Buyer's Guide to 5 Weights

Why Every Angler Needs a 5 Weight Fly Rod

The 5 weight fly rod is the cornerstone of most trout anglers’ setups. They're good for a reason. It's incredibly versatile, perfect for everything from dry flies on small creeks to nymphing or casting light streamers on big rivers. Beyond trout, it’s equally at home chasing bluegill, crappie, and small bass in warmwater conditions.

When choosing a 5 weight, length and rod action matter. A 9-foot rod is the go-to for all-around performance, offering excellent line control and casting range. Shorter rods under 8'6" excel on tight water with dry flies, while longer options—like 9'6" or 10' models—shine in stillwater or when mending and reach are essential, especially from float tubes or low-seated watercraft. Pair the right action (fast for versatility, slow for finesse) with the right length for your fishing environment, and you’ve got a rod that can truly do it all.

Read the Full Buyer's Guide to 5 Weights in our Buyer's Guide section. 

At Gorge Fly Shop, we carry a wide selection of 5 weights to match your exact needs—because when it comes to fly rods, one perfect fit makes all the difference.

 

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Modern Stillwater Rods:

Stillwater Fly Rods: What Makes Them Different?

When it comes to fishing lakes, your fly rod needs to do more than just cast—it needs to handle long leaders, deep presentations, and cover big water with ease. That’s where stillwater fly rods shine. Unlike standard trout rods, stillwater-specific rods tend to be longer (typically 9'6" to 10') to help lift long lines off the water, manage indicators, and make efficient roll or single-hand spey casts when space is tight.

These rods are designed with progressive actions that load deeper for smoother casts and better turnover at distance. Whether you're fishing chironomids under an indicator, slow-stripping leeches, or hanging flies on a hover line, a stillwater rod gives you more control and keeps you in the zone longer.

Looking to upgrade your lake game? Explore our collection of Stillwater Fly Rods at Gorge Fly Shop and find the perfect match for your next session on the water.

Read the full Buyer's Guide to Stillwater Fly Rods 2025 at Gorge Fly Shop.

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St. Croix is Here! Check out the new lineup

St.Croix! Now there's a name you probably haven't heard for some time in your fly fishing circles. We know they build some great rods, they have been doing that for a long time. But when was the last time we checked out their lineup of fly rods? The time is now!

Here's the new stuff...

Evos

Evos is a complete line of freshwater rods (we'll get to Saltwater in a minute), packed with features, built with advanced materials and fine tuned for precision. No shortcuts here, these are top end rods. All you need to do is cast one and its action speaks louder than words. Includes Free Fly Line
See all the details

Evos Salt

Transfer all the goodness of the Evos Freshwater and add the right saltwater actions and hardware, finish it in matte blue and welcome any challenge your favorite salt flat can throw at you. Again, serious top end rods with no shortcuts to perfection. Includes Free Fly Line

See all the details

Technica

Weary trout, spring creeks, and dry flies call for a very special rod. In some ways one of the most technical challenges to build and get right. Smooth moderate action, precise cast, capable line speed, accuracy, with just the right amount authority to turn those long, stealthy leaders. Includes Free Fly Line

See all the details

Connect

The Connect Series of rods is designed to match it's name. An all-water series to connect you to anything from spring creeks to bonefish flats. Each model is designed around the job it was intended to do while giving the angler an upper hand in range and versatility. Crafted with proven, high modulus graphite and resins with medium-fast actions makes Connect a user friendly success story of any angling adventure. 

See all the details

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Scott Session Fly Rods - New for 2024

Session rods are high-performance hand-crafted fly rods that blend some of our most acclaimed design approaches with our latest materials and technologies. This combination creates rods that bring together high line speed and exceptional loop control with a light and lively feel in the hand. These traits have become known as Scott’s signature fast with feel action. It gives the rods a wide bandwidth of performance for fishing at a range of distances, and for using a variety of flies and techniques with the same rod. Most of all it means having fun on the water and enjoying the rod in your hand.

Features -

• Carbon Link - Our latest rods combine new precision construction techniques with our innovative new resin system to bond carbon fibers in a very dense matrix.
• X-Core - Enhanced feel, incredible stability and unequalled performance. X-Core combines the industry’s leading composite technologies with cutting edge design.
• ARC 2 - Our Advanced Reinforced Carbon (ARC) adds directional stability and hoop strength while minimizing additional weight.
• Multi Modulus - By varying the fiber tensile modulus along the length of the rod, we’re able to precisely control the stiffness and recovery speed of our blanks. The result is a rod that loads and unloads more smoothly.
• ReAct - ReAct counteracts energy sapping vibrations by speeding the recovery of the blank without the need to stiffen the rod with more material. This puts the feel in fast. And that’s a really good thing.
• Natural Finish - Our natural finish blank is built to exacting tolerances. Scott's advanced resin systems permeate the blank, leaving a durable finish that will stand up to years of abuse.

