Category:
bamboo fly rods, fly fishing stuff, Underground's Best
Added Date:
Tuesday, 20 Mar, 2007
Summary
Lately I've been looking hard at all the bamboo fly rods in my rod closet, trying to mentally define why I fish them and how I apply value to them--values that often differ markedly from the marketplace.
Content
Lately I've been looking hard at all the bamboo fly rods in my rod closet, trying to mentally define why I fish them and how I apply value to them--values that often differ markedly from the marketplace. Then that crafty bunch over at MidCurrent went and excerpted a chapter from Casting a Spell by George Black, a book about craftsmanship and its survival in the face of the industrial revolution. I found it interest because it paralleled my thoughts about Bill Phillipson's fly rod company, which tells a similar story about craftsmanship in the face of growing corporatism. From MidCurrent:
George Black's fascination with bamboo rod-craft pivots on Eustis Edwards, whose personal history speaks volumes about the survival of craftsmanship in American culture. This excerpt looks at the final disillusioning and yet productive years of Edwards's life, and at the rods which exemplified his obsession with perfection.
Black focuses on Edwards rods, using the rods and their makers to illustrate the changes rapidly overtaking society post WWI. I place Bill Phillipson's rod company in a similar context; his small, individually owned company thrived for years before it was bought in 1972 by a large corporation which--immediately and somewhat inexplicably--folded the company.  His bamboo trade--like most others--had foundered with the appearance of fiberglass and the bamboo embargo of the cold war years, but unlike so many other production companies, he was innovating and building what were probably the best fiberglass rods available. I'm sure there's an answer to be found at the bottom of a spreadsheet in a file cabinet somewhere, but it's hardly possible to overlook the larger trend at work: the corporatization of business in the USA. That's why the George Black excerpt at MidCurrent dovetails so nicely with the post I was already writing in my head. I love it when the Universe writes my lead for me. What's Desirable in Bamboo?In the weird, overlapping hierarchy that defines "desirability" in modern bamboo fly rod collecting, it's possible that the Edwards rods were among the best, least-appreciated models--at least until Black's book was released. Longtime bamboo rod collectors will be reminded of the release of Michael Sinclair's "Heddon: The Rod With The Fighting Heart" book. It had an immediate (and galvanizing) effect on the price of used Heddon rods, which--until the book's release--crowded the used rod lists at relatively low prices.
Still, the Edwards rods were never as plentiful as the Heddons, and I know I ignored the Edwards creations simply because there weren't enough of them available to interest me. Yet, equally true is the fact that the rods I owned and fished weren't really considered desirable among the majority of collectors. If I could have afforded it, I might have made an exception for the fishable, consistently excellent Paynes, but the Garrisons, Gillums and others were too rare (and expensive) to even contemplate buying, and the time I spent with their tapers (as represented by modern builders) was underwhelming.
In my case at least, the need to "collect" simply didn't exist, at least not in the sense that I was looking to assemble (or could afford) a quiver of rods whose makers and tapers would impress when casually dropped in bamboo-savvy company.
Bill Phillipson & His Fly Rods
When I first grew interested in older bamboo rods, I focused on the Western rods, and soon fixated on Bill Phillipson's creations.
Phillipson was foreman of the Granger shop starting in the mid 1930s and owner the "Phillipson Rod Company" until the early 70s.
It's likely my interest was fostered by what I learned about Phillipson himself; a sometimes gruff man, he valued function over form, and his goal was to build rods that cast and fished as well as the most expensive models, yet at a price anyone could afford.
It's likely that tapped into the populist vein that runs through me, and clearly, Phillipson was no huckster.
He was, in fact, an expert caster and a fine fisherman, who right up until his death could be found fishing Colorado's waters, including the South Platte.
John Gierach cops to sometimes fishing an 8.5' Phillipson on the South Platte not just because he sometimes ran into Bill Phillipson there, but because the rod's perfectly suited to fishing that river.
Fishing Rods, Not Toys.
