I have handled 4-pound Largemouth bass and felt the sensitive strike of an 8-inch brook trout on my 6-weight. Ideal as a gift for an amateur fly fisher who hasn’t got their own gear yet, or just to treat yourself so you can explore your new hobby more deeply. I guess I have to find a new Spey/Switch rod ASAP with a … I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but I was extremely pleased. Orvis is a reliable company with plenty of expertise, including the Orvis Travel department which offers fly fishing adventures – so they know what true quality is in this industry, and it shows in their products. The black and chrome features look great in the sun and don’t scream too fancy or too cheap. The value is spectacular, and the workmanship is characteristic of much more expensive outfits. You’ll manage to hit those spots, but it’s going to rely a bit more on your casting ability to do so. Easy! The great thing about the new Clearwater reel is that it isn’t much different than the older model. You’ll have confidence in its durability and peace of mind that it will keep your rod safe. I’ve opted to place my fly in one of the guides or at the bottom of the cork as a result. Disclaimer: IntoFlyFishing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It comes with the floating 5-6 weight line from Orvis. Don’t be afraid to give it a try. The Orvis Clearwater is based on the Orvis Helios 3D and 3F fly rods. The Clearwater isn’t terribly light, but it feels good in the hand. Why do we recommend shopping with Trident Fly Fishing? The Clearwater is Orvis’s entry level rod with much better than entry level performance. It feels a bit heavier than other 6-weight rods you’ll find. While I have since upgraded other rods in my arsenal, the Clearwater 6-weight has stayed the same. Even roll casting or river loading larger nymphs is simple on the Clearwater. Orvis Clearwater, 9-foot, 5-weight ($198)This past spring, while we were rigging up to fish Rock Creek, I asked Tom Rosenbauer of Orvis about the Clearwater series. With a cool, understated dark grey colour and olive guide wraps, the new Clearwater rods really do look like premium rods. Do note that the reel isn’t the best out there – but if you’re just learning, it’s something to get started with. A new modern fit eliminates the age old problem of wader bulk while still allowing the … Line Recommendation: Scientific Anglers GPX (Rio Gold worked well for some casters, too) 88 points. The new Orvis Clearwater is a fly rod that deserves to be in conversations with fly rods that well exceed the $200 price point. You could invest in a fly rod combo outfit, like the Orvis Clearview Fly Combo Outfit. Orvis CLEARWATER 8’6” #4 $198.00 George’s Comments: The best thing I found about the Clearwater is the price. Whether you’re looking for a 5 weight fly rod, a 7 weight fly rod or something else, Orvis have created a great range that is truly versatile and a joy to use. We often recommend Amazon for ordering fly fishing gear online, but Amazon isn’t always the best option for shopping anglers. The main letdown is the fly line – you’ll probably want to replace the provided fly line with a better quality line sooner or later. Orvis Clearwater fly rod is often considered as an all-rounder trout fly rod as this offers a nice mixture of finesse and power that can easily target the fish up to 60ft. I've been into fly fishing since my graduation from spin fishing when I was 12 years old. Orvis cleaned up the appearance and made the entire reel a bit more sleek. Each rod is designed with a purpose-built profile and action to handle the fishing the rod would be traditionally used for, from medium-action small stream rods to medium-fast freshwater rods and fast-action big game rods. The Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod and Reel Outfit is one of the best fly fishing combos available today — and has been for years. The rod is extremely versatile. I have no doubt that it could handle larger and smaller fish if I asked it to do so. Starting at $198, the Orvis Clearview fly fishing rods are not much more than the beginner rods on the market. I don’t remember Tom’s exact words, but I do recall the gist of his answer: The Clearwater is a seriously nice rod for the money. The Orvis Clearwater series provides you with the best quality fly rod for the price. The OrvisClearwater fly rods have been remodelled, and now they have a modern yet classic look to them. The Clearwater rod series is the epitome of my budget gear-buying rule: always choose low-priced models from a high-end company, rather than high-priced models of an entry-level company. Presentation is one of the most important factors in fly fishing. As soon as I went to college, I dove headfirst into my obsession for fly angling. Plus, the soft tip allows you to mend and place the fly wherever you would like once it is on the water. Orvis Clearwater Fly Fishing Rod. The older model was great and didn’t need much more upgrading. To sum up this Orvis Clearwater review, we strongly believe that it is the best beginner fly rod for the money on the market right now. On the new model, Orvis opted to make the rod a bit stiffer. Orvis Clearwater 9′ 8-Weight Fly Rod Rod Only- 2S7R-51-51 , 6 Different Rod Outfits. The old Clearwater models all felt similar. Of course, as the fly fishing world has evolved, do-it-all has changed considerably. While I never got around to fishing a rod from the last generation of Clearwaters, at first glance the new series looked extremely promising. Many anglers purchase it with the intention of having it as an entry-level