Est. 1856
Heritage & History
Charles F. Orvis founded the company in Manchester, Vermont in 1856, initially producing split-cane fly rods and trout flies for the Vermont fishing streams surrounding the town. Orvis is often cited as the oldest continuously operating mail-order company in the United States — a distinction rooted in the catalog business Orvis established before the Civil War to reach customers outside the Vermont market.
Manchester, Vermont remains Orvis headquarters today. The company has remained family-owned for over 160 years, with the Perkins family maintaining ownership since 1965. This continuity of ownership and location has allowed Orvis to maintain its identity as a Vermont institution while growing into one of the most recognized names in American fly fishing and outdoor retail.
Designed in Manchester, Vermont
Orvis fly rods are designed and specified at the Manchester, Vermont facility, where the company's rod engineers conduct testing on the Battenkill and Mettawee rivers that run through the surrounding region. The Helios series represents the technical peak of Orvis rod design — the H3F blank uses a zero-torque design that eliminates the rotational twist that affects casting accuracy in conventional graphite rods.
Orvis maintains a lifetime guarantee on its fly rods — a commitment that reflects both product confidence and the Vermont ethic of building things that last. The Clearwater series is designed as an accessible entry point for new fly fishers, while the Helios line serves as the technical benchmark. Both product tiers are engineered with the input of Vermont-based rod designers who fish the rivers surrounding Manchester year-round.
What Sets Them Apart
Orvis's distinction is the combination of 160-year heritage, Vermont manufacturing tradition, and a genuine commitment to fly fishing as both a sport and a conservation cause. The company donates 5% of pre-tax profits to conservation — a commitment that has funded stream restoration and access projects across the country. For fly fishers who want their equipment choices to support the waters they fish, Orvis's conservation record is a meaningful differentiator.
The Manchester, Vermont headquarters also functions as a fly fishing school and destination, with instructional programs that have taught thousands of Americans to fly fish. Orvis's integration of product, place, and conservation reflects a Vermont business culture that views long-term stewardship as compatible with commercial success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Orvis made in the USA?
Yes. Orvis manufactures 7 verified products in Manchester, VT. Orvis has outfitted American fly fishers from its headquarters in Manchester, Vermont since 1856, making it the oldest mail-order retailer and one of the oldest continuously operating sporting goods companies in the United States.
Where is Orvis manufactured?
Orvis is headquartered in Manchester, VT. Manufacturing takes place in Manchester, VT.
What Orvis products can I buy?
We carry 7 verified Orvis products across Sports & Outdoors. Every listing links directly to Amazon with verified American manufacturing.
When was Orvis founded?
Orvis was founded in 1856. Orvis has outfitted American fly fishers from its headquarters in Manchester, Vermont since 1856, making it the oldest mail-order retailer and one of the oldest continuously operating sporting goods companies in the United States.