9th Generation of Handcrafted American Quality, Performance, & Value

St. Croix Fly unveils next-gen IMPERIAL & IMPERIAL SALT fly rods at ICAST

PARK FALLS, WIS. (June 25, 2026) – Hang around fly fishing circles long enough and, chances are, a large majority of anglers you’ll meet started with, and still have an IMPERIAL rod in their arsenal. Tried and true, the IMPERIAL series of all water rods delivers more than powerful, multi-purpose actions; this iconic series represents a union of tradition and technology, which has kept it at the intersect of American-made craftsmanship, performance, and value for over 60 years.

Similarly, the IMPERIAL SALT series has earned an enthusiastic following among saltwater anglers who appreciate it’s American-crafted quality, power, and value.

For 2027, both IMPERIAL and IMPERIAL SALT enter their next generation, poised to please even more anglers – from passionate new recruits to hard-to-please fly-fishing veterans – and, perhaps, be handed down to their kids and grandkids.

An iconic symbol of American craftsmanship, performance, and real value for over 60 years, IMPERIAL enters its ninth generation looking and fishing better than ever. High-modulus high-strain SCIV carbon matrix construction is bolstered by St. Croix’s IPC, FRS, TET & SPF tech to produce improved fast actions across all models. Tapers and layups have been refined to provide noticeably smoother loading and even more responsiveness in hand.

Seven versatile IMPERIAL models from #3 to #8-wt. now feature upgraded Fuji K Series stripping guides, upgraded hard chrome running guides, machined aluminum reel seats, and premium-grade cork handles. #3 to #6-wt. models also receive modernized, micro full wells grip designs. IMPERIAL is precision-crafted from premium materials to outlast their owners. All IMPERIAL fly rods continue to be engineered and built, tip-to-butt, in Park Falls, Wisconsin, USA with a 15-year warranty.

MPERIAL TECHNOLOGY GROUP

• Premium, high-modulus SCIV carbon matrix construction
• Fortified Resin System (FRS) technology combines a fortified super resin with computer-operated curing ovens delivering precise temperature and time management throughout all stages of blank curing. FRS prevents microbuckling, keeping carbon fibers in alignment and resulting in blanks tested to be 33% stronger than those built with standard resins and curing methods
• Integrated Poly Curve (IPC) mandrel tooling provides improved energy transfer and increased strength
• Taper Enhancement Technology (TET) incorporates precision-cut, curved blank patterns from state-of-the-art computer pattern-cutting machines. Curved TET patterns fit and lay up more precisely on IPC mandrels, resulting in stronger and more consistent actions with improved feel
• Slim-Profile Ferrule (SPF) design adds herculean strength with minimal added weight

IMPERIAL FEATURES

• Upgraded hard chrome snake guides
• Fuji K Series CC Gunmetal stripper guides with aluminum-oxide rings
• Hook-keeper
• Micro full wells premium-grade cork handle [IU3794 – IU6904]
• Micro fighting butt [IU6904]
• Full wells premium-grade cork handle with fighting butt [IU7904 – IU8904]
• Uplocking, machined-aluminum reel seat with aluminum insert
• Cordura rod tube with rod sock
• 15-year transferable warranty
• Designed and precision-crafted in Park Falls, Wisconsin, USA

IMPERIAL MODELS

• 27IU3794 / 3-weight, 7’9”, 4-piece, fast action / Retail $395
• 27IU4864 / 4-weight, 8’6””, 4-piece, fast action / Retail $395
• 27IU4904 / 4-weight, 9’, 4-piece, fast action / Retail $395
• 27IU5904 / 5-weight, 9’, 4-piece, fast action / Retail $395
• 27IU6904 / 6-weight, 9’, 4-piece, fast action / Retail $395
• 27IU7904 / 7-weight, 9’, 4-piece, fast action / Retail $395
• 27IU8904 / 8-weight, 9’, 4-piece, fast action / Retail $395

