I'm very fond of the F2 653 but I almost exclusively use it for dries 12 (or more often 14) and smaller. When evaluating a small stream 3wt. that's my focus but I like to know what it CAN do, and it will do what you've set forth. But if I were going to cast weighted 10-6 14 size flies, or even bushy 10 dries as my primary plan I'd grab a 4 or 5 wt. BTW if you're not used to glass you may be surprised how much fun a small fish is on a 5 wt. and you'd still have enough rod to comfortably cast lots of flies.

Aurelio is the Scott 653 man to talk to. Hopefully he'll chime in.

They're still bushy flies, and you still might want to to consider a heavier line weight rod.

I haven't cast one of the Scott rods so I can't offer feedback on that one, but I have cast a 4wt Orvis and liked it quite bit. Just a thought about another rod or two that you could consider, though, are some of Chris Barclay's offerings. I have one of his 7' 4wts that would be perfect for what you are describing. His 723 or 7'2" 3wt would also be perfect. The 704 is very versatile, throwing small dries to lightly weighted nymph rigs, buggers and small bead/cone head streamers. It has a great fish-on feel with little bluegills and had enough backbone to fight a 22" rainbow until I put too much pressure on the spool and snapped the 6x tippet. It is truly an awesome little stick. Price-wise it would fit right in between the Orvis and the Scott and you could have things like the grip, guides, and wrap colors done to your liking. I can't say enough good about his rods and Chris himself, they are both awesome! I am currently impatiently waiting for one of his 75P parabolic rod myself. Sorry if I sound like an advertisement, his stuff is just that good. Chris is a guy who loves fishing small streams and many of his rods are designed with that in mind.

I have the slightly longer version of both rods; Scott 703 and SFG 7.5' 3 weight. Both are great rods and a lot of fun to fish. In my hands the Scott is a true 3 weight, my favorite line being 406 DT. The Orvis fishes best with a heavier 3 wt line (Rio Gold) or even a 4 wt. The Orvis is more versatile and I fish it more. The Scott is a great rod for short casts with a single small dry whereas the Orvis can handle larger dries, small hopper/dropper or even light weight indicator nymphing. Both are good choices just depends on your preference. The Orvis is the faster of the two, not graphite-like but more tip-flex, quick recovery and a little better a shooting line under low hanging vegetation. The Scott probably presents a little softer. I like the added 6" on the Orvis 90% of the time.

I also have the Orvis 7'6" 3wt SFG. It is a pretty nice rod. I also own the 4wt and find it to be an all-around trout rod for the mountains -- it will fling small beadhead nymphs and #14 buggers in addition to #10 hoppers and dries.

I have not used the 3wt all that much, but have enjoyed it on some small creeks this spring.

Whoa nice fish on a 3 weight!

I’ve got a 7' Hardy Sirrus Glass with Sintrix 3/4wt. It’s their new glass rod with about 10% graphite. I can tell you I really like it, and I’ve only read good things from people who have actually fished with it. . It’s $400, so it’s in the mid price range like some of the other rods mentioned. I know some old timers bitch about the aesthetics, but if you just look at pure performance, it’s really a gem. So this is another possibility.