20 Best Value Fly Rods (2022 Updated)

I have two of these rods, a 7 1/2 foot 3 weight and a 9 foot five weight. The 3 weight is my favorite rod for fishing small, brushy creeks. It is true to line weight and casts very accurately at close distances, even with little or no fly line out the rod tip, yet has enough power to buck the wind a bit and to cast across bigger pools or runs with ease.

It balances great with a light click pawl reel. I really love this rod and find it a blast to fish with and aesthetically pleasing too. I’m not so thrilled with the nine foot five weight. This rod is easy to cast, mainly because it is really a lighter, softer four weight rod (I did a “deflection” test on it) and will cast an average four weight line just fine.

The flip side of this is that an average sized trout can put a decent bend in the rod and feel a little big sometimes! Although it has worked well for me in fishing dry flies and lighter nymphs rigs, it lacks the backbone to effectively fish heavier indicator rigs and I find it harder to cast in the wind when compared to my other rods.

For me, this rod is just rather tip heavy unless you hang a reel with an unloaded weight of about six ounces off the back end. Also, the cork on this rod is a poorer grade than the cork on my three weight and has developed some voids with minimal use.

I probably won’t fish the five weight much any more, but I heartily recommend the shorter rods, especially in three and four weight.

An excellent affordable fly rod. Fishing distances with perfect control: up to 45 feet (with 12 leader max , tippet included); beyond, accuracy fluctuates. Works a treat with dry flies and wet flies.

Not a streamer rod. Medium action. True to its indicated line weight. Do not use a half size heavier line. A light #5 line with a progressive taper works best. A #4 line works just fine too. I would say the rod is a #4.

5. Do not force the rod, adapt to its tempo. You wont get ultra fast line speed nor extremely tight loops, so avoid windy situations or shorten the leader. Light tippet friendly. Cosmetics are excellent.

Shapes of guides and alignement are impeccable for a rod assembled in China. Fairly light weight and good balance. One con: the tube with integrated sheath. I wish they had used a classic cloth sleeve which, to my mind, protects the rod way better than those compartimented tubes where the pieces rattle somewhat loosely.

But it would increase the price a little. So, an excellent rod for dry fly, wet fly, and greased leader light nymph fishing.

If you want a modern rod that behaves like top shelf pre-World War II bamboo, then this is the rod for you. I have a number of pre-World War II Grangers and Philipsons and a Heddon Black Beauty. They really give you a fuller insight to the origins of the sport which is all about the casting.

This is the second one I have bought, simply because I wanted a back up in case they go out of production.

Just getting up to speed fly fishing for bass and pan fish in the south. Needed a good setup for the larger flys and after attending a local Orvis fly casting school and using this product I was sold! Had to order me one the following week.

Has smooth action and well thought out engineering. Really like the design of the upper eyes, makes stringing the line a piece of cake! and actually bought a second reel spool to make full use of the quick change for different line sizes.

Excited to have the Clearwater setup as my goto when headed to the lake or coast. Also with a 25 year warranty this setup will long outlast my shoulder!!!.

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.

The Clearwater line of rods is typically a phenomenal value, and I have recommend them to all my clients. As a guide and lodge manager, Orvis has been my rod choice for over 15 years. Within the Clearwater series, I have extensively used the 10’ 3# for Euro Nymphing.

I’ve been very impressed with the finishing of the rod, sensitivity, and utility. The 6pc. 8# Clearwater, however, should be avoided at all costs. This rod broke on its very first cast. No exaggeration.

No damage had occurred to the blank, as it was just removed from the rod tube that morning. The ferrules were all properly seated (using ferrule wax). The rod was properly loaded with an 8wt line. One double haul with a size 2 gurgler, and the blank snapped.

Unfortunately I did not heed the advice of fellow guides who told me the 6pc rods had a notorious history of breaking. I know Orvis customer service and warranty will correct the issue, but I will revert back to using 4 piece rods for travel, and believe that the 6 piece should be retired from the lineup.

I bought this 8wt 6 piece travel rod to take fishing in Iceland. First time I used it, literally the first fish I caught, the tip broke where it joins the second piece. Luckily, I was able to hand line the fish in, but was without a rod for the rest of the day.

In rural Iceland. I have had other Orvis products over the years and they have held up quite a bit longer than one fish. I have to echo other’s sentiments in some of these reviews and not recommend this rod to anyone.

It is unfortunate that they continue to sell this defective equipment, as it is really giving Orvis a bad reputation. After the warranty fee, I have a very expensive paperweight on my hands now, used once, with no expectations to take it anywhere else in the world due to reliability.

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.

Getting back into fly fishing after a 20 year break. Did not want to spend a boat load of cash on an outfit till I discovered how much my casting style changed. Purchased this rod in the 8′ 4 wt for small to medium stream trout fishing ranging from native brookies (my personal favorite) to larger stocked and native browns.

Paired it with a Redington Surge reel set up with backing and WF4F, again did not want to go overboard in the cash department. The combination works well and has great balance. Also picked up a hard rod/reel case as it just comes with a sock.

Could not be happier for the money I spent plus I now know how my casting style has changed it has slowed a bit, old age does not come alone. Medium fast is still a bit quick but very manageable. So far I’ve caught 4″ to 7″ brooks and Browns up to 18″.

