delrin or oiled cork. When the drag is tightened the surfaces are forced together – more friction and therefore more drag. To make a powerful drag which is also a smooth drag, a larger area of contact is needed: bigger discs or more discs. So, rather than flat discs, Waterworks-Lamson thought "how about we make a cone shape?" Assume a drag housing with the same diameters inside and out, and the conical drag has a larger area surface contact – which makes for a smoother and more powerful drag.
- ◄How do I remove the spool on my Lamson fly reel?
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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.
- ◄How do I change the retrieve on my Lamson fly reel?
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Important: When changing your Waterworks-Lamson reel retrieve, 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.