The R.L. Winston Rod Company is thrilled to announce that we have reopened our Bamboo Shop in a new facility in Twin Bridges, Montana. The old Winston bamboo shop was housed in the original R.L. Winston Rod Company building in downtown Twin Bridges. On May 7, 2017, a fire started at 3:00 in the morning, destroying the building and all its contents including bamboo rod inventory, machinery and raw materials. Despite this tragic loss, we have been determined to continue our 90-year commitment to the legacy of building the most beautiful, highest performing bamboo fly rods available.
Since the fire, we’ve worked diligently to not only find a new location for the bamboo shop, but also replace all the unique tools, and machinery. After two years of effort, it’s extremely rewarding to get back to work.
Bamboo has been at the heart of the R.L. Winston Rod Company since 1929, when Robert Winther and Lew Stoner first began innovating using split bamboo cane. Lew Stoner’s patented hollow-fluted rod design process allowed us to set numerous bamboo world distance fly casting records, and is still in use today.
We thank our customers for their patience and we are extremely grateful that Winston Bamboo fly rods will continue to set the standard for hand-crafted bamboo fly rod perfection.
For more information, contact info@winstonrods.com or call 406-684-5674.
Congratulations, Winston! I know that it was a Herculean task to recover from the fire, but as a big fan of Winston bamboo rods, I’m thrilled you pulled it off!!
Thank you Brian!
I live in Northern Minnesota and I am interested in your products
Hi Marc, thanks for the note! If you need help looking up a local dealer you can visit our dealer locator page for a dealer new you. Here’s the link: https://winstonrods.com/dealers/dealer-locator/
Additionally, please feel free to give us a call at 406.684.5674 and speak to one of our customer service representatives!
Who are your rod builders? Bamboo, Fiberglass, graphite, and boron?
Hi Floyd. Our Bamboo Rod builders for Bamboo are Bob and Annette McLean. For Graphite and Boron, we have around 30 in house folks that perform various rod building functions. Additionally, we have around 20 rod guide wrappers in the greater Twin Bridges Community!
So satisfying to see that Annette and her husband are the duo behind Winston cane rods.A long
time ago I had some meetings near Twin Bridges and during a lull I went to the old building and
met Glenn. I bought a rod from him and when I settled up I met Annette but I doubt that she would remember me.All these years later I vividly remember the experience with fond memories. So
much water under the bridge {no pun intended} I am 86 now and still fish that rod , and am so
impressed with the beauty and labor that went into it. Such are the ramblings of an old man, but I
could not resist the opportunity to contact you and wish you well, It was truly a wonderful event.
Hi Steve,
Thanks so much for the kind words and sharing your story. Truly sounds like a magical experience meeting Glenn and Annette. We are happy to hear the rod is serving you well after so many years! We’ll let Annette know you sad ‘hello’ !
Congratulations on your reopening the bamboo shop.
Thank you Dennis!
Very nice !—😄happy for the good news!
I would like to place an order this year!
Regards
Romano Godi
Thanks Romano! To place a bamboo rod order, you may get in contact with us at 406-684-5674!
Welcome back. Were your rod history files destroyed in the fire?
The Rod History files are safe and sound. Everything is stored in our headquarters, along with digital records.
I would like to see Winston take on the bamboo casting competition that was briefly sponsored by Hardy. A ‘bamboo only’ competition for accuracy and distance based on the old standards with weight of finished rod and weight of line would help to elevate the understanding of the functionality of a bamboo rod to today’s fishing requirements.
Dave, great comments! We’ll take a look at it and see what we might be able to do!
I’m happy for all of you there and pleased to know that the Winston name will live on through this century as it did the last. I use a couple of your Spey rods but don’t have any of the Winston cane rods. But then time will tell I guess.
Hi Ard, thanks for the note! Unfortunately, we lost a couple two-hand bamboo proto types in the fire, so back to the drawing board we go!
Aaron,
Thanks for the info today.
Adam, not Aaron!
Annette! …the only person I know/knew at Winston from “der good ole daze”..she must be 400 years old by now…all da best wit da cane….Randy Brown…Ennis, Mt.
I am not fortunate enough to own a bamboo rod, but, I have three of your boron rods. Not only are they pleasing to look at, but they are a joy to cast. Maybe one day….
Way d’go Winston! I just knew you guys would come back from the fire. I live in Nantucket, Massachusetts, a long way from Twin Bridges, MT. I own two Winston fly rods, unfortunately, neither of them are bamboo, but my fishing buddies are all jealous of my Winston’s. I keep telling them, they’re the only one that can change that! Congratulations, and welcome back.
Tom Montgomery
Leslie, Adam, and Annette –
You folks, and the rest of the good people at Winston, are the heart and soul of fly-fishing. I dearly treasure my 8’ – 4wt winston bamboo rod. It is the only rod I keep in my gun safe! It is one of my most prized possessions. When I have that rod in my hand the whole world goes away. I am so glad that the bamboo shop is up and running. Keep up the great work. ❤️
I just came across your bamboo fly rods. I am in the market for a 4wt. This will be my first purchase of a bamboo rod. The other company I am considering is Orvis. First question: Do your rods come with a warranty? I don’t anticipate breaking one, but if I do is the rod covered. Second question: Do you provide a military discount?