I’ve been using this for about 8 months now and have had zero issues with construction or materials. It is a 2 piece rod, which used to be normal now it seems to be hinderance (according to the status quo).

All in all fit and finish are great reel seat and guides are of good quality. I’ve been extremely satisfied with the entire combo and I’m sure it will be in my arsenal for a long time.

This rod broke on the very first use. The tip snapped. Temple Fork DOES NOT stand behind their products and will not replace any parts without you paying for the shipping both ways and the new tip. DO NOT BUY.

IT’s junk!.

I received my new blue Helios 3D 9′ 5wt rod and paired it with an existing Hydros III reel. My first impression is that I can’t believe how light the rod weighs compared to my old Orvis Clearwater 5wt mid flex rod.

I then took it out to the front yard and verified it’s much improved accuracy to cast to specific targets. 3 days ago, I fished a medium sized limestone river in 10 to 20 mph wind. I had no difficulty punching my casts though it to the intended target.

Then 2 days ago, I fished an enclosed mountain free stone creek and was able to make all of the delicate casts with accuracy. The increased sensitivity of the rod shined in that environment. I fished for 2 days and not once had to remove my flies from trees/brush.

That has never happened before. Coincidence? I’ll never win any fly casting distance trophies, but this amazing rod now allows me to regain range despite my limitations. This is also the first time in years that I have fished for two straight days and not had ANY pain in my right shoulder that sports a complete rotator cuff tear and osteoarthritis.

My only recommendation is to attach the rod case lid with a chain so that it can’t get lost. Also, it took me a good 20 minutes to remove the registration card from deep within the rod case. That card was blocking reinsertion of the rod.

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.

I bought an NRX+ 10’ 4wt new and the tip was bent. The dealer checked their remaining 2 in stock & each had a bent tip. They told me these rods had some ‘character’ in the tip. Sorry, a fly rod has to be straight.

Loomis sent me a replacement – with a bent tip. Four new rods, four bent tips. Check yours carefully. Looks like Loomis perhaps has / had an issue rolling these, maybe it affects them all, I don’t know.

I have purchased a few of the G Loomis Asquith’s but this last one was a 9wt and I think I found the sweet spot in rods. It seems so effortless and simply comfortable to cast. I have purchase from a few fly shops but the inventory at Fin & Fire is wonderful.

I was told the rod was not available until I called them and they seemed to have a large inventory. They were effortless to deal with and performed perfectly! Thank you Fin & Fire.

This rod casts nice, but it took a heavier reel than expected to balance it right. If you don’t do this, it will be noticeably tip-heavy. It has more flex in the middle of the blank than some other 9′ 4 weights, but thats good – makes it more forgiving when casting.

Handle grip is right length, good diameter and contour, not too short or too thin like some other rods. But, I don’t understand what happened with the alignment dots on the sections – they put them on the opposite side of the blank (not on the guide side) and the dot between the two lower sections is missing.

Plus, the hook keeper is off to one side, rather than positioned underneath where it should be. Also, sections will come loose during casting unless wax is used – must use ferrule wax for sure, otherwise sections loosen-up during fishing (makes me wonder if they got the taper of the ferrules wrong).

I have several fly rods that are lighter and/or cost less money – but at least I got it on a close-out sale, otherwise it really would not have been worth it. This review is based on comparison of 5 other 9′ 4 wt fly rods I own, most of them being comparable in price or cheaper.

If this is your only rod, maybe you wouldn’t notice these details, but I do.

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!

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!.

I have bought a number of outfits from Orvis, but I gotta say I can stop using this one even though it’s the cheapest one I’ve gotten from Orvis, not to say I don’t love the other products I’ve gotten but I just love this outfit.

I’m probably an intermediate angler at best so I am not the most knowledgeable reviewer but I can promise if this product ever breaks or anything like that I will go see the extremely nice and helpful staff at the Roseville store (fishing manager Ben and the whole staff is awesome), hope something can work out and if not buy another 7wt 10ft encounter outfit happily.

Sure it’s a bit overkill for most of the fishing I do but I will accept a smaller fighting experience in trade for a less tired/more likely to survive happily release of a trout while still loving the catch with this outfit.

Thank you Orvis for your work, conservation contributions, and great customer service. Orvis pretty please do not let this option go from your selection. I’ve been a customer for a while now and will be for years to come (especially if you continue to offer this outfit with the extra spools and line)!!!.

I was thrilled to receive this Reddington trout field kit. It is by far the best combo package out there. Each component is of the highest quality including line and leader. Can’t wait to get it to the water.

Haven’t used this yet but I got a great deal on it and have thus far had great customer service! Moose Jaw sells some nice stuff and I appeciate the frequent sales.

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 fishing a couple times with this now, and I can say that the price relative to the quality of this setup is unrivalled. I was looking at buying a different outfit from other companies. However, just comparing the specs of this rod and reel to others at a similar price point, you should be able to tell that this is a much higher quality than other things you can find around the 250 dollar mark.

Machined aluminum reel construction, a 4 piece rod with alignment marks, hook keeper, and what must be a AAA grade cork handle, along with a ceramic insert on the lowest stripping guide. Even the line it comes with is fine; usually something these complete outfits skimp on.

I would recommend buying a new leader. Other than that, the outfit has been perfect.