Theaux Le Gardeur – BACKWATER ANGLER

Gunpowder River Fishing Report

Theaux Le Gardeur — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 16:36:30 +0000

The Gunpowder is low, clear and flowing at 29.7 Cfs at 47.3 F. Fishing was a little easier midweek when warmer air temps approaching 82 degrees F and the resulting warming of the low flows triggered hatches of tiny BWO’s and Little Black Stoneflies in the catch and release section. Didymo is still present on the larger, shoe box sized rocks in the upper catch and release section above Masemore making nymphing challenging at best so suspending zebras or WD40’s under black caddis might be a better approach. Covering water mid-stream at the head of riffles with a soft hackle is a good bet. If ...

See us at the MD Fly Fishing Show

Theaux Le Gardeur — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 10:46:12 +0000

The shop will be closed today as we attend the MD Fly Fishing Show! Come see the show! Sa

Gunpowder River Stream Report

Theaux Le Gardeur — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 17:37:59 +0000

The Gunpowder River is clear, flowing at 28.9 Cfs and 40.3 degrees F. A soft wet snow and a drop into the lows 30’s Thursday night left the trails on the slippery side. Want to stay upright? We have the new Patagonia wading staffs in-stock and still have a a couple of the Patagonia stud kits that come with a nifty wrench. The wind is making it tougher to fish the black flies and BWO’s above Falls Rd-but small fish were sipping when the River hit 48 degrees mid-week. With some warming in the forecast for Saturday try your luck with zebra midges above jig ...

Valentines Day Fly Fishing Sale

Theaux Le Gardeur — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:12:38 +0000

The trails along the Gunpowder River are still treacherous and it’s not reasonable to think about getting out and reasonably flyfishing until the snow and ice along the trails let’s go but If you’re feeling cooped up, have a fish story and want to prep for better weather please stop in February 13 and 14th-Now extended to the 15 and 16th from 10AM till 3PM and save up to 50% on in-stock items and take advantage of selected Buy One Get One free items that are sure to warm your heart!

Gunpowder River Stream Report

Theaux Le Gardeur — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 13:43:49 +0000

The Gunpowder River is clear and flowing at 150 Cfs at 37.4 degrees F. Trails are icy! Now is the time to stud up your wading boots and bring along a wading staff. Fish have been holding along the edges in the shallows, but with flows up and with the river bank-full using the trails and concentrating on drops and jams with a sink -tip and an articulated streamer might be a better bet. Nymphing has been tough in these heavier flows so getting down with a tungsten jig with a zebra midge will still produce on shelves. Fish later in the day if you ...

Christmas Eve Gunpowder River Stream Report

Theaux Le Gardeur — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 14:25:09 +0000

Happy Holidays! The Gunpowder River is gin-clear and flowing at 30.5 Cfs and is 42 degrees F. Fish are holding in runs so go deep! Try small stoneflies in the tail-outs and flats and swing them towards the bank. Log jams are worth a shot-especially with small, traditional streamers like a Mickey Finn stripped slowly downstream. All the trails are in great shape now but come Friday consider a staff and studs along…be safe out there and find some peace and quiet, and a few wild fish along the Gunpowder River! Let’s hope for snow! Please note: The shop will reopen Friday the 26th and ...

Holiday Hours along the Gunpowder River

Theaux Le Gardeur — Sun, 21 Dec 2025 02:39:26 +0000

Tis the season and while the weather has been frightful of late, conditions on the Gunpowder River and along the trails in the Hereford Area of Gunpowder State Park have been improving markedly. While we’re now past the mailing date for Gift Certificates to arrive before Christmas, we’ll be emailing printable gift certificates for gear, fly casting lessons, fly fishing schools, and guide trips until the 23rd. Whether you’re excited about being back in the area with family, need a break from the couch and TV, or feel that this may very well be the year you finally treat yourself to THAT reel, give the ...

