Small batch / anti-factory by Design
Clackamas Rod Company exists for anglers who care more about how a rod fishes than how it’s marketed.
We build fly rods by hand, in small batches, in Oregon. Not because it’s trendy—but because it’s the only way to control feel, balance, and consistency at the level we expect. Every design decision starts on the water, not in a conference room. Action, taper, component choice, and build details are driven by real fishing conditions across lakes, rivers, and salt, not by spec sheets built to impress.
Clackamas Rod Company is independent, small, and hands-on by design. These are tools built to be fished hard, relied on fully, and kept for a lifetime.
Built by a fisherman. Not a factory.
Our rods are designed to do specific jobs well. That means purposeful actions, clean power transfer, and predictable recovery—whether you’re throwing long leaders on stillwater, managing line at distance, or fishing heavy payloads when conditions demand it. We obsess over balance and swing weight because that’s what anglers feel after a full day of fishing, long after fast-action buzzwords stop mattering.
We source premium blanks and components globally, then assemble, tune, and finish each rod entirely by hand. Each rod is flex-tested, aligned, and inspected individually. No two rods leave the shop without being fished, handled, and evaluated against the same standard. If it doesn’t meet that standard, it doesn’t ship—simple as that.
We intentionally keep production limited. That allows us to maintain consistency, adapt designs when we learn something new, and stand behind every rod that carries our name. We’re not interested in flooding the market or chasing volume. Our goal is to build rods that earn trust over years of use, not just excitement on day one.
Quality Components
Components matter because they directly affect how a rod feels, balances, and holds up over time. We select components based on performance and durability first, not brand names or visual trends. Guides are chosen for smooth line flow, corrosion resistance, and long-term reliability in the environments the rod is intended for. Reel seats are selected for strength, weight efficiency, and secure locking under load, whether fishing freshwater or salt.
Grip shapes are refined for comfort and control over long days, not showroom aesthetics. We pay close attention to how each component contributes to overall swing weight and balance, not just total rod weight. Thread, epoxy, and finish work are kept clean and minimal to protect the blank without muting its natural action. Nothing is oversized, overbuilt, or added for decoration.
Every component choice is intentional and matched to the specific rod model. The goal is simple: remove distractions so the rod disappears in your hand and lets you focus entirely on the fishing.
Eric Berkner
Original rod builder
Coming Soon
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Coming Soon
I couldn’t be happier with my first Clackamas rod and I’m already scheming for my second. The rod served me well on a recent trip to West Virginia, with the finesse I needed in the tight stuff and power to reach further when I needed. With such impressive attention to details, I know this is a rod I will treasure for years to come.
Patrick Rottman
"The rods that Eric has managed to craft from his home in Oregon are amazing, they cast great and have the backbone needed when you have one on the end of your line."
Zach (@Zigonthefly)