As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
This post is a guide to all Orvis fly rods. For many of these Orvis rods, I’ve done an in-depth, hands-on review, so you can read more about the rod and see if it’s right for you.
Orvis is a brand that will be forever associated with fly fishing. They make boots, reels, lines, flies, and just about anything else that you could possibly ever need for chasing fish with a fly rod by Orvis.
Orvis Fly Rods Quick Look
★ Our Favorite Orvis Fly Rod: Orvis Recon ★
Best Orvis Trout Rods
Best Small Stream Orvis Rods
Best Orvis Fly Rods For Bass
Best Saltwater Orvis Fly Rods
Best 2-Handed Orvis Fly Fishing Rods
Best Orvis Nymphing Rods
With a company this size, you may think that they’re no longer specialized, that they’ve spread themselves too thin, or that their products would suffer because of too many adaptations. Well, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Sure, there are some more expensive and perhaps higher quality rod builders out there, but Orvis has the technology and wherewithal to compete with most if not all of them. Plus, their wide range of products means that there’s an Orvis fly rod for just about every budget.
Let’s get started.
Who Is Orvis?
Orvis has been around for over a century and a half. Starting in 1856, Charles Orvis founded the company in Vermont, originally offering only fly fishing equipment and not near the number of products as today.
Since then, Orvis has come a long way. Now it’s a well-known name in the world of upland hunting, fly gear, apparel, and dog training, and they’re also leading the way in outdoor education classes.
On top of all this, they’ve managed to keep the same craft and care they have always taken for their crafted equipment. Their rods and reels are well known in the angling world, and most fly fishers have a few of them.
Orvis Fly Rod Warranties
Orvis provides a 25-year guarantee for its fly rods. This means that Orvis will fix your rod no matter the reason it broke.
You could step on it, run it over, or have your dog eat it and Orvis will either replace the affected part of the rod or give you a brand new rod, depending on how severe the damage is.
Give Orvis five business days to replace the rod, and it will arrive at your front door. It couldn’t be easier to get a replacement if you ever accidentally break your rod.
What Are Orvis Fly Rods Made of?
Orvis utilizes graphite, glass, bamboo, and any other hybrid material you can think of. Chances are, Orvis has a fly rod made of it. Thanks to them constantly researching and trying to improve their company, Orvis leads the way in new rods.
Their bamboo rods are pricey, costing a few thousand dollars, but the rest of their lineup includes rods that are much more reasonable and can be used by anglers of all skill levels.
Types of Orvis Fly Rods
They have a vast selection of rods for anglers to choose from. No matter what type of fishing you plan on doing, chances are Orvis has a rod that’s made just for you.
Spey rods, bamboo, classic trout rods: It doesn’t matter, Orvis has it. So, below I’ll go over a few different kinds to give you a quick overview of what they have. Check them out!
Switch and Spey
There are several switch/spey rods that Orvis has to offer. On top of the vast selection, you’ll also find that they come in a number of different weights as well as lengths.
This means they’re perfect for the angler who wants to be very specific with what they buy. There’s no need to compromise here. Orvis has exactly what you need to get out and start fishing.
Glass Rods
These are great for going out and chasing small fish in backwater creeks and ponds. They’re light enough to easily handle light flies and even lighter tippet.
They offer a great feel, accurate casting, and the great fiberglass bend that has made these rods so famous. This is the ultimate rod for the classic fly angler.
Bamboo Rods
If you want to be a true fly angling traditionalist, then you need to have a bamboo fly rod somewhere in your house, even if it’s just meant for decoration instead of actually fishing.
These rods have a surprising amount of power and grace to them. In a world where so many rods are made of composite material, bamboo rods let you enjoy a throwback to true craftsmanship.
Features of Orvis Fly Rods
Below, I’ll go over some of the different features of Orvis fly rods. I’ll cover some of the major ones so you’ll know what to look for when selecting your rod.
So, check out the information below. Use it to help guide you while picking out your own Orvis fly rod. There are many different features, so pick out the ones that make the most sense for you and your fishing style.
Material
As I mentioned earlier, Orvis fly rods come in several different materials. You can be a traditionalist and purchase one of their several bamboo models, or go with a glass model.
Each type of material they use is best utilized for a different style and type of fishing, so ensure you’re purchasing the proper one for the fishing you enjoy doing the most.
Pieces
Like most companies, Orvis has fly rods that come in one piece, two pieces, or four pieces. They also have a six-piece fly rod. The four-piece is the most popular, but some enjoy a one or two-piece rod.
