Our Fly Rod Workshops

Chris Clemes Fly Rods is a Bamboo fly rod and fly reel makers based in London, England. The company specialises in new and custom bamboo fly rods, fly reels and fly fishing accessories. Formed in 2009 by Chris Clemes, the company employs 3rd generation artisans at the workshops who have more than 150 years of combined bamboo fly rod and fly reel making experience. The company was founded with the aim of preserving the traditional skills of bamboo fly rod making in England. This tradition was nearly lost in the 1950's when a trade embargo was imposed on Chinese goods. The effect of which limited the supply of Tonkin bamboo used in the production of bamboo fly rods. In an effort to ensure that the art of bamboo rod making is not lost to England forever, Chris Clemes Rodmakers actively recruits apprentice rod makers to study under their master 3rd generation rod makers. History Chris having worked for some of the fly fishing world's giant companies, realised that bamboo rod making is a dying art in England. With few young craftsmen nowadays willing to continue the traditions and preserve the skills which made English made products so famous, The companies mission is to bring England's finest fly rod and reel makers together in an effort to combine their skills and preserve the heritage of English bamboo rod making. Products The company specialises in new and custom built bamboo fly rods which are hand split and planed at their workshops using traditional methods. The company also has workshops in Redditch, England which specialise in making limited quantities of their Maestro fly reels.