The revered NRX series are finished but won’t be soon forgotten. Considering design, performance & durability, this is a price you can’t miss. Pick one up today, take it fishing, then to the pub. Or just fishing.
In stock only.
post fish session
A 6wt fly rod is not necessarily the ideal rod for the Gunpowder River, but it’s a good stick for larger rivers and the bigger trout and smallmouth they hold and ideal for sinking lines and flies. A sturdy 6wt can also manage chunky largemouths and carp in local ponds. And it can still hold its own on most Gunpowder situations. At Backwater Angler, we have several 6wts to chase these fish on larger bodies of local water such as the Susquehanna River, North Branch of the Potomac River, or local reservoirs.
Entry level
St. Croix Mojo Trout – $200
These are extremely smooth casting, versatile fly rods ideal for beginners and intermediate anglers alike. The Mojo Trout features premium, high-modulus SCIII graphite across the two- and four-piece models. On the Gunpowder, these 6wt fly rods do cover all the trout-specific fly fishing applications – streamers, dries, nymphs, terrestrials, wets – without breaking the bank. When I cast this rod, it feels appropriately like a 6wt: not quite the heavy tightness that larger rods possess, but sturdy enough for a taught, accurate case and durable to manage average and larger fish alike. In short, these four-piece rods are the heavier end of lighter-weight rods. The classic feel of its cigar grip reminds us of exactly that.
St. Croix Imperial – $300
The rod makers from Park Falls, Wisconsin created the Imperial series from a dynamic blend of high-modulus/high-strain SCIV graphite and premium quality SCII graphite, and in doing so, set the standard for a premium U.S. built rod. These lightweight, fast action rods are extremely versatile and perform like a much more expensive rod. The 9’ 6wt offers light action, a classic cigar grip, slim profile ferrules, and a classic Kigan hook keeper. The Sea Guide snake guides come with a black PVD coating for extra hardness and increased smoothness. The reel seat is uplocking and machined aluminum. These four-piece rods come with a rugged rod case with a handle and polypropylene liner.
Mid-level
Loomis IMX Pro – $495
Built to the unrelenting specifications of professional fishing guides, the IMX-PRO series is comprised of 15 purpose driven designs to meet the performance demands of modern freshwater fishing. Striking the ultimate balance of handsome appointments, positive feel, and unflinching durability, IMX-PRO is a game-changing addition to the serious angler’s quiver. The 9’ 6wt model provides excellent action, easy casting, and maintains an ideal balance of being both sturdy and agile. This four-piece rod really excels at the reel seat, where it boasts a Full Wells grip, a useful reel butt for playing larger fish, and an aluminum reel seat and screws.
Higher-end
Loomis Asquith – $1,000
The Asquith series is the culmination of global cooperation in design, materials, and manufacturing techniques. Built on Shimano’s proprietary Spiral X platform, the Asquith boasts superb power transfer from tip to hand, quick recovery, and increased sensitivity. Designed by world casting champion Steve Rajeff, the Asquith is an exploratory step into the future of rod manufacturing technology. With fast actions, generous power levels, titanium guides, and exceptionally light swing weight, all rods in the series excel in fishing situations where developing high line speed and making precise casts means success. The four-piece, 9’ 6wt model of this series offers fast action excellent for casting short and long distances.
Over the past 4 years at the shop, I’ve been blessed to try and use the best waders and boots offered by both Simms and Patagonia.
Since April, I’ve put a lot of time on the river wearing the Patagonia Middle Fork Packable Waders and taken them through dense brush and green brier, and they are holding up fine. They breath fantastically well on the hottest of days whilst having extra security from biters on your legs, particularly ticks, having dealt with Lyme disease before. I tend to wear waders even in July and August. The Durable Water Repellent Finish is really nice too; they are dry in no time after being in the water.
I’m currently in the River Salt Wading Boots from Danner and, like the waders, I’ve put these through their paces. I’ve tried them on rivers such as Penns Creek and the Little Juniata earlier this spring and the North Branch of the Potomac recently this summer. These rivers are well known for being a absolute chore for wading. With just two studs in the toe and two in the heel, I’ve never felt the level of traction and ankle support. They are better than any other other boot I’ve owned.
