Agate Creek Custom Rods

03/27/2026

It’s Graduation Day at Ascent Fly Fishing’s Rod Building Class!

Agate Creek Custom Rods has partnered with Ascent Fly Fishing in Littleton, CO by offering custom fly rod building classes.

Here are some of our recent graduate’s creations! Well Done!!

11/27/2025

2026 Celebrates the 30th Anniversary of Coach Gary Barnett’s motto “Expect Victory!” and Northwestern University’s 1996 Rose Bowl clash in Pasadena, CA. This feat shocked the NCAA landscape as Coach Barnett inherited a Program mired in decades long football futility punctuated by the 34 game consecutive losing streak from 1979 – 1982.

This rod, Expect Victory!, was inspired by Coach Barnett and the 1995 Wildcat Team. Thanks Coach!!

NU’s Purple and White colors dominate the palette on this 9’, 9 weight fast action rod. The rod’s new owner, a 1978 NU Alum, Expect(s) Victory! as he stalks large Atlantic Salmon in Ireland. Go Cats and always Expect Victory!!

11/21/2025

Hooah! This USMC themed rod, built on the Sage R8 blank - was donated to Project Healing Waters in Denver, CO. PHW serves US Veterans and Active Servicemen and Servicewomen suffering from PTSD, TBIs and other service-related infirmities through the art, beauty and serenity of fly fishing.

This rod specifically honors my Father-in-Law, Captain William A. Sells. Bill was stationed at California’s Marine Corps Air Station - El Toro - and flew with the VMF All Weather – 542 Squadron (1956-1960). Bill flew F4D Phantom II Fighter Jets onto and off several aircraft carriers and helped pioneer nighttime flights.

Hooah Bill!

10/27/2025

10/26/2025

Just a quick Check In regarding “The Streak” of catching at least one trout each month on my fly line. Sleep soundly as The Streak is alive and counting at 106 consecutive months.

ASSUMING successfully executing on the mission on November and December, The Streak will hit nine (9) consecutive years! I’ll keep posting!

10/15/2025

Ready to hit the road? This customer wanted a travel rod that is small enough to carry easily through airports, but is still a 9’, 5 wt rod. The answer is this superb seven (7) rod that measures in at 20” with its case.

It’s a brown trout theme with four distinct accent threads on the guide feet, each one symbolizing his four sons. The metallic underwrap beneath the Agate Stripping Guide honors his beautiful wife. Enjoy these pictures as you dream up your perfectly designed custom Rod! Steve

08/04/2025

It's August and the hoppers are hopping, and so is Agate Creek Custom Rods! We've just completed the third of three Rio Grande Cutthroat themed rods for Running River's Flyathlon events. These events promote streamside restoration projects and the reintroduction of native species into the restored waters. Notice both the exquisite thread work plus the stunning Rio Grande Cutthroat emblazoned in the cork handle. And of course, our namesake Agate Stripping Guide! Contact us to discuss your own custom fly rod!

07/04/2025

Running Rivers, Flyathlon Rods!

Agate Creek has partnered with Running Rivers (runningrivers.org) to create a line of Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout custom fly rods to be awarded as prizes for the 2025 Flyathlon Series. Running Rivers believes that recreationists are a part of the solution for stewardship of our natural resources. The Flyathlons create a unique for recreationists to experience the outdoors in novel and fun ways. Specifically by trail running, fly fishing and (the most popular event) drinking finely crafted been and whiskey at the event's conclusion. What a triple play!

check out these fine rods!

06/03/2025

Hey you collegiate sports fans, take a look at this DU Pioneers Hocky Championship rod! The DU Pios are the first D1 Hockey Program to claim 10 National Championships. This rod calls out that proud history symbolically capturing those Championships in many ways from the burned cork handle to the engraved rod cap to the wraps themselves. Check out this rod and let us know when you're ready to claim your own College Dream Rod! Steve

05/18/2025

Agate Creek Custom Rods has hit another homerun with this Rio Grande Cutthroat Themed rod (7' 6", 3 wt). Note the "mossy green" primary thread with both red and amber accents.

Rachel Neshiem has nailed it again with a Cuttie burned cork, highlighted by a painted peach. Why a peach you might ask? Simple! It's because our client owns a peach orchard!

Tight Lines folks and for those of you who are following The Streak - sleep well tonight as May, 2025 is (finally!) in the books thanks to a couple of eager Cheeseman Canyon rainbows!

04/05/2025

100 Months!! This S Platte Rainbow was the first of two fish brought to net, marking 100 consecutive months of landing at least one trout on my fly line! WAHOO!!

Tip a toast to 101 and BEYOND!