Overview

The Douglas Upstream is an ultra-light series built for small water: brushy creeks, mountain streams, pocket water and hike-in trout, where casts are short and presentation counts for more than distance. Douglas describes the action as progressive moderate and compares the feel to bamboo or glass, so the rod bends deep at close range, loads with very little line out and protects light tippet.

The blank is high modulus graphite with a matte finish in a natural Tonkin bamboo color and clear wraps, which gives it a cane look without the cane. Spigot ferrules join the sections, and a minimalist sliding ring reel seat with a cork cap keeps weight down; the 7'3" model weighs 1.42 oz. Douglas makes eight Upstream rods from 2 to 4 wt in 2, 4 and 6-piece versions; this listing offers two 3 wt models, the 7'3" 4-piece and the 7'6" 6-piece.

Which Upstream Should You Choose?

A classic small-stream rod for creeks, spring creeks and freestones, with tight casts around cover: Upstream 3734 (7'3" 3 wt, 4-piece).

Backpacking, hike-in creeks and travel, where the rod has to pack small: Upstream 3766 (7'6" 3 wt, 6-piece).

Douglas Upstream Specs

Douglas Upstream Models

Upstream 3734 - 7'3" 3 wt

One of the four original Upstream rods from the 2015 launch, and a classic small-stream length. At 7'3" it is long enough to mend line across small currents and still short enough to cast under overhanging brush. Douglas aims it at small to medium streams, pocket water, spring creeks and freestones, with accurate casts tight to structure, and anglers find the soft, deep-bending action easy to roll cast. It weighs 1.42 oz and breaks down into four pieces.

Best for: small to medium streams, spring creeks, pocket water, hike-in creeks.

Line pairing: A 3 wt floating line with a delicate front taper; creek and double-taper lines suit the short casts this rod does best. We recommend the SA Amplitude Smooth Creek Trout (WF3F) or the SA Amplitude Textured Double Taper (DT3F).

Upstream 3766 - 7'6" 3 wt

The packable Upstream. Six pieces break the 7'6" rod down short enough to strap to a backpack without a long tube sticking out the top, which makes it a natural fit for backcountry trips, hike-in creeks and travel. Douglas pitches it for small streams, mountain creeks, technical trout water and pocket water, including tight quarters under a canopy. It weighs 1.75 oz.

Best for: backpacking and travel, mountain creeks, small streams under canopy.

Line pairing: A 3 wt floating line with a delicate front taper, such as a creek or double-taper line. We recommend the SA Amplitude Smooth Creek Trout (WF3F) or the SA Amplitude Textured Double Taper (DT3F).

Upstream vs Other Douglas Fly Rods

Douglas says the Upstream includes some of its shortest and lightest models, with no comparable rods in its other series. It is at its best inside about 30 feet. If you need to punch line into wind, throw weighted flies or cover bigger rivers at distance, a faster, longer rod will serve you better: shops point to the Douglas DXF Gen 2, and the Douglas SKY G and Douglas ERA cover 9' trout and bigger-water fishing.

Douglas Upstream FAQ

Is the Upstream a bamboo rod?

No. It is a high modulus graphite rod finished in a natural Tonkin bamboo color with a matte finish. Douglas designed the action to feel reminiscent of bamboo or glass.

What action is the Upstream?

Douglas calls it progressive moderate: a soft, deep-bending rod made for short, delicate casts rather than distance.

What does Handle A mean?

Douglas labels its grips by letter. Every Upstream uses Handle A, a cork modified reverse half wells grip.

Does it come with a case?

Yes, a lightweight 1 5/8" brushed aluminum rod tube and a rod sock.

What is the warranty?

Douglas covers its fly rods with a limited lifetime warranty for the original owner, with proof of purchase. Register the rod with Douglas so manufacturing defects are handled at no charge. Upstream rods must be sent in to Douglas for all repairs.

Which Upstream should I choose?

The 7'3" 4-piece for general small-stream fishing. The 7'6" 6-piece if you hike, backpack or travel and want the shorter packed length.