Fly fishing – with how much thought and skill go into it, it’s not surprising that some consider it an art form. But every artist needs their tools, and every fly fishing enthusiast their gear. Sooner or later, you’ll ask yourself – what is the best action fly rod for nymph fishing? So, here’s a list of some of the best options on the market at the moment, which will certainly get you hooked.
No matter if you’re looking to upgrade your equipment or have just started to gather the different pieces, there is a wide variety of nymph fly fishing rods available. For beginners, I would recommend either the Cortland Nymph or the Orvis Clearwater. As for the more advanced enthusiasts out there, the Moonshine Vesper, Echo Shadow II, or Sage ESN HD are excellent choices.
Fly Fishing and All Its Nuanced Styles Can Be Difficult to Get the Hang of at First
Fly fishing is a very interesting type of fishing that is all about creating a natural presentation of a fly. Doing so entails a careful selection of every part of the process, from the right location to cast and reel to the right kind of lightweight lure attached to your tippet and leader line.
Nymph Fly Fishing Can Be a Super Difficult Skill to Master
While any fly fishing technique is definitely not an easy thing to master, nymphing might be the most nuanced style of fishing out there. You’re targeting the hungry fishies by creating nymph fly patterns along with the water current below the surface.
It might not sound that complicated, but there’s so much that goes into it from a technical standpoint. Half of the whole ordeal is getting the right kind of equipment, from the heavily weighted artificial insects to the multi-colored monofilament line that serves as an indicator.
Having the Right Kind of Equipment Should Be Very Important for Every Nymph Fly Fisher
Beginner fishermen can get overwhelmed pretty quickly just by looking into different equipment available for this outdoor activity. That’s because there are just so many different options available, from the fishing rod all the way to the hook tip.
Moreover, you have to spend a lot of time mixing and matching different gear to find the perfect setup. To make it worth your while, I’ve compiled some fin-tastic options of nymph fly fishing rods you should definitely consider. Before we get down to the specific models, let’s go over a few important things you need to keep in mind when shopping for gear.
Action Is One of the Most Important Specifications of Any Fishing Rod
When it comes to fishing rods of all kinds, there are a couple of very important specifications you need to know. There are length and weight, which indicate the possible size of your fishing target, as well as what kind of lure you can attach to your equipment. Then there’s action, which describes the flex pattern of the rod, meaning its capability of bending and recovering.
Depending on the used material and design, there are three basic types of action – slow, moderate, and fast. Knowing the differences between different action categories is important because it has a significant impact on the rod’s performance and handling. Here’s an overview of rods for each type of action:
Fast Action Fly Fishing Rods
Commonly referred to as a tip action rod, this type is typically made from graphite or some sort of mix, including graphite. The body of the rod flexes little, if at all, while the tip is the only part that is active. That’s why these rods have a solid and stiff build, which gives you the power to fight strong catches and still end up with a fishy surprise most of the time.
Moderate Action Fly Fishing Rods
Most commonly made from fiberglass or graphite, moderate action rods bend about a quarter of the length towards the handle section. It seems like the best of both worlds – the rod can feel like a fast action one but with added flexibility. This combination of versatility and performance is exactly what makes moderate action rods the perfect choice for those who want to do it all – including dipping nymphs underneath the water surface.
Slow Action Fly Fishing Rods
Slow action rods are the top choice for anglers who usually fish in small streams using delicate fly presentations. Their bamboo or fiberglass body enables them to bend up to three-quarters of the length down the rod. They’re not well suited to cast long ranges, and that makes them not such a good option when it comes to nymph fishing.
What Is the Best Action Fly Rod for Nymph Fishing? A Brief Overview of Recommended Options
Fly fishing rods come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and it’s not easy to find the perfect fit. For nymphing, it’s best to go for a moderate or moderate-fast action rod that is somewhere between 9 to 11 ft. That’s because you need to have all the flexibility you possibly can get in order to create a delicate nymph presentation to fish hiding beneath the surface.
