The Yama™ distills the essence of tenkara into an ultra-compact, featherlight rod with an extended reach.
Inspired by our popular Ukiyo™ rod, the Yama offers the same high sensitivity and packability while extending your range with an 11’ (335cm) length. Weighing in at just 2.1 ounces and collapsing down to 16 inches, it’s made for anglers who crave precision drifts in more open small and medium streams, without sacrificing portability.
The Yama is our second rod to feature the innovative textured swell grip — a design praised by Ukiyo users for its lightness and heightened feel. Crafted with the same high-modulus graphite and minimalist profile, this grip is the lightest and most sensitive we’ve ever produced at this length, ensuring every subtle take is transmitted directly to your hand.
Like the Ukiyo, the Yama was born from our beloved Rhodo rod, but reimagined to offer more reach in a sleeker package. It brings the “tenkara advantage” into sharper focus — allowing you to hold more line off the water and execute flawless drifts in clear, open mountain streams. Its crisp action makes even the smallest fish feel like gems, and its compact form means it goes wherever your adventures lead.
What makes this rod special? The Yama delivers classic tenkara performance — effortless line control and pure fishing joy — in our lightest and most compact 11’ rod to date.
Whether you're searching for a travel-friendly tenkara rod, greater reach without bulk, or a beautifully balanced rod for backcountry streams, the Yama meets Tenkara USA’s highest standards — backed by our lifetime warranty and exceptional customer support.
The Yama™ expands Tenkara USA®'s ultra-compact lineup with added reach and exceptional sensitivity.
Collapsing to just 15 inches and weighing only 2.1 ounces, it's built for effortless packability while delivering precise line control in small to medium streams — ideal for anglers who want to go farther and fish deeper.
Specs
Spec: 11ft (335cm)
Adjustable: No
Weight: 2.1 ounces
Closed Length: 16" (40.64cm)
Open Length: 11 ft (335cm)
Handle Length: Integral Handle
Segments: 10
Finish: Matte Grey with graphite swell grip
Best Use:
- Backpacking
- Smaller or Pan
- Small-Med Water
Supporting our Planet
Tenkara USA® is the only Japanese fly fishing rod company committed to donating at least 1% of its sales to organizations that care for fish habitat. For every tenkara rod sold by Tenkara USA®, an average of $14 goes toward benefiting trout habitat.
Our most portable 11’ rod, the Yama is as capable a fishing tool as it is easy to carry.
Streamlined for fishing
Designed for a tenkara angler who expects the advantages of a longer rod but needs the portability of use. The Yama is only 2.1 ounces and 16” closed, but fishes at an effective 11’.
Extreme Sensitivity with true reach
First introduced with our popular Ukiyo rod, the Yama features a “swell grip”, offering increased sensitivity. That, paired with the 11’ length, makes the Yama an incredibly efficient fishing tool.
Convenience Reimagined
The Yama™ features our patented “Keep-your-plug” system, previously reserved only for our adjustable rods. It’s all about convenience, ensuring you never misplace your rod plug when your mind is focused on the water.
Optimized for mountain stream adventures
The Yama is an excellent rod for almost any typical mountain stream. It’s the perfect ultralight rod for classical tenkara angling.
The Yama is the most portable 11’ rod we’ve offered. It features our textured “swell grip” offering extreme sensitivity but the reach of a more traditional tenkara rod.
I like using my tenkara gear to catch:Smaller size fish (say 8-12" / 20-30cm), Medium size fish (12-16" / 30-40cm), Trout
I like using my tenkara rod in:Very small streams, Mountain streams, Backpacking and remote waters
Colorado high country site small streams, or canyon creeks. Actually I use Tenkara everywhere.
I think simple is better, so: this road rocks. It’s light as a feather, fantastic stiffness to weight ratio, casts like a dream, plays fish beautifully, closes up and possibly compactly.
As a small stream guy, I started with Rhodo. I adore that thing. Added a Sato, then Ito. I found that between the Rhodo and the Ito, I was covered. I gave the Sato away as a gift to a highly deserving psychotherapist who saved my kid.
Then, Tenkara USA offered up the Ukiyo. I was suspicious of the grip, but decided to give it a shot with my Christmas money a year or two ago. Loved it. Just loved it. For one thing, it fits in the tank bag on my motorcycle. Outrageous.
But it fishes like nobody’s business, and feels so right in the hand; light as a feather, plays fish beautifully.
So when they showed up with this Yama, I was trying to figure out what I needed it for. But I couldn’t resist and I ordered one.
Ukiyo owners: it’s every bit as good as your Ukiyo. But has more reach, is better in the wind, and is only one and a half inches longer closed up.
Shrug. Glad I bought it. It’s fantastic.
Since 2009
The first company to introduce tenkara outside of Japan.
Best Customer Service
Our team is made up of knowledgeable tenkara anglers.
Tenkara Care
Your Tenkara USA rod has a lifetime warranty.
Resources
Complete library of tenkara videos, articles & guides.
Supporting our Planet
We donate 1% of our revenues to environmental organizations.
