50th Anniversary Helios D 9’5″ 4-weight

Reviews

1. Rated 5 out of 5

   At first, when Orvis informed us that their 50th anniversary limited edition rod would be a 9’ 5” 4-weight, we wondered, “why?” So, when the new rod rolled in, we took it straight to the park for a casting session. This rod is amazing. Even before we left the fly shop, we could feel its lightness and stability. We could tell it was going to be very good. We cast it with an SA Infinity Taper, choosing a long-headed fly line to match the plus-nine-foot rod. Amazing. It loads naturally from short to long. It throws dead level loops from 20 feet to at least 55 feet before a double haul even becomes a consideration. Most trout rods over 9’ struggle with a haul, folding in unpredictable ways. This rod knows exactly what to do, with line speed and a laser sharp loop stretching out over the water, turning over a long leader for a terrific presentation. It fires the line, rather than draping it softly, so you can stop the cast hard at the end to turn over a really long leader.

   This is a terrific rod for tailwater fishing, whether throwing dries or micro nymphs on a long leader. It is unmatched for rivers like the Henry’s Fork, Missouri or Green where high line speed and delicate presentation characteristics are absolutely required to catch fish consistently. It’s a marvelous rod for technical fishing on stillwaters, whether casting mayfly spinners to gulpers or fishing damsel nymphs on a full sinking line. Most of all, it’s an incredible rod for anyone who enjoys the art of fly casting. Good job, Orvis, you’ve truly honored your 50 year anniversary of designing graphite fly rods.

   John Duncan (Telluride Angler)