Before I review each of these rods in more detail, here’s a brief overview of their main specifications:
| Fishing Rod | Length | Weight | Action | Price | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cortland Nymph Series | 10.5 ft | 2, 3, 4 | Moderate | $300 | Limited lifetime |
| Orvis Clearwater | 9 ft | 5, 6, 8 | Moderate | $250 | 25-year limited |
| Moonshine Vesper | 8.6-10.6 ft | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 | Moderate | $500 | No fault lifetime |
| Echo Shadow II | 10 ft | 2, 3, 4 | Moderate-fast | $300 | Lifetime original owner |
| Sage ESN HD | 10 ft | 2, 3, 4 | Moderate | $1,000 | Lifetime original owner |
The Cortland Nymph Series Is an Affordable Option Suitable for Both Beginners and More Experienced Enthusiasts
If you’re interested in trying out nymph fly fishing for the first time, or you want to add a backup fly fishing rod without breaking the bank, the Cortland Nymph series is a great choice.
With this product, Cortland offers a balanced 10.5-ft moderate action rod with a solid graphite construction. This makes it the perfect option for beginners, but the more experienced fly fishers certainly don’t shy away from using it.
It’s a Very Forgiving Fly Fishing Rod That Is Fairly Easy to Cast
The Cortland Nymph series is a versatile and accurate option that’s very easy to get the hang of. However, while the single-foot guide minimizes the overall weight, it’s still one of the heavier options on this list, so keep that in mind, as it can be a downside for certain nymphing circumstances.
However, when you take into consideration the very affordable price, as well as the lifetime warranty option, the Cortland Nymph series is definitely a tempting option both for beginners and seasoned veterans. At the end of the day, it’s all about that balanced feel, and you might find that a heavier fly fishing rod is easier for you to handle.
Orvis Clearwater Is Another Budget-Friendly Option That’s Suitable for Enthusiasts of All Experience Levels
The Orvis Clearwater fly fishing rod is another entry-level option that’s also quite commonly found in the setups of even the most experienced fly fishers. What’s even more alluring is the very reasonable price you can get it for. Besides the affordability, there are quite a few reasons why so many enjoyers of this outdoor activity get hooked on this rod.
Orvis Clearwater Is a Moderate Action Fly Fishing Rod That’s Pretty Easy to Cast
The Orvis Clearwater fly fishing rod is probably the best choice for anyone that is just getting into the world of nymphing. A 9-ft, 5-wt, moderate to fast action rod with quality graphite design – all that for the price tag of about $250.
Moreover, you get a 25-year limited warranty if you opt for this rod, which guarantees that this accurate and easy-to-handle piece of equipment will be your trusty companion for most of your nymphing career.
Orvis Clearwater Has Affordable Full Setup Options and a Two-Handed Version as Well
Orvis also produces full beginner outfits, and they’re some of the most affordable gear setups on the market at the moment. The kit contains the backing, leader, and fly line, besides the rod, obviously. While the standard Orvis Clearwater rod is certainly a steal, you can also get a two-handed version for just a couple of hundred bucks more.
The Moonshine Vesper Is a High-Performance Nymph Fly Fishing Rod Great for Intermediate Enthusiasts
Now, let’s bring out the big guns. Or, well, nymph fly fishing rods. First in line is the Moonshine Vesper – a great value-for-money option that performs just as well as the more expensive premium rods.
The Moonshine Vesper’s Lightweight Construction Offers Balanced Handling
This rod has a great blank recovery rate and swing weight, which means it’s a very balanced rod that any intermediate or experienced angler will be pleased with. Moreover, it’s pretty accurate even at long ranges, and its high sensitivity is perfect for a technique as nuanced as nymphing. After all, the Moonshine Vesper is designed specifically for this style of casting.
