The Dead River - 9'

Medium or Moderate Action

Medium action fly rods are the most versatile of the rods available. They perform well in a wide variety of conditions. They are also easier to learn with than with a fast-action rod. On the backcast with a medium action fly rod, the rod will be bent beginning from about halfway down the rod - thus falling in-between fast and slow action rods.

Overall, if an angler will only own one fly rod for freshwater trout fishing, then it should be a medium action fly rod unless the fishing situation falls into one of the other categories above or below.

Nestled in the scenic beauty of western Maine, the Dead River is a fly angler's dream destination, celebrated for its pristine waters and rich ecosystem. With its origins in Flagstaff Lake, the Dead River flows through dense forests and rugged terrain, offering fly fishers a true sense of solitude and connection with nature. Despite its name, the river is teeming with life, hosting healthy populations of brook trout, landlocked salmon, and, during certain times of the year, rainbow trout.

At Maine Fly Company, we know that every cast on the Dead River is an invitation into Maine’s wild heart. The river offers diverse conditions that challenge anglers to adapt. The spring runoff brings powerful currents, demanding skill and a sense of rhythm, while the summer’s slower flows create pockets of calm where fish lie in wait. Knowing where and when to cast can make all the difference, and the thrill of enticing a salmon or trout with a carefully tied fly is second to none.

Our handcrafted fly rods are designed to be both resilient and sensitive, perfect for navigating the unique demands of the Dead River’s waters. Whether you’re casting a dry fly in the riffles or nymphing in deeper pools, our rods are built to feel every nuance, giving you that vital connection to the river and the fish below. At the Dead River, it’s not just about the catch – it’s about experiencing Maine’s untouched beauty, reconnecting with the wilderness, and finding peace in the rhythm of the water.

Join us on the Dead River, where the air is crisp, the scenery breathtaking, and the fly fishing truly exceptional.

Always transport and store your new rod in its rod case. Most rods are broken during travel. Nothing ends a fly fishing trip faster than setting a heavy cooler on the top of a fly rod.

Take extra care when stringing your rod. Thread a look of fly line through the guides and tip top and pull the line and leader through without bending the rod.

When using weighted or large flies, adjust to an open casting stroke. (a fly hitting the rod can also damage the blank)

Avoid severe rod angles when fighting and landing fish. Snagged flies should be broken off by pulling on the line with the rod tip pointed directly at the snag.

Take the rod apart when you are done fishing to avoid stuck ferrules.

Completely air dry your rod and place it in a cloth bag and tube before storing. The rod tubes can trap moisture, which can swell reel seats and ruin the rod finish.

Rinse after each use and occasionally clean your rod with warm water and soap and completely dry.

We are proud to stand behind all of our graphite and carbon fiber fly rods. All of our rods are backed by a lifetime guarantee against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for the original owner with proof of purchase.

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Small Batch Fly Rods, Built in Maine, USA

Small batch fly rods are more personal; their inspiration, their designs, how they are crafted and  the service we provide for the life of the rod. 

We build every fly rod here as if it were our very own. The designs reflect our journeys and are personal to us. Our builders not only hand craft every rod, but they are also the very same people you can find along the river fishing them.

Small batch production allows for greater attention to detail and unique customization welcoming special requests to be sure your fly rod feels as personal to you as it was for us to build it. You and your fly rod aren’t just a number here. Your rod is carefully crafted with you in mind. That’s small batch.

We believe a fly rod should be as unique as the angler who uses it.