The 28-32″ Wild Brown lurking in the Gunpowder was hooked again on a guide trip this morning. Jeff Lewatowski guided two lucky anglers to the monster fish.
Ants , caddis and beetles are still all the rage, water is at a 113 CFs and at a great level for wading and 58-60 degrees F in the catch and release section of the Gunpowder.Mornings have been very productive with small terrestrials and nymphs such as a pheasant tail in the #16-18 range. Plan on fishing even during passing showers.

we’ve had clear water even after heavy rains…
Thanks to Corbin and Stan for the following stream reports:

Note: Need a fly fishing guide for the Gunpowder river, Savage river or North Branch of the Potomac river? Give us a call at 410-329-6821 and make time to learn more about your sport with professional guidance.

The fishing has been red hot! It’s good to be on a tailwater! Flow is at 115 CFs, (a great level for wading). Remember that the river corridor is typically 10 -15 in degrees F. cooler than the temps you might see on the news. What better way to cool off then wet wading. Water temps are in the 62-65F throughout the catch and release area. Beetles, ants and small caddis have been working in very shallow riffles.Quite a few fish in the 9 to 14″ range have been reported this week.

The following stream reports are from Bryan and KIKI :

Note: Wet wading this weekend? We just opened up a few boxes of guard sox and SIMMS river sandals by KEEN that have sturdy toe bumpers and felt soles.

The river is at a great level for wading at 115 CFS and is clear. Water temps are between 57-59F throughout the catch and release section. We’re seeing lots of caddis in the morning between 6:00 and 9:00 AM. Fireflies have been working towards dusk. Fishing has been challenging on bright days. Nymphing with smaller than usual, (#20 and smaller bead heads have made a big difference. Japanese beetles are working.

We had a sixteen inch wild brown take a beetle in a deep pool last night as the mist was rolling in…fish on!

Thanks to Stan for the following report:
Had a pretty good day all considering.Walked up to the dam about 7:30 A.M. only landed about four all were nice browns some blue gills and missed about another dozen; Only fished the first two pools and only saw two other fishermen. Caught fish on hoppers, Parachute ants, small olives and some scuds on a dropper combo as well. Small caddis, cream midges were coming off and I saw a big trout chasing a damselfly in the pocket water and one rather large dead 16-17 inch brown.)The Fish Were Very Enthusiatic!

Note: A few words on the dead fish…Hooking injuries can usually be prevented by using barbless hooks and returning fish to the water asap. It’s better not to take them out of the water and be sure to limit your handling of fish if you can. Thanks!

Tired of wading in ankle deep water and casting trico’s to sipping fish?

Join Backwater Angler’s own Jason du Pont on the North Branch of the Potomac.

Bang the banks with large streamers and drift thumb sized nymphs through bottomless holes while floating in a raft built for comfort.

Jason’s 14ft Outcast Raft has two sturdy casting platforms with thigh braces that will tackle the heavy water on the Potomac.

If you’ve tried wading this Western Maryland stream and have wished you were floating instead of swimming now is your chance…

Currently booking for July 24 through the 28th and August 14th through the 18th.
Rates for a full day are:
$350 for 1 /$400 for 2 and include lunch and flies.
Gear suggestions:
Bring along an 8 1/2 to 9ft 4,5, or 6wt.
Wear a hat, sunscreen, a pair of quick drying pants and a favorite fishing shirt, and pack a pair of waders and boots without spikes…and don’t forget your camera!!!

Note: To book a trip call 410-329-6821 or email us a note at info@backwaterangler.com

We will be open Tuesday the 4th from 10:00 AM till 4 PM.
The river is at 115 CFs, and water temps are between 57 and 60 F throughout the catch and release section. 115 CFS is a great level for wading , is clear and dry fly fisherman have been having a ball with ants, beetles and caddis….We’ve had a bunch of reports from anglers today fishing Elk Hair Caddis from Bunkerhill upstream through Falls Rd to the Dam with catches from 1/2 dozen to 3 dozen fish per angler.
Jeff Lewatowski led a few clients today to what we believe was the largest fish hooked this season. The fish took a #18 Pheasant tail and was twice as long as Jeffs’ landing net. It moved downstream through two pools before the hook pulled/straightened out.
It still swims in the Gunpowder…

Note: Shop hours on the 4th are 10 till 4PM .
Time’s a wasting …go fishing..