Monthly Archives: December 2023

Gunpowder River Fishing Report

While the flows on the Gunpowder at still at 19cfs and the temps fluctuating between 41 and 43 degrees the fish have still been active. we are finding that the fish are just about done spawning and they are looking for a big meal. We have been having lots of luck on smaller streamers like a black wooly bugger or Complex Twist Bugger. Pheasant tails and hares ears are still a good choice when nymphing. Zebra midges have also produced results. Make sure to keep and eye out for any redds on which with may still be spawning. Happy Holidays.

Any gift certificates ordered past 4pm today will not be sent out until the 26th.

Backwater Angler Holiday Gift Guide

1) Abel Nippers

The Abel Nippers are ON SALE! These are nippers for a lifetime. Replaceable jaws and a magnetic system to eliminate faults like a corroded or broken spring. These magnets can also act as a temporary fly dock as you are changing flies. Truly the pinnacle of quality nippers.

Abel Nippers with Lanyard

2) Abel Vaya 4/5 Native Brown

Created in Colorado, the Vaya is the perfect reel for trout fishing. Lightweight, a strong 5 disc drag, the quick-change spool, and a gorgeous finish of a hand painted native brown trout. This Vaya is the perfect combination of functionality and beauty which compliments any rod you pair it with.

Abel Vaya 4/5 Native Brown

A great assortment of reels that complement each other wonderfully. Fresh to salt, painted to matte, we have a reel for you.

3) G. Loomis NRX+ Saltwater

The perfect rod for any saltwater application. It’s quick action and stiff midsection allow anglers to cast large flies for the bigger predatory fish or perfectly place a shrimp for a cruising bonefish. Designed to be able to cut through the toughest winds, this will be the only Fly rod you will ever need for saltwater.

G. Loomis NRX+ Saltwater


4) Patagonia River Salt

Undoubtably the best valued boot on the market. the collaboration between Patagonia and Danner Boots created a lightweight and extremely grippy boot. The perfect boot for both hiking and cruising the flats.

Patagonia River Salt Wading Boots

5) Patagonia Wading Staff

Patagonia’s new and improved wading staff is extremely light weight and has many accessories to make your experience safer and easier on the water. A retractor attaches to the handle, allowing anglers to leave the staff off hand when needed. It also includes a carrying bag for longer hikes and camping. This staff is adjustable so one size fits all.

Patagonia Wading Staff

Patagonia’s wading staff compacts into the bags shown in the center of the table and can be adjusted between 47″ and 55″ in length.

6) Umpqua ZS2 Wader belt

The ZS2 Wader belt can be purchased “Fully Loaded” with a net quiver, water bottle holder, bag and gel floatant holder or can be purchased as a singular belt and be customized to your liking. The belt provides support to the lower back with its padded design and can act as your wading belt.

Umpqua ZS2 Fully loaded Wading Belt

7) Airflo Ridge 2.0 Streamer Max Fly Line

Throwing big flies has been all the rage for the past few years, and if you’re looking into getting into it this is the perfect line for you. The 26 foot sinking head allows anglers to get their flies down deep even in strong currents. A line like this is very useful for the larger rivers and lakes for trout, bass, and other predatory fish.

Airflo Ridge 2.0 Streamer Max

8) Patagonia Simple Fly Fishing – Tenkara Fly Rods

Tenkara takes fly fishing and makes it simple. The long, flexible, telescopic rod allows for extreme sensitivity and precision while being compact and storable for the bushwhacking us anglers do. Tenkara is a great way to pick apart the smaller bodies of water and is well worth getting into.

Patagonia Tenkara

9) Patagonia Winter Weight Fleece Oversock

The winter weight fleece oversock was originally designed to help those with packable waders that had the rubber foot, but it has quickly become a necessity for me while winter fishing. The slim fit doesn’t cramp your boots while keeping your feet warm in the cold water and air.

Patagonia Winter Weight Fleece Oversock

These fleece oversocks are perfect for the snowy days on the water. For those who are not a fair-weather fisherman, these are essential.

10) Ross Animas

The Animas is our standard for a quality fly fishing reel. A strong drag, large arbor, and varying colors to match your rod. Built in Colorado, these reels will meet every expectation an angler has of their reel. Ross has exceptional customer service and warranty extends for the lifetime of the reel.

Ross Animas

Winston Bamboo Fly Rod 7′ 9″ 5wt 3/2 Serial #4366

Likely the last rod out of the “old factory” (Airplane Hanger) in Twin Bridges Montana.

It’s a new 3 piece, 2 tip, hex rod featuring a cigar grip with an uplocking boxelder burl reel seat that needs a good home.

This from R. L. Winston:

The use of bamboo dates to our founding in 1929, when Robert Winther and Lew Stoner began innovating with the material, and eventually patented the hollow-fluting process we still use today. The craftsmanship is legendary. The performance is something every angler should experience. Bamboo is part of Winston’s DNA. Please call us or your nearest dealer for current availability and timeframes. All bamboo rods come with a powder coated aluminum tube and logo rod sock.

Winston Bamboo Fly Rod 7’9″ #5 3/2 Serial# 4366

Abel Vaya 4/5 reel in Native Brook Trout available separately here:

Abel Vaya 4/5 Native Brook

Holiday Hours for the Week of December 18th

We will be open the week of December 18th on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10-3 and extended hours Friday and Saturday 10-5:

Tuesday the 19th (10-3)
Wednesday the 20th (10-3)
Thursday the 21st (10-3)
Friday the 22nd (10-5)
Saturday the 23rd (10-5)

We will be closed December 24th, 25th.

Gunpowder River Fishing Report

Today is a beautiful day to get out on the Gunpowder. While the water is low, the fish are still biting. We suggest fishing the deeper pools and in the lower river where there is more water. Patterns such as the Pheasant Tail and Hares Ear in a size 16-18 have been producing the best results along with zebra midges. Don’t pass up fishing a small dry fly like an Adams or a Black Fly. Fishing small streamers has also been productive. Make sure to watch out for the redds and limit your wading in the Gunpowder river. Stop in the shop to check out our holiday deals and new fly rods from Echo!

Holiday Hours for the Week of December 11th

You heard it here first folks! We will be open this Tuesday the 12th and Wednesday the 13th from 10AM till 3PM.

That said, for anyone gracing our doors on either or both of those days and spending at least $100 we’ll be providing a $15 gift card to spread some early holiday cheer.

Thanks in advance for shopping with us on days that we are typically, “Gone Fish’n.”

Gunpowder River Stream Report

The Gunpowder River is currently flowing at 18 cfs and the water temp is 46. With the lower water levels the fish are moving into the deeper pools. A simple nymph rig with a Pheasant Tail or Hares Ear trailed by a Zebra Midge has been effective. When wading make sure to look out for the redds. Some of them are right up on the bank. Make sure to stop in the shop to check out our holiday deals on clothing and Abel nippers!

Abel Nippers with Lanyard