As of about 7:00am this morning flows on the Gunpowder have changed greatly and most importantly, for the better. The City of Baltimore has increased discharge out of the Pretty Boy Dam and the water is now moving at 58.2 CFS. In addition, water levels have increased from 1.50ft to 1.75ft and temperature is staying consistent around 55 degrees. We expect fishing to be very good in the coming weeks. Fly recommendations are consistent with our last stream report with a new emphasis on Tricos. These tiny little mayflies have been out in numbers on the Gunpowder, and we highly recommend adding a few to your fly box for your next trip to the river. Streamers, caddis & mayfly emergers, as well as nymphs will certainly prove useful in these conditions. As always, stop by the shop to stock up on flies or give us a call to book a guided trip.
Gunpowder River Stream Report
Low flows have been the name of the game as of late. The river is currently moving at 27.4 cfs with a high temperature of 57 degrees (Mid-day) and a low of 50 degrees (Morning and evening). Water height is variable depending on what spot you are planning to fish but overall levels are very low. This makes for some incredibly clear water and picky fish. The trout will be able to clearly see your fly so make sure that floats are good and flies stay dry. Powdered or gel floatant can absolutely make the difference. Maxwell and I went out on Saturday evening and observed plenty of fish sipping bugs off the top. We recommend classic elk hair caddis in a tan/brown coloration, sulphur’s in yellow, and tiny little trico flies when all else fails. One of our guides, Brian Donoway, also reported success with dry dropper setups over the weekend. He recommended caddis in the same aforementioned color patterns with small nymphs trailing beneath. Streamer fishing has been notably slow. We are hoping for some rain later in the week to boost water levels and decrease clarity. Make sure to stop by the shop to stock up on flies or give us a call to book a guided trip.
New Patagonia Shirts!
Snap shirts on the left and river ramblers on the right.
The new shipment of Fall Patagonia gear has arrived! Outerwear, shirts, and waders have all been restocked. Snap Jackets designed for colder days, traditional sun shirts for hot ones, and river rambler hybrid button down shirts with detachable sun hoods for everything in between.
Tropic Comfort Hoody
Gunpowder River Fishing Report
High flows are here in the Gunpowder. The river is currently flowing at 86 cfs and the temperature is 53 degrees. With more water coming into the river and water temps on the rise streamer fishing has been great. Fishing anything from a big yellow streamer right down to a super small natural colored fly has been working great. stripping or swinging flies has been a great way to entice these fish. Our best advice is to keep moving and cover a lot of water. Taking four or five casts in a spot them taking a couple of steps up or downstream is a great way to cover lots of water and find some fish. If streamer fishing isn’t for you then fishing a double nymph indicator rig has been working great. Throwing a big caddis imitation with a tiny mayfly as the dropper has been a really effective method. 
The Perfect Saltwater Setups!
As summer begins to wrap up you may be looking to do some fall Striped Bass fishing or even a trip down south for some of the famous tropical fish. This post is to highlight some the best set ups for whatever you plan on doing in the salt.
The first and most versatile setup showcases the G. Loomis NRX + S in an 8-weight paired with either the Abel Rove or SDS. The NRX + S gives you the backbone to fight both the wind and the large fish you will be targeting while providing enough touch to gently place flies for those picky tropical trophies. Both the SDS and Rove have enough line capacity, drag, and protection from salt to preform even against the big ones.
G. Loomis NRX+ Saltwater | BACKWATER ANGLER
The second setup I’d to showcase would be the Scott Sector in a 9-weight paired with either the Abel Rove, SDS, or even the Ross R salt. The sector still provides a good amount of backbone to fight the wind and cast large flies, however it is more keen to delicate casting needed for bonefish, permit, and redfish. With that said, a 9-weight is still versatile enough to target large fish with bigger flies like Stripers, Albacore or Bluefish.
Scott Sector | BACKWATER ANGLER
It is important when fishing in salt water to get a reel rated for saltwater. The SDS and R Salt are both sealed drag reels. These are relatively maintenance free and protect from sand and other debris from getting into the drag system. The Rove on the other hand has a cork drag system which may be subject to more maintenance but still provide the protecting needed from the salt. I have fished my 7/9 Rove along the East-Coast of Florida for the past year landing tarpon, Snook, Bonefish, and Redfish with next to no problems. The main thing with either choice is to always thoroughly rinse your rods and reels with freshwater after your trips if you want your gear to last.
