Private Four Person Bamboo Fly Rod Building Class

Build your own bamboo fly rod in a private six-day class for four participants. Craftsmanship, fishing, and lifelong memories with friends.
About this Event

Private Bamboo Fly Rod Building Class in Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Build Your Own Bamboo Fly Rod During an Exclusive Private Fly Fishing Experience

Looking for a truly unforgettable Colorado adventure? Gather your family, closest friends, fishing partners, or colleagues and experience the art of bamboo fly rod making in a private six-day workshop designed exclusively for your group.

This Private Bamboo Fly Rod Building Class in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, accommodates up to four participants and offers a rare opportunity to create handcrafted bamboo fly rods while sharing an experience you’ll talk about for years to come. Whether you’re planning a family getaway, retirement celebration, bucket-list fishing trip, corporate retreat, or multi-generational adventure, this immersive workshop combines craftsmanship, fly fishing heritage, and quality time together.

Under the personal guidance of Master Rodsmith PJ Dufour and his team, each participant will build a custom bamboo fly rod from premium Tonkin bamboo. You’ll learn traditional rod-making techniques while participating in every major stage of the process, including bamboo preparation, heat treating, shaping, assembly, guide wrapping, finishing, and final tuning.

No prior rod-building experience is required. This private format allows for personalized instruction, a flexible pace, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the camaraderie that naturally develops when creating something meaningful together.

Each participant will customize their rod to reflect their individual fishing style and preferences, selecting features such as grip shape, reel seat materials, silk wrap colors, and agate stripping guide options. By the end of the week, you’ll leave with a fully fishable heirloom-quality bamboo fly rod built by your own hands.

More than a class, this experience is an opportunity to disconnect from everyday life, learn a traditional craft, and create lasting memories with the people who matter most. Many participants describe the week as equal parts workshop, fishing trip, and family gathering.

Located in historic downtown Pagosa Springs, Colorado, PJ’s Fine Bamboo Rods is within walking distance of the San Juan River and surrounded by exceptional trout fishing opportunities. Participants can enjoy nearby hot springs, dining, shopping, hiking, and guided fishing adventures before and after class sessions.

What You’ll Learn

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• Traditional bamboo fly rod construction techniques
  
• Bamboo splitting, heat treating, and rod assembly
  
• Grip shaping and reel seat fitting
  
• Guide wrapping and rod finishing
  
• Fly rod design and performance fundamentals
  
• The history and heritage of bamboo fly rods
  

What’s Included

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• Six days of private instruction
  
• Premium Tonkin bamboo materials
  
• Custom bamboo fly rod for each participant
  
• Custom aluminum rod tube
  
• Hemp rod sock
  
• Shop apron
  
• Personalized one-on-one guidance throughout the build
  

Ideal For

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• Family vacations
  
• Father-son and mother-daughter trips
  
• Multi-generational family experiences
  
• Retirement celebrations
  
• Fishing clubs and friend groups
  
• Corporate retreats and executive team building
  
• Bucket-list fly fishing adventures
  

Lodging Discounts Available

Private class participants have access to discounted accommodations through our lodging partners:

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• The Springs Resort & Spa
  
• The Drift Cabins
  
• The Loft in Downtown Pagosa
  

Event Details

Location: PJ’s Fine Bamboo Rods, Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Class Size: Private group of up to 4 participants
Duration: Six days of hands-on instruction
Experience Level: Beginner to Advanced
Scheduling: Available by appointment

Create more than a fly rod. Create a shared experience, a family heirloom, and memories that will last long after the final cast. Reserve your private bamboo fly rod building class today and discover why handcrafted bamboo rods remain one of fly fishing’s most cherished traditions.

Looking for another date? View all upcoming bamboo rod building classes here.