ABEL NATIVE BROWN VAYA AND TR REELS

Theaux Le Gardeur — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 17:25:42 +0000

Happy Holidays from the Backwater staff! We are now carrying the Native Brown hand painted finish for both the Abel TR 4/5 and the Abel Vaya 4/5. These top of the line reels will give one the best possible experience as an angler that gear can provide. Whether fishing light salt for sea trout and puppy drum or fishing for trout on your favorite trout stream, the Vaya will provide a smooth, carbon disc drag to land any fish. If one chooses to opt for a more classic approach, then the TR with its iconic click-pawl sound and modern large arbor styling is the best ...

AIRLITE GLIDE

Theaux Le Gardeur — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 18:59:06 +0000

For those looking for the perfect rod to fish the Gunpowder, look no further than the AIRLITE GLIDE. The GLIDE comes in various sizes, with the 9′ 4wt being the shop favorite! Its perfect blend of lightweight and powerful yet sensitive gives the angler the ability to delicately land dries to rising fish across the river, or to throw weighted nymphs and streamers to reach fish holding in deeper water. Whether an intermediate or experienced angler the GLIDE will help refine ones skill and provide for an unmatched experience on the water.

AIRLITE VERSA TROUT

Theaux Le Gardeur — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 19:40:51 +0000

The search for the perfect rod is never ending…until one casts the versa trout. The versa trout is a crisp medium action that provides the angler with everything they could need while out on the water. It is lightweight, powerful yet precise allowing for one to create various presentations on the water. The Versa Trout contains components way above its price point making it feel like a top dollar rod while maintaining an affordable price. This rod is a great choice for beginner and experienced anglers alike and will provide enjoyment on the water for a lifetime.

Gunpowder River Stream Report

Theaux Le Gardeur — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 02:05:28 +0000

The Gunpowder River awaits! The shop will be open this Sunday from 9 till 3. Drop in and say hi to Kevin while you’re out enjoying ideal flows of 150CFS. Fisheries just finished up some amazing work Tuesday and Wednesday and man are there some beautiful wild fish in the river! Streamers are the ticket. Have fun out there!

Backwater Angler is Seeking a New Proprietor

Theaux Le Gardeur — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 21:48:30 +0000

Twenty four years ago, Backwater Angler carried-on the spirit and tradition of service of Wally Vait’s original Gunpowder River fly shop called On the Fly (founded in 1989). Since then, the staff has enjoyed sharing in a tradition of curating products designed to last, instructing and teaching fundamentals of fly fishing, and promoting the stewardship of natural resources through this indelible, lifetime sport. The river, our valued employees, and our loyal customers have provided much joy, support and encouragement over the years. Our intention is to see to it that the shop and guide service will be passed on to the right entrepreneur, (or group) ...

Stop and shop in-store and save 35% during our Storewide Sale-excluding service, rods, reels, and boots.

Theaux Le Gardeur — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 01:55:30 +0000

Taking some well-deserved time off this week? Stop in the shop at 16928 York Rd Monkton, MD 21111 on June 30th, July 3rd, and July 5th between 10AM and 3PM and save 35% on most EVERYTHING storewide-excluding service, rods, reels, and boots.

Beginner’s Fly Fishing School

Theaux Le Gardeur — Sat, 10 May 2025 20:27:05 +0000

Spring is the perfect time to learn how to fly fish. Please join us on Saturday, May 31st from 9 AM to 12 PM. Our Fly Fishing Schools are 3 hours long and included the use of gear. In the first half of the course we cover basic knots, casting skills, fly types and techniques for the river. Following instruction bank-side, during the second half we’ll practice the techniques on the water. One gets to try the four main techniques while fly fishing including: dry flies, wet flies, nymphs and streamers. Your guide will demonstrate and teach techniques that will help and prepare each individual ...

