Orvis Battenkill Fly Reel for Sale, Reviews, Deals and Guides

I love this thing. I have the 1 on a 7’6” 3wt. I see no reason to pay for a more expensive drag system on a trout reel. I’ve caught multiple 20+ inch fish with this small set up and it handled those fish fine. The drag is nice and fairly loose which protects light tipets and keeps fish from taking off down stream. Overall, I love this litte reel!

This is my second time buying this. I gave my first one to my friend. Great for small trout fishing.

Purchased the IV and it feels so much heavier than any other reel with the same drag weight. Setting the drag on the lightest setting, still requires a monster hog to pull it out. Sometimes i can feel the tension and need to pull my line out manually to let a fish run before snapping my rig. On top of that, it is sooo loud. Everyone within 300 yards will hear you reeling in. everyone within a mile will hear your drag if you've got a fish running. The good thing is that if a fish does pull your drag, you know its going to be a damn good fish. If youre fishing primarily trout under 25", scale down your weight or find another reel. Im not going to return the reel, it is a good, well-built reel, just made for much bigger fishing than any other reel of the same weight. Its loud, big and simple.It will last a lifetime and does get a little better after it really breaks in, but id say it should be paired with at least a 6/7 fast action rod and a 3/4 line. This reel will hold like 250-300 yards of backing if you want if you're running an 80-90 yard line. For how simple it is, it's a little overpriced. Backcountry does have an awesome price on it but for what I bought it for, I wish I tried it out before buying or any of these other reviews mentioned the fact that the drag is overly tight even on the easiest setting and requires removing the spool to adjust. There was a learning curve, i lost a few good fish before i learned how to fish with this reel, (something i dont have to do with any other of my reels, some much cheaper) It is a click and pawl reel so its going to last you forever but it will wake anyone sleeping within a 1 mile radius.

I bought it for my 3wt set and work well on my first outing

This reel is one of the most classic and recreated designs of all time. There are no smoke and mirrors here, just you and that pure sound of the Click n' Pawl drag screaming as a bucky brown trout is running downstream with your fly. One thing to consider when buying is that the size IV is MUCH larger than the I-III, as it is more designed for steelhead or even potentially saltwater applications. You can fit more backing and line on this reel than one could ever possibly need.

Finally got a chance to try out my Battenkill Fly Reel this weekend, and was blown away at how much smoother I could handle my line and fight with fish. Would definitely recommend!

I wanted a reel that was smooth, good quality, made the grade to be the dedicated reel for my new 6'2" small creek rod, had a good reputation and wouldn't break the bank. Done and done. Very happy with this purchase.

Simple, sturdy, and smooth. Very impressed.

Simple, sturdy, and smooth. Very impressed.

I've owned a few of these and the Battenkills are a legendary classic for no nonsense fishermen. I had these growing up and ultimately graduated to the Orvis CFO reels but the Battenkills are among the best value reels on the market with the classic click and pawl drag function perfect for getting into trout fishing. Unless you are looking to hook into 20 lbs. freight train trout, the Battenkill will be more than most people will ever need. Outstanding and easily services, the Battenkills are great reels that will last a lifetime.

I got this to build my first fly rod set up , Its easy to simple and straight to the point. Very easy to use and light weight so makes for a great reel for any one from beginners getting their first set up dialed in or experts getting a second rod set up for a backup.

Like pretty much everything from Orvis, this reel is beautifully designed and functions flawlessly. It's lightweight and reliable.

I have the II on a brook set-up. It's exactly what I needed for a bargain. Just take the "made in china" sticker off and you're good to go :p

Simple design and everything you need to pull the big one in. The click and pawl drag system makes it easy to work with the palm of your hand and allot of fun when bringing them in. Really light weight but quality you feel every time you reel. I put this on my superfine and it is the perfect combo for a good time. Would suggest this reel to anyone looking for simplicity, quality and best bang for the buck!

I have been using my fathers fly fishing setup while I visit in Colorado. and this is the reel he has on his main fly rod. I have liked how smooth the reel has been when handling very active trout. The drag adjustment also stays where I want it, which is nice to avoid the free spooling you get with a reel that is poor quality. When reeling in fish the reel is quiet unlike some of the clicker reels that seem to break down after continual use. I know my Dad has put this reel through the ringer and it has withstood the test of time. He fishes with this reel probably 50-100 times a year and it still works like new. I would recommend it to anyone.