Scott GT Series 8106-4

Reviews

1. Rated 5 out of 5

   In the previous series, the GS 906-4 and GS 886-4 were medium-action rods with stiff tips that forced them to flex into the middle on every cast. On the soft side for all-purpose 6-weights, they were lovely with a dry fly and wonderful roll casters for nymphing, but limited in streamer fishing capability. The new GT 8106-4 is more similar to the other 8’10” rods in this series, possessing stiffer mid sections and a lighter tip than the previous GS models. The new rod will meet the expectations of anglers seeking an easy-casting 6-weight that still fundamentally casts off the top half of the rod, holding the line higher on the backcast and with a quicker load-and-recoil tempo than the previous models. It is still much lighter and deeper flexing than most 6-weights on the market, but the angler can demand more when needed and expect a confident response. It’s better from the driftboat, wading deep or chucking a streamer, and great with both a Rio Gold and SA Infinity Taper, which I consider minimum credentials for an all-purpose 6-weight. This is a rod that excels in all 3 techniques we require from the 6-weight line class: dry flies, nymphs and streamers.

   John Duncan (Telluride Angler)

2. Rated 5 out of 5

   The 8106/4 GT Series rod from Scott is a very refined 6wt that has all the qualities of a dedicated dry fly rod, but it doesn’t sacrifice anything in terms of performance. 6wt rods these days tend to fall in two categories, soft and single dry fly dedicated, or ultra fast and nymph/streamer focused. The 8106/4 GT falls nicely between these two categories and almost creates a whole new identity for what a 6wt fly rod can be. This is a rod that will throw a big salmon fly with ease, a double nymph rig wade fishing, or even a sinking line and streamer out of the boat. When I pick up a 6wt I never know what type of fishing I’m going to get myself into. Will it be a dry dropper day, a techy mayfly day, or a big fish hunting streamer day? With this rod it doesn’t matter what the conditions throw your way, it’s ready to step up to the plate and knock it out of the park. As far as 6wt rods go, the 8106/4 is incredibly light in hand and effortless to cast. Like any good 6wt, this rod can handle a wide range of fly line tapers well. Given my personal preferences and what I would use the rod for, I like the Rio Elite Technical Trout WF6F best.

   Parker Thompson (Telluride Angler)

3. Rated 5 out of 5

   The folks at Scott really found the freshwater 6 wt sweet spot with the 8’10” 6. Having previously designed a number of sub 9-foot rods focused on fishing from the bow of a flats skiff, this version is an ideal drift boat rod. With that being said, the wading angler would find this model just as much to their liking, whether throwing indicator rigs, streamers or large salmon flies. In my notes I wrote “smooth power”. Rio Technical Trout was my favored line.

   Troy Youngfleish (Telluride Angler)

4. Rated 5 out of 5

   The Scott GT Series 8106/4 immediately stood out to me as the boat rod in the GT lineup. I spend a lot of time thinking about trout rods, and here’s my shorthand for line weights: a 4-weight is a dry-fly rod, a 5-weight is a trout rod, and a 6-weight—at least in the trout world—is a Western trout rod.

   What I mean by that is simple: a 6-weight should be able to turn over flies that are bigger than an elk hair caddis, handle wind without complaint, and pull hard on strong trout in current. It should also feel at home in a drift boat. The GT 8106/4 does all of that effortlessly, and with a smoothness and lightness uncommon in its class.

   There’s a tangible jump in backbone compared to the 8105/4, particularly in the butt section, yet the rod remains strikingly light in hand. A blindfolded caster would have a hard time believing it’s a 6-weight. The combination of advanced materials and the slightly shorter 8’10” length makes a noticeable difference in feel.

   The 8106/4 carries a touch more tempo than the 5-weight—not just an uptick in power, but a refined increase in response and drive. It’s graceful, balanced, and loaded with that signature Scott feedback. Simply put, it’s as elegant a 6-weight as I’ve ever cast.

   Both the Rio Technical Trout and Rio Gold XP lines were stunning pairings, each transforming the rod’s character in its own way. The Gold XP brings more wedge-driving punch and a quicker spring to the cast—ideal for hoppers and droppers. The Technical Trout, meanwhile, delivers a beautiful blend of finesse and authority, perfect for delicate presentations without giving up control.

   In my mind, this is the all-around trout rod west of the Mississippi—the one you could fish for nearly everything trout-related out here. I’d fish 6X tippet with confidence, then turn around and throw a woolly bugger without hesitation.

   If you’ve been waiting for a reason to own a Scott G-series 6-weight, the GT 8106/4 is that reason. It’s the Western trout rod—refined, powerful, and utterly dependable.

   Richard Post (Telluride Angler)

5. Rated 5 out of 5

   This rod has that smooth, progressive feel the G Series is known for, but with noticeably more power behind it. You can really lean into this rod, and it handles everything with ease. In fact, it rewards a faster casting stroke, which suits me perfectly. It’s an excellent choice for throwing large dry flies tight to the bank from a boat, offering impressive accuracy and the ability to form tight, controlled loops even at distance. What really stands out, though, is its versatility, which is exactly what I look for in a 6-weight. It has the backbone to throw streamers but still has the touch and softness needed for small dry flies. Like the GT 8105, I found the Rio Gold XP to be the best line pairing. It makes casting feel effortless and provides excellent loop control. That said, the Rio Technical Trout and Scientific Anglers Expert Trout also cast very well on this rod and would be a better paring for small delicate dry fly fishing.

   Curtis Nelson (Telluride Angler)