What Fly Rod Would You Buy for $300-$500

[kandersonSLC]

I’m thinking about investing in a new fly rod. I’ve been fly fishing for a year using a 9’ Ross Essence fly rod with a medium-fast action taper. I’ve been happy with the rod and find it comfortable to cast (but what do I know).

I like to fish high Uinta Lakes and creeks, streams the size of the middle Provo, and Strawberry Reservoir. I hope to hit the Green River, Henry’s Fork and Henry’s Lake this summer.

Two questions. First, at this point in my experience level, does it make sense to upgrade my fly rod? Second, if so, what rod would you recommend in the $300 to $500 range?
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[kochanut]

i would go to Anglers Den in riverdale/roy and buy one of their close out Helios or Hydros rod's. they are marked for 795 for the Helios but take 40% off and i think 495 (i think) for the Hydros and take 40% off that. they have stopped carrying orvis rods and are trying to get rid of what they have
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[flygoddess]

I would say maybe a nice 7' 3 or 4 wt would be a nice change and acceptable for most those waters.
For Henry's however, a 6 or 7 weight and 9' being a good length.
I like Orvis rods anda few in that price range, plus they offer deals a lot.
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[bendmar]

Sage VXP. $495 or see if you could find an old sage z axis for around that price. Those are awesome all around rods.
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[flygoddess]

Don't know about the VXP, but the Z is fast action.
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[riverdog]

You like to fish a variety of waters so I think you need to decide what you want most. Do you want to upgrade your current rod or get a different size rod. The more rods I have I really realize that a good rod at a moderate price can be almost as good as a pricey premium rod most of the time.
I might pick up a couple rods like the orvis clearwater in a 7'6" 3 wt and 9'6" 6 wt with that money instead of 1 rod if I was in your situation. 25 year warranty and a lot of the new clearwater has been on sale for $119 recently but you have to watch for which ones are on sale when.
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[flygoddess]

Nothing wrong with the Clearwater and a great suggestion Riverdog.
Nothing compares to a Helios however.[cool]
Expensive gear is superior. Not required, but a definite joy and very noticeable difference.
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[riverdog]

Yes, I have a helios and agree. The helios 9 ft 6 wt handles big trout and 10 lb salmon no problem. I'd never use that rod on small streams however. Other than the Green I consider all our trout streams in Utah small. It's sort of like how important is driving a ford versus vs a porsche. Both will get you to your destination. Is it always worth the money for the premium. Given the variety of situations maybe 2 cheaper rods might be a better overall fit. Sort of like getting a ford truck with the ford sedan with a few bucks left over rather than the porsche. Now if you have any extra helios sitting around and want to liquidate []let me know.
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[mojorizing]

BIIx 6wt. You can still find good deals on them.
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