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Thomas & Thomas Avantt II - New for 2024

Includes FREE FLY LINE

Thomas & Thomas is excited to announce the upcoming March 1st release of the highly anticipated Avantt II, a fully redesigned second generation of T&T’s acclaimed Avantt series. These fast action rods incorporate five different types of premium fibers, bound together by our proprietary aerospace resin system. Aligning these fibers at strategic angles as we roll Avantt II blanks improves strength while enhancing recovery and damping, allowing for precise tip control. With highly balanced tapers designed to optimize these advanced materials, the Avantt II loads with unmatched smoothness and efficiency, generating high line speeds and making accurate casts at all distances virtually effortless. Components have been carefully selected to maximize performance and comfort, including a new Special Wells Grip.

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Custom Shop Reels

See the NEW Scientific Anglers Fly Lines

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G. Loomis NRX+ Saltwater Series

The NRX+ Saltwater series…one of the most sought-after saltwater rods on the market. Currently in stock in 790 through 1290.

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Just in - Scott Wave Fly Rods - New for 2023

Scott just released their brand new Wave Fly Rod Series. We just got stock of all sizes. 

The Wave is a fast action rod to tackle your heavy freshwater and saltwater flats species. Comes in 6 - 12 weights and all rods feature 4 piece design with full wells grips and fighting butts. 

Scott Fly Rods

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G.LOOMIS IMX PROe (Euro Rod)

The word has been out regarding Euro Nymphing techniques.  A deadly effective way of fishing for trout without a doubt.  Today’s modern euro nymphing has proved beyond question that this tactic for boosting catch counts is here to stay.

Anglers fishing, especially those high-traffic fisheries where pressured fish, which are smart fish, can be tricky to catch.  Euro nymph fishing has become one of the best and most efficient ways to achieve maximum effectiveness.  True disciples of this method require specialized tools with innovative actions and components configured to satisfy a set of unique tactical demands.

The G.Loomis IMX PROe is available in two sizes to cover most needs, a 10’ 2wt and a 10’6” 3wt.  Built with high-modulus graphite construction, with balanced swing weight and incredible durability, also with a Multi-Taper Design reinforcing potential stress points within the blank while reducing unnecessary graphite material.

Features

• Conduit Core Technology

• Chrome single-foot guides

• Chrome stripper guides

• Hook keeper

• Custom Half Wells "Euro Grip" premium grade cork grip

• Matte-finished downlocking reel seat with counter-weighted fighting butt

• Pointer Finger Sensitivity Zone

• Tube and cloth rod bag

• Handcrafted in Woodland, Washington

Reel Recommendations for Euro Nymphing:

• Sage ESN Reel

• Galvan G.E.N. Reel

Line Recommendations for Euro Nymphing:

• RIO FIPS Euro Nymph Line - The Euro Nymph Is Specifically Designed For Competition Czech, Polish And French Style Nymphing Techniques.

• RIO Technical Euro Nymph Line - Ultra-thin, incredibly light line for the utmost in sensitivity with an integrated leader for no-knot connection.

There are a few choices in rods out there, especially with the popularity of the method and the G.Loomis IMX PROe is an outstanding option in the mid-priced category.  If you are looking for your first rod, or wanting to upgrade, give the G.Loomis a consideration.  If you have questions you can always call us at the Gorge Fly Shop at 541-386-6977 or visit our website: www.gorgeflyshop.com , we are always happy to talk about fishing and fly fishing equipment.

As They Say…”Lift. Lob. Repeat.”

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Winston Air Salt Fly Rod Review

Historically, Winston has not been well known for their saltwater specific rods like they are world famous for in their other line of rods.  They have completely hit a home run with their Air Salt rods.  Available in 7 through 12 weight options, they have you covered for most saltwater applications.  The Air Salt is an easy casting rod, with plenty of backbone that loads nicely and casts exceptionally well, with a quick recovery, increasing your line speed and distance.

I spent a fair amount of time casting these with our Winston rep, Eric Neufeld, and I was seriously impressed.  I will be honest with you.  I tried to push the rod (on purpose) a bit when casting for long distances and Eric said, John back off a bit and let the rod do the work.  As I backed off and the rod took over, Eric said to me…John, look down at the reel, and when I looked down at the reel, the entire fly line was out of the reel and near the tip of the rod.  I say this to reinforce that the rod is an easy casting rod, I cast nearly 100’ of line with very little effort.  I was impressed.

I told him at the time that if I were in the market for a new saltwater specific rod, this would be the rod I would purchase.  Cosmetically beautiful, with the Winston green blank and the attractive components they are famous for and  the stunningly beautiful handwritten information on the rods, which screams attention to detail at least in my eyes, these rods are worth a look.

Features

• Advanced carbon fiber combined with our SuperSilica lightweight resin system to improve toughness and durability

• A new light and fast big game rod series with extra power cast after cast, without fatigue

• Quick recovery with Winston Progressive Action

• New stealth matte Winston Green finish for flats stalking

• Smaller guides hold the line closer to the rod shaft to give better control through the cast and presentation.