Abel Rove Black | BACKWATER ANGLER
Ross Evolution R Salt | BACKWATER ANGLER
Abel SDS 9/10 in Blue III with Aluminum Handle | BACKWATER ANGLER
The Abel Rove (left), Abel SDS (center), and Ross Evolution R Salt (right).
New and Used Duffle Bags From Filson, Simms, and More
Here at Backwater Angler, we have a 4 new and used bags we wanted to highlight in this post. These duffle bags will be available for pick up during our store hours or shipped for a flat rate of $20. If interested, please contact the shop at 410-357-9557 or at Backwaterangler@gmail.com.
The first bag we would like to show is the Filson Small Duffle in blue. This bag is new and still has the tag on it, however there are some small marks left on the material from sitting over the years. The dimensions of the bag are 18″ x 13″ x 6″ and retailed at $350. We are asking $250 for it.
The second bag is another Filson bag. This is a slightly smaller duffle in a tan color. It includes two belt-style straps to secure the bag and a strap to carry it. This bag has some wear in tear along the leather straps but is in good condition overall. This bag has the dimensions 14″ x 7″ x 9″ and will be listed at $200.
The Third Bag is the largest of the four. This is a Simms waterproof wader bag in their iconic orange. This bag has no tag however it also has no wear and tear on it. The dimensions are 32″ x 14″ x 13.5″ and has multiple handles, sling, and fasteners to keep everything secure. This bag retails at $300 and we are asking $150 for the bag.
The fourth bag is another large duffel bag from Wright and McGill in a grey color. This bag has two large pouches on either side of the bag and lots of space to hold larger items in the main compartment, along with a name tag. There is no wear and tear on this bag. The dimensions are 22″ x 15″ x 14″ and we are asking $60 for the bag.
Gunpowder River Fly Fishing Report
The river is currently flowing at 82 cfs and the water temperature is 55 degrees. Trico Season has arrived! We are seeing them in the lower river from 7 in the morning and they are gone by noon. Terrestrials and caddis have been the most prominent bugs on the river. Throwing a Hopper Dropper rig is still a great way to target trout. Having a Chubby Chernobyl or a Stimulator as your dry fly and a Waltz Worm or Jigged Pheasant Tail as your dropper is a great place to start out. If you are fishing in the middle of the day and are not seeing any surface action them tie on a double nymph rig or a streamer and cover lots of water. Olive and Black Wooly Buggers have been working great as well as a Senyo’s Minnow. If you are looking to fine tune your fishing skills or learn to fly fish on the Gunpowder give the shop a call and book a trip.
Backwater Angler Hats Refresh
After more than a few sweltering days, it might be time for one to consider a fresh lid! These just dropped and are available in Navy, Gray, Royal Blue and Black. Hats are made of 100% recycled polyester twill, unstructured, low-profile, and have hook and loop closures.
Always Lucky! Wear one proudly on your next trip afar and get ready for someone unknown to you, to say, “Do you fish the Gunpowder too?” Stop in before they are gone or order one or more online!
Gunpowder River Fishing Report
The Gunpowder is currently flowing at 82 cfs and the water temp is 51 degrees. The river has been fishing well with the higher flows and lower water temps. Ants, beetles, and hoppers have been working best. I suggest using them as your indicator fly for a dry dropper rig. Using a Pheasant Tail, Zebra Midge, Hare’s Ear, Perdigon, or Frenchie jig as your dropper has been producing the best results. We suggest getting out early in the morning or catching the last hour or two before dark at catch the fish during their peak feeding hours. Feel free to call the shop with any questions. If you are looking to fine turn your fishing skills or want to learn how to fly fish give us a call and book a guided trip. Tight lines.
Gunpowder River Fishing Report
The Gunpowder is currently flowing at 63 cfs and the water temp is 54 spiking up to 57 in the middle of the day. The river is fishing well despite the cooler water temps. Caddis have been the main food source for these fish the past few weeks, but don’t discount Mayflies. the fish are still looking for sulfurs. Ants and Beetles have been producing as well. If you are fishing in the middle of the day we suggest using a dry dropper. Fishing patterns such as a stimulator, Elk Hair Caddis, Parachute Ant, or small Chubby Chernobyl. dropping a small Pheasant Tail, Hares Ear, or Zebra Midge off the back of your dry has been the most productive set up. make sure to use flotant on those dry flies. The fish have been more aggressive towards the high floating dries. Make sure to stop in the shop for new patterns. If you are looking for a guided trip to fine tune your skills or learn to fish on the Gunpowder, make sure to call the shop and book a trip.