The six-piece is great for the adventurer, someone who needs a rod that can break down into small pieces and can be easily fit inside or on the side of a pack.
Action
Slow, medium, fast, and everything in between, rods from Orvis have an action that can be used in just about any fishing situation you can think of. Most of their models come in different actions as well.
It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a rod that can throw big bugs and haul in big fish or a rod that can work tiny midges down a mountain stream, Orvis has an action that will work for you.
Balance
Having a well-balanced rod is important when fly fishing. You need to ensure that everything is balanced and working together in order to give the strength, power, and accuracy you need for casting.
Fortunately, all of the rods created by Orvis are well balanced and ready to be paired with the reel of your choosing. Ensure the reel is also well balanced on the rod you’ve selected.
Length
There are many different sizes that Orvis fly rods come in. They can all be utilized for different types of fishing, and many can even be used for several different types of fish and conditions.
If you want to be more specific, though, and purchase a rod just for chasing small stream brookies, then have no fear. They have several different styles of the size you’re looking for.
Rod Weights
Orvis fly rods come in many different weights. There are different specialty rods for different species of fish, types of fishing, and casting styles. Basically, no matter what weight you’re looking for, you’ll find an Orvis that’ll be suited for you.
Orvis Fly Rods
Below is an extensive list covering several different Orvis fly rod reviews for rods that will work best for the type of fishing you plan on doing.
Some might be listed more than once. This just shows that these are versatile rods that can be used for many different styles of fishing. So, check out the list below and see which ones will work best for you.
Orvis Trout Rods
The rods I’ve listed below are classic trout rods. Usually, they’re the 9′ 5 wt variety. Each also comes at different prices.
Recon
- Action: Medium, fast
The Recon rods are made to deliver delicate presentations. These are perfect for targeting spooky trout on rivers and ponds that might get a lot of pressure from anglers and predators.
On top of being able to give a delicate touch to landing a fly, the Recons also have the backbone to reel in big fish. So, don’t fret if you wind up hooking into a monster.
Available Sizes and Weights
- 10′ 3 weight
- 8′ 6″ 4 weight
- 9′ 4 weight
- 10′ 4 weight
- 8′ 6″ 5 weight
- 9′ 5 weight
- 10′ 5 weight
- 9′ 6 weight
Clearwater
- Action: Medium, medium-fast, fast
The Clearwater is a great rod for just about any angler. The price is affordable, and it’s either a great first rod for a novice, a first serious trout rod, or a great backup.
It comes in many different styles, but the Clearwater Freshwater rod is the one I’ll be talking about. All come in a 4-piece set, so they can be easily carried in a car, airplane, or travel bag.
They also come in several different sizes ranging from 9′ to 10′. The weights are extremely diverse, ranging from a 2 weight all the way to a 5 weight.
Considering the Clearwater? Make sure you check out our In-Depth Hands-On Orvis Clearwater Review.
Available Sizes and Weights
- 9′ 5 weight
- 9′ 6 weight
- 10′ 3 weight
- 10′ 4 weight
- 8′ 6″ 5 weight
Helios 3D
- Action: Medium, fast
The Orvis Helios 3D is the rod that blew open the fly rod scene in the late ’20s. The Orvis Helios is renowned for its accuracy and power while not being astronomically expensive. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still expensive, though.
The Helios 3 comes in two different styles, the 3F and 3D. The 3D is known for its power and casting distance while also being accurate. The 3F is known for delivering deadly accurate casts from all angles.
This is a great rod if you need to make accurate casts consistently. Although the price point may put off a few people, don’t be discouraged. It’s a great rod and you’ll love taking it out.
Available Sizes and Weights
- 9′ 4 weight
- 9′ 5 weight
- 9′ 6 weight
- 10′ 4 weight
- 8′ 6″ 4 weight
Orvis Small Stream Rods
Now that I’ve covered some of the main trout sizes, let’s take a look at some rods that will work well in smaller bodies of water. These are great for chasing panfish, brookies, or other smaller fish.
Encounter
- Action: Medium, fast
There are only a few sizes of the Orvis Encounter that could work on small streams, but if you want something that’s a solid rod for a great price, then this is the one for you.
This is a great rod for a new angler or someone who’s looking for a solid backup rod they can use. The Encounter is perfect for most anglers.
Considering ordering an Orvis Encounter? Be sure to check out our In-Depth Hands-On Orvis Encounter Review.
Available Sizes and Weights
- 7′ 5 weight
- 8′ 5 weight
Clearwater
- Action: Medium, fast
Similar to the Recon, the Orvis Clearwater is a great rod for someone who is just starting out fly fishing smaller bodies of water. Or, it could even be a great rod for someone to graduate to after learning on something cheaper.
