The McKenzie Bamboo Fly Rod 8' 6" 5-wt 3 Piece Medium Action

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A Classic, Reimagined—Three-Piece Performance for the Modern Angler

A Timeless Design Made Travel-Ready

The McKenzie brings classic bamboo feel into a more modern format. At 8' 6" and 5-weight, this three-piece rod is based on the Goodwin Granger 8642 taper—a rod widely considered one of the best all-around trout rods of the 20th century.

We've reintroduced it in a more portable, packable form that’s easy to travel with and hard not to fish.

The Granger 8642: Legendary Lineage

This taper is smooth, intuitive, and deceptively powerful. With a longer reach and progressive action, it gives anglers excellent line control on the water, especially for mending and drift management. Whether you're fishing dries, nymphs, or small streamers, the McKenzie gives you the range and responsiveness to handle it.

Where the McKenzie Belongs

This rod excels on medium to large rivers, like the McKenzie River itself in Oregon, where fish hold at distance, the water moves with pace, and the presentation has to be just right. It’s a joy to fish on long drifts, big bends, and those classic tailouts that reward an accurate mend and a tight line.

Rod Details & Craftsmanship

With its three-piece construction and traditional finish, the McKenzie blends portability with Headwaters quality.

Specifications:

• Length: 8' 6"

• Line Weight: 5-wt

• Taper: Granger 8642

• Action: Medium

• Configuration: 3-piece with either 1 or 2 tip sections

Features:

• Hand-split, hand-planed Tonkin bamboo blank

• Burled hardwood reel seat

• Full Wells cork grip

• Agate stripping guide

• Double-foot snake guides

• Cotton rod sock and Cordura tube

• 30-day trial and lifetime warranty

Series Options:

• Favorite – One-tip rod

• Deluxe – Two-tip rod

• Kit – Deluxe rod + reel, line, and 18 flies

Why Choose the McKenzie?

This is the rod for anglers who want performance, history, and convenience in a single package. Whether you're heading to your home water or planning a destination trip, the McKenzie delivers classic feel with modern utility—and looks good doing it.