Orvis Recon Rod Review

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This is the latest creation from Orvis fly rods.  The Recon rod now joins big named and very popular fly rods from Orvis like the Helios 2 and the Superfine Fly Rod.  Orvis has been a long-time leader and pioneer in the fly fishing industry manufacturing quality fishing equipment for over 50 years.  Over the past few months, I have had the chance to demo the Orvis Recon Rod while fishing near Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

The Orvis Recon Rod that I have been fishing is a  9 foot 5 weight 4 piece fly rod.  I consider the 9 foot, five weight fly rod to be the “best” all-around fly rod for trout fishing.  A good five weight fly rod should be able to handle a bit of every type of fly fishing from casting dry flies, to nymphing, and even throwing streamers once in a while.   It is important that it can do everything because most people, and especially new anglers want a fly rod that can do a bit of everything.

Initial Thoughts on the Orvis Recon Fly Rod

I still can’t believe how light this rod is!  The Recon Rod is only 2.9 ounces, which is unbelievably light-weight considering it is nearly the half of the price of many of the ultra-light and high end fly rods on the market today.

The construction of the fly rod is very good.  The reel seat is made of dark-colored aluminum with an aesthetically pleasing wooden insert.  The thread wraps of the rod are nicely done, and I really like the blue and black coloration. The epoxy finish over the thread wraps is smooth and clean.   On each section of the fly rod there are small dots to show the angler where to line up each section when assembling.

I would assess the Orvis Recon Rod to be a medium-fast flex.  When casting most of the bend is in the upper third of the rod.  Any angler from new to experienced should enjoy casting this rod.

The Recon rod comes paired with a cool designed 33” aluminum rod tube and a rod sock to keep the fly rod safe from damage when not in use. something that comes in quite handy especially when having to hike a bit to get to some good spots.

Orvis Recon Rod Performance

The Orvis Recon Rod can really do it all. I had the opportunity to fish dry flies, nymphs, and streamers while testing.  The recon rod does a solid job in each of these categories of fly fishing.  Since it is just now spring here in the Colorado Rockies, I primarily was nymphing.  With rivers running off-color and fast, many of my nymphing setups consist of large bugs, heavy weights, and an indicator.  Underpowered rods often get bogged down and cannot cast the nymph rigs well.  With the power of the Recon rod, I was easily able to cast heavy split shots and large nymphs.  Another aspect important to nymphing is the ability to mend the line which I found the Recon Rod to be able to do pretty well.

Dry fly fishing was also fun with the Orvis Recon Rod. Although the fly rod has quite a bit of power I was still able to make delicate casts with rod.  I have been primarily fishing small midges and other little dry flies, and delicate casts are the name of the game with these flies.  I did happen to catch my largest grayling while fishing dry flies on a high mountain lake that just iced off.

Although I do enjoy nymphing and dry fly fishing, I really love streamer fishing.  When the opportunity to fish big streamers presents itself I usually take it.  The Orvis Recon Rod can cast big flies due to the power of the lower end sections of the rod.  I was able to cast large flies to 50 feet easily without ever feeling like the rod could not handle them.

When casting the Orvis Recon Rod I was impressed by the accuracy especially from 10-60 feet.  Although this is my typical fishing range, I could buckle down and cast my entire fly line out as well.  This type of power is great for when the wind picks as well.

Orvis Recon Rod Specs

Specs taken from www.orvis.com

• MRSP $425
•  9′, 4-piece fly rod for 5-wt. line.
• 25/8 oz.
• Shadow green blank with black nickel reel seat and dark burl wood insert
• Heavy-duty black nickel hardware
• 7” half wells grip
• Silver snake and stripping guides
• Includes aluminum rod tube with cloth rod sock

Orvis Recon Rod Final Thoughts

The Orvis Recon Rod in 9 foot 5 weight is a fantastic fly rod.  This rod could be a trout fisherman’s only trout rod as it is so versatile.  I enjoyed fishing the Recon Rod when nymphing, dry fly fishing, and casting large streamers.  Even at the mid-price range cost the Orvis Recon Rod will compete with many of the high-end rods on the market today. For more info on the Recon Rod and other Orvis products, visit www.orvis.com or www.amazon.com/orvis.