It comes in several different weights and sizes, allowing you to pick out exactly what you want for fly fishing the skinny water of your choice.
Available Sizes and Weights
- 7′ 6″ 3 weight
- 7′ 6″ 4 weight
- 8′ 6″ 4 weight
Recon
- Action: Slow, medium, fast
The Orvis Recon was made especially for anglers who enjoy blue lining and chasing small fish in narrow streams. It’s extremely light, making it perfect to pack in and out.
On top of that, this rod also loads extremely quickly, making it perfect for areas where a short backcast is required. This is the quintessential blue line rod.
Available Sizes and Weights
- 7′ 6″ 2 weight
- 7′ 6″ 3 weight
- 8′ 4″ 3 weight
- 8′ 6″ 4 weight
- 8′ 6″ 5 weight
Orvis Bass Rods
Now that I’ve covered trout, let’s do some bass rods. These heavier rods are great for throwing big streamers and poppers to bass. The extra heft will allow you to work big bass into your net as well.
Helios 3D
- Action: Medium, fast
The Orvis Helios 3D is made to give you extra distance on your cast without messing with the power of the rod. The extra distance is great because you can cover more water for bass, and they’re not as leader shy as trout.
The extra power is great when you’re out on a big lake and want to throw a popper to cover, but the wind is acting up. This rod will allow you to deliver that fly straight through the wind.
Available Sizes and Weights
- 9′ 6 weight
- 9′ 7 weight
- 10′ 7 weight
- 9′ 8 weight
Helios 3F
- Action: Medium, fast
I know what you’re thinking, but the Orvis Helios 3F is different enough from the 3D that it’s worth being put on here on a different spot of the list.
So, while the 3D gives you extra casting distance, the 3F gives you extra accuracy. This is great when fishing in tight spots and you need to put the fly directly in front of the fish to get it to bite.
Available Sizes and Weights
- 9′ 6 weight
- 9′ 6″ 6 weight
- 10′ 6 weight
- 9′ 7 weight
- 10′ 7 weight
- 9′ 8 weight
Clearwater
- Action: Medium, fast
The Orvis Clearwater Rod is made mostly for targeting trout and maybe some smaller species of bass or panfish. That doesn’t mean this wouldn’t be a great bass rod, though.
The biggest size it comes in is a 6 weight. So, it’s a little bit on the smaller side, but you could easily throw some bass bugs and streamers on this. It’s great for targeting small local lakes and ponds.
Available Sizes and Weights
- 9′ 6 weight
Orvis Saltwater Rods
Below, I’ll cover some of the saltwater rods that Orvis makes. Some models are made specifically for salt water, while others, such as the Clearwater, have rods made for both fresh and salt water. Check them out!
Recon
- Action: Medium, fast
The Orvis Recon Rod was designed for incredibly accurate casting. It’s ideal for throwing flies in situations where you have a very tight window that you need to fit it in or the fish won’t see it.
It’s very strong and powerful, yet surprisingly light. You can cast all day without having shoulder fatigue. It’s also equipped with a fighting butt to give you an advantage when locked into a long battle.
Available Sizes and Weights
- 9′ 6 weight
- 9′ 6″ 6 weight
- 9′ 7 weight
- 10′ 7 weight
- 9′ 8 weight
- 10′ 8 weight
- 9′ 9 weight
- 9′ 10 weight
- 9′ 12 weight
Helios 3D
- Action: Medium, fast
The Orvis Helios 3D can be used for just about any type of fishing, and saltwater is no different. The 3D gives you great distance on your casts and is strong enough to power your fly through the strongest saltwater breezes.
Along with being able to cast farther, this rod also gives you supreme accuracy. You can put your fly wherever you need to. You can land a crab in front of a tailing redfish or put a fly directly in front of a school of permit.
Available Sizes and Weights
- 9′ 7 weight
- 10′ 7 weight
- 9′ 8 weight
- 9′ 9 weight
- 9′ 10 weight
- 9′ 11 weight
- 9′ 12 weight
Clearwater
- Action: Medium, fast
The larger Orvis Clearwater rods are saltwater and big game specific rods that pack a strong punch. The saltwater rods provide a wide range of different weights and lengths, so you can get the exact one you need for your target species.
If you’re looking for a solid startup saltwater rod, then the Clearwater is the one for you. Coming in at under $250, this is an ideal rod for a novice looking to get involved in the sport or for someone who wants a solid backup rod.
