20 Best 3 Weight Fly Rod (2022 Updated)

Actually bought this Echo Carbon XL 6-wt rod to replace the same model that accidentally fell overboard and sank on a kayak float for smallmouth bass. Just back from trout and bass fishing in far northern California where it held up beautifully landing large wild fish, including a surprise Kokanee in the middle of a wild and crazy Hex hatch on the full moon! What is special about this light but moderate action rod it’s ability to cast long and hard (streamers with sink tips) and also accurately and delicately (light tippets, tiny dries).

In December in the Lower Paloma gorge in Chile, I actually brought my Patagonian guide to tears placing a #18 mayfly just at the edge, and slightly beneath a leafy tree branch, an inch in front of a 20 inch, happily feeding rainbow– who rose up and sipped it in, just like that, before erupting into a leaping fight for his life, which we gladly gave him back, at the release.

It’s that kind of power and accuracy that makes this rod special. Would I buy this rod again? Definitely, but hope I won’t have to– it’s already my second!!.

As Tim Rajeff explains, this rod was designed to be an inexpensive but versatile rod, and in this respect he has hit a home run. When you get the line out for a midrange cast, the Carbon XL suddenly feels perfect.

Its as if your arm, hand, rod, fly line, and fly are all connected, working together in complete and total harmony. I was VERY impressed with the tight loops and great accuracy – I can hit a six inch target at 50 feet every cast.

It is so easy to cast. Used Rio Gold fly line.

I now have two Carbon XL rods in 5 wt and 6 wt. The 5 wt replaced my 25 year old ST Croix. Based on the performance of the 5 wt, I purchased the 6 wt. I also have an Echo Streamer X that has better hardware and workmanship – but it’s made here in the USA.

Tried the 6 and 7 wt, both very nice rods but the 6 wt suited my usage better. I was looking for a rod that could double as my practice rod for the FFI Casting Instructor’s certification. Needed a rod that was pin-point accurate in close and still able to hit a target at 75 ft.

Not a lot of rods can do both well. This one can! Very similar action to the Scott Centric but manged to save $400 with the Sonic which makes me happy. Stillwater was great in returning the 7 wt Sonic I tested and making this transaction easy.

Great job folks, will buy from you again.

This rod balances very well and is so light in hand that it feels like a 9 foot. I purchased it specifically for a return trip to the Bighorn river. There is a great review on telluride anglers highlighting this particular model.

I have lawn cast it with everything from 175 gr SA amplitude Infinity (6wt) and Rio big nasty (6 wt) to Airflo river and stream (5 wt gr wt 155) So far the best baance has been with. 168 gr Rio Lumalux (168 gr) but I suspect for dry fly fishing a SA amplitutde trout (6wt-160 gr) will be ideal.

The heavier lines will work well for nymph rigs.

I bought the 596 for float tube fishing as my secondary rod. When I tube I have 2 rods with me, one with a sinking line and one with a floater. I have Sage X 10′ 6 wt I love but bought the Sonic to use as a dry dropper or indicator rod.

I absolutly love it for this application. It will handle to rungsten bead nymphs and an indicator with ease and it will cast a mile. I will say it is very fast and maybe not the best for small drys and light tippets but I have a sage X 4 wt for that.

Love Love Love this rod out of a tube with nymphs.

The six weight butter stick is the sweet spot . Great responsive flex , strong enough backbone with a great reel seat and phenomenal retro color design . My new favorite glass rod by far .

I purchased the Orvis Encounter in the 9′ 6 weight model and have found it to be more than acceptable. Fit and finish are good but lack the refinement of the companies higher end models such as the RECON and HELIOS series.

However this in no way retracts from the Encounters value or overall quality as an affordable fly fishing rig. The reel is a polymer build which should lend to its ability to handle some abuse such as being dropped on gravel.

The reels drag system is capable of typical freshwater species such as bass, carp and pike but less than ideal for more powerful species. Overall the Encounter reel is a good value considering its price point.