or backup rod and find themselves using it as their main rod. Here are some raving reviews I found after scouring the Internet: It is a good rod up close and out to about 60' and it roll casts real good. Either way, you can’t go wrong with a Clearwater reel. Review: Orvis Recon fly rod The 9’5wt Clearwater outfit is that tool. Quite simply, a fly rod outfit already has the fly rod, reel and line ready loaded for you. 2019 ORVIS CLEARWATER 103-4 FLY ROD : 10’0” 3WT. The rod features medium-fast or mid-flex action. The quality of the cork is superior to earlier models and has a smooth, clean finish. But there is another way around this. Because it has a nice mixture of power and mastery with a comparative fast loading, and proper castings are simple to perform. This really is the main difference between some of their higher-end rods. Please see our Privacy Page for more information. I have full creative freedom to write any positive and negative comments in this Orvis Clearwater review and I will gain nothing extra either way. Those picky trout all the way across the stream won’t know that your fly is artificial thanks to the precision that the Clearwater allows. We have reviews of many other Orvis Rods that may suit your skill level such as as the  Orvis Recon, Superfine Carbon, Superfine Glass or the Orvis Encounter reviews. For $300, I would recommend it to anyone. When I first took the Clearwater to the water, I knew I had made the right choice. The rod itself costs around $200 and the reels cost around $80 a piece. Otherwise on with the show…. You can read more on our, The Orvis Clearwater line has been completely remodeled, so you get the best that the latest technology and, This rod combo product gives such good value for money - very few rods in the same price range can compare. This 5-weight outfit is a handy mid-weight set that gets the job done in … With the Clearwater rod, you’ll be all set to throw out a range of different flies and reach your targets with precision. I needed something that was going to feel at home on those tighter streams. A travelling angler of many years shares the very best travel fly rods on the market this year including options for all budgets and needs. Technical line stuff aside, the rod performed VERY well. And short range casting with the Clearwater is unusually pleasant. The Orvis Clearwater is excellent to buy for your wives, kids, or anglers learning to fish. If you manage to damage or break your rod somehow, you can send it back to them and Orvis will fix your rod, with no charge! The Clearwater presents no issues when you’re trying to travel with it. The value and versatility of our Clearwater rods make them favorites among freshwater anglers everywhere—offered at a great price and backed by a 25-year guarantee, our Clearwater rods cannot be beaten. However, if you’re looking for a quality product that will last for a long time, this probably isn’t for you. It’s a great rod to start out with, but it’s not just for beginner anglers either. The reel is good quality, and the whole rod is easy to use, so ideal for those just getting the hang of fly fishing for trout. The Temple Fork NXT is another strong beginner fly rod outfit which will kit you out, ready to hit the water for a great fly fishing experience. Lower quality materials have been used, so it’s worth upgrading the line. I may be asking too much of a 6-weight to work well on smaller streams, but I still hoped it would perform a bit better. But when you invest in a Clearwater rod, you’ll see a huge gulf between the quality and performance of these very basic rods and the Clearwater. I’ve taken this fly rod to plenty of different fly fishing destinations across the US and I’ve enjoyed using it. I guess I have to find a new Spey/Switch rod ASAP with a … You’ll never mistake it for a Milwaukee or DeWalt, but it comes closer than anything else the industry offers. I took a Euro Nymphing Class at our local Community College and bought the rod to use in our local Puget Sound rivers here in Washington State. You’ll hit your spots no matter what type of fly you’re using. The features include: Even when you reach 60 ft, the accuracy is impressive and consistent. Comfortable Cork Rod Handle with Clean Finish Ratings: The Clearwater fly rod series from Orvis generally receives 4 to 4.5 star overall ratings from users. I have used it on rivers like the Yellowstone, small mountain streams, and a variety of lakes and ponds. Shop Staff Notes: The Orvis Clearwater 1266-4 Switch Rod is a fun and easy spey rod for trout or even small Steelhead like the “Half Pounders” or other smaller anadromous species or the big rainbows in Alaska. With this rod, you can take your fly casting skills to new levels with minimal work. I started flyfisherpro.com to help introduce as many people into this amazing sport. Orvis Clearwater Rod Review. I’ve been using the Orvis Clearwater 6-weight for a little over a year now. I’ve fished all over North America in search of trout, salmon, steelhead and everything in between. It was more reputable than the 6-weight Orvis Encounter I owned (see my Orvis Encounter Review here). Tight lines everyone! The popular Orvis Clearwater rod series has been around for quite some time now and has been a popular option for folks not looking to drop a huge wad of cash on a new fly rod. The reel seat is sturdy, while the graphite insert is strong and requires little maintenance. The performance is amazing – it tracks well and forms tight loops. Every spare weekend or long break was dedicated to finding fish. The Orvis fly reel is excellent