Orvis Henry's Fork Rod

[ekl-stl]

I purchased an Orvis Henry's Fork 5wt, second hand about 7 years ago.. This has been my primary rod for fishing the parks and the one a year trips to Taneycomo.. I am looking for what type of rod and performance this rod was made for. It is great but I am wondering what type of fly fishing this is best suited for. Any help would be appreciated.

[jdmidwest]

It was one of Orvis's Superfine graphite actions, medium to full action, 8 1/2 foot, 5 wt. It may have been one of the unsanded blanks, the rod name has been around for many years? It casts great and is an all around good trout rod for MO streams. It will handle larger woolies and medium bass flies, and with a little practice, smaller dry flies. It was my first real fly rod back in the 80's and still is a good all purpose stream rod for medium and large streams. I have handed it to many new fly fishers, it is a good first rod. The action is very forgiving and will protect light tippets.

[ekl-stl]

Thanks for the reply.. That sounds about right. What could I expect if I upgrade to a better performing rod? I guess what kind of options are there for rods that fit the Current, and Taney fishing?

[Greg]

Thanks for the reply.. That sounds about right. What could I expect if I upgrade to a better performing rod? I guess what kind of options are there for rods that fit the Current, and Taney fishing?

It all just depends on your casting style and what you want out of a rod. That Orvis rod in my opinion is better than a "first rod". True it has a softer action than some graphite rods but that is what a lot of fly fisherman prefer (including myself). I happen to have a couple of softer action Sage rods as my primary rods but I would be very happy with your Orvis too. That Orvis model is in my opinon a very fine rod.

Softer action rods are more forgiving and more versatile than the faster action rods (IMHO). A couple of areas that faster action rods do a bit better is when casting into the wind or when casting big air resistant flies or when using a lot of weight (split shot and such). But even in those conditions I personally still prefer my more moderate/soft rods. You just have to adjust your casting stroke.

Greg

[jdmidwest]

Your next step up for a big river rod would be a 6 or 7 weight in 9 foot or more and a faster taper. But that would only be if you want to toss bigger flies farther. What you have will still work fine in distance ranges that you are currently using it.

[ekl-stl]

Thanks guys..I appreciate the information and opinions..