Monthly Archives: June 2019

Levels Back Up on the Gunpowder!

The Gunpowder is at 153 cfs, clear and starting the day at 50 degrees F.

On Tuesday whilst sight fishing to trout at 30 cfs, we started noticing increasing wood and debris coming past us. A couple of minutes later the river was chocolate milk. The water has come up again from Prettyboy Dam to a nice 150 cfs at Falls road. Now the water is clear again, the fish have spread out & fishing is good. Catch some fish this weekend, stay cool and enjoy!

Note: We will be closed Thursday July the 4th. Enjoy the festivities! 

 

Low, Clear Water on the Gunpowder

The Gunpowder is at 31 cfs, and water temperatures are swinging from the low to upper 50’s. The water is clear.

Once again, we’re in skinny flows on the river. Fish are concentrated in deeper runs and pools. The dry fly fishing can be good in low water, but just stay out of the water as much as possible to not spook fish before casting to them, especially in slower water. Midges can get fish looking up throughout the day but are most consistent in the evening.

Just had a customer call the shop saying the fishing was great this afternoon, thanks Jack!

Review of 4 weight fly rods

 

The Gunpowder River is an ideal river for 4 weight (wt.) fly rods. Some anglers have fun with 3 wts., and  a 5 wt. is understandable, but 4 wts. are the choice for many anglers. At Backwater Angler, we have an impressive range – regardless of your budget or experience level – of 4 wts. for your fishing adventures.

 

Entry level ($180 – $320)

St. Croix Mojo Trout – The 9’0 model provides fast action and some extra stretch for nymphing. An ideal rod to start one’s fly fishing life, the Mojo trout features a Kigan hook keeper, solid cork handle, aluminum reel seat, and smooth, black snake guides. This is a very reasonably priced rod.

St. Croix Imperial – The 4 piece 8’0 of this model is my favorite as it provides light, fast action. Growing up as a spin fisherman, I often used ultra light rods, and this model emulates that action well. Complete with slim-profile ferrules, Sea Guide snake guides, an uplocking reel seat, premium-grade cork handle, and a Kigan hook keeper, this rod is another ideal port of entry into small stream trout fishing. Landing some wild browns with this one should put a smile on any angler’s face.

Mid-level ($350 – $500)

Echo 3 – The 4 piece 8’6 and 9’0 versions of this medium-to-fast action rod are advanced, high-modulus graphite rods with modern resins, making it light and sensitive while maintaining backbone to go 10 rounds with an angry fish. It’s crisp on that 70′ cast, but not so fast you can’t feel the rod. These rods fish dries to nymphs, lakes to rivers, and various fish. The ECHO 3 is arguably the most well-rounded family of rods we offer. They also come with a lifetime warranty, which is hard to overlook.

Scott Flex – These 4 piece 8’6 and 9’0 rods are light and handcrafted and excellent for generating line speed and effortless tight loops. The strong butt section is ideal for strong hook sets, and the 9’0 model gives an extra stretch for nymphing. I prefer the 8’6 model myself, but the 9’0 is equally effective and feels more like a 4/5, which depending on your preference could be a real advantage.

St. Croix Legend Elite – This 4 piece 9’0 rod is slightly higher-end for this category, but is a rod that will cover a lot of fishing for a long time. Its gorgeous finish and incredible balance impress. With the first cast you’ll revel in the smoothness and deceptive power of the crisp SCV graphite blank with Advanced Reinforcing Technology and Integrated Poly Curve technologies. The rod feels like a one piece but is a four. 

Higher-end ($745 – $795)

G. Loomis NRX – The NRX is perfect for the Gunpowder, with the high modulus carbon and a softer tip than the original NRX, which allows for delicate presentation with protection on fine tippet. This rod feels lighter and active, ideal for dries yet strong enough for streamers, yet at 9’0 allows for that extra stretch when nymphing too. This is a versatile rod that covers lots of bases for the novice to experienced fly angler.

Scott Radian – The greatest strength of the 4 piece 9’0 and 10’0 Radians, arguably, is their blend of power, line speed, touch, feel, and accuracy. It’s hard to find rods that combine those elements, but the Radian has them all. The React technology brings together X-Core with new complex materials and a taper system to dramatically increase recovery speed. Meanwhile, the X-Core technology offers an enhanced feel, incredible stability, and unparalleled performance. Fiberuse resin provides stronger bonds between fibers, and the Advanced Reinforced Carbon technology reduces torque and increases rod strength.

Beginners Fly Fishing School

Please join us for a fly fishing school. On Saturday 13th of July 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 10:00 – 1:00pm. 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.

Beginners Fly Fishing School

Please join us for a fly fishing school. On Sunday July the 7th 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 10:00 – 1:00pm. 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.

Mid June Gunpowder River Report

Mountain Laurel in bloom along the river

The Gunpowder is at 163 cfs, mostly clear, particuarly Masemore up to the dam. Water temperature starting the day in the high 40’s rising to the 50’s.

Not much has changed, still sulphurs and caddis hatching, the river is not being affected by heavy storms much. Ants are definitely worth casting along the banks.

Enjoy the weekend!

 

Beginners Fly Fishing School

Please join us for a fly fishing school. On Saturday June the 22nd 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 10:00 – 1:00pm. 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.

Fresh Abel Reels in Stock!

Abel represents the pinnacle of fly reel craftsmanship, uncompromising build quality and eye-catching paint jobs ensure they’re some of the most respected pieces of gear by anglers everywhere. If your looking to treat yourself or a loved one to something that will last a lifetime our selection of Abel reels are the perfect choice.

The return of a classic. The new Abel TR stays true to the roots of the original, but with a striking modern design and feel. The partial porting of the frame draws from the Abel lineage, and its unique features are as inventive as anything Abel has ever produced.

https://www.backwaterangler.com/product/abel-tr/

 

– Stefan

 

 

 

Consistent Levels on the Gunpowder

Falls road bridge

The Gunpowder is at 161 cfs and 52 degrees, very clear.

Whilst other rivers around have been up and down from heavy storms the Gunpowder has been steady. More of the same in terms of hatches (sulphur, caddis, midges) but the smaller sulphurs, E Dorothea, are more common now, these typically hatch later in the day through the evening.