Monthly Archives: January 2021

Patagonia Provisions Smoked Salmon and Mussels Review

“Philadelphia wraps” (Smoked Patagonia salmon, cream cheese, avocado, and lettuce)

Over the past year I’ve enjoyed a number of meals from Patagonia’s gourmet line of camp foods.  I particularly like their smoked products such as the salmon and smoked mussels.  Each product can be “dressed up” or simply eaten as is.

The smoked mussels are a rich and savory snack perfect for throwing in your pack for a day of fishing.  I like to make chopsticks from tree branches and eat them right from the tin!

https://backwaterangler.com/product/patagonia-provisions-smoked-mussels/

The salmon portions are perfect for either the trail or at home where you can enhance them with a nice salad or pasta dish.

https://backwaterangler.com/product/patagonia-provisions-black-pepper-wild-pink-salmon/

No matter how you prepare your Patagonia Provisions, they add quality variety to an otherwise bland outdoor food market.  Plus each product is sustainably harvested, keeping in line with Patagonia’s dedication to environmentalism.

 

Filson Ridgeway Fleece Vest with Backwater Angler Logo

The Filson Ridgeway Fleece Vest with the Backwater Angler Logo is a great option for a cold winter day. We currently have Dark Navy and Bark in stock. The vest shines when layered on the cooler days but works well on its own during slightly warmer days.  The rubber zipper handles make for easy zipping and offer aid to numb fingers on a cold day. The Ridgeway Fleece vest has three pockets located above the hips and on the left chest. As Filson says, “Our Ridgeway Fleece Vest is made of a lightweight, quick-drying Polartec fleece that’s both warm and breathable for comfort in mild to cool weather.”

https://backwaterangler.com/product/filson-ridgeway-fleece-vest/

Chota Hybrid High-Top Boot Review

Chota Hybrid boots (HY-800’s) in action on the Wind River, WY

As winter 2021 drags on I can’t help but daydream of the approaching summer. When wet wading season finally rolls around I know I’ll be relying heavily on the Chota Hybrid High Top wading boot. I had the pleasure of wearing these boots on a trip to Wyoming last summer and found them invaluable.  These boots are lightweight, fast draining, and fast drying. They pair perfectly with a simple neoprene wading sock for a full day of summer hiking and fishing. They also come in at a great price point of $129.99 making them a versatile value item!

https://backwaterangler.com/product/chota-hybrid-hi-top-rubber-sole-boot/

January Stream Report for the Gunpowder River

A great leech for tightlining

As 2021 kicks off, it seems like we’ve gotten into a pattern of crisp winter weather.  Water flow on the Gunpowder is good, around 65 cfs.  However, the water is on the colder side, peaking at around 42-43 degrees on most days.  Due to the chilly temps rising fish are difficult to find, but these conditions provide a great opportunity to practice your tightline nymphing skills.

We’ve also had a number of anglers in the shop reporting good results from streamer fishing.  Personally, I’ve enjoyed dead drifting small streamers close to the bottom this winter.  Sometimes giving your fly an occasional jigging motion while it drifts through a run can go a very long way. 

A chilly day in the Boulder pools