Russ Peak Fly Rods

"The Stradivari of the glass rod, Russ Peak is to glass as Paul Young was to bamboo, a complete master, both knowing and caring." - Arnold Gingrich in The Joys of Trout.

Russ Peak, the pioneer in rod building, was a custom rod maker in Pasadena, California and was not only a famous brand in his own right, but also influenced a couple of very successful rod companies...their companies are at the top in the industry today. Tom Morgan of Winston Rod Company went to Russ when he was starting his business to learn from the master crafstman. And, Kerry Burkheimer apprenticed in Russ's shop prior to him opening his own rod company.

Originally known for his custom fiberglass rods, Russ transitioned to graphite technology early when graphite was becoming the material of choice for anglers. It wasn't easy to get your hands on a Peak rod back in the day. The customer had to talk to Russ personally for him to learn their preferences and casting idiosyncrasies and then wait anywhere from a few days to five years for their rod to be delivered. It was a worthwhile delay!

Russ Peak Zenith Graphite Fly Rod - This is a graphite 8'6" 3/4/5 rod out of Russ's shop in California. A very versatile rod that I have used on high altitude meadow streams (small native trout) to the San Juan River with huge browns and rainbows. It's a special rod in my collection and I try to get it out at least once each year to pay proper respects to Russ Peak. If you ever get a chance to fish one of Russ's rods...DO IT.

Russ Peak Graphite Fly Rod on a Snow Blank - This is a graphite 8'6" 6/7wt rod that Russ Peak finished on a blank by Gene Snow. Marked with the original owner's name on Russ Peak's rod tube label. I'm sure there is a story behind this rod somewhere, but I'll never know it. What I do know is that it's a great rod for the San Juan River here in New Mexico. I fished this rod many years on the Juan and found it strong enough for those 20" plus trout but with an action to protect tippet and those tiny midges we fish on this river. I really should get it out for a day of fishing again...for old time's sake.