March 2009 – BACKWATER ANGLER

The Gunpowder River is Warming up!

March 30, 2009March 30, 2009

The Gunpowder river is clear, warming to 43 F and flowing at a very respectable 93 Cfs. The river will be dropping and warming a bit until we get some much needed rain at the end of the week. Midges and stoneflies were reported over the weekend from Masemore through Bunkerhill. As windy as it is today, traditional streamers like grey ghosts might be a safer bet and they can be fished on 6x instead of 7x-read less tangles! If you’re nymphing, try a bead head prince sized #16. Dry flies to bring along would be a mix of quill winged stoneflies#14-16, snowshoe rabbit midges …

Olives, Black Flies and Midges along the Gunpowder River

March 24, 2009

Dry fly anglers rejoice! The Gunpowder river is flowing at 51 Cfs, is clear and 43 F. At these flows the water will be warming quickly each afternoon and the insects will follow-to say that the fish are looking up is an understatement. Small flies delivered by long fine leaders made for some exciting fishing this weekend in the catch and release section. If you’re not fishing with 6x, you’re not in the early season game. For most anglers, tying on a bit of 7x on a leader in the 9 to 12 foot range is an even better idea. This early season fishing is …

Intro. to Fly Fishing School

March 26, 2009March 20, 2009

Please join us for a flyfishing school. On Sunday, April 19, a Backwater Angler Guide will be teaching a fly fishing school that is ideal for beginners. If you’re planning on flyfishing Maryland, or anywhere else for that matter, this course is a great introduction to the sport. The school covers knots, casting, gear, fly selection and an hour of on-stream instruction. Schools are held in a meadow overlooking the Gunpowder river by a Maryland state licensed and insured fishing guide. Class is held from 11:00 AM till 2:00 PM. Cost is $100 per person and includes the use of gear. A Maryland Non-tidal fishing …

Intro. to Fly Fishing School

March 26, 2009March 16, 2009

Please join us for a flyfishing school. On Sunday, April 12, a Backwater Angler Guide will be teaching a fly fishing school that is ideal for beginners. If you’re planning on flyfishing Maryland, or anywhere else for that matter, this course is a great introduction to the sport. The school covers knots, casting, gear, fly selection and an hour of on-stream instruction. Schools are held in a meadow overlooking the Gunpowder river by a Maryland state licensed and insured fishing guide. Class is held from 11:00 AM till 2:00 PM. Cost is $100 per person and includes the use of gear. A Maryland Non-tidal fishing …

Fishing Little Black Stoneflies and Soft Hackles on the Gunpowder

March 14, 2009

The Gunpowder river is flowing at 53 CFs and is 40 to 45 degrees throughout the catch and release area. Stoneflies sized #14-16 skated near logjams, small traditional streamers like black nosed dace and grey ghosts fished upstream along the edges and tiny nymphs rolled through the riffles have accounted for more than a few fish this week. Given recent reports, soft hackles are worth a shot. They’re fun to fish, and great for covering lots of water. Capt. Jeff Lewatowski provided this great photo of a little black stone. He’s now booking light tackle and fly fishing trips for the Catch and release trophy …

Intro. to Fly Fishing School

March 26, 2009March 12, 2009

Please join us for a flyfishing school. On Sunday, April 5, a Backwater Angler Guide will be teaching a fly fishing school that is ideal for beginners. If you’re planning on flyfishing Maryland, or anywhere else for that matter, this course is a great introduction to the sport. The school covers knots, casting, gear, fly selection and an hour of on-stream instruction. Schools are held in a meadow overlooking the Gunpowder river by a Maryland state licensed and insured fishing guide. Class is held from 11:00 AM till 2:00 PM. Cost is $100 per person and includes the use of gear. A Maryland Non-tidal fishing …