NRS: Protecting Rivers and Inspiring Adventure

We’re excited to shine a spotlight on NRS, a long-time supporter of Science on the Fly and a true leader in both adventure and conservation. Since 1972, NRS has been outfitting anglers and outdoor enthusiasts with high-quality gear—from rafts to apparel—designed for rugged exploration. Based in Moscow, Idaho, NRS has deep connections to the rivers of the Pacific Northwest and a founding story rooted in adventure. In this feature, we explore NRS’s rich history, their bond with the rivers they cherish, and what inspired them to support Science on the Fly’s mission to protect and restore our waterways. Read on to learn why NRS is as passionate about river conservation as they are about adventure.

Angler fishing from an NRS Boundary 100 Raft. Photo: N. Wassmuth

Can you tell us about NRS, its mission, and what you would consider its “home river”?

Since 1972, 100% employee-owned NRS has served adventure anglers with rugged, functional boats, accessories and apparel to venture off the beaten path in pursuit of the ultimate fishing experience. Founded with a vision to prove a better way of doing business, NRS is committed to promoting public access to outdoor recreation and protecting our rivers, lakes and oceans. NRS is based in the small college town of Moscow in north-central Idaho. There are dozens of amazing rivers in our region. To the north and east are iconic mountain rivers holding westslope cutthroat and bull trout—the St. Joe, Lochsa, Selway and North Fork Clearwater, to name a few. We target warm-water species like smallmouth bass and carp in the arid canyons to the south and west. But our “home river” would have to be the Clearwater. We can leave the office and be spey casting for steelhead 45 minutes later. The Clearwater is a world-class fishery famous for producing “B-run” steelhead that can exceed 15 pounds.

Is there a river story in the creation of NRS?

“Born on the river” is more than a tagline for NRS. It’s a true story. Our Founder, Bill Parks, talked his way onto a rafting trip in the Grand Canyon in 1969, which ignited a lifelong passion for pushing rubber down rivers. Bill learned the hard way (after buying a Montgomery Ward raft for $69) how difficult it was to source quality river gear in the early days of the sport. His stroke of genius was to hunt down the best gear, stock it in his garage, and sell it from a catalog. To reach his target customers, he took stacks of catalogs with him on the river and handed them out to other boaters. One time, he was floating down the Middle Fork of the Salmon, headed to camp, when he passed a group who’d already set up camp, and none of them—males or females—had on clothes. As the story goes, Bill told his group, “You guys go find camp, I’m going to go pass out some catalogs…”

Float fishing on an NRS Slipstream. Photo by Z. Slinger

What an awesome river story! And we can vouch for it—NRS truly delivers high-quality, durable rafts and gear that we’re lucky to rely on for our expeditions in Alaska and beyond. We're also grateful for NRS’s support of Science on the Fly since our early days. What inspired NRS to start supporting our work?

Science on the Fly is unique in how it brings the fly fishing community and scientists together to study, protect, and restore rivers around the world. As anglers, we witness firsthand the impacts of climate change and habitat degradation on our fisheries. Community science is one way to feel a sense of hope and purpose, that we can make a positive contribution when we go to the river. The collective impact of all those individual contributions can be massive.

Why is it important for NRS, and others, to give back to our rivers and protect them?

In his introduction to the 1985 NRS catalog, Bill Parks wrote this:

At times, we all forget that free-flowing rivers make this sport, and our business, possible. Recently, a number or recreational and environmental disasters have been prevented, thanks to the awareness and hard work of many of you and your organizations. But many of our rivers are still at risk. If you are not a member of a river organization, consider joining. If we don’t help when someone else’s river is threatened, there won’t be anyone to help when our favorite river needs it most.

What was true in 1985 holds true still today. Rivers are our passion and the lifeblood of our business. Protecting them takes a community effort, and NRS has been a part of that community from day one. Promoting conservation—doing the work, telling the stories, supporting organizations like Science on the Fly—is as much a part of our business as building boats.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our community?

As fly fishing grows in popularity, it’s critical that we all do our part to make sure our recreation continues to have a positive effect on our rivers, the surrounding landscape, and adjacent communities. We need to be mindful to prevent overcrowding and overfishing, to handle fish properly, and to leave the fish alone when conditions warrant. Science on the Fly is one of many ways we can lead by example and help ensure future generations will be able to enjoy the sport and places we love.