Gunpowder River Fishing Report 1/28

The Gunpowder River is flowing at 99 cfs and the temperature is 41 degrees F. With the water staying high, fishing larger and heavier nymphs has been working well. We have found that patterns like the blowtorch, mini jig leach, and the Frenchie jig have been our top producers. Flies with natural bodies and a hot spot collar are the way to go. Streamers have also been producing. We have found that stripping them slowly has been the most effective. Patterns like the Bank Robber Sculpin, Wooly bugger, Baby Gonga, and the Complex Twist Bugger have been our best producers. The upper river has been fishing well these last few weeks. Soft seams and deeper pools are where the fish seem to be holding. Make sure to watch out for ice when hiking into your spot. Safe fishing.

The Shop will be Closed on Thursday February 2nd and Friday February 3rd.

Beginning of The Year Fishing Report

With warm weather in the forecast for the next week expect fishing to have some excitement with more active fish. The Gunpowder River is flowing at 87 CFS at 42F which are great conditions for all tactics on the water.  On warmer days you may find midges, blue wing olives, or little black stoneflies that may hatch allowing for some dry fly action during our winter. Imitations for these are often in the size 16-20 with a thin black or grey body.

Nymphing has been the most consistent way to fish during the winter. Pairing heavier flies like jig leeches with midges or smaller mayfly imitations have proven effective to for the trout while also reaching the bottom quickly. Euro nymphing has been most effective using heavy tungsten jig nymphs. The Shadow X 11′ 3wt has been the best rod for the job. it has a super sensitive tip and allows you to get your nymphs in the strike zone.  Stop in the shop to cast it and before the warm weather runs out! Happy New Year!

Swinging small streamers in the faster water and near larger structure has been effective as well. If you plan on doing this you should expect to lots of water. Most strikes occur on the first swing through each hole so make sure to place yourself in the best location for each hole you fish.

Backwater Angler’s Top Ten for Christmas

1.https://backwaterangler.com/product/personalized-fly-selection/

A Fly selection is one of the best stocking stuffers for anglers. We can adjust the number of flies and type to whatever best suits their needs.

2.Backwater Angler Guide Trip Gift Certificate | BACKWATER ANGLER

These certificates grant you access to lots of knowledge and insight on the mechanisms of the river and the techniques we use. It is redeemable whenever you are inspired to go out and be treated with all the gear and knowledge necessary to have a good day on the water.

3.Ross Animas | BACKWATER ANGLER

The Ross is a fantastic gift for the Holidays. With a light feel and durable frame it is one of the best reels to buy for anyone wanting to up their fishing game.

4.Patagonia Winter Weight Fleece Oversock | BACKWATER ANGLER

Tired of cold feet in the winter? Solve that problem with the Patagonia Winter weight fleece over sock. This sock is the best solution that we have found at the shop to keep you warm and comfortable on the water.

5.Scott Centric | BACKWATER ANGLER

The Scott Centric is the top of the line the best of the best. this rod can handle smaller streams like the Gunpowder River but, it works just as well when you’re chasing after those larger fish weather that’s big Trout, Bass, pike, or anything else that swims.

6.Airflo SuperFlo Power Taper | BACKWATER ANGLER

Airflo Power taper is a heavy taper fly line that can load up fast and get your flies to where you want them to be. This line pairs perfectly with the Scott centric!

7.Abel Vaya 5/6 Native Brown Trout | BACKWATER ANGLER

The Abel Vaya is the best reel for trout. This reel suits all of your fishing needs. It is an extremely high quality and very durable reel with a lifetime warranty. we have a vast assortment of sizes and paint jobs to pick from.

8.Echo Trout Fly Rod | BACKWATER ANGLER

The Echo trout is one of Echo’s greatest products in our opinion. It is light and has a fast action that allows the angler to cast in tough winds out west or be precise on small rivers like our home-water: The Gunpowder River.

9.Patagonia | Product categories | BACKWATER ANGLER

Patagonia’s line of waders has exceeded the markets expectations with comfortable, warm, lightweight waders that are made entirely from recycled materials. Each style of wader can cater to your needs and will have you set for years to come.

10.Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Sling | BACKWATER ANGLER

Fishpond has had the best packs and accessories on the market for years now. The versatility of these packs allows the angler to customize them much more than their competitors. The submersible pack is entirely waterproof so you will not have to worry about taking off their bag, soaking their gear, or even worse their phone.

Stop by the shop or give us a call at 443-357-9557 with any questions regarding the gear and sizing and you’ll be set with a wonderful gift for the Holidays.

 

 

Holiday Hours at Backwater Angler

In preparation for the holidays we will be open this Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10-3  and following Christmas, we will re-open on Boxing Day, Monday the 26th, and will be open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10-3. Anyone needing a last minute gift can stop by and get the help they need from Hudson , Jacob or Theaux.

After hours, Give our online shop a look! https://backwaterangler.com/shop/

We have a large selection of gear that can be specialized for each and every person on your list! We also have gift certificates that can be emailed and customized for items, a guide trip, or a fly fishing school.

