Month: June 2011

Simms Vibram Rubber Soled Wading Boots In Stock

This Spring the shop received numerous shipments of Simms boots, and with the felt sole ban in effect in Maryland, boots moved quickly in the shop. Many anglers commented that they were both pleased, and a little surprised at how well the new rubber soles performed. The positive feedback on the traction of these boots, in all variety of terrain anglers encounter, has been a big selling point. Limiting the spread of aquatic invasive species has become the biggest driving force for anglers in PA, VA, DC, DE, who are converting from felt to rubber without bans in those states. Many of us in the …

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Cold Water Release On The Gunpowder

The Gunpowder River flow climbed into the 600 CFs range over the weekend. A release was made to stop the hot spillover, which began after a thunder storm produced heavy rains. The water temp rose into the low seventies, but quickly dropped when the valve was opened. Flows are now back to a normal 103 CFs, and a chilly 50 degrees. Sulphurs and caddis are still bringing fish to the surface, and small nymphs will work when the hatch slows. A black Zonker worked well for me on the Gunpowder, as the flow dropped yesterday evening. A few days ago I decided to try my …

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Higher Flows On The Gunpowder River

Flows were bumped up to 65 CFs at Falls Road on the Gunpowder River. Currently the gauge is down, but the water is flowing at good levels. Water temps climb from 48 degrees to around 58 during the afternoon. The change in flow and fluctuation in temps has the sulphurs hatching midday. I guided an angler yesterday, and we encountered a quick sulphur hatch from 1-3pm. One of our other guides was out in the morning, and reported seeing sulphurs hatching all morning. The evening is still a good time to catch a spinnerfall. Many anglers reported rising trout after 7:30 until dark. The river …

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Warm Water Fly Fishing In Maryland

There are many warm water fishing options in Central Maryland during the Summer months. Anglers can fish large reservoirs, ponds, rivers and even small streams across the state. Once June arrives I start to spend a day or two a week exploring numerous warm water hotspots. I went over to Loch Raven Reservoir last week armed with my 1 weight Scott fiber glass rod. I quickly located a fallen tree swarming with crappies. My camera was dead, so it was just an hour of catching and releasing a few dozen “paper mouths.” A few days later I returned to the area to find the fish …

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Beginner’s Fly Fishing School on Sunday, June 12

Please join us for a flyfishing school. On Sunday, June 12, a Backwater Angler Guide will be teaching a fly fishing school that is ideal for beginners. If you’re planning on fly fishing in 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 …

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Low, Frigid Flows On The Gunpowder River

The past two releases from Prettyboy Dam brought water temps down to safe levels for trout. The water temp was climbing into the upper sixties last week due to surface spillover. The flow went from a mix of spillover and release to a flow of 150 CFs. The river temps dropped down to the low fifties, and the reservoir levels dropped just below the lip of the Prettyboy Dam. Wednesday morning flows were cut back to 30 CFs with 46-48 degree water pulled from a lower gate. The threat of thunderstorms and water lapping only inches from spilling over was cause for an additional release. …

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