Orvis Clearwater Reel (LA II) – Full Review
The Jumping Rise crew loves the Orvis Clearwater Reel! In this review, we will offer our opinion on why Clearwater is a great choice but don’t take our word for it (we mean, you can if you want); customer reviews speak for themselves. In the price-to-value race, the Clearwater II is a top competitor for the best fly reels in 2022. At a $100 price point, Clearwater offers an attractive price-to-value ratio over similar reels from competitors.
As a result, some of the cost-saving design choices show up in high-quality plastic components, but in our experience, these components still perform well when stacked up against the competition. For this review, we also considered Abel, Cheeky fly reels, Danielsson, Lamson Liquid, Hatch, Hardy, Orvis Battenkill, Redington Behemoth, and Sage Spectrum C Fly Fishing Reels.
Recently redesigned in 2019, the Orvis Clearwater Reel is a beautiful die-cast fly fishing reel with a stealthy matte-gray powder-coat finish. The action is smooth as silk with a carbon-to-stainless positive disc drag. It is easily converted from righty to lefty retrieve with an ambidextrous design.
If you want to learn more about the best fly fishing reels for all skill levels, browse our Top Fly Fishing Reel Review, or our Top 10 Fly Fishing Rod & Reel Combos, where we cover everything you need to know about Fly fishing reels.
The Orvis Clearwater can most definitely compete with other more expensive machined reels. It is an excellent choice if you are in the market for your first large arbor or need a spare reel or two in the bag.
Orvis Clearwater Reel Key Features
- Aluminum / Plastic.
- 5.4 oz.
- 3.5-inch Diameter.
- Stainless Steel Bearings
- 4-6 Line Weights
Orvis Clearwater Reel Customer Reviews
In every respect, this is a classic large arbor reel. It has an excellent, smooth drag clutch, perfect for different line weights. Beautiful finish and surprisingly crisp bodywork for a cast rather than machined aluminum reel. I have two spare spools each, and they are a joy.
June 18, 2021
This is perfect. I have used other expensive reels at the fly shop I worked in, and this reel is just as good. Although I’ve only used 2-3 times, my friend has the same reel and is fishing regularly with it.
July 10, 2021
I purchased this reel to replace an older 5 wt standard arbor reel, loaded on some backing and new fly line and checked the retrieve and drag and balance, and it worked beautifully. I think it’s a great budget-friendly reel.
March 2, 2021
Doesn’t have a sealed drag system, but still an excellent reel. The reel drag is smooth, and the clicker lets you know when a big one is taking line without being too loud. I have a Clearwater II mated to a 7’6″ 4wt Clearwater rod for small water and Clearwater IV mated to 9′ 6wt Clearwater rod for bigger water. I love them both. A great combo that comes with a 25-year warranty on rod and lifetime warranty on reel(against manufacturer defects)
August 24, 2020
Related Articles
Recent Articles
- Fly Rod Roof Rack Review – The Best of 2024
Fly rod roof racks secure your ready-to-fish fly rods in a protective vault mounted to your vehicle. This makes transport a lot easier and safer. - Fly Fishing Chest Packs – Top 10 List
A great day of flyfishing is usually based on how prepared you are with the appropriate flies, leaders, tools, and so forth. Having the right chest pack can put all that preparation at your fingertips when it’s needed most. - Best Fly Fishing Sunglasses in 2024 · Buyer’s Guide
Choosing the best fly fishing sunglasses can be a daunting task, especially if you are new to the sport, but it doesn’t have to be…. - 10 Best Fly Boxes For Fly Fishing
Looking for the best fly boxes? We did some research and have the best 10 for 2023. Cast your eyes on our review to get the details! Aventik, Coldwater, Orvis, Tacky, SF Slim, Maximum, Outdoor Planet, and more! - Fly Fishing Nippers – Best Of 2024
Once you’ve found the perfect set, the best fly fishing nippers will quickly become one of the most-used tools in your kit. Most fly fishers can’t live without the sheer versatility of a quality pair of nippers. - Top Fly Fishing Reels of 2024 – Ultimate Buyer’s Guide