If day-to-day fishability defined collectability, the Phillipsons would occupy a place on the food chain far above many more expensive rods, perhaps only one rung below the vaunted Paynes and one above the currently hot Grangers (most of which were also Bill Phillipson's children).
Still, though I own an even dozen Phillipson rods, I never became what you'd call a "collector," and because I like talking to rod builders, I'm wholly interested in what today's bamboo rod craftsmen are doing in the now century-old bamboo rod trade.
Still, after years of use, a couple of my favorite Phillipsons require some ferrule work, so I need to ship them to a rod repairer (the true downside of bamboo rods).
I fish a couple of the rods often, and wonder if that means I value them so much as fishing tools that I overlook the fact that another Phillipson will never be made.
In fact, the rods fish so well, I could--in a fit of Thoreau-esque simplification--surplus all my other cane and end up a perfectly happy camper (for most trout situations anyway).
Still, let's face it; I'm not going to do it.
What I am going to do is split this post over a couple days. So tomorrow, more on Phillipson fly rods--the models I actually like to fish.
Click to read Part II of "Bury Me With My Phillipsons." See you at the rod closet, Tom Chandler.
Find Fort Collins on the Cache La Poudre River along the Colorado Front Range. Fort Collins is situated about 65 miles north of Denver. With a population just shy of 160,000, it is ... morethe fourth most populous city in Colorado Fort Collins is a midsize college town and home to Colorado State University. In and around Fort Collins are many experienced guide services that will introduce visitors to the Cache La Poudre and the many creeks and rivers within easy driving distance.
To locals in Fort Collins Flyfishing is a lifestyle. Within easy reach are the Big Thompson River, Estes Park, and Rocky Mountain Nation Park.
Southwest of Denver, the South Platte River is formed by the convergence of the South Fork and Middle Fork rivers. Its drainage basin, on the eastern side of the Front Range Rocky ... moreMountains, is quite substantial covering large parts of Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska. Together with the North Platte, they form the Platte River that winds through Nebraska and eventually joins the Missouri River. There are three main areas along the South Platte that are known for great trout fishing, each a unique and worthwhile adventure: Cheesman Canyon, Dream Stream and Eleven Mile Canyon.
Cheesman Canyon has the rarified distinction of being ranked as both a Wild trout and a Gold Medal stretch of water. Known for its huge boulders, arid clime and towering Ponderosas, the river is also considered to be one of the most technically difficult tailwater fisheries in the state. It is also known for rewarding anglers with large rainbows (average 14-16 inches and many over 20) and sizeable browns. Throughout the canyon you can expect to find deep pocket water, rifles and small pools. Fishing is possible year round although it is catch and release only.
Open to the public, the Gold Medal Dream Stream runs from the Spinney Mountain Reservoir to Elevenmile Canyon. Famous for it trophy rainbows, cutthroats and browns, the Dream Stream is also known for its Kokanee salmon that arrive during their fall spawning season. Trout weighing 2-3 pounds are commonplace, while larger fish, including monster 20+ inchers, are also possible. Fish here tend to be skilled at avoiding detection and prepared to put up a good fight, humbling even the most experienced anglers. This 3-mile section is strictly catch and release, artificial lures only.
Between the Elevenmile Reservoir and Lake George, the South Platte flows through a gorgeous canyon with riffles, runs and pocket water. Steep canyon walls protect from wind and offer shade during summer months. Largely a rainbow fishery, browns and cutthroats are also here. Most fish measure over a foot long but much bigger fish can be found. The top two, Gold Medal miles of the canyon have the highest concentration of trout; catch and release only here. Public access to the canyon is excellent, and this year-round fishery can be crowded. Miraculously, the fish seem oblivious, easier to catch here than on other parts of the river.
The St. Vrain Creek or St. Vrain river as it is sometimes referred to is still a place where a flyfisher can find solitude. Simply put, it's a small stream fishing paradise. The St. ... moreVrain is a beautifyl creek that holds browns and rainbows in its lower reaches. The upper parts have good poplulations of brook trout and cutthroat trout.
