Our Story

Headwaters Bamboo's 23-Year Journey to Legendary Rods

For over two decades our founder, David Rogers, has been driven to make the unparalleled feel and timeless beauty of handcrafted bamboo fly rods accessible to every angler. We want to provide the soulful casting experience and rich history of the legendary sport without the prohibitive cost or the frustratingly long wait times.

The Art of the Taper: Legends Reborn

Our commitment to this vision led us to classic historical tapers. The magic of our bamboo rods is in our ability to reproduce the nuanced actions of master builders. Every Headwaters Bamboo rod is meticulously crafted to proven, iconic tapers pioneered by legends such as Dickerson, Payne, Granger, and Paul H. Young.

These craftsmen designed casting perfection with smooth power and delicate presentation. We bring their designs to life with unwavering precision. Each rod begins as a culm of premium Tonkin cane, which is hand-split and hand-planed to exacting micro-tolerances. The six perfectly shaped strips are then joined to form a hexagonal blank, finished with lustrous spar varnish, precision reel seats, agate stripping guides, and Portuguese cork grips.

A Global Partnership Two Decades Strong

To achieve this quality and maintain our accessible price point, we build our rods at the source of the Tonkin cane in China.This is the only place in the world whereArundinaria amabilis, commonly known as Tonkin cane, grows with the uniquedensity and elasticity required for a truly exceptionalfly rod.Building at the source ensures we have direct access to the finest rawmaterials, a crucial factor in our commitment to quality.

Our access to the source allows us to sort and hand-select each Tonkin cane culm. We meticulously inspect every pole for node spacing, straightness, and absence of blemishes. This selection process ensures that only the very best raw material makes it into a Headwaters Bamboo blank.

We have dedicated artisans who use centuries-old bamboo crafting techniques and adhere to rigorous specifications. For 23 years we've cultivated these relationships, ensuring consistent excellence while bypassing sky-high costs of traditional makers.

Our build processes focus on small-batch production of standard rod models, streamlined operations, and economies of scale by building at the source. This unique global collaboration is how we keep costs in check without compromising on the quality or integrity of our rods, making it possible for more anglers to experience the thrill of bamboo.

Proven on the Water

Our commitment to quality and value is a promise with a proven track record. Headwaters Bamboo has proudly placed thousands of rods into the hands of satisfied anglers across the globe. From seasoned veterans chasing elusive trout to newcomers discovering the rhythm of the cast, our rods have become a part of countless stories on streams, rivers, and lakes.

Few modern bamboo rod manufacturers can claim such a depth of experience, a breadth of satisfied customers, or a dedication to making legendary performance so widely available.

Our Commitment

We stand behind every rod we sell with unwavering confidence:

• Fast Shipping: most rods ship the same or next day.

• A 30-Day Guarantee: cast it, fish it, feel it – if it's not for you, send it back.

• Free Returns: no hassle, no cost.

• A Lifetime Warranty: on any workmanship issue for the original owner.

Headwaters Bamboo is a bridge to tradition, a champion of value, and a partner in your angling adventures. We invite you to experience the difference that 23 years of passion, precision, and partnership can make. See you on the water.