The design, aesthetics, sounds, and tactile feeling in the hand are all extremely appealing aspects of fly fishing reels. Even though all of this is true, a fly fishing reel is not exactly as important as other essentials such as rods, line, and flies. Still, you must have a good reel well suited to your needs to have the best experience possible. - Top 10 Fly Fishing Float Tubes For 2024
Fly fishing from a float tube can be a really fun way to fish in still-water lakes and ponds. Float tubes are easier to maneuver and have lots of places to store and organize gear and work wonderfully for both fly and spin fishermen. - Fly Tying Vise – The Ultimate Guide
When you invest in a high-quality vise, you’ll be set for years of fly-tying fun and the chance to hone your craft. These are the best fly tying vises on the market, used by experts and enthusiasts alike. - 20 Best Fly Fishing Backpacks – 2024 Buyer’s Guide
The best fishing backpacks are tailored to your preferred fishing approach. You may need a tackle box with many compartments if you spin fish or… - Best Fly Fishing Hip Packs – 2024 Top Ten List
The best fly fishing hip packs have a lot of roomy pockets for organization and a lot of places to attach fly fishing gear like… - Top 10 Fly Fishing Rod & Reel Combos
A decent fly rod and reel combination is the most significant aspect of fly fishing equipment for newcomers. A proper fly fishing rod will make it easier for you to cast, learn, and catch fish, but a lousy rod may be so frustrating that you decide to stop fly fishing entirely. Finding the best rod and reel set for the money takes time and effort. - Best Wading Shoes For Fly Fishing – Top 10 List For 2024
Discover the best wading shoes for fly fishing in our top 10 list. Improve your experience stepping into the water with these must-have shoes! - Best Puffer Jacket For Fly Fishing – 2024 Buyer’s Guide
For the colder months, a puffer jacket is an excellent choice. It keeps you warm and allows you to move freely. We explain what to look for and show you the top fishing puffer jackets on the market in 2022. - Best Fly Fishing Net Buyer’s Guide – Top Ten of 2024
Check out the most incredible fly fishing nets available in 2023, including trout, rubber fishing, and folding landing nets. A lot of elements should be… - 6 BEST WOMEN’S WADING BOOTS – 2024 BUYER’S GUIDE
Women’s wading boots are essential for having fun on the water. Here are the finest that money can buy. Thankfully, the days of women having… - The Best Fly Tying Vise For Under $100
There is nothing quite as satisfying as hooking a nice fish with a fly pattern that you designed and tied on your fly-tying vise, regardless… - Best Fly Fishing Starter Combo – 2024 Buyer’s Guide
For 2022, our top pick for a fly fishing starter kit is the Wild Water Complete Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo Starter Package. This starter combo has everything needed to get out and set your first hook. An attractive $99 price point leaves plenty of room to fill the fly box (included) with the right assortment of flies. - 10 Best Fly Fishing Waders – 2024 Buyer’s Guide
This is your ultimate guide to the best fly fishing waders for men: stockingfoot, boot foot, breathable, cold weather, the best value, and best performing… - Lamson Fly Reel Review · Speedster S | Liquid | Guru S | Remix
Welcome back! Do we have an excellent review for you this time! This review will step into the Waterworks Lamson fly fishing reel product line and cover six of their most popular fly fishing reels. First, we will start with the Lamson Liquid fly reel. Then we will move up the line to the Lamson Remix, Lamson Speedster S, Lamson Guru. - Orvis Clearwater Reel (LA II) – Full Review
Abel, Danielsson, Lamson Liquid, Hatch, Hardy, Orvis, Redington, Sage Fly Fishing Reels. Read our Clearwater II review before buying!
Review Archives
Want To Support Jumping Rise Reviews?
If you like what we are putting out and want to support Jumping Rise Fly Fishing Reviews, the best way to support (other than reading the reviews!) is to pass the word along. Check out our custom Eco-friendly stainless steel camping mug. We donate 1% of your purchase to Trout Unlimited.
