The American Museum of Fly Fishing is excited to host the 2026 Bamboo Derby on the Battenkill!
As part of the Arlington Common’s Battenkill Fly Fishing Festival, this special addition to the lineup is designed as a fun day on the water for bamboo veterans and first timers alike. Think of it as a day spent fishing with friends—old and new—while celebrating the traditions, craftsmanship, and heritage preserved by the American Museum of Fly Fishing.
Whether you’re a seasoned cane devotee or simply curious to cast bamboo for the first time, we’d love to have you join us.
- Limited to 20 anglers! Advance registration required
- Open to all: guides, amateurs, and everyone in between
- 8:00 AM check-in and group photo (location TBD)
- Score card and instructions will be provided
- Participants will honor AMFF’s heritage by fishing bamboo rods exclusively
- $125 entry fee
- Please bring your own bamboo rod. Don’t have one yet? This is the perfect excuse—see recommended dealers below.
- Grand Prize: a custom engraved Abel reel
- All participants will receive a commemorative gift
- Fishing on the Battenkill (NY and/or VT); a valid fishing license is required
- If you’re looking for a guide for the day, please contact amff@amff.org for suggestions.
Bamboo Dealers
- Bob Selb – Classic Fly Fisherman
- Carmine Lisella – Jordan-Mills Rod Co.
- Dana Gray – Carlson Rod Company
- Fred Kretchman – Kretchman Fly Rods
- Marc Aroner – Spinoza Rods
- Jim Becker – JH Becker Rodworks