Three main forks form the St. Vrain Creek. Highway 7 and Old St. Vrain Road follow the South Fork of the St. Vrain
Creek for 10 miles or so. Park and fish along the road. On County Road 96, just off Highway 72 you will find a trailhead for the South Fork which will take you back into the high country.
The Middle St. Vrain Creek rises along the continental divide, west of St. Vrain Mountain. It descends into a canyon to flow along State Highway 7 and past Raymond and joins the shorter South St. Vrain Creek about two miles below Raymond. Access the middle fork from a trailhead in the Peaceful valley.
North St. Vrain Creek rises northeast of St. Vrain Mountain near Allenspark and descends in a canyon to the east along U.S. Highway 36. The two branches join at Lyons, at the mouth of the canyon. Use the trainhead at Wild Basin to take you into the high country of the Rocky Mountain National Park.
The St. Vrain is a tributary of the South Platte River.
The Big Thompson is one of Colorado's finest streams. It flows from Forest Canyon Pass through Forest Canyon where it picks up volume as it is fed my numerous mountain creeks. It becomes ... morefishable at Moraine Park in Rocky Mountain National Park, about six miles below its headwaters. From Moraine Park wade and explore the many braids and channels. Delightful trails up and down river lead to fantastic flyfishing experiences.
With its headwaters in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Big Thompson river just below the town of Estes Park is a classic canyon trout river. This 30-foot-wide trout stream is best described as pocket water and riffles, which makes for great walk-wading fly-fishing. Between Estes Park and Drake the Big Thomson is special regulation water. You'll find wild rainbow trout in the 10-14 inch categories (stocking by the state stopped in 1994) and some brown trout. Below Lake Estes at Estes Park classic tailwater flows are well controlled with fairy stable discharge except for the annual runoff between March and April. From Estes Park the stream flows down to Loveland. The tailwater operates very stable for a dam.
The North Fork Big Thompson River also begins in Rocky Mountain National Park from where it flows along highway 43 east, through the town of Glen Haven and merges with the Big Thompson River in the town of Drake, in the Big Thompson Canyon.
Trout on the Big Thomson can be fincky and will not just take any dry fly you present. Light leaders, tippets and good presentation is called for. Flies should match the surprisingly large number of insects in the Big Thompson or aproximate what's about to hatch. The Big Thomson flows along the busy highway 34 which can make parking a bit crowded at time. However, this water should be well worth your time. On the Big Thomson it pays to visit with a guide the first few times. Local experts will provide you insight to the local hatch and provide instruction for how to fish the Big Thomson for a most productive experience.
With its headwaters in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, the Big Thompson River just below the town of Estes Park is a classic canyon trout river. The personality of this 30-foot-wide ... moretrout stream is best described as pocket water and riffles.
Because of the diversity of water and abundance of trout, the Big Thompson provides a remarkable walk-wading fly-fishing experience for the never-ever or the well-fished angler. The 10-12 inch rainbow or brown trout will take dry flies or nymphs. Big Thompson River fly fishing is an exerpience that is second to none.
Addictive Angling Colorado Guide Trips take place on the South Platte River. The South Platte is one of the most well known trout rivers in the United States. The South Platte begins ... morewest of Denver as a small, meandering mountain meadow stream. As the South Platte flows east, it pours into a series of Reservoirs. Starting with Antero Reservoir and flowing into Spinney Reservoir, the Upper South Platte River located in South Park, Colorado, provides anglers with ample opportunities to catch Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Snake River Cutthroats. From Spinney Reservoir the South Platte flows for 5 1/2 miles before it meets Elevenmile Reservoir. This stretch is known as the Dream Stream due to the large trout that call this section of the river home. Below Elevenmile Reservoir the South Platte River flows through Elevenmile Canyon. This beautiful boulder filled canyon offers amazing fly fishing for anglers looking to wet a fly close to Colorado Springs. Eventually, the South Platte flows further downstream into Cheesman Reservoir. Below Cheesman Reservoir exists another beautiful Canyon. Cheesman Canyon Trout are some of the smartest and most beautifully colored fish in Colorado and will test the skill levels of even the most experienced fly fishermen. Downstream of Cheesman Canyon is one of the most popular stretches of the South Platte River. The Deckers area provides easy access and many miles of Public Water fly fishing full of trout eager to take a fly. Below Deckers, the river continues into Strontia Springs Reservoir before it once again flows through yet another beautiful canyon and finds itself flowing into Chatfield Reservoir on the South West Corner of the Denver Metro Area. After the South Platte leaves Chatfield it continues is journey North East until it eventually meets up with the North Platte River. Whatever stretch you decide to fish, the South Platte River offers some of the best fly fishing in the country.
