Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod Review (Hands-on & Tested)

This hands-on review of the Orvis Clearwater Reel goes beyond first impressions, bringing you insights from the water after rigorous testing.

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With over 15 years as a professional fly guide and 35 years dedicated to fly fishing, I’ve put more rods through their paces than I can count. The Clearwater Rod stands out in its own right—built to handle a variety of conditions with finesse. Here’s my take on its performance, feel, and reliability for anglers who demand more from their gear.

CHAPTERS:
0:00 Intro
1:12 The Process
2:11 How We Tested
2:59 The Blank
4:36 Components
6:20 Casting feel
9:27 Pros/Cons
9:39 Warranty
10:11 Price
10:34 Who's It For?
11:38 Final Thoughts
12:18 Outro

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Until next time...

Tight lines!

[YTusercomment]

I own seven Fly rods...all are ORVIS rods and four of them are ORVIS Clearwater.
They are fine rods...the taper of the later models were based on the more costly Helios rods.
ORVIS Clearwater rods offer some of the best bang for the buck.

[glennplatvoet]

I have one 11 weight & a lamson working out just fine

[daklight]

So for someone who has been fishing for a year on a Wild Water kit bought from Amazon, would this be a good upgrade? How does it compare to something like a Redington Wrangler as an upgrade?

[m.h.english]

Well done young man! But I would simply LOVE for you to review the below travel fly rod by Rigged & Ready which I use with my Orvis Rocky Mountain Four fly reel for the 4WT set up and is as “smooth as butter” when casting and landing fish. But I’m very interested in your professional opinion on the product if you would be so inclined. 😇

[bryanmorgan]

I’ve found that the Cortland 61/2 weight line loads the rod a little better on the 9-6 wt.

[brucekipper]

What rivers do you guide on? I fish SW Montana a couple of times a year.

[markmcmyn]

I bought a 10' #5 clearwater for fishing BC, Canada trout lakes. 1st outing, I snagged an anchor line, so I lightly lifted the rod a couple of times to free the fly. The rod shattered like glass, in the top, middle, and butt section. Catastrophic failure. I ordered a 2nd rod. The tip snapped when I gently tried to free the fly that was caught on my coat.Curious, I tested the tip strength just under the break. It snapped off 2 or 3 times with light finger pressure.I informed Orvis, and they wanted to send me another rod.I refused. I've flyfished over 50 years.and never had a rod(s) break like these clearwaters!

[kansasscout]

The key is using a half size heavy line. Otherwise its hindered. I enjoy mine.

[sidchronicle]

Im looking to get into fly fishing for a new experience. This was one i was looking at but it was around $400 for a combo. I dont want a really cheap one but i dont want a really expensive one. Whats a good price to get started if buying new and what should i be looking for if i can find a fly rod used

[garynewvine]

a little heavy into the weeds w tech about the rod etc, I want to see some casting, and your focusing (im a photographer) sorry about being harsh, but I couldnt get through the poor video work.

[bryanmorgan]

It is a shame they didn’t include a hook keeper.