Scott GT Series 843-5

Reviews

1. Rated 5 out of 5

   The 5-piece aspect is a marvel and bonus, but I would choose this rod over any comparable model based sheerly on feel and casting range. For many anglers, I suspect the 5-piece configuration will be the deciding influence, but that only heightens the spectacle. Fishing this rod on both the South Fork San Miguel (creek) and the Upper Dolores (typical freestone river), I found the rod to load and cast with a lovely and predictable cadence. It never feels stiff, nor does it wobble or fold with 40 feet of line in the air. It casts both softly and with high line speed, depending upon my stroke. I tried it with a 7 ½’ leader on the creek and a 12’ leader for free-rising fish on the Dolores. Although the 8’10” 3-weight in this series is the best choice for technical dry fly fishing, I would never hesitate to go long and light with the GT 843-5. Conversely, I expect this rod to become our unanimous recommendation for backcountry anglers who pack into remote alpine creeks and lakes. I absolutely love it with an SA Trout Expert WF3 (formerly the SA Trout taper).

   John Duncan (Telluride Angler)

2. Rated 5 out of 5

   Of all the rods in the GT Series, the 843/5 has to be the single most unique rod not only in terms of length and configuration, but also application. The increasing popularity of high mountain lake fishing and small water backcountry fishing creates a demand for smaller, more packable rods. This rod is perfectly tuned for the job. The advantages of 5-piece fly rods oftentimes come with the disadvantage of added weight due to the extra ferrule connection. With the addition of Scott’s new lighter weight internal ferrules, this rod doesn’t feel heavy in the least bit. From a casting and fishing standpoint the 843/5 is top of the class. It is silky smooth and requires virtually no effort from the caster. The rod and fly line work in perfect harmony with each other and leave the caster with the feeling of absolute bliss. As someone who often hikes to fish and also frequently fishes via bike accessed areas, this is a rod that I will always be sure to have on me, whether in a backpack or strapped to a bike frame. My personal favorite line on the 843/5 is the Rio Elite Technical Trout WF3F. It loads well in close and creates absolutely gorgeous loops at all distances.

   Parker Thompson (Telluride Angler)

3. Rated 5 out of 5

   This is undoubtedly my favorite rod in the lineup, both for its portability and fishability. Scott produced the “OG” G843/5 decades ago and it just so happens it is one of the classics I fish on a regular basis to this day. The new version is much lighter in hand, more stable and super smooth. This is a fantastic long leader dry fly rod that performs best with small to medium flies. I preferred the rod with a Rio Technical Trout line but it was also pretty good with the SA Trout Expert.

   Troy Youngfleish (Telluride Angler)

4. Rated 5 out of 5

   The Scott GT Series 843/5 suffers from no crisis of identity. This rod redefines what a mid-length 3-weight can be—smooth as fine leather, with a casting feel that seems made just for you, as if it’s been yours for years.

   What stands out most about the GT 843/5 is how perfectly it aligns with the ideal many anglers hold in their minds: light, smooth, crisp, delicate, intuitive, responsive, and simply lovely. There’s an undefinable sense of rightness to this model—a quiet perfection that resists description. It’s like trying to explain a perfect day, not through its events, but through the calm contentment you feel when it’s over.

   Perhaps that harmony comes from the five-piece configuration, executed so flawlessly that it disappears in use—its only reminders being the shorter tube and the extra slot in the rod sock. Or maybe it’s the way this model occupies the sweet spot between the lithe, lyrical GT 743/4 and the almost mystical GT 8103/4. It shares traits with both—refinement, precision, and range—while offering its own unique balance of power and grace.

   The GT 843/5 is remarkably versatile within the 3-weight class, and it’s difficult to imagine a better single rod for summertime alpine fishing. Compact in pack length, yet long enough to reach those lazy lake cutthroats on fine tippets, it remains light in the hand and bends beautifully with the smaller fish in the inlet creeks. This rod is built to travel—and to delight wherever it goes.

   In terms of line pairing, I found the Rio Technical Trout to be an ideal match, thanks to its longer head and more even weighting. The Rio Gold performs admirably as well, though with a touch more punch. The Scientific Anglers Trout Expert also pairs beautifully, delivering the fly with an added sense of lightness and finesse.

   The Scott GT Series 843/5 isn’t just another mid-length 3-weight—it’s the definition of what one should be.

   Richard Post (Telluride Angler)

5. Rated 5 out of 5

   This is a fun, smooth casting little stick and easily one of the lightest 5-piece rods I’ve ever felt. It’s really good at short to medium distances with the Rio Gold, loading effortlessly in close, however, once you start casting at distance the Gold starts to feel a bit too heavy. Switching over to a Scientific Anglers Trout Expert made a noticeable difference; the rod felt livelier and threw much tighter loops, especially at longer range. This rod is made for hiking and creek fishing, light enough to carry anywhere, and awesome for small water adventures.

   Curtis Nelson (Telluride Angler)