Orvis Mirage LT
In Stock • Bozeman, MT
- Designed to balance perfectly with lighter freshwater rods
- Zero start-up inertia and precise low-end control protects light tippets
- Lighter version of the sealed and maintenance-free carbon and stainless steel disc drag
- Adjusts from zero to full drag in a single drag knob rotation
- 30% lighter and 30% narrower than Mirage®
- Strong, yet lightweight, 6061 T6 aluminum
- Type II anodizing
- Quick-release spool easily converts from left- to right-hand retrieve
Description
There are times when less is more—the new Mirage LT fly reel is everything its big brother is, but designed to balance perfectly with lighter rods and yet still offer legendary Mirage engineering and performance. Mirage LT features a lighter version of the sealed and maintenance-free carbon and stainless steel disc drag system that adjusts from zero to full drag in a single drag knob rotation. With zero start-up inertia and precise low-end control it eliminates line shock and protects light tippets with the same silky smooth drag, and yet offers more stopping power than you will ever need for trout, bass, pike, musky, or carp. 30% lighter and 30% narrower, the Mirage LT is made in New Hampshire by the same skilled American craftsmen that build the Mirage. The LT offers the same increased retrieve rates, reduction in line coil, and is machined from the same strong, yet lightweight, 6061 T6 aluminum barstock as the Mirage. Ergonomically designed, machined aluminum handle. Quick-release spool easily converts from left- to right-hand retrieve. Type II anodizing. Titanium shaft reduces weight and adds durable power transmission. Fully radiused reel foot prevents kinked leaders. Low-profile counterweight won't catch fingers or fly lines. In midnight with silver accents, olive with silver accents, and red/white/blue. Made in USA.
Specifications
| Model | Line Weight | Weight | Diameter | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mirage LT I | 1–3 wt | 4.1 oz | 3.1" | Small streams and technical trout fishing |
| Mirage LT II | 3–5 wt | 4.3 oz | 3.4" | All-around trout fishing |
| Mirage LT III | 5–7 wt | 4.5 oz | 3.7" | Large trout, streamers, and bass |
| Mirage LT IV | 7–9 wt | 5.0 oz | 4.0" | Bass, carp, pike, musky, and larger freshwater species |
Size Chart
Recommended Applications by Size
| Target Species | Recommended Model | Line Weight | Ideal Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small & Medium Trout | LT I | 1–3 wt | Small streams, dry flies, spring creeks, and light presentations |
| All-Around Trout | LT II | 3–5 wt | Dry flies, nymphs, emergers, and everyday trout fishing |
| Large Trout | LT III | 5–7 wt | Streamers, lakes, indicator rigs, and trophy trout |
| Smallmouth Bass | LT III, LT IV | 6–8 wt | Poppers, streamers, and warmwater fishing |
| Carp | LT IV | 7–9 wt | Sight fishing and long-running freshwater fish |
| Pike | LT IV | 7–9 wt | Large flies, aggressive fish, and heavy leaders |
| Redfish | LT IV | 7–9 wt | Shallow-water sight fishing and inshore applications |
| Bonefish | LT IV | 7–9 wt | Bonefish destinations where a lightweight reel is a priority |
| Permit | LT IV | 8–9 wt | Technical flats fishing with 8- and 9-weight rods |
FAQ
Who Is the Orvis Mirage LT For?
This reel is particularly appealing to anglers who want the lightest setup possible without giving up the benefits of a fully sealed drag system. From technical spring creeks to streamer fishing and warmwater applications, the Mirage LT offers a level of refinement and performance that has made it a staple in Orvis' lineup.
How Does the Mirage LT Compare to the Standard Mirage?
The Mirage LT is not simply a smaller Mirage.
While it shares the same design philosophy and sealed drag architecture, the LT was specifically engineered to balance modern freshwater rods. Compared to the standard Mirage, it is approximately 30% lighter and 30% narrower, making it a better fit for trout and light warmwater applications.
The result is a reel that maintains the smooth startup, durability, and reliability of the Mirage platform while feeling significantly lighter in hand.
Does the Mirage LT Have Enough Drag for Large Fish?
While most anglers associate the Mirage LT with trout fishing, the sealed carbon and stainless steel drag system is capable of handling far larger and stronger fish. The larger sizes are excellent choices for species such as bass, carp, and even pike.
Perhaps more importantly, the drag is exceptionally smooth at lower settings. The near-zero startup inertia protects light tippets while still offering plenty of stopping power when needed.
Why Does the Mirage LT Use a Single-Rotation Drag Knob?
The Mirage LT's drag system is designed to go from zero to full drag in a single revolution of the drag knob.
This allows anglers to make meaningful drag adjustments quickly without needing multiple turns of the knob. Whether you're loosening the drag to strip line before a cast or tightening down during a fight, adjustments are intuitive and repeatable.
What Are the Downsides of the Orvis Mirage LT?
The most obvious downside is price. Anglers looking for a simple trout reel can find plenty of capable options for significantly less money such as a Battenkill or Lamson.
Some anglers may also find the drag system to be more reel than they need. While the sealed Mirage drag is exceptionally smooth and powerful, most trout anglers rarely put a reel drag to serious use. If your fishing consists primarily of small streams and average-sized trout, much of the Mirage LT's engineering is overkill.
Warranty
Orvis Warranty Information
We warranty our reels against defects in materials and workmanship. The Orvis lifetime warranty does not cover accidental breakage, breakage from abuse, or excessive wear and tear. Send your reel to Orvis for evaluation. You will be charged a $30 (£20) fee for reel service, which includes cleaning, lubrication, and return shipping. For reels repaired for defects in material or workmanship, you will not be charged.
Orvis also provides a reel overhaul service for maintaining or repairing your reel. You'll have your completely overhauled reel within two weeks.
Questions? Call to speak with a technical advisor, or use the convenient reel repair request form.
