Orvis CFO Trout Reel

Designed by reel maker Stan Bogdan and built by Hardy Bros. of England, the Orvis CFO fly reels made their debut in the 1971 Orvis Christmas catalog. Touted as being the perfect companion “for your finest ultralight bamboo rod,” the reel featured a “frame on one side only,” and weighed in at less than 3 ounces. The circa 1971–76 reels are easily identified by the slotted screw at the center of the tail plate. Modern versions of the CFO are still offered in the Orvis catalogs.

The American Museum of Fly Fishing Collection
Gift of G. Dick Finlay

Yearc. 1972Accession No.2010.012.001Made byOrvis Company