Skating in November…

Is it too early to skate? Not if you are fishing caddis. The river is at a great level and the water temp is steady at 52 F. A few lucky anglers had fish slashing at caddis patterns this afternoon.With rain in the forecast, plan on fishing Olives mid-week.If you plan on fishing in the next few months, be mindful of redds-Please limit your wading and give the fish a chance! Note: Redds are cleared areas of gravel that are typically dinner plate sized or larger. They appear throughout the catch and release area and sometimes as far downstream as Glencoe. The fish use these …

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Ospreys Abound…

We’ve had several anglers reporting Ospreys throughout the catch and release area and as far downriver as Monkton.Water level is stable and at 103Cfs it is at a great level for fishing. Olive-bodied Caddis in sizes #16-18 are still working from Falls Rd to Big Falls Rd.Stonefly nymphs are also worth a try. The past week has been great Olive weather but not many fish are rising so try an emerger pattern like a sparkle dun in a #18 instead of a dry for covering flats between Masemore Rd. and Falls Rd. Note: Need a break from the relatives this weekend? The shop will be …

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Shop Backwater Angler

Shop Online Tired of beltway traffic? We are proud to offer many of the products we offer in the shop online. Are you brand savy? Here is a short listing of products from companies that we represent. Reels from: Abel, Bauer, Islander, Waterworks/Lamson, Ross, St. Croix, Teton, Tioga and Tibor. Rods from: R. L. Winston, St. Croix, G. Loomis, Sage, Scott, and Thomas & Thomas. Wading Products, Clothing and Accessories from: Simms, Patagonia, Fishpond, William and Joseph, Innovative Angling, Angling Evolution, Sports Tools, and Dr.Slick. Tying Materials and Supplies from: Dyna-King, Renzetti, Griffin, HMH, Hareline Dubbin, Spirit River, Natures Spirit, and Metz. Note: Shop our …

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Dry fly fever…

Small Caddis #16-18 and BWO’s #18-20 have been very effective mid-day. We’ve had plenty of reports of 12-14″ Browns taking these small dries in back eddies and flats. Streamer fishing around deadfalls and cut-banks can also be productive, (especially above Falls Rd.) so bring along a few light-bright zonkers sized #4-6. Note: Next time you’re out, try casting your streamers upstream-then strip them back to you before they swing downstream.

Patagonia and Filson gear just arrived…

Stop by over the chilly weekend and check out new, warm stuff from Patagonia including Capilene, Puffball Vests, Deep Wading Jackets and Regulator Fleece. Want a more traditional look? We now stock vests and gear bags from C.C. Filson Co.

Clouds spell relief..

If you had a tough weekend fishing dries, give the Gunpowder another try this week. We often describe wild brown trout as having the attitude of hungover humans,(no bright lights or loud noises thank you) so the cloud cover should improve your chances this week. The caddis hatches have been a little on the quiet side but there are still plenty of Olives and cream midges around. Try a renegade in a #14 as a midge cluster pattern in flats and back eddies from Bunkerhill through Falls Rd.