Beginner’s Fly Fishing School

Theaux Le Gardeur — Sat, 10 May 2025 20:25:33 +0000

Spring is the perfect time to learn how to fly fish. Please join us on Saturday, May 17th from 9 AM to 12 PM. Our Fly Fishing Schools are 3 hours long and included the use of gear. In the first half of the course we cover basic knots, casting skills, fly types and techniques for the river. Following instruction bank-side, during the second half we’ll practice the techniques on the water. One gets to try the four main techniques while fly fishing including: dry flies, wet flies, nymphs and streamers. Your guide will demonstrate and teach techniques that will help and prepare each individual ...

Gunpowder River Stream Report

Theaux Le Gardeur — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 18:50:03 +0000

The Gunpowder River is waking up! Gunpowder River flows are at an ideal 97 Cfs and water temperatures are swinging between 49.1 and 52 degrees F. Midge activity has been consistent in the afternoons. Plan on finding quite a few young of the year sipping and sometimes splashing in the foam lines. Nymphing is still tough owing to the potential for fouling on Didymo so if you’re using weight, check your rig frequently. Fish are looking up enough to be tricked by small dries and emergers in the #18-20 range and use longer leaders ending in 6 and 7x-especially in the flats and pools. The ...

Gunpowder River Stream Report

Theaux Le Gardeur — Sat, 05 Apr 2025 13:09:05 +0000

The Gunpowder River is flowing at 59.9 CFs and is swinging between 46.4 and 48.4 degrees F. Stoneflies, midges, and the first reports of Mayflies are getting around. A cloudy, threatening rain kind of day, is much better for fishing than golf. Trails are in great shape so use them to focus on the riffles and stay out of the flats. We’ll be open 10-3 today and Sunday! Stop on by pick up some soft hackles and swing up some wild fish! Spend $75 and get a free Backwater Angler hat.

Gunpowder River Stream Report

Theaux Le Gardeur — Sat, 11 Jan 2025 19:20:53 +0000

The trails are, well, icy! The Gunpowder River is flowing at 33.1 Cfs and is 39.7 degrees F. The wind has knocked down but the condition of the parking lots is still questionable. If one is feeling hemmed in, Monday may well be the best day to get out in a very narrow window of weather. While a bit early for little black stoneflies, black flies should be around in the next few weeks. Until then, nymph on and be careful out there!

Backwater Angler’s Holiday Top Ten Fly Fishing Gifts

Theaux Le Gardeur — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 20:25:08 +0000

It’s that time of the year folks and we have some products worthy of your consideration: 1. Gift Certificates for the hard to shop for regular or a newcomer to the sport! 2. Patagonia Forra Wading Boots-when it’s time for some new and lucky kicks! 3. Backwater Angler Personalized Fly Selection to round out your gear. 4. Patagonia Early Rise Snap Shirt-The original is still going 20 Years strong! 5. Patagonia Wading Pants-Featuring just enough coverage for the Gunpowder 6. Abel Vaya Reel in Native Brown Or Native Brook Trout-When it’s hard to pick just one. 7. G. Loomis NRX+ 9weight rod-one rod that does ...

Gunpowder River Stream Report

Theaux Le Gardeur — Sat, 23 Nov 2024 15:46:49 +0000

Much needed rain has arrived this week and the wind has finally knocked down. The Gunpowder River is flowing at an ideal 94.9 CFs and is clear with a little greenish tint. Water temps have been hovering around is 50.9 F and with higher flows will not likely warm up much throughout the day. Fishing streamers? Tossing a mix of zonkers and wooly buggers towards the wood is a good bet. For die hard nymphers, green weenies and unweighted pheasant tails are working fine. If your making the trek up to the dam get ready for midges and bring some 7x. The trails are in ...

Backwater Angler Hats Refresh

Theaux Le Gardeur — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 22:59:34 +0000

After more than a few sweltering days, it might be time for one to consider a fresh lid! These just dropped and are available in Navy, Gray, Royal Blue and Black. Hats are made of 100% recycled polyester twill, unstructured, low-profile, and have hook and loop closures. Always Lucky! Wear one proudly on your next trip afar and get ready for someone unknown to you, to say, “Do you fish the Gunpowder too?” Stop in before they are gone or order one or more online! