Bamboo Fly Rod
Building Classes in Utah
We offer three levels of classes, all delivered in our brand-new, state-of-the-art shop located in Heber Valley, Utah, just minutes from the Provo River and less than fifteen minutes from downtown Park City.
These classes range from our 2-hour introductory classes to our full week-long Master Level Class.
Bamboo Fly Rod discovery tour
During our two-hour “Bamboo Fly Rod Discovery” tour, you will be introduced to the world of bamboo fly rods. We begin with a brief history and study of bamboo rods and what sets them apart from standard graphite rods.
Then, after a short tour of our production facility, you will have the opportunity to try your hand at some of the skills required to build your own rod, from splitting cane to planing strips to guide wrapping.
The cost of this introductory class is only $49, and should you decide to step up and attend either our Novice or Master level class, that cost is deducted from the cost of any of our more advanced classes.
We want to work around your schedule, so these classes are scheduled “on demand”. Just reach out and tell us what day and time will work for you, and our staff will do their best to accommodate you.
Novice Level class
If you are not quite ready to commit to the full weeklong, build your rod from start to finish Master level class, but you still want to walk away with a custom-built rod, you can start with our 2-day Novice level class.
In this class, you will have had the opportunity to try your hand at all of the skills required to build a rod from scratch, such as splitting cane and planing a single strip. Then we will expedite things for you a bit and provide you with a complete, handmade rod blank. You will take it from there and wrap the guides, attach the reel seat as well as your custom-formed cork grip, and apply the finish. You will leave this two-day-long class with your very own, handmade custom rod that is ready to fish.
The cost for this class is $795, and once completed, should you decide you want to move up to our “Master Level” class in the future, we will apply a $150 discount to the cost of that class.
These classes are also scheduled “on demand”. Just reach out and tell us when you would like to attend one of these classes, and our staff will do their best to accommodate you.
Master level class
Are you ready for the full experience? If so, then sign up for our Master Level Class. In this class, over the course of an entire week, you'll start with a raw bamboo culm and learn to work it through every stage of building a finished rod, guided by a master craftsman and our staff at every step. You'll learn how a culm becomes a set of tapered strips, how those strips come together into a blank, and how that blank is finished into a rod you can fish. No prior experience is needed.
A central part of the week is learning to plane your strips on the Montana Rod Makers Bamboo Hand Plane, a precision tool that makes it possible for even a first-time builder to produce strips as accurate and consistent as those made by seasoned rodmakers.
The work is detailed and hands-on. Some stages move quickly; others take patience. By the end of the week, that work adds up to a rod you built yourself that you can fish with and hand down to your grandchildren.
The cost for this week-long, Master’s level bamboo fly rod building experience is $2,495 and includes all materials, hands-on instruction, and of course, your new custom bamboo rod with customized engraved storage tube, as well as breakfast and lunch each day during the class, and one team dinner. We also include a short morning guided fishing trip on the nearby Provo where you can try out some of our completed in-house rods.
MAKE IT YOUR OWN
In both the Novice and Master classes, the rod you build is yours to keep. In the Master class, you choose the length and line weight to match the water you like to fish, whether that means a light rod for small mountain streams or something with more backbone for bigger rivers. As you build your rod, you also make the choices that give the rod its character, from the grip shape to the reel seat to the color of your thread wraps. No two rods that leave the shop are quite the same.
Custom private classes
Interested in a custom private class for a large group or corporate event? We would be happy to work with you to develop a custom course that works for you and your group.
We offer a one-hour hands-on presentation on the history of Bamboo and split cane rods that we can provide on your site to your groups or events at no charge.
Small Classes
Every Master class is limited to just eight participants. Bamboo rod making is detailed work that benefits from close, one-on-one guidance, and a small group gives you the room to ask questions and learn directly at the bench.
Who It's For
You don't need any experience to take this class. Some builders are lifelong fly fishers; others have never held a fly rod and simply enjoy working with their hands. If you're drawn to fly fishing, woodworking, fine tools, or making something lasting, you'll be a good fit. If you are not sure if you are ready to commit to the full Master Level Class experience, please feel free to request one of our Introductory or Novice level classes.
Where You'll Build
Our shop is in Heber, Utah, in Utah's Wasatch Back and Uinta Mountain country. Just a short drive from our shop is some of the best trout water in the West. You're just minutes from the Provo River and a short drive from Park City. Many builders pair their week at the bench with fishing nearby or some time exploring the skiing, hiking, or biking opportunities in Park City and Deer Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. You will leave at the end of the week with a complete bamboo fly rod that you built, along with a tube to store and carry it.
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Yes. The class is built for first-time makers. With a small group and close guidance at every step, students with no prior experience finish a rod they can be proud of.
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A 2-piece rod of your choosing. You select the length and line weight to fit the water you fish. If you'd like help deciding, our staff will assist you with the decision.
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Yes. As you build, you make the choices that make the rod yours, including the grip shape, the reel seat, and the color of your thread wraps.
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Yes. The Provo River is minutes from the shop, with more trout water throughout Heber Valley and the surrounding Wasatch and Uinta mountains. Many builders fish during or after their week in the shop. Of course, you will need a Utah fishing license, which you can acquire from Utah Wildlife Resources.
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Just interest, patience, and some comfortable shoes. Some people like to bring their own work gloves, but we will supply them if you prefer.
The weather here is pretty nice year-round. Since you will be at about 5500 feet above sea level, it can get quite cool in the evenings, but the shop is heated, so we suggest you dress comfortably and bring a jacket.
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Our brand-new, state-of-the-art shop is located at 3300 S Hwy 40 Ste 1, Heber City, UT 84032.
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Class starts promptly at 8 am, and we usually wrap things up by around 4 pm. From there, you are welcome to hang around with us in our new“Fisherman’s Lounge” to share a drink, a cigar and some of your best fish stories, or take off and head to the Middle Provo to get in some evening fishing.
There are plenty of great places to stay and eat either in downtown Heber or nearby Park City. We will provide you with a list of some suggestions, and we have hotel discounts in place with a couple of nearby hotels.
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Absolutely. We offer gift certificates. Contact our team to learn more.
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Sure, contact us to stop by the shop and rent one of our handmade rods to try out for the day on our local rivers. If, after doing so, you sign up for a class, we will refund your rental fee.
Class RegisTration
Visit our course registration page for upcoming class dates and to secure your spot. Spaces are very limited, so act quickly.