Holiday Hours:
Open 10 till 3
Monday 19th
Tuesday 20th
Wednesday the 21st
Thursday the 22nd
Friday the 23rd
Closed Saturday the 24th and 25th.
Open 10 till 3
Monday the 26th
Tuesday the 27th
Wednesday the 28th
Thursday the 29th
Friday the 30th
Closed Saturday the 31st and Sunday the 1st. 

 

December 7 Gunpowder River Fishing Report

On Pearl Harbor Day, the Gunpowder is clear, low, flowing at 65 CFs and is 48 Degrees F. After a hard frost earlier in the week, the trails are in great shape and ready to be trodden. Midges and tiny Blue Winged Olives are making up the bulk of the “hatches”. Zebra midges are worth a shot! One will stay warmer fishing streamers as long as one keeps moving. As Hudson suggested over the holidays, with water temps dropping, leaky waders will make themselves known…To that end we have waders from Patagonia that will fit the bill. If you made it through summer without a hitch in the Patagonia travel waders or want to stay extra comfy when it’s icy out stop on in and pick up some winter weight fleece socks.

Patagonia Winter Weight Fleece Oversock

and…

Consider taking on Euro-nymphing as a winter project-the longer, lighter rods may keep you out of the deep cold water and it’s likely you’ll be nymphing anyway-just more effectively. The Echo Shadow X 11 ft 3wt is just the tool to deliver those jigs nymphs up close and personal to those wary wild browns.

Echo Shadow X

Gone are the crowds of spring and summer.Enjoy!

Abel TR 4/5 Fly Reels in Native Brook, Native Brown and Native Rainbow in stock!

Abel TR 4/5 Fly Reels in Native Rainbow, Native Brown and Native Brook


If one could only justify needing another trout reel, the Abel TR series is a winner! Among the awards bestowed on them in the past few years; “Best Freshwater Fly Reel” at the AFFTA Show in 2018, and two Best Awards from both Outdoor Canada Magazine-“Best of Show” and “Best New Trout Reel” from Fly Fisherman’s Gear Guide in 2019. We humbly assert that these will fit in a stocking whether alone or nestled together, will outlast your favorite fly rod-technology is the devil…and are worthy of your frank consideration and attention and are in-stock until they’re gone. Please note, pictures are of in-stock reels ready to ship.

Gunpowder River Fishing Report

The Gunpowder River is holding at a steady 56 CFS and 51 degrees. The water is staying clear and the leaves are starting to become less of a problem for nymph and streamer fishermen. As we move into cooler weather streamer fishing is getting consistently better. Patterns like the Baby Gonga in black, Wooly Bugger in olive and black, Slump Buster in grey, and Bonds Dragon in olive are working well. Midges have been the top producing dries this week. Patterns like the WD-40 and the Crystal Para Midge have been working well. Nymph Fishing has been very effective in the last few weeks. Whether you fishing under an indicator or tight lining, you can’t go wrong with patterns like the Prince Nymph, the Copper John, the Blow Torch, the Perdigon, and the Hares Ear. As the cold weather sets in it’s a good idea to start thinking about getting a new pair of waders. Not having those small pinholes and tears in your waders can make all the difference when trying to stay comfortable on a cold day. Speaking of cold, if you’re tired of having to layer up to stay warm when fishing try the Patagonia Shelled Insulator Pants.

Patagonia M’s Shelled Insulator Pants

Holiday Hours, Streamers and Well Wishes!

The Gunpowder river is clear and flowing at 82 Cfs and is 52 F. Streamers are a good way to connect especially around log jams and bend pools. We have sinking leaders in-stock that really help these patterns roll and tumble. With most of the leaves gone folks have once again found fish by returning to nymphing jigs and zebra midges.

Please limit your wading this time of year, wantonly stepping through redds can jeopardize next year’s bounty of wild stream bred brown trout!

We are truly thankful of your support this season and wish everyone a peaceful and restful holiday!

The shop will be open from 10AM till 3PM on Saturday November 19 and Monday November 21.

We will be closed on Tuesday the 22nd, Wednesday the 23rd, Thursday the 24th and Friday the 25th.

The shop will reopen from 10 AM till 3PM on Saturday November 26th and Monday November 28th.

We will be closed on December 1.

Early November Gunpowder River Fishing Report

The Gunpowder has been at consistent levels today in spite of the rainfall. The water temperature is holding steady at 55 degrees. Flow at Falls Rd is 45 CFS. We have been seeing lots of BWO’s coming off mid-day through the evening and fish have been eager to rise to them. With cooler weather ahead, streamer fishing with a sink tip- leader will work very well. Patterns like BWO Compara-Duns, tan Elk Hair and X-Caddis, black and olive wooly buggers, and Bank Robber Sculpins are worth a shot. Euro nymphing has also been working well. We have pre-made Euro leaders and Euro flies in-stock. Stop in and get outfitted!