The rod is also good both in construction and aesthetics. Again at this price point you should not expect the same refinements in visual grandeur as the companies higher end models. The addition of the solid rod tube only adds to the value of the Encounter fly fishing rig.

Overall the Orvis Encounter 9′ 6 weight rod/reel package is a high value product that should lend itself well to most freshwater applications.

I’ve been very happy with my encounter outfit (9′ 5WT) and have used it to successfully reel in a lot of bass and bluegill in my local pond. I have not encountered any issues with using it and am overall really happy with its performance.

I was a little disappointed by the reel because it’s made of plastic, but the drag system is fully operational and it has not kept me from catching any fish. For the price, I suppose you really can’t ask for much more than you get.

I use the rod so much that if I ever find I need a better reel I can always spend a little more money on one while still knowing that everything else works great. The case is also very nice and keeps the outfit safe when I’m traveling.

I’ve owned this combo for a year now and overall performance is decent. However, if you pay attention to the product description Orvis has not made it known what materials the rod and reel are made from.

This combo is low quality and features a 4 piece graphite rod and a ABS plastic reel. The handle on my reel broke on the first drop (and you will drop it at least once. ) There are plenty of beginner fly combos that feature all aluminium reels with a 4 piece graphite rod.

You’re spending money on the brand name here. This also happens to be one of the only Orvis products not made in America and not backed by their 25 year warranty. This combo is by no means bad in terms of performance on the water, but it lacks the durability that should be standard at this price point.

Cabella, white river, Penn, and fenwick all have products of a higher quality at a lower price. Orvis does have exceptional customer service. And you’ll probably need it with this combo. Tight lines and Jesus loves you!.

Like most of the negative reviews I have broken 5 Clearwater rods (7’5” 4W, 9′ 5W, 10′ 3W X2) in about 18 months. The rod tips are of poor quality and I even had a 5-weight break while casting just above the cork – a tell tale sign of poor graphite.

I’ve been a long time supporter of all-things Orvis and when you include in-store purchases I have spent thousands and thousands of dollars on their products. Within this same 2 year period I have gone through TWO pairs of Clearwater Waders and the sole of my Clearwater Boots popped right off in the middle of the stream.

Clearwater products are not the representation of the Orvis that I grew up with and it’s incredibly disappointing; especially with the global Supply Chain problems we are all experiencing. Virtually everything outdoorsy has been sold out everywhere since COVID and I didn’t even bother trying to replace rods/waders/boots after I broke the last one and was told that just the tip section of one of the rods was “delayed several months” and that the best option would be to just order a new rod that could be overnighted.

I’ve moved on to Patagonia waders and I really don’t see myself ever buying a rod or boots from Orvis again. Maybe this is isolated to the Clearwater line of products, but as others mentioned I would look to other brands – especially when looking at rods that wont break the bank.

Buying any “entry-level” fly-fishing gear certainly comes with some quality risks, but to see a personal investment in my beloved hobbies turn out to be a complete waste of time and money is the most disappointing part.

I have owned a Clearwater 3-wt 10-ft rod for just over a year. It gets heavy use once a week or so. The rod is used exclusively for Euronymphing. The rod is nice enough for a low end low price offering.

After 10 months I noticed the reel seat ring did not hold. It has to be tightened every few minutes or the reel will drop off. My fishing buddy with the same rod also has the exact same problem. I contacted Orvis to suggest there was a design flaw or manufacturing defect, but was told that Orvis does extensive product field testing and they look for this kind of issue during their product tests.

I don’t believe they have sufficiently tested the ring. Anyway my Clearwater rod (and my friend’s rod) has ring seat issues that I have not experienced with my Recon and Helios rods. Bottom line from me is you get what you pay for.

Don’t buy this rod if you intend to submit it to heavy use.

I had this rod for, not even, 6 months. It was well cared for and always properly stored after fishing. The rod completely snapped in the middle of the handle section on a simple cast. Orvis wants to charge me 1/4 of what I payed for the entire rod just to fix it? VERY DISAPPOINTING.

What warranty is there exactly?! My money would be better spent simply investing in a new rod. a SAGE perhaps?! Never had problems with their rods or their customer service. What’s even more disappointing is the exact same situation happen to a good friend of mine just last year.

He will never buy Orvis rods again and I am now with him on that! Should have learned from his experience and NOT purchased this rod, or any rod from Orvis perhaps! If after reading this you still happen to purchase this rod, make sure you always carry a back-up with you! (and perhaps not another Orvis!) With how easily these seem to snap, your day on the water is also easily ruined.

I have 2 of these, 9’ 5wt and the 10’6 3wt for euro nymphing. The sensitivity and durability on these rods is unmatched. The 5wt presents the smallest dries with the delicacy and precision of a glass handler but still has the punch to huck a 10 weighted wooly bugger into the exact inch of the hole you need to get it into.

The 3wt is like having eyes under water. When you learn the feelings, you can tell the difference between rocks, sediment, trees/branches, and most importantly a fish. The ability to feel all of this reduces snags and lost flies and greatly increases fish.

I have landed 8lbs+ fish on this rod with ease. If you’re debating a Helios, stop thinking about it and just do it. On top of it all, Orvis has the best warranty in the industry. I never had an issues with the helios’ but I have had to send other rods back and the experience is wonderful.

A brand that truly stands firmly behind its product is hard to find these days.

I tell you what. $998 almost broke the bank. After talking to my banker, putting a second mortgage on the house and pawning my kids’ ps5, I could finally swing it. I had to hitchhike to the river, but boy way a fishing tool.

I was binging 69’ reach casts into the stiff western Montana wind to pods of selectively sipping 16”-22” rainbows with ease. Numerous guides anchored up with their clients just for me to show them how it was done.

The 5wt H3D would pick up 60’ of line and Kay it right back down in a dime. Actually had a few shop owners ask if I wanted a job teaching rich yuppies from out of state how to cast. Probably should have taken them up on it since I was digging through the dumpster behind Isaac’s to eat since I was broke after buying it.

Anyways, great rod. Pretty much have owned most brands. This so far out performs them all. Super light in the hand, accurate and fast as hell. Probably need to wrap this up since my battery’s about dead.

Thinking about breaking into headhunters to try and find a place to plug it in. There aren’t any power outlets under the bridge in Craig. Tomorrow it’s back north. I’ll have plenty of time to think of a good way to explain the new house payment to the wife and make up some story about the ps5.

We’ll fine Orvis.

Best Orvis Rod. I own 12 Orvis rods; Superfine, TL, Trident, Helios 3 D, & now the Blackout 9. 5 5wt. The Blackout 5wt is my absolute favorite Orvis rod. I love the length, action, aesthetics of this rod.

The rod casts great & length allows for line management whether you’re casting from a boat or wading. If I could only have one fly rod- the Blackout 5wt 9. 5ft would be my choice. Thankfully, that’s not the case.

Well Done, now can you please bring back classic fit clothing, with natural fibers, & shirts with traditional collars? You’ve a performed the impossible by creating what may actually be the perfect modern fly rod.

After developing this miraculous rod, bringing back traditional fit clothing sounds like a far less daunting task. The only thing better than this rod – helpful folks at our local Orvis shop!.

I bought the Clearwater complete outfit a couple of weeks ago. I have ‘t had a chance to use it yet, but it comes to you complete. A great 4 piece rod, a nice reel, backing, fly line, and even a leader! The case is good also.

Don’t have to remove the reel from the rod for storage. All in all a great outfit and I look forward to a lot of good fishing.

This is a great outfit. So glad I found this 6WT to add to my collection. I love everything about it. If you were thinking of picking up one of these outfits, do it!

Great rod for the money. I have this rod in a 3wt and 6wt. The 3 wt is amazing. The 6wt with fighting but is a good rod but you can feel it is slightly heavier than a high end rod. Would definitely buy again or recommend to anyone.

