Orvis Recon 9’0″ 4-weight Freshwater (2026)

Reviews

1. Rated 5 out of 5

   One of my favorite rods in the series, the Recon 904 swings super light and casts an SA Infinity taper with effortless long, level loops. What a great dry fly rod. While the Recon 864 would be my choice for small rivers, the 904 can cover more water and turn over a longer leader. Choose this rod for medium sized and larger rivers, lakes, spring creeks and all other waters that don’t specifically call for a short fly rod. You’ll be impressed with your line speed and accuracy, and with the versatility this rod offers in fishing flies in a wide range of sizes (from a #8-#24). It has plenty of backbone for light nymphing, too.

   John Duncan (Telluride Angler)

2. Rated 5 out of 5

   The 9’ 4wt Recon from Orvis is an incredible caster. The rod itself is very light in hand and swings even lighter. It forms a beautiful loop in close and holds its loop shape at all distances. It is slightly slower than the 8’6” version but still has enough backbone for some bigger bugs. Mending and roll casting capabilities are second to none in comparison with other similarly priced rods. Though I would reach for this rod for dry fly fishing exclusively, it has enough range for dry droppers and even lighter nymph rigs. It will fish a long leader well and presents the fly very gracefully. I’ve played around with the SA Amplitude Infinity WF4F and it’s an excellent pairing.

   Parker Thompson (Telluride Angler)

3. Rated 5 out of 5

   Orvis’s newest version of the Recon 904 (2026) is a fine fly rod, worthy of consideration to anyone looking of light all around trout rod. The blank is spirited and lively with line speed building incrementally in a way that welcomes the caster. This is a rod you could settle into and one you will enjoy fishing. Nothing over the top fancy, but nothing bad to say about this great rod. I preferred lighter tapered lines on the Recon 904 like the SA Trout Expert and Rio Technical Trout. There is a little more bend to the blank than the Helios and you don’t get the shockingly light weight feeling in the hand, but the Recon 904 fishes right along side its more refined sibling. Pick on up from the Telluride Angler and go fishing!

   Richard Post (Telluride Angler)

4. Rated 3 out of 5

   The 9 foot 4 weight Orvis Recon would like a bit heavier line than the technical trout that we had on there. With the lighter line, the tip had a bit of a bounce and the rod seemed antsy. However, I feel a heavier line like a Rio Gold would smooth things out and be the perfect pairing to reign this rod in. It’s important to note that a small reel foot did not fit nicely, it wanted a bit bigger foot in the seat.

   Harry Kearney (Telluride Angler)