Best 3 Weight Fly Rods (Tested & Compared)

Our list of the top 5 3wt fly rods available this year.

Here's our list of the absolute best 3 weight fly rods on the market in 2022. This list has 5 of our favorite rods as well as some tips on when to use a 3 wt and what to look out for when shopping for 3wt fly rods.

1. Temple Fork Outfitters BVK
Price: $249.95 ($124.95 for extension piece)

The Temple Fork Outfitters BVK (named after one of our sport’s greatest contributors Bernard Victor Kreh) has been around for a while now. Better known for its impressive 8 weight, this range has an incredible 3 weight offering.

VIEW ON AMAZON: https://amzn.to/3b0zNL2

2. Echo Shadow II 3 wt fly rod2. Echo Shadow II
Price: $289

The Echo Shadow II is packed with clever features that make it very capable at what it is designed to do. In my opinion, this is the best 3 weight fly rod 2022 has to offer.

VIEW ON AMAZON: https://amzn.to/34mF7pD

3. Thomas and Thomas Zone Best 3 wt Fly Rod3. Thomas and Thomas Zone
Price: $499

Here’s a very interesting offering from one of America’s greatest rod builders – Thomas and Thomas. Their Zone series is very popular for being a good value for money saltwater fly rod.

VIEW ON AMAZON: https://amzn.to/2Rogzae

4. Epic 370 FastGlass Best 3 weight fly rod4. Epic 370 FastGlass
Price: $825 (build your own option $399)

If you’re talking medium-slow action rods, one of the best materials around remains fiberglass. I’m not talking about the heavy, boneless glass of 50 years ago with a recovery rate measured in minutes.

If you are fishing small rivers or target fish that are on the smaller side, a 3 weight is an essential weapon in your arsenal. It offers better tippet protection and has the ability to present flies more delicately.

5. Sage ESN amazing 3 wt fly rod5. Sage ESN
Price: $900

By far the best high-end nymphing rod on the market. The Sage ESN (European Style Nymphing) is built around the company’s latest Konnetic HD technology. This results in an incredibly lightweight rod that will reduce overall fatigue due to high sticking techniques.

As with all Sage’s rods in this price range, the finishes are top-notch.

From the handle’s cork quality, the components used to the clear coat on the guide wraps.

0:00 Introduction
0:05 THE BEST 3-WEIGHT FLY RODS THIS YEAR
1:38 TEMPLE FORK OUTFITTERS BVK
2:47 ECHO SHADOW II
3:50 THOMAS & THOMAS ZONE
4:53 EPIC FAST GLASS
5:51 #5 SAGE ESN