BACKWATER ANGLER

The river is flowing at 65 Cfs, is 40 F and clear. Gunpowder river fish have been taking streamers and small stonefly nymphs and zebra midges. The trails are icy, so now is a good time to drop in some new spikes in your wading shoes. Bringing a wading staff along isn’t a bad idea either. Alex McCrickard sent us the following photos after a successful “snow day” along the Gunpowder.

Thanks to Ryan for the following report,

Theaux,
Just wanted to thank you for your help on Friday. The water was pretty cold but it was great to get out for the first time this year. I managed to take 3 browns and a bow, ranging from 7-11 inches. The zebra midge pattern you recommended accounted for three of the four fish. Thanks again for all your help.
Ryan Sheehan

Thanks to Peter Moscovitz for the following stream report and pictures from the South Island of New Zealand.

Dear Friends,
A note to say thanks for helping collect all the gear I needed for my trip to New Zealand. It was all I hoped it would be. The flies were just what I needed and the extra hackled parachute Adams made fine floaters for even the size 12 tungsten headed PTs (the Moskanymph). All sizes of the tie worked as well as during my last trip. If anyone wants to know how to pass boots and waders through invasive-species-controls at the airport, I have the method. The Cloudveil boots were light and secure, good recommendation. The first three are from the Hurunui High Country Track which I “tramped” for 3 days before heading for the West Coast. The Kitchen scene is from the Kawhaka Lodge on the Old Christchurch Road north of Hokatika. Tony Allan is probably the best guide on South Island and Marj is a great cook. Both are wonderful hosts. The rivers are the Waitangiteano, the Arahura and the Haupiri. Here’s a picture from the 2005 trip (Hawden Lake). 9.5 pound brown took a #16 Moskanymph (black tungsten bead head flash back pheasant tail on a heavy scud hook).You’ll recognize Russ Stevenson between me and Tony Allan at the car park on the Porter River.
Best of the season to all,
Yours,
Peter

We just received a shipment of Winston World Trout T-shirts. While it’s hardly short sleeved t-shirt weather along the Gunpowder, just knowing that $5 from every shirt purchase is going towards native fish habitat restoration efforts worldwide should warm one’s heart. Both organic cotton t’s feature the R. L. Winston Rod Co. oval logo on the right front chest and a James Prosek image across the back. The Rainbow is on a Navy Blue shirt and the Bull Trout is on a Moss shirt. The shirts are $29 each and are sized S-XXL. Need one,…or more? Please drop us a line at info@backwaterangler.com to purchase.