Hey all! Over the course of the past 6 months, I have been searching for a good option for a 3 weight rod for panfish and wild/native trout streams, but I was wondering if I could get some input from others? I would like to keep it as cheap as possible, but definitely no more than $200-$300 for rod and reel. I saw Orvis, Redington, and Echo had some good options but wasn't sure what others knew of. Thanks in advance and tight lines!

My go to small stream rod (which I bought for my wife, but I use more than she does) is an Orvis Silver Label (yes, that old) Super Fine 7’6” in 3-weight.

A great option that I would recommend is the Redington Path. You can get it in a 7'6" 3 wt., 4 piece option and at a price point of $129.99, it will still leave you with a decent amount of room to get a quality reel to match it!
 
 

If you are gonna go 3wt, you may as well go 2wt.  If you are gonna go 2wt, you may as well go glass.
 
Cabelas CGR is an inexpensive option.  I don't have one, but know some folks that do, and they love them.
I have a 4 piece that was built on an el cheapo rainshadow blank, but if I were to do it again, I would probably get a cheaper glass rod.

I've got a Cabela's cgr 5'9" 3wt that I like quite a bit. It's super short for a fly rod. That has it's advantages and disadvantages. Even in heavy cover. For instance my longer Powell 3wt will bow and arrow cast quite a bit farther. But the cgr will roll cast in much tighter quarters. A few feet of casting distance can make a big difference in super clear water.

Thanks for all the tips! I really appreciate it!
 

The 3 weight fly rod isn’t the most common. It is often overlooked, avoided, and forgotten.

Don't forget tfo for the money there great ! I got a 2wt I never use lol I only use it for natives it's a sage it's nice but not that nice imo

A few feet of casting distance can make a big difference in super clear water.