When Tim Arsenault first picked up a fly rod as a teenager, he had no idea where it would lead. From fishing local rivers in South Surrey to falling headfirst into the world of steelhead and Spey casting, his journey has been anything but ordinary. Today, Tim is the driving force behind Bridge Fly Lines, a company that started with curiosity, competition, and a lot of trial and error.
In the early 2000s, Tim found himself working at Michael & Young Fly Shop. That same love for Spey casting pushed him into teaching, competing, and eventually designing lines of his own. As he competed in casting tournaments, he began tweaking lines to better match his rods, casting style, and physical setup. He was cutting, adjusting, and experimenting, and somewhere in that process, something clicked.
That moment of discovery planted the seed for Bridge Fly Lines. After years of research and hands-on learning, Tim launched the company in 2018. The goal was simple: create specialty and everyday Spey lines that felt powerful, efficient, and enjoyable to cast.
Let’s walk through Tim Arsenault’s Bridge Fly Line collection and see how each head is designed to suit different rods, casts, and fishing conditions. Whether you’re swinging light tips in soft water or aiming for distance with a long rod, there’s a Bridge line that fits the job.
The Mainstem Head
The first line Tim designed was the Mainstem Head. Inspired by tournament casting, this long head ranges from 53 to 64 feet, depending on weight. It’s perfect for anglers using 13- to 15-foot rods and looking to cast with single Speys and snake rolls. The Mainstem brings a modern feel while keeping the classic touch that long-line casters appreciate.
The Tributary Head
Next came the Tributary Head, a full-floating line ranging from 38 to 54 feet. While still a longer head, it works well on shorter rods and with smaller to medium flies. It bridges the gap for anglers who want a longer line experience without jumping straight into full-length tournament setups. You can fish it with both touch-and-go and waterborne anchor casts, making it a versatile choice for many rivers and rod lengths.
The Wintertide Head
For those who like fishing lighter tips and smaller flies in softer water, the Wintertide Head is Tim’s solution. Ranging from 24 to 36 feet, this line brings a smooth casting feel to sink-tip situations where you don’t need a heavy, aggressive head. Think shallow tailouts or inside seams where you want more control and finesse rather than brute force.
The Torrent Head
Finally, there’s the Torrent, a line designed for heavier sink tips and larger flies. While technically a Scandi-style head, it keeps that signature Bridge feel: smooth, sporty, and fun to cast. At lower weights, it comes in shorter lengths (around 18 to 24 feet), making it ideal for short rods and compact setups. In higher weights, it stretches up to 30 feet, giving you more line to manage when using longer rods and chasing extra distance.
Want To Learn More From Tim?
Tim’s passion for Spey casting and line design comes through in every head he’s created. To explore his full range or rewatch his casting tips, make sure to check out the full masterclass inside the Anchored Outdoors membership library. You’ll find all the tools you need to sharpen your skills and get more enjoyment from every cast.
Ready to fish with purpose? Join us at Anchored Outdoors, and take your Spey casting to the next level!
