“Earlier this year, John Juracek, who is one of the finest fly casters alive, caught my attention when he mentioned a new fly rod company called “Montana Brothers.” In a piece on stellar trout rods, John stated that the Montana Brothers 4 weight “is a superb tool for delicate dry fly and nymph fishing, which is how I spend the vast majority of my fishing time.”

I’d never heard of Montana Brothers, but I made a point of contacting the company last summer and asking if I could see one of their rods. They obliged — they actually sent me two different models to fish — and here’s what I feel comfortable sharing right now.

First, you can’t buy a Montana Brothers rod just yet. While they should be available to the angling public relatively early in 2022, everything that they’re currently producing is already spoken for. Second, they’re making two different 9’ four weight rods right now. That’s it. If you’re looking for something else — a 5 weight, an 8 weight, a 3 weight — you’re out of luck for the moment. Third, I’ve been teaching fly casting for almost 30 years, and writing about fly fishing for a quarter of a century, and the Montana Brothers 904m is the single finest fly rod I’ve ever cast.

I should repeat that last line. The Montana Brothers 904M is the single finest fly rod I’ve ever cast.”

— Todd Tanner Hatch Magazine Dec 2021

“Last October I was fortunate enough to fish with both of the Montana Brother's Rods (904L & 904M) on the Henry's Fork for a few days. I cast both rods on the lawn and loved them. However, I thought at the time I would prefer fishing with the 904M over the 904L. After fishing with both rods for a few days I simply couldn't decide which one I liked better. They are both wonderfully smooth and silky. The one thing that separates fly fishing from other forms of fishing is "Fly Casting". Both of these rods make the art of fly casting a joy! Feeling the line load the whole rod, track, and then effortlessly roll off of the tip is truly an enjoyable experience with both of these rods. I was also lucky to find a number of large feeding Rainbows and the rods are no less enjoyable to fish than they are to cast. Accurate and supple! Presentation is a breeze, and presentation is the name of the game with tiny dry-flies. My experience is that these rods just become a part of me! The finish is no less impressive. The reel seats and wrappings are elegant and fitting. There is no flash with these rods, just class! I loved them both and ended up having to order one of each!”

— Pat McCabe instructor at the School of Trout

“Early in my fishing Journey, I met a man named Paul Brown who turned out to be one of the greatest ROD builders of all time, he was years ahead of the current trends. A small cadre of fishermen were fortunate enough to fish with his amazing rods. Montana Brothers Rodworks have recreated and actually improved upon what Paul Brown started, truly amazing. I cherish my new rod (904L) and look forward to many hours on the water with this masterpiece.”

— Frank Bell Ashton, ID

“You won't find another fly rod (904M) like this anywhere. Wonderfully easy action and ultimately precise in its delivery, yet capable of more distance than you'll ever need for trout. Workmanship and attention to detail beyond compare.”

— Steve Johnson Big Sky, MT

“Hey Dan and Doug, finished building the rod (904L) about a month ago. Just fished it for the first time last week on a 5 day trip. I scrutinized every characteristic of the rod as a tool for the way I (we) like to fish. It’s action is soft and well balanced from butt to tip, but still retains power for making an occasional long cast. It handled an 18 ft. leader with no problem. I found it to be accurate and has the ability to make nice presentations. I love it! Can’t keep it out of my hand! The first fish I fooled on it was a 20” Brown. Just wanted to thank you guys for doing such a fine job.”

— Dan Picaro Steamboat Springs, CO

“I have known Doug and Dan for more than 25 years now. The one characteristic that I would use to describe them is their meticulous attention to detail. I see it when I fish with them, in the flies they tie, in the fly patterns that they have created, and now in their Montana Brothers Rodworks fly rods.

The twins began their pursuit in 2011. Their goal was to develop a fly rod that was similar to the rods that were produced in the 1970’s and 1980’s by the legendary Paul Brown. Over the next ten years, creating and testing more than 30 prototypes, Doug and Dan finally developed a rod that was worthy of carrying the Montana Brothers Rodworks name.

I am honored to have a MBR 904L. It is the finest rod that I own. MBR rods are soft (deep flexing), yet powerful. They are designed primarily for dry fly fishing. They are not necessarily “small fish” rods as I have caught a number of 20+ inch trout on my 4 weight. If you are fortunate enough to own a MBR rod, it will be the rod you look forward to fishing when the trout start looking up!”

— Fran Gough Lehighton, PA

“I was fishing my Montana Brothers 904M in late September on a creek that runs through a canyon.  The wind was gusty and my fishing buddy asked about my rig.  "You're fishing a four weight?" he asked rather incredulously.  Instead of answering, I handed him my rod and suggested he have a go.  He did so skeptically, but pretty soon he was smiling broadly.  The creek was narrow in places, rock strewn, and filled with big fish.  The casts were relatively short but needed to be accurate.  And the wind was always a factor.  But that little rod put the fly where it needed to be every single cast.  The hardest part was convincing my pal to give me back my rod!

Since getting MBR 904M in February of 2023, I have fished it on a more than a dozen rivers and creeks here in Montana.  The rod's buttery feel and remarkable accuracy make it a dream to cast.  And playing a fish on it, with its gentle yet resolute flex, is deeply reassuring and a hell of alot of fun.  Thanks Dan and Doug for crafting such a lovely rod.  It makes each day on the water all the more special.”

— Ben Williams Absarokee, MT

“I am glad you guys decided to buck the ongoing trend of ultra fast rods with no feel. I saw the effort you put into getting the tapers just right. I know you cater to a small market but those of us who have found your rods are extremely grateful for it. The 904M taper I got from you is proving to be one of the most versatile rods in my whole collection. I can’t wait for the 3 and 5wt rods to come out. Keep up the good work!”

— Matt Stephens Boise, ID

"I'm known a bit more as a "tenkara guy" now, but I've been butting heads with rising fish on tailwaters and spring creeks for about 25 years. My primary western fly rod for that type of fishing has usually been a 9 foot rod casting a 4 weight line. I've lost track of the different rods of that spec that I've fished. The 904L from Montana Brothers is the finest casting and crafted 9 foot 4 weight rod I've ever used, bar none."

— John Geer Belgrade, MT

A 9' #4wt (904M) Montana Brothers rod came into my life last spring. Having been an outdoor writer/photographer and Montana fishing guide since the late 70s a formidable arsenal of bamboo and graphite rods have been amassed.

The Montana Brothers Rod (MBR) is my favorite graphite rod. It was the only graphite rod I fished for difficult selective risers on the Henry's Fork, Missouri, Big Horn, and several unmentionable streams last season. Aside from being beautifully finished, it casts and fishes like a dream. It handles similarly to several favorite bamboo rods custom made to my specifications. 

I love my MBR and look forward to receiving and fishing the forth coming 9' - 5 Wt.

— Dale C. Spartas Bozeman, MT