I haven’t had a chance to fish with the Sage Pulse yet, but from what I experienced playing with in on the lawn, I think it’s going to be a great rod. The purchase experience with Fin & Fire was wonderful, as well.

I have casted and fished with all of the 3, 4, and 5 wt models, and the 386 and 486 are the only two models I consider good for beginners (there are other Vice models not sold by Cabelas). The 586 and 9 ft.

models 490, 590 and 690 are too stiff, the heavy blank weight can’t be supported very well by the skinny handle grip (cork is too small in diameter), and these rods must be overlined more than one line size to cast with enough flex to fish them well at normal fishing distances.

This is not surprising, since the path II and crosswater rods are the same, and probably made in same factory in china. You can fish the 386 and 486 with one line size heavier than the rating, to alleviate the stiffness and handle grip problems, and make it flex like a fly rod is supposed to do while casting and fishing.

This 8 ½ ft fly rod length is better for beginners than the 9-foot length, but only if you put the right line on it. Fit and finish is not too bad, although the tip top guide is made of thin wire that is easy to get bent out of shape and is not very durable – no fly rod maker should ever skimp on this part! You can buy other chinese-made fly rods with the same or better quality from the big auction site, for one third as much as a Vice.

For comparison, the mojo trout rods are made in North America and the 8 ½’ models have better flex action and handle comfort for about the same amount as the Vice. Cabelas has the 486-4 and if you fish it as a 5-weight, it does well in-close with a Rio Gold 5 wt.

line, and longer casts with a standard trout tapered 5 wt. line, and it generates ample power and good line speed. The 376 and 386 also fish OK as a 4-weight but won’t perform as well in the wind. Otherwise, I would ignore the other models, unless you want sore hands from over-clutching the skinny grip and you want distance casting instead of real fishing.

I agree the green color is attractive, but to ensure that beginners will stay with the sport, it is more important to have a well-balanced rod with good handle comfort and enough flex at short, practical fishing distances.

With the Vice, the 486-4 fished as a 5-weight is the closest you will get to that.

The Redington Vice is an excellent rod for all types of species. I’ve been Fly Fishing for 38 years. The new technology and materials are great! This is a very affordable rod with high end performance.

I have a 6 weight and a 7 weight Vice and they are both awesome to fish with. Very fast and plenty of backbone for larger fish. Very accurate for finess casts at spooky fish. I highly recommend this model!.

I like this rod. It casts well for the price. I have an 8wt for smallmouth fishing. Used it 3 times (plus practice yard casting) and a ferrule started cracking. Clearly a warranty issue. The warranty polocy is you pay for shipping and repair ($80) and they repair it and refund $50 if they decide it is a warranty issue.

I didn’t want to pay $80 for a repair on a month old $120 rod but they would not evaluate warranty eligibility prior to sending (took 3 emails and a call to get a responce). They have had my rod for a couple months.

I sent an inquiry and after a few weeks recieved a form letter talking about summer hours and initial covid response. The rod was good until it broke. The warranty looks good when you buy,, but it is only as good as the customer service.

I won’t buy redington again. I work in fisheries and have a lot of experience with other brands with excellent customer service and warrenties.

The extra rod sections with the 6 piece rod really add to the swing weight and dampen the wonderful lively feeling which is typical of the Classic Trout 4 piece rods. It just doesn’t feel like a light weight rod.

If you really need the convenience of being able to slip the rod in a suit case, it’s a good choice. For backpacking, I would prefer to strap a 4 piece rod to my backpack. I think the production quality of the Classic Trout rods is excellent, especially for the price.

I have owned a half dozen of these 4 piece Redington Classic Trout rods and I feel they excel in the 3 and 4 weight models.

I’ve enjoyed this rod. I tried this next to the TFO Blue Ribbon. The BR had a wonderful action, flexibility, and feel, but the LK Legacy had a decent more amount of power behind it. The LK has a fast action, slightly stiff feel ala the Pro II, but with a good amount more sensitivity.