I also tend to walk a distance to get to lesser traveled areas and for this aspect also, they are incredibly comfortable. I know these are a hefty investment in wading boots, but if river fishing is important to you, you won’t be disappointed.
SPECIAL: Purchase a pair of these waders and boots and get a free Patagonia trucker hat!
Please join us for a fly fishing school. On Saturday the 31st of August a Backwater Angler Guide will be teaching a fly fishing school that is ideal for beginners. If you’re planning on fly fishing in Maryland, or anywhere else for that matter, this course is a great introduction to the sport. The school covers knots, casting, gear and fly selection. Class is held from 10:00 – 1:00pm. Cost is $125 per person and includes the use of gear. A Maryland non-tidal fishing license and trout stamp is required and may be purchased at the shop with check or cash the day of the school. Class size is limited to 4 and pre-registration is required. Please give us a call at 410-357-9557 to pre-register.
Please join us for a fly fishing school. On Sunday the 18th of August a Backwater Angler Guide will be teaching a fly fishing school that is ideal for beginners. If you’re planning on fly fishing in Maryland, or anywhere else for that matter, this course is a great introduction to the sport. The school covers knots, casting, gear and fly selection. Class is held from 10:00 – 1:00pm. Cost is $125 per person and includes the use of gear. A Maryland non-tidal fishing license and trout stamp is required and may be purchased at the shop with check or cash the day of the school. Class size is limited to 4 and pre-registration is required. Please give us a call at 410-357-9557 to pre-register.
The river is at 139 cfs, water temperature is in the mid 50’s.
The fishing is very good with the flows being ideal for summer fishing. There is a lot of stream side terrestrials active now, hoppers, crickets and loads of ants. Inch worms falling in from the trees keeping the fish on the look out.
Note: The river level has dropped to 64 cfs on Friday afternoon.
Thanks to Keir for the report earlier this week:
Guys,
Please join us for a fly fishing school. On Sunday the 11th of August a Backwater Angler Guide will be teaching a fly fishing school that is ideal for beginners. If you’re planning on fly fishing in Maryland, or anywhere else for that matter, this course is a great introduction to the sport. The school covers knots, casting, gear and fly selection. Class is held from 10:00 – 1:00pm. Cost is $125 per person and includes the use of gear. A Maryland non-tidal fishing license and trout stamp is required and may be purchased at the shop with check or cash the day of the school. Class size is limited to 4 and pre-registration is required. Please give us a call at 410-357-9557 to pre-register.
Please join us for a fly fishing school. On Saturday 10th of August a Backwater Angler Guide will be teaching a fly fishing school that is ideal for beginners. If you’re planning on fly fishing in Maryland, or anywhere else for that matter, this course is a great introduction to the sport. The school covers knots, casting, gear and fly selection. Class is held from 10:00 – 1:00pm. Cost is $125 per person and includes the use of gear. A Maryland non-tidal fishing license and trout stamp is required and may be purchased at the shop with check or cash the day of the school. Class size is limited to 4 and pre-registration is required. Please give us a call at 410-357-9557 to pre-register.
The river is at 61cfs, clear and starting the day in the low 50’s rising to mid/upper 50’s F.
I’ve been out again in Garrett County this week whilst releases from Prettyboy Dam have been up and down. Now the river seems to have settled 60 cfs which I think this is a superb level for fishing dry flies. We’re fishing terrestrials predominately now. With little hatching at the moment fish tend to be much more opportunistic at this time so throw hoppers, crickets or beetles along the banks.
The Gunpowder is at 30cfs, clear and 61 degrees F at 3pm today.
Prettyboy reservoir is over capacity and surface water very warm with the recent heat wave. This afternoon they cut the release dramatically once again from 120 to 30 cfs causing it to spill. With heavy rain forecast this afternoon through this evening, keep a close eye on the USGS gauge after as significant spillover is very possible. If water temperatures rise to 68 degrees or over give the trout a break until the water temperature comes back down again.