PJ's Fine Bamboo Rods - Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Marty L.

Wonderful experience building a high quality rod with tons of history during the making process.

Update: I had so much fun building my first rod I grabbed a friend and took the class a second time. You can’t ever have too many rods right?

Everyone walks out with a high quality rod at the end.

On this visit PJ took time to take us down to the park and give us some tips on how to cast with bamboo compared to other rods. Thanks a bunch for a fun class and time with new good friends.

Mike K.

I had the pleasure of building a 3wt fly rod at PJ‘s. I had purchased a 5wt a few years ago and just loved how it felt catching cutthroat trout with dry flies here in the San Juans and decided it was time to build my own. It’s true, it is an instant heirloom. It’s something you’ll fish with I, you will love it well and then the kids will fight over when you’re gone. Extra bonus for all the skills learned in the class. It really was an experience that needs to be on your bucket list. I can’t recommend them enough, come to Pagosa Springs and enjoy a week in this beautiful country and learn some fantastic new skills with the highest quality people you’ll ever meet.

Jonathan P.

I took the December 2024 rod building class and I am beyond happy I decided to visit PJ's Fine Bamboo Rods. The class was exactly the in depth learning experience I was hoping for. I am thrilled with the results of my new bamboo fly rod and am incredibly thankful to PJ, Rosanna, Mike, and Booger for making this such an awesome experience! Ill definitely be back!

Sarah C.

PJ's Fine Bamboo rod building class is an outstanding experience, thanks to the expertise and dedication of PJ, Rosanna, and Mike. Their passion for bamboo fly rods is infectious, and their knowledge is unmatched. Beyond just building a rod, the interactions with this incredible team makes the class truly exceptional. PJ is a true master at his craft and clearly explains, teaches, and models each step in the process. The small class size fosters a warm and engaging environment, allowing for personalized guidance throughout the class. I left with a beautiful custom-made fly rod, new friends, and the itch to learn more about the craft. I highly recommend this class for anyone seeking a unique and rewarding experience in fly fishing and rod building with the added pleasure of learning from the best. Thank you PJ, Rosanna, and Mike for an unforgettable experience!

Michael F.

My custom PJ's Fine Bamboo Rod is my favorite fly rod that I have ever owned. PJ went above and beyond by incorporation the wood from my family's homestead door into the grip. It is truly a family legacy that I am proud to have the honor to fish ans share with my family.

I was blown away by the level of craftsmanship and how well the rod casts. I would have never guessed that my bamboo rod would out cast my graphite rods and give such a beautiful fly presentation.

David A.

I had the privilege of attending PJ’s Bamboo Rod Building class, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. The entire experience was excellent from start to finish. PJ’s personal attention to detail and dedication to each student ensured that the process was both smooth and rewarding. He took the time to guide me through every step, from selecting the materials to the final touches, and his expertise made even the more intricate parts of the craft feel manageable.

The end result is a beautifully crafted fly rod that I am proud to have built myself which I will treasure for years to come.

Mike M.

I recently completed the five day course to build my dream bamboo fly rod. I took the course at PJ’s Fine Bamboo Rods in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
From the first day meeting PJ and his wife Rosanna, the course was explained in detail and all phases of creating a bamboo rod were demonstrated first. The one-on-one assistance was very helpful. They made sure every step was correct before moving on ensuring the bamboo rod will be a thing of handcrafted beauty.
At all phases PJ gave detailed information on the bamboo, where he gets it from and how the sugars in the bamboo give it its strong points. His knowledge and expertise ensured we would go home with an amazing rod. The workshop was supplied with all the necessary tools and materials for the project.
By day five and many hours of detailed work, we received our completed rods after three coats of a clear finish. They looked amazing!
I can’t say enough about the experience, expertise and professionalism.
If anyone is considering building their own bamboo fly rod, this is the place to go. PJ told me one day that any rod completed in his shop is a rod he would fish himself.
Highly recommend!!!
Thank you PJ, Rosanna, Mike and Boogy!

Greg P.

Since I got home, I have been asked by family and friends, what did I think about building a bamboo fly rod. All I can say, it is one of the greatest experiences I have had. PJ and crew were exceptional. We started with a large section of bamboo and ended up with a beautiful "heirloom quality" fly rod.
If you are in Pagosa Springs anytime soon, I highly recommend this class.