Why Some Fish Come Home — and Others Don’t

Exploring the Mystery of Salmon, Steelhead, and the Wanderlust of Coaster Brook Trout There’s something deeply poetic about a salmon’s return. Even here in the Great Lakes — far from the Pacific tides where their ancestors once swam — Chinook, Coho, and Steelhead still surge up the same tributaries each fall, driven by an instinctContinue reading "Why Some Fish Come Home — and Others Don’t"

Didymo: A Summary of What We Know—and Don’t Know—About the “Rock Snot” of Coldwater Streams

Among fly anglers and conservationists, few words stir more confusion—and concern—than Didymo. Officially known as Didymosphenia geminata, this stalk-forming freshwater diatom (a type of algae) can form thick, wool-like mats across the bottom of rivers and streams. When it blooms, Didymo can coat cobbles and gravel with dense brown growths that resemble wet tissue or felt—earning it the nicknameContinue reading "Didymo: A Summary of What We Know—and Don’t Know—About the “Rock Snot” of Coldwater Streams"

The Two-Hearted Bamboo: Reserve Yours Today

There’s a special rhythm to a bamboo fly rod — the subtle spring of the cane, the warmth beneath your fingers, and the effortless harmony it creates between angler and water. The Two-Hearted Bamboo from J.A. Henry Rod & Reel Co. honors that timeless craftsmanship. We’ve been humbled by the response to this rod — our firstContinue reading "The Two-Hearted Bamboo: Reserve Yours Today"

Low Water, High Reward: How to Fish West Michigan’s Dry Autumn Rivers

This fall has been one for the books here in West Michigan. The colors are as vivid as ever, but the rivers are running thinner than we’ve seen in years. The long stretch of dry weather has left many of our favorite waters calm, clear, and whisper-quiet—conditions that ask more from an angler than anyContinue reading "Low Water, High Reward: How to Fish West Michigan’s Dry Autumn Rivers"

A Milestone Worth Celebrating: $10,000 Raised for TU’s Coaster Initiative

At J.A. Henry Rod & Reel Co., craftsmanship has always gone hand-in-hand with conservation. From the start, we set out to build fly rods & cases that honor tradition while helping protect the waters and fish we love. Today, we’re proud to share an important milestone on that journey: together with our loyal customers, weContinue reading "A Milestone Worth Celebrating: $10,000 Raised for TU’s Coaster Initiative"

Cast With A Purpose! We are Gifting the Two-Hearted Bamboo Fly Rod In Exchange For A Donation to Trout Unlimited’s Coaster Initiative

*UPDATE 9/10/25: All but one of our Two-Hearted Bamboo Rods have been sold to raise money for TU's Coaster Initiative except for Rod 001. This special rod will be available in December 2025 as a special fund-raising event. Thank you to everyone who donated to Trout Unlimited!!!Cast with Purpose: Support Coaster Brook Trout Research InContinue reading "Cast With A Purpose! We are Gifting the Two-Hearted Bamboo Fly Rod In Exchange For A Donation to Trout Unlimited’s Coaster Initiative"

Building The Coaster Migratory 8wt Fly Rod

https://youtu.be/WwkEiy7gmRk Meet the Coaster — a premium 8wt fly rod purpose-built for chasing Salmon and Steelhead. Available in 9′ and 10′ lengths, this fast-action, lightweight rod delivers lightning-quick line speed and pinpoint responsiveness. Whether you’re stripping streamers, dead-drifting indicators, or shooting running line, the Coaster is your go-to for versatile, high-performance fishing. Crafted through a uniqueContinue reading "Building The Coaster Migratory 8wt Fly Rod"

Sea Lamprey Control Program Cleared to Rehire Staff After Federal Cuts Threatened Great Lakes Efforts

The Great Lakes sea lamprey control program has received federal approval to rehire approximately three dozen U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees, enabling the critical initiative to resume operations after a period of uncertainty caused by recent staffing reductions. The program, coordinated by the binational Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC), was significantly disrupted last monthContinue reading "Sea Lamprey Control Program Cleared to Rehire Staff After Federal Cuts Threatened Great Lakes Efforts"

Limited!! Two-Hearted Bamboo Sale 7-1/2′ 5wt. (only 2 available)

Included in this package:-Two-Hearted 5wt 7.5′ Tonkin Bamboo Fly Rod with additional tip-Hardy 150 LRH Vintage Reel loaded with SA 5wt Floating Line-19th Century Reclaimed Michigan White Pine Case (with personalized cover)-Brook Trout Rod Sleeve $1,550 Shop Now! In the world of fly fishing, where tradition and innovation dance in perfect harmony, the Two-Hearted BambooContinue reading "Limited!! Two-Hearted Bamboo Sale 7-1/2′ 5wt. (only 2 available)"

Limited Stock!! Handcrafted Reclaimed White Pine Storage Box

Crafted from reclaimed Michigan White Pine, this elegantly simple storage box brings rustic charm and lasting durability to any space. A hand-stamped brass Brook Trout plate adds a distinctive touch, making each piece truly unique. Ideal for storing everything from fly-fishing gear like tippet and streamers to cherished keepsakes or everyday essentials. Built with careContinue reading "Limited Stock!! Handcrafted Reclaimed White Pine Storage Box"