The Clearwater line of Orvis fly fishing rods is truly one of the most versatile you can find. Not only do they have small weights for blue lining, but they have larger sizes for chasing trophy fish.
Available Sizes and Weights
- 9′ 6 weight
- 9′ 6″ 6 weight
- 9′ 7 weight
- 10′ 7 weight
- 9′ 8 weight
- 10′ 8 weight
- 9′ 9 weight
- 9′ 10 weight
- 9′ 4″ 11 weight
- 9′ 12 weight
Two-Handed Orvis Fly Rods
Now, I’m moving on to two-handed rods. These are utilized for spey casting and will give you great power when you’re out fishing on a river and need to cast with some distance. Check these out.
Mission
- Action: Medium, medium-fast, fast
The Orvis Mission rod was loosely based on the Helio 3 collection. This rod is strong enough to drop a large fly clear across the river into a small eddy, or it’s also delicate enough to drop a tiny fly with delicate precision. This rod can do it all.
These rods dampen the energy behind each cast, so you can add more energy to each throw. It also has an autocorrect system that will help correct any sort of botched cast that might occur.
The Mission is an extremely forgiving rod. It has great line control and an incredible reach, so you can hit the farthest bank when fishing on large salmon rivers.
They are surprisingly lightweight rods, but are incredibly strong and versatile. They also offer large rods for casting large rivers and more compact rods for tighter casting.
Available Sizes and Weights
- 12′ 6 weight
- 11′ 7 weight
- 13′ 7 weight
- 11′ 8 weight
- 13′ 6″ 8 weight
- 14′ 9 weight
- 15′ 10 weight
Clearwater Two-Handed Rods
- Action: Medium-fast, fast
That’s right folks, I’m back to talking about the Orvis Clearwater selection, this time with a beautiful Orvis Clearwater 2-Handed Rod.
The frequency of this lineup on this list should tell you about how impressive these rods are more than anything else.
Their two-handed collection comes in a variety of sizes and lengths, which allows you to pick out the perfect rod for the style of fishing that you plan on doing.
The lighter rods are perfect for spey and swinging light tackle through rivers. Their heavy rods are suitable for salmon fishing on large rivers.
Available Sizes and Weights
- 11′ 4″ 3 weight
- 11′ 4″ 4 weight
- 12′ 6 weight
- 11′ 7 weight
- 13′ 7 weight
- 11′ 8 weight
- 13′ 6″ 8 weight
- 14′ 9 weight
- 15′ 10 weight
Orvis Nymphing Rods
Let’s go over a few nymphing rods now. These are longer and lightweight, perfect for Euro nymphing.
Recon
- Action: Medium
The Orvis Recon 10′ 4wt is a great lightweight rod. It’s made for traveling long distances because of how light it is. So, before your next backwater trip, you should check out this rod.
The nymph style rods come in a variety of lengths and sizes. They can be used as a rod for primarily nymphing or also as a versatile rod.
Available Sizes and Weights
- 10′ 2 weight
- 8′ 4″ 3 weight
- 10′ 3 weight
- 8′ 6″ 4 weight
- 9′ 4 weight
- 10′ 4 weight
Clearwater
- Action: Medium
If you’re looking for a solid rod to use as your first nymphing rod, then look no further than the Orvis Clearwater 10′ 3wt. The Clearwater is a great beginner rod because of the price and also because of its quality.
It comes in several different sizes, and you can easily Euro nymph on rivers and drift wet flies through fast eddies and past submerged boulders.
Available Sizes and Weights
- 10′ 2 weight
- 7′ 6″ 3 weight
- 10′ 3 weight
- 7′ 6″ 4 weight
- 8′ 6″ 4 weight
- 9′ 4 weight
- 10′ 4 weight
Orvis Bamboo Fly Rods
- Action: Slow, medium
If you want a classic rod and you need something short and lightweight, then the bamboo Orvis Penn’s Creek is hard to beat. Its classic look and feel will get you excited about fishing.
This short rod is ideal for drifting nymphs in tight water, and it’s lightweight, allowing you to feel every tick of the bottom and every bite.
Available Sizes and Weights
- 7′ 4 weight
Review This Post
Table of Contents
Conclusion
After reading over the above information, you hopefully have a better understanding of Orvis rods. They truly have an incredible selection and have a rod for anglers of every skill level.
So, after finding the best Orvis fly rod for you, go pick one up. Check out Amazon for great prices and a large supply of products.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.
As a part of the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate programs, Into Fly Fishing® may receive a comission if you order products through links on this website.
