The Upstream is Douglas's small-water series, and the numbers are the story: the 6'6" 3 weight weighs 1.13 oz. Not a typo. These are progressive-action rods that load with almost nothing out the tip — Douglas describes the feel as closer to bamboo or glass than to a modern fast graphite rod.
Finished in natural Tonkin bamboo color with a matte blank and clear wraps. They look the part.
Models we carry
| Model | Line | Length | Pieces | Weight | Best at |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3662 | 3 wt | 6' 6" | 2 | 1.13 oz | Tiny creeks, tight quarters, close delicate dries |
| 3706 | 3 wt | 7' 0" | 6 | 1.68 oz | Packable creek rod for selective trout |
| 3734 | 3 wt | 7' 3" | 4 | 1.42 oz | Small to medium streams, accurate around cover |
| 2804 | 2 wt | 8' 0" | 4 | 1.43 oz | Spring creeks, clear water, wary trout |
| 3766 | 3 wt | 7' 6" | 6 | 1.75 oz | Mountain creeks and pocket water, travel-friendly |
| 3806 | 3 wt | 8' 0" | 6 | 1.75 oz | Backpacking six-piece for creeks and mountain streams |
| 4884 | 4 wt | 8' 8" | 4 | 1.72 oz | Small to medium rivers, beaver ponds, light streamers |
Current pricing per model is on the selector above.
Picking one
- Classic small-stream rod? The 7'3" 3 weight at 1.42 oz. Long enough to mend, short enough for brush, and the four-piece travels fine.
- Really tight water? The 6'6" two-piece. It is the lightest rod in the shop and the one that makes a six-inch brookie feel like an event.
- Spring creeks and picky fish? The 8'0" 2 weight. Extra length for reach and drag-free drifts, and light enough to protect 7X.
- Backpacking? Three six-piece models. They break down short enough to strap to a pack without a rod tube sticking out the top.
- Want a bit more range? The 8'8" 4 weight handles a small streamer or a dry-dropper without feeling overmatched.
An honest word on these rods
Progressive-action rods are a joy under thirty feet and a handful past fifty. Buy one because you fish small water and want to feel the cast, not as your only rod. If you need to punch line into wind or throw weight, look at the Upstream PLUS or a DXF instead.
Components
- Blank: high-modulus graphite, natural Tonkin bamboo color, matte finish, clear wraps
- Ferrules: spigot ferrules for smooth energy transfer
- Reel seat: minimalist cork-cap sliding ring — the main reason these weigh what they weigh
- Grip: cork, modified reverse half-wells on every model
- Included: 1-5/8" brushed aluminum tube and rod sock
Warranty: Douglas limited lifetime to the original owner. Note that Upstream repairs require the entire rod to be sent back, not just the broken section.
These are hard to appreciate without casting one. Come pick one up. Ed's Fly Shop, 432 E Main St, downtown Montrose, Colorado.