Colorado Vintage Fly Fishing

Bamboo Fly Fishing Rods

Bamboo starts life as a living organism, growing rapidly until it was harvested. Bamboo s then dried, split, and made into fine classic fishing rods. your father or grandfather did, add them to your collection, or use them as period furnishings.

New fly anglers are usually not aware of one fact; the graphite rods that their friends use behave differently than bamboo fly fishing rods, which have slower actions and are more responsive. There is a good reason why Orvis has been making bamboo rods continuously for over 130 years; they just work.

Why are bamboo fly fishing rods still so popular? Partly due to nostalgia for sure. Many people purchase vintage bamboo rods because they remember them from their youth. Maybe due to their uniqueness. Partly due to aesthetics. Similar to a fine wood desk that has taken on a patina after years of use, an heirloom bamboo rod has character. And partly due to the way bamboo fishes. Bamboo rods are slower and more responsive. They make you relax and enjoy the experience.

Bamboo starts life as a living organism, growing rapidly until it is harvested. Bamboo is then dried, split, and made into fine classic fly fishing rods.

Some people believe that the bamboo in a rod is still alive, that it carries with it the soul of its maker, just like a finely crafted Samurai sword.

Others believe that a bamboo rod communicates with them. No other rod type gives feedback to the angler quite like bamboo.

Fly Reels and Other Tackle

Many enthusiasts collect fly reels and other tackle, and many anglers use vintage and classic reels as everyday reels. The fact that so many are still fishable today is testimony to their quality. We offer vintage and classic reels from great makers that look great on a vintage fly fishing rod and will offer many more years of reliable service.

Our vintage and classic fly fishing tackle also includes fly boxes and wallets, fly tying kits, landing nets, and others. These offerings can complement your vintage rods and be the perfect addition to your fly fishing collection or furnishings in your home, office or restaurant. They are great conversation starters!

Fly Rod Appraisal and Restoration

Do you own bamboo fly fishing rods that need restoration? Whether your rod needs a complete restoration or just a few replacement windings or guides, let us bring it back to its original beauty and functionality. Send us your rod for an analysis of its condition and cost for restoration.

We also appraise vintage and classic fly fishing rods and reels to determine their history, age and approximate value. This is useful if you are considering restoring or selling them but can also be quite interesting if you just want know more about them. Find out if you have a $50 wall hanger or a $5000 treasure!