Monthly Archives: May 2017

Sulphurs on the Gunpowder River

Maryland Fly Fishing Shop Backwater AnglerThe Gunpowder River is clear, flowing at 90 CFS and is 59F. Thanks to Gene for the fishing report. We have plenty of Sulphur emergers in the Muffin tins on the front counter. Stop in this weekend through Monday to round up what you need to get out there and catch a few wild fish and find some peace. Please remember those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

The flows on the gunpowder have continued to provide ideal conditions for fishing the Sulphur hatch. Whilst the large sulphurs are still hatching, smaller sulphurs E. dorothea, size 18 are beginning to outnumber them, especially in the upper river above Falls road where you can find them hatching right through the evening. Caddisflies remain very active, mainly downstream from Falls road, where you can find them hatching in intermittent bursts. It’s always useful to have a selection of caddis patterns ready in case the fish begin to key in on them.

Please note: The shop will be open on Memorial Day from 10 AM till 5 PM.

Sulphurs, Caddis and Olives on the Gunpowder

IMG_2542The Gunpowder River is clear and flowing at 85 CFS and 63 F. The cold front headed in before Preakness should cool things down a bit over the weekend. We’re hoping for more shade coupled with evening temperatures that might prompt a spinner fall. Look for tiny BWO’s in the backeddies and slack water and caddis in the riffles. Sulphurs in the #14 range are present throughout the River mid-afternoon on. If you’re getting an early start try a #16 partridge and yellow followed by an unweighted pheasant tail.
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Beginner’s Fly Fishing School

Please join us for a fly fishing school. On Saturday, June 17th 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 and fly selection. Class is held from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Cost is $125 per person and includes the use of gear. A Maryland non-tidal fishing license and trout stamp is required and may be purchased at the shop with check or cash the day of the school. Class size is limited to 4 and pre-registration is required. Please give us a call at 410-357-9557 to pre-register.

Sulphurs and Caddis on the Gunpowder

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The Gunpowder is flowing 147 CFs, is 56 degrees F and is clearing.Thanks to Gene for the stream report and to Ethan for the great photo of a wild Gunpowder Brown caught and released on a caddis. We have guides available next week. Call the shop at 410-357-9557 to reserve one today-don’t wait until June to fish the Sulphur hatch!

Flows on the river have been perfect for fishing. Fish have been stacked in the riffles looking for food. Sulphurs have been coming off starting in the morning and continuing on and off until the evening. Air temperatures have not been high enough to bring on any large spinner falls but the emergers and duns are keeping the trout occupied. Cloudy days often bring size 20 blue winged out to hatch. Caddis also have been coming off through the day that many of the fish are keyed into. Fish for these using x-caddis size 14-16. Enjoy the conditions whilst they last!

Beginner’s Fly Fishing School

Please join us for a fly fishing school. On Saturday, June 3rd 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 and fly selection. Class is held from 9 AM to 12 PM. Cost is $125 per person and includes the use of gear. A Maryland non-tidal fishing license and trout stamp is required and may be purchased at the shop with check or cash the day of the school. Class size is limited to 4 and pre-registration is required. Please give us a call at 410-357-9557 to pre-register.

Great Streamer Water on the Gunpowder River

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Thanks to Gene for the stream report and photos. We have Airflo polyleaders in stock that will make the difference when swinging flies in fat water. The River will be clearing by Sunday.Limit your wading and don’t wade across the River if you can help it. Watch out for boaters this weekend as flows are high for safe paddling. New jams can be found throughout the River from Bunkerhill downstream to the NCR trail Bridge below Corbett so it’s best to scout the river on foot prior to any float to check out portaging spots.

The Gunpowder is flowing at 285 cfs and temperature is a little under 60 F. The river is off color and high this weekend but as it drops the streamer fishing is the way to go, try dead drifting wooly buggers, or stripping them in slacker water. Nymphing will work too but using heavy patterns to get the flies down to the fish.

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