Howdy....you didn't say what the line weight rating is on your rod, but I'm assuming it a 3 or 4 weight. As Spirit says, the Orvis Battenkill I is a fine reel...if you'd like to limit your investment a bit -- I recommend a Redington Zero in a weight to match your rod. That reel does not have an adjustable drag, rather a robust "clicker" that sings beautifully ;-) They can be had in the 60 to 75 dollar range, and the Redington warranty can't be beat...
it reads: "Redington’s lifetime warranty is a lifetime, original owner warranty that covers repair or replacement for any manufacturer defect of your Redington rod or reel". Double taper line of the correct weight would do nicely...and as a bonus -- it's reversible when the first half wears out...I'd pair that setup with 30 to 50 yards of backing -- and that would be one excellent small stream, Colorado high country set up. Enjoy tight lines!

I feel for ya Ben...we live on a mountain in NW Montana, and therefore do quite a bit of on-line shopping (especially during the 9 month snow season)...always cringe when I order breakable sporting goods on-line.
UPS seems to be the "roughest" on breakables -- and we've had to file claims and/or make returns on many
occasions. (To top it off, UPS won't drive up the mountain during the winter -- we have to drive the 1.5 miles
down, and meet him at the bottom). Best of luck on getting that replacement...the NRX is a fantastic rod.

ATTABOY BB........never surrender, never give up!! Wishing you tight lines.

91 and still fishing...we should all be so fortunate. Sounds like you had a wonderful Uncle...may he Rest in Peace, you have my condolences, enjoy the memories.

May you all enjoy the blessings of the season, and have a healthy, happy, and productive new year.

Well, I'm almost 75 years old, been fly fishing since I was 12 -- I've never had a warden check me for a license. I've had conversations with many of them while fishing in Wisconsin, Virginia, California, Wyoming, Alaska, and here at home in Montana. I guess they figure that I "must have" a license or I wouldn't be shoot'in the breeze with them in such a relaxed manner. No matter, I believe it's a privilege to buy a license, and support the activity I love so much. Tight Lines to you all.

Looks delicious bric...thanks for posting your recipe --- will have to give smoked Whitefish a try.

I echo the previous comments. Have a Clearwater in my "stable", and it's one of my favorites.

Great photo....sigh, just color me "green"

Brick.....that, was a great story -- and great photos too. ATTABOY to both you & Lucas.

I have 4/5's and 2/3's...both are reliable, light, and a joy to use. Never a problem with either model...and they don't cost an arm & a leg.

Geomike -- You definitely came to the right conclusion...good on you!

bric - We live 20 miles NW of Missoula...primarily fish the Clark Fork, Rock Creek (too busy during tourist season), Jocko River, Fish Creek, and Valley Creek are usually less crowded, and I've enjoyed good fishing on them. The mountains across the road got a dusting near the tops...we live at 4,400 feet and received
mostly rain - gonna get cold tonight though. Tight Lines to ya.

bric - Seems like I get just as much pleasure from catching a few small ones like those Brookies, as I do from larger Browns and Rainbows. I'm looking forward to the "crowds" dissipating now that tourist season is almost over. Rain here today...with snow in the high country, that will help with the fires -- 90 degrees yesterday, 46 degrees today. I'll get out on a couple of small streams this coming week...and a 3 weight sounds just right. Thanks for the photos...and tight lines to ya!

No, the line does not have a welded loop for leader attachment. If you don't enjoy tying nail knots...there are other options available: No Knot Eyelets, Leader Links, braided loop additions, and Angler's Image "Cast Connectors". All work well, but the No Knot Eyelets can be a pain to install.