Fly Rods

Fly-Fishing Rods

With more than 150 years of rod building experience, it’s no wonder anglers look to Orvis for the highest-quality fly rods in the industry. Our lines of fly rods are the best on the market, the culmination of cutting-edge technology, precision, and expertise. Explore our collection and find exactly what you're looking for to equip your next fly-fishing adventure. Discover a fly rod for every excursion—saltwater, freshwater, Spey casting, small creeks, and warm-water adventures.

How Do I Choose A Fly Rod?

Start by determining which weight of fly rod you need, based on your target species. If you’re interested in mid-sized or larger trout, look for a 4-, 5-, or 6-weight fly rod. For bass, look at a 6- or 7- weight fly rod. Steelhead and salmon will require a 7-, 8-, or 9-weight fly rod.

Then think about length. Rods in the 8’6” and 9’ range are the most versatile and most common. But small stream anglers tend to like easy-to-maneuver rods in the 6’ to 7’ range.

Finally, consider other aspects of your fishing to determine which rod will suit you best. Orvis designs and produces fly rods that fulfill the specific needs of expert anglers, as well as affordable, incredibly well-made fly rods that welcome newcomers to the sport.

What Does the Weight of a Fly Rod Mean?

The weight of a fly rod is the size of the fly line that rod is designed to cast. Heavier lines can be cast farther; can cut through wind on open saltwater flats and big rivers; and can help punch bigger and heavier flies through the air. Heavier lines put more force on a rod, and thus require a sturdier fly rod. Lighter weight lines allow for delicate presentations of smaller flies, and so lightweight fly rods are built with precision presentation in mind. Choose your rod weight and fly line weight based on which type of water you’ll primarily be fishing. You can get by within 1 to 2 weights of the ideal rod/line weight for a piece of water. So if you’re fishing a big river for big trout and should be using a 6 WT rod and line, for example, you could get away with a 5 or 7 WT.

What Is the Best All-Around Fly Rod Weight?

The best all-around fly rod weight for freshwater is a 4, 5, or 6 WT in 8’ 6” or 9’ lengths, and for saltwater an 8 or a 9 WT in a 9’ length. A tremendous variety of fishing can be accomplished with these options.

Which Orvis Fly Rod Should I Use?

• Helios 3

If you’re an experienced angler who demands precision and accuracy, explore our Helios 3 line of fly rods. We engineered the H3 to reduce the variables and harness the energy behind each cast—translating to impressive accuracy. No window is too small for this precise rod, thanks to the increased hoop strength that reduces vibration for a truly accurate cast. Place flies right where you want them—every time—with the enhanced power and pinpoint accuracy of our Helios 3 fly rods. Cast the Helios D3 if you’re looking for reliably easy distance; it blends unmatched power with incredible accuracy. For tricky water, spooky fish, and tiny dries, rely on the finesse-focused Helios 3F, which will consistently present a fly at 60 feet, with a delicate presentation and surprising sensitivity. The Helios 3 offers power, accuracy, and feel, whether you’re fishing a stream or the flats.

• Clearwater

Or choose from the models in our bestselling Clearwater series; you’ll find the ideal weight and flex for any application. Our budget-friendly Clearwater Switch & Spey rods put the world of two-handed casting within reach.

• Recon

Our Recon series of fly rods is designed with the adventure angler in mind. Four-piece construction allows for easy storage, and convenient straps secure the rod to a backpack when trekking deep into parts unknown. This rod is incredibly lightweight, yet stands ready to tackle the toughest fish on the greatest adventures.

• Encounter

Our affordable Encounter fly rod outfits are armed with high-grade components perfect for new anglers, and for seasoned anglers looking for a bargain on a spare. The Encounter fly rod outfit comes equipped with a large arbor Encounter reel, weight-forward floating fly line, backing, and leader.

Our fly rod selector tool can help refine your search to specific rods of the right series, weight, and length, based on your fishing environment, target species, fly box, and other variables that are important to you.

We take great pride in outfitting fly fishermen and women around the globe, as we have for well over a century. Our goal remains the same as it was in the beginning—providing a superior collection of quality fly rods at reasonable prices for the discerning angler.