Orvis Recon 8’6″ 5-weight Freshwater (2026)

Reviews

1. Rated 5 out of 5

   In my hands, this is the slowest action rod in the series (but still medium-fast) and the only model that I prefer with a Rio Gold rather than an SA Infinity Taper. It’s a great all-around trout rod for small and medium sized rivers and I particularly like the more moderate action given its 8’6” length. It forms natural casting loops at only 10-15 feet, so I can throw may favorite dry flies all afternoon on the San Miguel or Upper Dolores without feeling like I am working to cast a stiff fly rod. Roll casting and line mending are effortless. This is an excellent all purpose 5-weight that can fish dry flies and dry dropper rigs with the ease and delicacy of a 4-weight.

   John Duncan (Telluride Angler)

2. Rated 5 out of 5

   Just like the 8’6” 4wt, the 8’6” 5wt is light in hand and very sporty. It throws nice tight loops in close and loads almost immediately. This would make for an excellent all-around 5wt for smaller rivers where length is key. It favors a slightly quicker casting stroke but if you have a slower cadence you can still get it to operate well. With a quicker stroke the rod creates tons of line speed with minimal effort. It has plenty of power for heavier flies but will also fish a small single dry fly well. I threw the SA Amplitude Infinity WF5F on this rod and it was great.

   Parker Thompson (Telluride Angler)