Tapers - Bamboo Fly Rods

At Headwaters Bamboo, we craft our rods using proven historical tapers—designs perfected by some of the most respected bamboo rod builders of the twentieth century. These classic tapers have stood the test of time, delivering exceptional performance, smooth action, and the unmistakable feel of bamboo.

What Is a Taper?

A taper defines the length, line weight, and flex action of a fly rod. It is the precise shape of the rod, determining how it loads, casts, and handles fish. Medium action bamboo rods flex through about two-thirds of their length, delivering a balanced, responsive feel that many anglers prefer over today’s stiffer graphite rods.

Traditional Craftsmanship, Modern Performance

Each of our rods comes with two tip sections—a time-honored feature of bamboo rods. This allows the tips to relax and straighten when alternated between fishing days, ensuring long-term durability and performance.

We name each of our rods after iconic Western rivers, reflecting the waters they were designed to fish. Our lineup covers 4-wt, 5-wt, and 6-wt options, handling everything from small creeks to large rivers with ease.

Customization in Your Hands
Each taper is versatile—able to be underlined or overlined by one weight—allowing you to adjust for a slightly faster or slower action based on your casting style and fishing conditions.

Our Rod Lineup

The Beaverhead (7'0" 4-wt, Medium Action) – Payne 98 Taper
A true small-stream specialist, this rod excels in tight casting quarters, brushy creeks, and delicate presentations. Inspired by the legendary Payne 98 taper, it offers effortless accuracy with dry flies and nymphs while maintaining a silky-smooth action that makes every cast a joy.

The Gallatin (7'6" 4-wt, Medium Action) – Payne 100 Taper
A classic do-it-all small-stream rod, based on the Payne 100 taper. It handles dry flies, nymphs, and light streamers with ease, making it a versatile choice for small to mid-sized waters. Its medium action delivers precise control while maintaining the soft touch bamboo is known for.

The Henrys Fork (7'9" 5-wt, Medium Action) – Paul H. Young Para 14 Taper
This rod is built for versatility, drawing from Paul H. Young’s famed Para 14 taper. It loads deep for smooth, effortless casting, handling everything from trout on spring creeks to warmwater species in stillwaters. If you need a reliable, all-around bamboo rod, this is it.

The Deschutes (8'0" 6-wt, Medium Action) – Dickerson 8014 Taper
For anglers who tackle bigger water and bigger fish, the Deschutes delivers. Inspired by the powerful Dickerson 8014 taper, this rod throws larger dries, hopper-dropper rigs, and weighted nymphs with authority. Its medium action maintains the fluid feel of bamboo while offering the backbone to handle larger trout and warmwater species.

The McKenzie (8'6" 5-wt, Medium Action) – Goodwin Granger 8642 Taper
A tribute to one of the most beloved bamboo rod designs, the McKenzie is built on the Goodwin Granger 8642 taper. Its extra length provides superior line control, making it perfect for mending on larger rivers and reaching those distant feeding lanes. Designed as a three-piece rod, it’s also incredibly portable—ideal for travel and adventure.

The Headwaters Difference

Our rods offer the classic feel of bamboo without the vintage uncertainty or premium price tag. Whether you’re chasing wild trout in mountain streams or casting hoppers on big Western rivers, we have a rod that will elevate your experience on the water.

Discover the art of bamboo. Cast one today.