Fast and sensitive are the words that come to mind. I both underlined and overlined the rod and both performed well. This thing launched intermediate sinking line like a beast. A very strong and versatile rod, and I still had very good accuracy at long distances.

Used the blue ribbon rod in the 3wt 10 ft ,it was just OK in the small hopper dropper system, was really upset there was no hook keeper on this rod,until I found it integrated into the reel seat. Just to let you know it is a Worthless design as I CAN’T find a way to put my midge or small hooks in this dumb little hole!!.

This is one of the best overall casting rods I have used. The distance it allows me to throw in nothing short of amazing. By far my new favorite rod for everything saltwater!

I have been using the NRX 852S JWR for 3 years now. This rod is very expensive and I use it for finesse fishing only, which most of the time is in very cold water. Although it is light as a feather, it has the backbone to bring in big smallmouth in a current, and one of my favorite things about it is that you can throw very light lures with it well.

At 7’1” the length gives you the leverage that you need when fighting big smallmouth in heavy current, which is where that backbone works for you. I use this model to finesse very small baits in rivers and streams.

These factors make this rod great to use jigs in the river throwing hair, plastic, and other small baits. If you fish from fall until early spring and you are throwing light lures you can get the most out of them by using this rod because most of the time in the winter you are targeting bigger fish and this rod can handle them.

The NRX is a very expensive fishing rod and it is not for everyone but if you like fishing in colder weather with small baits and you are out there you will want this rod when you hook into that monster.

~Wade Guide Pete Cartwright.

I bought this rod specifically for my wife. We were fishing for schoolie Striped Bass on Cape Cod. I paired the rod with a Daiwa Fuego 3000 spinning reel. and 12 lb braid. We were throwing 1/4 to 1/2 oz jig heads with soft plastic GT paddletails.

This combination performed wonderfully. It was very light and a pleasure to cast. It handled 20 to 26 inch bass perfectly. My wife caught her first ever Striped Bass on this trip. The power rating was medium but felt more like medium light to me.

A great casting rod and light enough to cast all day.

I use the E6X for boat fishing on clearwater lakes and reservoirs, fishing soft plastics slowly on the bottom. This rod is sensitive and powerful enough to toss lightweight soft plastic baits the long distances that you need in clear water environments.

With this rod you will have no problem using 6lb test line with light weight jig heads. Another great thing about the E6X is that it’s a high-end rod with an inexpensive price, coming in at just under two hundred dollars.

There are a bunch of different models that you can choose from for jig fishing or for whatever you like to throw, and it’s a great rod for beginners and expert anglers. I got this rod quick and was able to use it in a few days order yours today.

~Guide Pete Cartwright.

The problem with this rod is the tip section is very fragile, especially for a STREAMER ROD. I purchased the H3 #7 on the recommendation of Alvin Dedeaux. When the rod arrived the tip section was split so I sent the rod back to Orvis.

I did a little research (my bad, after the fact) and found people are complaining about the tip section breaking. After talking with the folks at Orvis I decided to get a refund. I have to say that Orvis was very good about honoring my request.

I will continue to be an Orivis customer. Orivs’ heart is IN the right place.

I’ve had the 9ft 5 wt. 3D for about a year and have broken the tip section 3 times. 2 times fighting trout and once on a cast. The rod casts and mends like a dream but it breaks so darn easily. I’m curious if this is common.

Kind of wishing I would’ve gone with the Centric. I’m just tired of having to pay to get new tip sections. The saving grace is that I’ve had a new tip section within like 3 days of the rod breaking. You would just think that 1k dollar rods wouldn’t break so easily.

I bought this rod for fall and spring Steelhead fishing. I’ve had it out once and so far it’s everything I expected. it has the backbone and tip stiffness to launch larger streamers while maintaining the sensitivity to detect strikes.

So far, so good and I expect I’ll like this rod the more I use it. BTW, I teamed it up with a Mirage IV reel and a SA Amplitude Smooth Anadro Indicator 7WT line. This shows great performance for a fall streamer set-up.