Old World Craftsmanship Supporting New Mexico Trout Conservation
Some partners show up with waders and gloves, ready to move rocks, plant willows, and repair streambanks.
Others show up with something just as powerful: their craft.
For years, Daniel Gowe, owner and rodmaker behind Zia~Rods, has quietly become one of Trout Unlimited’s most meaningful conservation partners in northern New Mexico—by donating exquisite, handcrafted bamboo fly rods that help fund TU’s work protecting and restoring coldwater fisheries.
A Life Built on Skill, Service, and the Outdoors
Daniel Gowe was born in 1951 and grew up in Southern California near the San Diego beaches. After graduating high school in 1969, he began a long career with the U.S. Forest Service, starting as a firefighter in 1972 and eventually serving as a Battalion Chief in Fire Management.
Along the way he also trained at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), becoming a Federal Law Enforcement Officer, Armorer, and Defensive Tactics Instructor.
After federal retirement, Daniel pursued aviation—earning credentials as a private pilot and becoming a licensed Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) mechanic, including Inspector Authorization (IA). He maintained helicopters and general aviation aircraft in Northern California, at times even commuting to work by flying his own 1970 Cessna 150.
And when he wasn’t working? Daniel was fishing—often within casting distance of the mighty Klamath and Trinity Rivers, chasing salmon and steelhead wherever the bite was on.
In 2006, Daniel and his wife Jane moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he continued aviation work at the Santa Fe Airport before fully retiring in 2013. But “retirement” didn’t mean slowing down. It meant building something new.
The Art of Bamboo Rodmaking
In 2006, Daniel began researching the tools, supplies, and techniques needed to create traditional bamboo fly rods—starting from raw materials and finishing each rod by hand.
Today he builds and sells his rods under the name Zia~Rods, specializing in trout rods influenced by classic tapers from the masters—names like Dickerson, Edwards, Garrison, Leonard, Payne, and Young—along with proprietary tapers he has developed himself.
Daniel’s work is meticulous and uncompromising. He produces only one grade of rod: “Deluxe”, which he considers his standard because every rod meets his highest expectations.
Each rod is a work of functional art. Daniel intentionally limits production to about one rod per month, ensuring quality stays high and the work remains joyful—not burdensome.
He also offers:
- Presentation rods for raffles and retirement gifts
- Consignments and commissions
- One-week bamboo rodmaking classes taught in his Santa Fe studio/shop
What Makes Zia~Rods Special
Many rodmakers assemble parts.
Daniel makes parts.
One of the most impressive elements of his work is that he crafts many rod components from raw stock—an uncommon level of craftsmanship even in the bamboo rod world.
He creates:
- Custom reel seat hardware formed from nickel silver discs
- Winding checks in hex, penta, or quad forms
- Agate stripper guides from raw agate slabs
- Ferrules lathe-turned from nickel silver or duronze rod
- Guides and tip tops twisted from raw wire
- Cork grips shaped from selected flor cork rings
- Finishes applied with Helmsman Spar Urethane
In short: these rods are not only beautiful, they’re engineered to perform and built to last.
As Daniel says, bamboo rods aren’t for everyone—but for those who appreciate them, bamboo enhances the fishing experience by connecting anglers to the deep roots of the sport and its traditions.
A Conservation Partner in the Truest Sense
Daniel may not be the loudest voice in the room—but his impact speaks for itself.
As featured in TROUT Magazine (Summer 2020), Daniel has donated multiple rods to support:
- Trout Unlimited’s Truchas Chapter
- Trout Unlimited New Mexico Council
- Upper Pecos Watershed Association
These rods are auctioned or raffled, helping generate vital funding for on-the-ground conservation. Those dollars have supported TU efforts such as:
- Returning Rio Grande cutthroat trout to Comanche Creek and the Rio Costilla
- Restoring the Red River near Questa
- Working with ranchers to protect the Rio Cebolla
“I want to help support the people who work building barricade fences, planting willows, moving rocks, and spreading seeds to keep our trout streams alive and healthy so all of us can enjoy them.”
— Daniel Gowe
That’s the kind of partner Trout Unlimited is proud to spotlight.
Visit, Connect, Support
Daniel welcomes fellow anglers and bamboo enthusiasts to connect—and even visit his studio if you’re in the Santa Fe area.
Zia~Rods — Daniel Gowe
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Website: https://www.ziarods.com
Email: [email protected]
“Old World Craftsmanship – 21st Century Technology”
