Henrys Fork Bamboo Fly Rod 7'9" 5-wt | Paul H. Young Para 14 Taper

The Henrys Fork: One Rod to Master Every Water.

Experience the Unmatched Feel of a Proven Paul H. Young Taper. Trusted by Thousands. For Over 23 Years.

Uncompromised Versatility for Any Challenge.

For anglers who demand adaptability without compromise, the Henrys Fork is the quintessential bamboo rod. At 7' 9" and a versatile 5-weight, this is arguably the most adaptable bamboo rod in the entire Headwaters lineup.

It’s built on the iconic Paul H. Young Para 14 taper—a semi-parabolic design celebrated for its profound flex and smooth, powerful delivery through every stage of the cast. From delicate dry flies to heavy hopper-dropper rigs, and even weighted nymphs, this rod was engineered to seamlessly handle a vast range of fishing styles and ever-changing water conditions.

If you're looking for a true all-arounder with surprising backbone and delicate touch, this is the one rod that answers every call.

The Maestro's Touch: The Legendary Para 14 Taper

The heart of the Henrys Fork beats with the rhythm of the legendary Para 14 taper. Paul H. Young was a pioneering master, relentlessly experimenting to create highly specialized rods that redefined versatility.

The Para 14 is a testament to his brilliance, known for its full-flex feel and surprising strength. It loads deeply, effortlessly generating power for longer casts and heavier flies, all while maintaining the exquisite delicacy bamboo is revered for.

This taper excels precisely when you need to switch from finesse to controlled force—giving you precise command, whether you're drifting a tiny BWO to a rising trout or delicately lobbing a double-nymph rig into a turbulent seam.

Where the Henrys Fork Finds Its Legacy

This rod thrives on complex, technical, and ever-changing waters—just like its namesake, the Henrys Fork of the Snake River in Idaho.

Whether you’re casting to notoriously selective rising fish on the glassy flats of the Railroad Ranch or patiently working through riffles and pocket water further upstream, the Henrys Fork rod adapts with remarkable grace and grit. 

It’s the perfect blend of elegant casting and rugged capability, truly the one you bring when the trip calls for everything.

Unrivaled Craftsmanship, Forged Over Decades.

Every Henrys Fork is a testament to our 23-year legacy of delivering exceptional bamboo rods. We oversee each step of its creation, from the careful selection and hand-splitting of premium Tonkin bamboo to its precise hand-planing and meticulous assembly.

Our long-standing partnerships with expert artisans ensure that every detail – from the durable burled hardwood reel seat and ergonomic Western-style cork grip to the pristine agate stripping guide and uniform double-foot snake guides – meets our exacting standards for both beauty and performance.

This unwavering commitment has led to thousands of rods sold and countless satisfied anglers relying on Headwaters for versatile excellence.

Specifications:

• Length: 7' 9"

• Line Weight: 5-wt

• Taper: Legendary Paul H. Young Para 14

• Action: Medium, Progressive, Versatile (parabolic feel)

• Configuration: 2-piece with either 1 or 2 tip sections

What's Included:

• Hand-split, hand-planed Tonkin bamboo blank

• Burled hardwood reel seat

• Western-style cork grip

• Agate stripping guide

• Double-foot snake guides

• Protective Cotton rod sock and durable Cordura tube

The Headwaters Confidence:

• 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee: Wiggle it, cast it, fish it. If you're not absolutely thrilled, return it.

• Lifetime Warranty: On any workmanship issue for the original owner. We stand behind our legacy.

• Fast Shipping: Your next adventure arrives quickly.

Series Options:

• Favorite: One-tip rod ($500)

• Deluxe: Two-tip rod ($600)

• Kit: Deluxe rod + premium reel, line, and 18 flies ($800)

Why the Henrys Fork is Your Ultimate Fly Rod:

If your angling demands range—in fly choice, casting distance, and water type—the Henrys Fork is unequivocally your rod.

With its classic 5-weight line rating and a Paul H. Young taper that seamlessly handles both power and finesse, this is the most capable and adaptable rod in the Headwaters collection.

It's the one you bring when the call of the river demands both grace and grit, offering the pure feel, deep connection, and meticulous craftsmanship only true bamboo can provide—all backed by our two-decade legacy and priced to be fished, not just admired.