Undoubtedly our most popular and productive trip type, a Wyoming fly fishing float trip allows for the ability to fish miles upon miles of blue ribbon trout water accessible only by ... moreboat. Our private boat ramps on the North Platte River allow our guides for our Grey Reef float trips, to put in ahead of those using public boat ramps. This will help your guide stay ahead of any crowd to keep your experience private.
Our guided float trips are 7-8 hours on the water for a full day, or 3-4 hours on the water for a half day. We’ll pick you up or meet you at a convenient location with everything you need to have a successful day on the river. Our clean, comfortable boats seat two anglers and your experienced guide. Your guide will use his knowledge to put you in position on the best holes and runs on the river, making sure you’ve got the right flies at the right depth, and giving you tips on casting and keeping a proper drift. All you’ve got to worry about is having fun catching trout- no experience necessary! Full day trips will take a break halfway through the day for a riverside lunch on us!
Included: All fishing gear (rods, reels, tippet, flies, etc.), instruction, non-alcoholic beverages, and lunch for full day trips (Mar.16th-Nov.15th). Lunch’s can be added to winter trips(Nov.16th-Mar.15th) for $10 each. You are welcome to bring your own rods, we’ll rig ’em up to be trout slaying machines.
Since 1993, Rocky Mountain Adventures has been helping people have fun. We offer whitewater rafting outings, kayaking classes and fly-fishing classes and guided outings. In addition, ... morewe have a full rental program for those of you wanting to venture on your own. Whether you're an outdoors enthusiast or are a little outdoors timid, we can help you find an experience that's just your speed.
If you're coming to Colorado on vacation, or you live here and are looking for a fun experience for your visiting friends or relatives, an adventure from Rocky Mountain Adventures may be just what you need.
LOCATION
We have four locations to serve you. Our main retail store and offices are located in Fort Collins at the corner of U.S. Highway 287 and Shields Street, just north of Fort Collins. This site is within easy reach of one of our most popular rivers, the Cache la Poudre River. It is from here that we shuttle you to and from your Cache la Poudre rafting trip. If you fish or kayak with us, we often have you assemble here as well.
Here you'll find convenient parking, bathrooms, a place to change into your river clothes, and an opportunity to purchase those last minute items like sunglasses, hats, film and sunscreen. We also have some great t-shirts, sweatshirts, and other casual outdoor wear. You can also meet our Pigeon Express™ pigeons and see how they live in their comfy loft.
Our Fort Collins store is also a full-service paddling shop, complete with several lines of kayaks and associated paddling gear. We specialize in whitewater, touring and lake kayaking. For rafting and kayaking, we stock gear for rent or purchase: life jackets, paddles, wet suits, booties, and helmets. We also carry kayaks, rafts, rescue equipment, dry bags, repair supplies, books and many other items.
We have another office in Estes Park where we meet for many of our fly fishing and lake kayak outings. The Clear Creek trips run out of our Downieville office. Downieville is situated near Idaho Spring which is just 30 minutes west of Denver. The town of Kremmling located within 45 - 55 minutes of Winter Park, Grand Lake and Steamboat Springs is the river office for all of our Colorado trips. The Downieville and Kremmling offices are run under our Mad Adventures company name so don't be confused by the different name.
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