Western Maryland offers fly fishermen a chance at everything from large trout in big rivers to native Brook trout in tiny mountain streams. The region is rugged, wild and fishing pressure can be light, but challenging. Backwater Angler guides have offered trips on the Savage River, North Branch of the Potomac River and small mountain streams for years. In the past we offered overnight packages including lodging, meals and a full day guided fishing, but will now offer only six or four hour guided wade trips based on the overwhelming amount of requests from anglers. 

 The North Branch of the Potomac is known as Maryland’s largest trout river with notoriously tough wading conditions, and is home to big stocked rainbows, cutthroats and brown trout. The Lower Savage River is known for great hatch fishing, rough pocket water and all wild trout. The Upper Savage River is home to a mix of stocked trout and wild brook trout. These areas are only minutes apart, yet each stretch has their own appeal.   

The first available dates for a guide trip in Western Maryland are April 20th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd. Through Spring and Summer we will continue to post upcoming available dates BWA guides will be on these rivers. Guided trips can also be booked by calling or emailing Backwater Angler for guide availability, and lodging recommendations.