Born from exceptional, premium-quality materials and made-in-the USA craftsmanship, the IMPERIAL SALT Series hits saltwater fish on the nose with St. Croix performance that punches well above its angler-friendly retail price. IMPERIAL SALT’s powerful, fast-salt actions begin with a high-modulus high-strain SCIV carbon matrix construction enhanced by proven IPC, FRS, TET & SPF tech. Tapers and layups have been further refined in this next generation of IMPERIAL SALT, resulting in improved loading and new levels of smooth responsiveness that makes it easier for casters to access and apply IMPERIAL SALT’s abundant power when needed, while retaining the finesse and accuracy necessary for close shots in slicked-off conditions.

Five IMPERIAL SALT models from #8 to #12-wt. now feature upgraded Fuji K Series stripping guides, upgraded hard chrome running guides, machined aluminum reel seats, and premium-grade cork handles. Designed for dutiful performance and durability over a lifetime, IMPERIAL SALT rods continue to be engineered and precision-crafted in Park Falls, Wisconsin, USA with a 15-year warranty.

IMPERIAL SALT TECHNOLOGY GROUP

• Premium, high-modulus SCIV carbon matrix construction
• Fortified Resin System (FRS) technology combines a fortified super resin with computer-operated curing ovens delivering precise temperature and time management throughout all stages of blank curing. FRS prevents microbuckling, keeping carbon fibers in alignment and resulting in blanks tested to be 33% stronger than those built with standard resins and curing methods
• Integrated Poly Curve (IPC) mandrel tooling provides improved energy transfer and increased strength
• Taper Enhancement Technology (TET) incorporates precision-cut, curved blank patterns from state-of-the-art computer pattern-cutting machines. Curved TET patterns fit and lay up more precisely on IPC mandrels, resulting in stronger and more consistent actions with improved feel
• Slim-Profile Ferrule (SPF) design adds herculean strength with minimal added weight

IMPERIAL SALT FEATURES

• Upgraded hard chrome snake guides
• Fuji K Series CC Gunmetal stripper guides with aluminum-oxide rings
• Full wells premium-grade cork handle with fighting butt
• Oversized fighting butt on IS10904 – IS12904
• Uplocking, machined-aluminum reel seat with aluminum insert
• Cordura rod tube with rod sock
• 15-year transferable warranty
• Designed and precision-crafted in Park Falls, Wisconsin, USA

IMPERIAL SALT MODELS

• 27IS8904 / 8-weight, 9’, 4-piece, fast action / Retail $450
• 27IS9904 / 9-weight, 9’, 4-piece, fast action / Retail $450
• 27IS10904 / 10-weight, 9’, 4-piece, fast action / Retail $450
• 27IS11904 / 11-weight, 9’, 4-piece, fast action / Retail $450
• 27IS12904 / 12-weight, 9’, 4-piece, fast action / Retail $450

Next-generation IMPERIAL and IMPERIAL SALT fly rods are being unveiled at booth #2223 at ICAST 2026. Additionally, IMPERIAL will be showcased in the Fly Rod category of the ICAST New Product Showcase. and will be available at authorized St. Croix specialty fly retailers and online at stcroixfly.com in December of 2026.

ABOUT ST. CROIX FLY
At the core of our brand ethos lives a simple yet fierce conviction. We exist to create dynamic fishing tools that intuitively help you evolve as a caster and angler. Our focused philosophy continually questions conventional wisdom, inspires innovation, and drives our persistent pursuit of fly rod perfection. When you own a St. Croix, it’s more than just a rod. It’s a promise. It’s nearly eight decades of hard-earned knowledge aimed at designing and building the Best Rods on Earth, so you can be at your best in your own persistent pursuit. Join our journey at stcroixfly.com. The St. Croix Family of Brands includes St. Croix Fly, St. Croix Rod, SEVIIN Reels, Rod Geeks, and the St. Croix Factory Store.