The Douglas Upstream is designed to be a rod for small water and small fish. The unique cane-looking rod blank and full cork reel seat give this rod an old-fashioned feel. Underneath its outer shell, however, lies contemporary graphite technology that makes the Upstream one of the best small water fly rods on the market. The Upstream has superb accuracy inside 30 feet and works to protect light tippets. Small dry flies turn over effortlessly and delicately on small creeks to fool wary fish with the Upstream. If you’re looking for your next slow-action short-range dry fly rod, the Upstream is one of the best.
Blank
Graphite Blank w/Cane Feel - Douglas has designed the blank of the Upstream to portray a classic cane style. Although the rod looks like cane rods of old, the graphite rod blank is high performing and incredibly efficient on the water. The blank features a medium-slow action to protect light tippets and maximize performance inside 30 feet. This is truly a small water rod made for the most delicate presentations.
Guides
Traditional Stripping Guides - Smaller stripping guides fit the Upstream nicely and accommodate smaller fly lines without adding unneeded weight to the rod.
Traditional Snake Guides - The Upstream has simple, traditional snake guides that accommodate any fly line and add to the functionality of the rod.
Reel Seat
All-Cork Handle w/Slide Rings - The smaller rod models of the Upstream have a traditional full cork reel seat with slide rings to anchor small freshwater fly reels. The cork reel seat pays homage to cane rods of old and helps keep overall rod weight low. These reel seats aren’t corrosion-proof or as durable as anodized aluminum, however, they’re stylish and lightweight.
Rod Tube
Aluminum Rod Tube - The Upstream comes in a durable aluminum rod tube with a rod sock for increased protection. Aluminum keeps the Upstream safe during transportation, travel, and time off of the water.
Warranty
The Douglas Original Owner Lifetime Warranty - As of August 2019, Douglas has an original owner lifetime warranty on all of their fly rods. This warranty covers damage to the rod from any cause but excludes normal wear and tear or lost sections. Douglas will fix or replace your rod for a $35 handling fee.
More Info
Rod Action: Medium - Slow
Best for: Small Water, Dry Flies
Grip: Half Wells
Ability Level: Beginner- Expert
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Recommended Lines
We highly recommend using a freshwater specific line on the lighter rod models. Our favorite for small water applications is:
Rio Creek Premier Fly Line
