J.A.Henry Rod & Reel Company

08/01/2026

To every customer who has purchased a Coaster Migratory Fly Rod, made a direct donation, supported one of our fundraising projects, or simply shared our story—thank you.

Together, you've helped raise more than $15,000 to protect and restore one of the Great Lakes' most iconic native fish.
These photos show exactly where your support goes. Members of TU's Coaster initiative team are on the remote tributaries of Michigan's Upper Peninsula collecting genetic samples, monitoring wild populations, and gathering data needed to better understand and restore Michigan's native Coaster Brook Trout.
Your support isn't just funding a project—it's putting boots on the ground, biologists in the field, and conservation into action.

From all of us at J.A.Henry Rod & Reel Co., thank you!
Photo credit to Kyle Dankert

07/30/2026

History is about to be reborn.
J.A.Henry Rod & Reel Co. is proud to once again partner with Ron Barch to recreate one of the most legendary fly rods ever built—the 9' 4" bamboo rod used by Dr. J.W. Cook to land the World Record Brook Trout on Ontario's Nipigon River over a century ago.
After a private tour of the Nipigon Museum (thanks for facilitating that Gord Ellis), we were able to photograph and measure the original rod, we're building a modern, fishable tribute that honors its incredible legacy. Paired with a 1939 Hardy Bouglé Heritage fly reel and presented in a handcrafted reclaimed Michigan barn wood case, this will be a truly one-of-a-kind outfit.
Best of all, this rod will be gifted to an individual who makes a qualifying direct donation to Trout Unlimited's Coaster Initiative, helping restore wild Coaster Brook Trout to their native waters.
Construction is now underway, with completion expected in November—just in time for the steelhead run.
Read the full story on our blog and follow along as we bring this incredible piece of fly-fishing history back to life.

https://jahenryusa.com/2026/07/30/recreating-history-building-dr-cooks-legendary-nipigon-fly-rod-for-the-coaster-initiative/

Trout Unlimited's Great Lakes Program

07/30/2026

Some beautiful underwater drone footage of wild Coaster Brook Trout on their spawning grounds in Northern Lake Superior —part of an upcoming documentary, "Hidden Below the Great Lakes."

Coaster Brook Trout spawning in the outer islands of the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area. Filmed for Hidden Below: The Great Lakes, in partnership with Parks Canada.

07/24/2026

Guide Gord Ellis shared some epic pics with us of the Coaster 8wt in action on the Nipigon River. Does it get any better than catching giant resident rainbows and brookies on a dry? Thank you, Gord, for sharing these unforgettable moments with us!

07/02/2026

Fresh from the bench—Two-Hearted Bamboo Rods No. 021 and No. 022 are now complete and ready for their next adventure.
Visit our website or contact us for more information.
www.jahenryusa.com

07/01/2026

We're honored to support this year's Cast & Blast event hosted by Grand Rapids, Michigan Chapter - Ruffed Grouse Society and Schrems West Michigan Trout Unlimited

This year's donation from J.A. Henry includes one of our handcrafted Walnut Fly Boxes, a Michigan reclaimed barn wood cigar rest, and a package of Aroma de Cuba cigars—perfect for enjoying after a day on the water or in the uplands.

If you're attending the event, be sure to bid often and bid generously. Every dollar raised helps support important conservation efforts and ensures these traditions continue for future generations.

Good luck to everyone attending, and thank you to the Grand Rapids Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society and the Schrems Chapter of Trout Unlimited for everything you do.

https://swmtu.org/swmtu-event/cast-n-blast-2026-swmtu-rgs

06/01/2026

We decided to spend a coupe days on the water with Gord Ellis in Nipigon. Day 1, 4 Coasters, a Laker, a Steelhead, a Whitefish and a Pike all on the fly - not to mention the countless fish we missed (line-set!) To say Gord has things dialled-in up here is an understatement. Epic day!

05/28/2026

Another batch of our custom coffee mugs headed our way this week. Thank you to Michael at Gershman Pottery for sharing the behind-the-scenes process.
Gershman Art Pottery
.

05/25/2026

Thank you to our veterans, active service members, and the fallen heroes we remember today. 🇺🇸

05/20/2026

Only 15 framed prints remain!

In 2002, Michigan watercolor artist Mark Steele painted a stunning brook trout rising to a dry fly — a piece that captures something truly special. Today, those remaining prints are being paired with hand-crafted white pine frames built by J.A. Henry to support something bigger than art and craftsmanship.

With a direct $100 donation to Trout Unlimited’s Coaster Initiative, you will receive one of these framed prints as our gift to you. Every donation helps support the protection and restoration of Michigan’s native coaster brook trout.

Once these 17 are gone, they’re gone for good.
Once you make the donation - email the receipt to us with your shipping address: [email protected]

https://crm.tu.org/eweb/SnapFormsDonations.aspx?instance=coasterbrooktrout&tu_source=RESTDON

Trout Unlimited's Great Lakes Program