Orvis Recon 8’6″ 4-weight Freshwater (2026)

Reviews

1. Rated 4 out of 5

   With a Scientific Anglers Infinity Taper, this might be my favorite Orvis 4-weight. It casts predictable, measured loops with medium-high line speed and automatic leader turnover. The heavier, long-headed Infinity Taper actually makes the rod feel lighter because it loads the rod so naturally. Almost every caster will throw terrific loops with this rod and line pairing, but beware of using lighter lines, such as the SA Trout GP, SA Trout Expert or Rio Gold, which do not adequately load the rod and deliver a bouncy cast with a disconnected feeling. This will be a great rod for wade fishing smaller rivers, like our hometown San Miguel.

   John Duncan (Telluride Angler)

2. Rated 5 out of 5

   The 8’6” 4wt Orvis Recon is everything I look for in a mid-priced 4wt. It is wonderfully light in hand and has the sensitivity of a rod in a much higher price category, a perfect tool for small to medium sized rivers where fishability in close is key. Though it is an excellent rod in close, it holds a beautifully tight loop at distance as well. I was pleasantly surprised at the stability of this rod. You can lift a ton of line off the water and shoot it back out with virtually no bounce in the tip. I cast this rod with the SA Amplitude Infinity WF4F and it’s a great pairing. This rod casts and fishes well above its price.

   Parker Thompson (Telluride Angler)