quality, too, so no need to upgrade like with some fly combos. I purchased this rod hoping it would feel better than my entry-level setup and without a doubt, it does. At such a reasonable price, anyone can become an avid fly fisher without making a dent in their savings. This Orvis Clearwater provides the delicacy and precision of a higher priced premium rod. Many anglers are aware of the Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod as an entry level fly rod that’s been around for a long time. You’ll find that the line control is very precise when you start casting out flies, perfect for catching those wily river trout. Phew! Take a closer look at the Redington Crosswater here! We hate spam like losing fish. Plus, for many anglers, it’s easier to buy a reel that is fully ready to go. A turnoff for many anglers is that the rod doesn’t have a hook keeper. One of the fishing rods on the market today is the Orvis Clearwater 5-weight, 8’6” Fly Rod. The Clearwater holds its own against the Recon and I don’t plan on buying a new 6-weight any time soon. The Orvis Clearwater collection is massive. You’ll have everything you need to get started straight away, and you won’t have to worry about matching things up correctly to get good results. The Orvis Clearwater 5-Weight, 8’6” Fly Rod Outfit gives anglers of all skill levels many years of satisfying use without breaking the bank. For many years, anglers have used light Spey rods to cover big water for trout all over the world. And at less than $100, you’ll be ready to get started. The Orvis Clearwater 5-Weight, 8’6” Fly Rod Outfit gives anglers of all skill levels many years of satisfying use without breaking the bank. The sensitive tip allows you to make up for the lack of sensitivity on the rest of the rod. Check out the awesome Orvis Clearwater now! Any cast between 20-65 feet doesn’t take much effort. There are a number of rods in the Clearwater series, one for just about every type of fly fishing there is. With a moderate action, the Clearwater beautifully captures that midpoint between precision and power. Orvis Clearwater Rod Review. It’s an addicting activity that tests everything from your fine motor skills to your patience, but it’s well worth your time. You can relax and use your rod without feeling like you have to wrap it in cotton wool. It can make up for some of your mistakes with the medium action and composite tip. It casts well and can reach most distances, but it may be less durable than the Clearwater. However, in this review, we will focus on the best general purpose fly rod for trout fishing. There’s plenty to think about before you invest in a fly rod to make sure you get the right gear for your individual needs. I’m not sponsored by Orvis, nor is this website at the time of writing, and while there are affiliate links in this post, I personally do not stand to gain anything from their commissions. It has a lot of power but also a wide sweet spot, which will be easy for beginners to hit. You won’t have your flies slapping on the water because the rod tip isn’t sensitive enough. You’ll need to consider the fly rod action, the line weight, and the rod length. See the video below from Tom Rosenbauer (30+ years at Orvis and host of the Orvis Fly Fishing Guide Podcast) who explains the series in its entirety. Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2016 Purchased this Clearwater 8wt rod real combo through Orvis. 858-500-2761 The Clearwater’s ability to render the slightest bump back to the angler is undeniable. Your email address will not be published. If you have any hesitation about purchasing the Clearwater, push it aside and buy it. It has a medium action and Orvis has found the right balance between power and accuracy. You'll get great customer support from Orvis online and on the phone if needed, You could potentially get a cheaper price if you buy all the parts separately - if you're willing to spend the time and effort shopping around, and then load the reel yourself too, Some anglers think that the Clearwater rods are slightly too stiff. The Clearwater series of fly rods are accurate, with an impressive performance, lots of feel, and flawless balance. My name is Danny Mooers and I’ve been fly fishing for five years. I’ve been using this rod and reel set-up for over a year and I’ve definitely gotten a fair amount of use out of it, so I feel I’m more than capable to offer an in-depth review on the Orvis Clearwater setup. I have a rod Orvis Clearwater Spey rod… I have a rod Orvis Clearwater Spey rod and the tip broke two eyelets down. Check these out: The Clearwater II reel may just be one of the best fly reels overall. You can use the Orvis Clearwater in the majority of environments, rivers, and lakes. You can purchase these reels separately for around $90. I was ready to move on from my cheaper setup but wasn’t willing to break the bank. On top of its strong performance, the Clearwater is backed by Orvis’ 25-year guarantee so I’m set for a long while. The Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod is made of mid-modulus graphite. Whether you want to try a new aspect of fly fishing or you’re itching to give saltwater fishing a go for the first time, you can do it without breaking the bank with the Clearwater rod. The Clearwater gear is top quality, durable and strong. Very light weight at 3.7 ounces for a 10 rod. Your email address will not be published. A great quality fly rod … You don’t feel as if you have to put all of your effort behind the rod when trying to make these specific casts. 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