BACKWATER ANGLER

Gunpowder River Fishing Report

July 11, 2025

The Gunpowder is currently flowing at 194 cfs and dropping. The water temp spiked at 62 yesterday and is now back down to its normal 65 degrees. With the high flows streamers and terrestrials have been fishing really well. Throwing a 8-12 size wooly bugger in black or olive has been producing the best results for streamers. For terrestrial fishing ants and small hoppers have been crushing it. You can even run a dry dropper rig to increase your chances with nymph off the back of your dry. For dropper currently we recommend fishing a jigged pheasant tail about 3 feet under your dry. In …

Backwater Angler is Seeking a New Proprietor

July 10, 2025July 10, 2025

Twenty four years ago, Backwater Angler carried-on the spirit and tradition of service of Wally Vait’s original Gunpowder River fly shop called On the Fly (founded in 1989). Since then, the staff has enjoyed sharing in a tradition of curating products designed to last, instructing and teaching fundamentals of fly fishing, and promoting the stewardship of natural resources through this indelible, lifetime sport. The river, our valued employees, and our loyal customers have provided much joy, support and encouragement over the years. Our intention is to see to it that the shop and guide service will be passed on to the right entrepreneur, (or group) …

We are open for the 4th!

July 3, 2025July 3, 2025

Celebrate the 4th of July by coming into Backwater Angler between 10 and 3 during the 4th, and the 5th and take advantage of our holiday deals!

Gunpowder River Fishing Report

June 30, 2025

The Gunpower is currently flowing at 101 cfs and the temperature is swinging from 52 up to 56 in the middle of the day. We have been seeing lots of caddis and BWO’s in the early morning and evening. With this higher flows and cool water temps the fish have been chasing streamers like crazy throughout the day. We recommend fishing the upper river you are looking to throw big bugs now is the time. Small ants and hoppers have been producing great results with a jigged pheasant tail off the back. if you are looking to hone in your fishing skills or want to …

Stop and shop in-store and save 35% during our Storewide Sale-excluding service, rods, reels, and boots.

July 2, 2025June 29, 2025

Taking some well-deserved time off this week? Stop in the shop at 16928 York Rd Monkton, MD 21111 on June 30th, July 3rd, and July 5th between 10AM and 3PM and save 35% on most EVERYTHING storewide-excluding service, rods, reels, and boots.

Gunpowder River Fishing Report

June 9, 2025

The Gunpowder is currently flowing at 38 cfs and the water temp is 53 degrees. With these warmer water temps the bug activity has increased. We are starting to see lots more tan Caddis alongside Sulfurs and BWO’s. The fishing has been excellent this past week, and we expect more of the same this week. We are starting to see bugs come off earlier in the day since the water is warmer. Its not a bad idea to get up early and hit the river. Make sure to stop in the shop to restock your boxes and catch the last of our deals on clothing …