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t use it for other techniques – the Moonshine Vesper rod does just as well when it comes to single streamers, dry and dropper systems, and throwing bobbers. No matter what style you’re interested in, you’ll get to enjoy the more luxurious and stylish feel the Moonshine Vesper offers during this otherwise down-and-dirty activity.
Moonshine Warranty Options Are Some of the Best in the Industry
Every experienced fisherman knows that accidents happen a lot. No matter your skill level, it’s practically unavoidable to end up having to remove a fish hook from your finger once in a while. Also, the equipment can malfunction, break and snap, and then you’re left with an unusable piece of gear you’ve paid quite a lot for. What to do with it, then?
Luckily, if you own a Moonshine rod, you can enjoy some of the best warranty coverages in the whole industry. A full lifetime warranty with a fast replacement policy guarantees this rod to be beside you for years to come. Better yet, you get a spare rod tip if one breaks – this is such a good idea that I’m quite baffled at why more manufacturers aren’t doing the same.
Echo Shadow II Is a Great Choice for the Experienced Nymph Fly Fishers That Prefer a Softer Tip
Another affordable option that could satisfy even the most experienced enthusiasts is the Echo Shadow II rod. It’s actually part of a whole nymphing lineup that starts from the Carbon XL, which you get for only about $190, and ends with the Shadow X at the top, which still has a pretty affordable price tag of about $500.
The Echo Shadow II Is Easy to Handle but Loses Accuracy at Longer Ranges
This moderate-fast action rod performs just as well as the nymphing rods in its range, and it’s easy to get the hang of, which makes it suitable even for beginners. Here are the size options available for the Echo Shadow II rod:
- 10-ft 2-wt,
- 10-ft 3-wt,
- 10.6-ft 4-wt.
There’s just one thing to keep in mind if you’re interested in buying the Echo Shadow II. While it’s pretty versatile and adaptable when it comes to different lure types, it loses accuracy at longer ranges. So, if you’re interested in casting at a distance of more than 50 ft, it’s better to put aside more money and invest in the aforementioned Moonshine Vesper. Otherwise, the Echo Shadow II will do just fine – and for a more affordable price as well.
Sage ESN HD – The Absolute Best of the Bunch
High sensitivity and accuracy, fast response, excellent recovery rate, and high-quality build are reasons why the Sage ESN HD rod is a clear winner in the nymph fly fishing category. The only downside of this product is the fact that you’ll have to set aside at least a grand to get it running. But, once you do, you’ll quickly realize why it’s the true ruler of the fly fishing waters.
Sage ESN HD Handles Everything With Ease and Accuracy
This top-of-the-line nymphing rod uses advanced KonneticHD technology that adds a highly sensitive feel, as well as accuracy at even the widest of ranges. The Sage ESN HD comes in a few different size options:
- 10-ft 2-wt,
- 10-ft 3-wt,
- 10.6-ft 3-wt,
- 10-ft 4-wt.
The ESN HD is specifically designed as the perfect nymphing rod, and it certainly proves that in performance. From tight-line fly fishing to European-style nymphing, this moderate-action rod can handle all. It might take a while to save up for it, but it’ll definitely pay out in the long run.
Think From a Functional Point of View, and You’ll Find Your Perfect Match
Obviously, there are so many options when it comes to nymph fly fishing rods, and it would be too much to review them all at once. I did my best to come up with the best recommendations while still offering you a variety of options, but I’d still advise you to look more into it yourself. Remember – when it comes to nymphing, half of the whole ordeal is having the right gear. Once it’s there, nothing is stopping you from o-fish-ally becoming a pro fly fisher. Good luck!
Maya Brown
Maya's love for fishing runs deep, and she's always ready to cast her line and dive into new angling adventures. As a skilled caster, she has mastered the art of precision and finesse, making even the trickiest casts look like a breeze. Maya's passion for fishing is contagious, and her witty puns are as sharp as her hooks, making her a favorite among the angling community.