• Boron III technology for increased fighting/lifting power and added energy

• Handcrafted in Twin Bridges, MT

• WEIGHTS: 7 thru 12wt.

• ACTION: Fast

• SECTIONS: 4

• GUIDES: Hard chrome titanium colored snake guides with nanolite stripping guides

• REEL SEAT: Charcoal Gray uplocking, anodized aluminum with double locking rings and 1.5" fighting butt.

• Engraved with the company signature logo.

• STORAGE: Premium graphite rod tube with embroidered logo rod sock

If you are in the market for a saltwater rod and you  like a rod with a bit more feel, but need it to perform like a saltwater specific rod should, take a look at the Winston Air Salt series of rods. 

GFS Team

JG 

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Winston Air 2 - Award Winning Performance

Voted Best New Freshwater Fly Rod for 2022

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Sage R8 CORE Fly Rods - Available April 5th

We will have stock ready to ship on April 5th of the all new Sage R8. 

More...

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Winston Air 2 - The Ultimate Freshwater Fly Rod

These rods can do anything – present tiny dry flies to wary trout on flat water, cast a heavy streamer to the far bank in the wind, launch the entire line when you need it, and make quick, accurate close-range shots. From high stick nymphing, pounding the banks from the boat, or wet wading, the new AIR 2 is a pack rod, a travel rod, a beautiful rod, and an all-around rod. It’s the new Winston. 

When you can only bring one rod, choose the Air 2. You won’t want to leave home without it.

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Video - Winston Pure Fly Rods

It all comes back to that first moment - the reason you return. It's that dimpling glass surface, that first cast, the presentation, clean, accurate, and addictive. And of course, everything that follows.

Watch our PURE presentation video to get ready for your next fly fishing adventure.

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Scott Centric Fly Rods - New for 2021

Fresh, Fast, And Unfiltered

Introducing the new Centric series fly rods. Scott put the feel in fast action rods. Now we're taking it to the next level.  

These are the most efficient rods Scott has ever created. High line speed, flat, stable loops are easily generated at any distance with minimal effort from the caster. Apparent to anglers of any skill level, these rods feel very light in the hand, are insanely accurate, and are simply a joy to fish at any distance.

• Ease of roll casts and mends is next level.
• The ability to control loop shape and line speed at any distance give anglers wide ranging versatility.

Centric rods combine new tapers and multi-modulus lay ups with a new resin system to increase fiber density and reduce weight, and they feature our new generation ARC reinforcement for greater stability along multiple axes.

New custom rolling equipment allows us to control fiber placement and density with new levels of precision. And just to top it all off, we designed new standard-setting componentry for Centric rods that redefine functionality, durability, and beauty.

Scott Centric rods are fit with Flor grade cork, new titanium stripping guides with super slick zirconia inserts, new low glare Snakebrand Universal snake guides, and a new fully milled reel seat featuring speed threads, easy grip knurling, self-indexing hoods, micarta inserts, a special Delrin lock washer, and type 3 flat black hard coat.

All Centric rods are 4 pieces and come in an embroidered cloth bag and premium aluminum rod tube.

Centric rods are handcrafted in the USA from the finest materials.

Specs -

Model	Handle	Length	Line	Sections
854/4	A	8' 6"	4	4
904/4	A	9'	4	4
905/4	A	9'	5	4
906/4	A	9'	6	4
906/4FB	B	9'	6	4
907/4	B	9'	7	4
955/4	B	9' 6"	5	4
956/4	B	9' 6"	6	4
1004/4	A	10'	4	4
1005/4	A	10'	5	4
1006/4	B	10'	6	4

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Redington Trace Fly Rods - New for 2020

The TRACE is Redington's next generation of fly rod family designed specifically for the trout angler. The TRACE's refined medium-fast action combined with single-foot snake guides to increase both rod tracking and line sensitivity, allowing the angler to deliver the fly with pinpoint accuracy. The classic aesthetic of the Matte Mahogany blank finished with a dark wood reel seat gives the TRACE a timeless appearance, but don't let the looks fool you... the TRACE will deliver your dry fly, nymph, or streamer in any condition.

Features

• Fine-tuned, medium-fast action blank designed specifically for trout fishing
• Single-foot snake guides for decreased weight, improved rod tracking, and increased line sensitivity
• Matte Mahogany blank finish paired with a dark wood reel seat for a timeless trout rod cosmetic
• Classic Half-Wells cork handle
• Epoxy-coated section tips to prevent sticking
• Includes durable cordura rod tube with built-in rod dividers
• Lifetime warranty

Rod Specs - 

Model	Handle	Length	Line	Weight (oz)
276-4	A	7'6"	2	2.4
376-4	A	7'6"	3	2.4
386-4	A	8'6"	3	2.5
486-4	A	8'6"	4	2.7
490-4	A	9'0"	4	2.8
586-4	A	8'6"	5	2.7
590-4	A	9'0"	5	2.8
690-4	A	9'0"	6	2.9

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