The Gunpowder River is flowing at 100 Cfs, is 45 Degrees and clear. Fly fishing in the flats between Falls Rd and York Rd has been productive with cream midges in sizes #18-22. Streamers are working fine in the stocked section but one can connect with more wild fish in the catch and release section by swinging wets. Expert Catskill style tier Mike Bachkosky reported last week that the Delaware River at Hankins was still locked up in ice for opening day. He just sent us some of his “skating” little black stoneflies in the #16-18 range and more of those effective black flies in the #20-22 range. The high water we experienced as the snow let go a few weeks ago washed the didymo out and cleaned up the gravel. If you’re planning on nymphing, be sure to bring a long rod and plan on fishing a zebra midge dropper about 12 to 18″ behind a #10-12 Zug Bug or Prince nymph. In town for the holiday and need a diversion before the egg hunt? As of this writing Backwater Angler in Monkton, Maryland steps from the Gunpowder and a little less than an hour and 15 minutes from DC has over one hundred (100) high quality single-handed, Switch and Spey fly rods in stock from St. Croix, Winston, G. Loomis, Scott and Echo–including a number of new fiberglass rods and a great used fly rod selection. Stop in and help us with the candy basket. While you’re at it, try some super leader and tippet from Trouthunter and turn a few of the Bauer CFX and RX Reels.

Please note: The shop will be closed this Sunday April 5, 2015 in observance of Easter and will reopen at 10 AM on Monday.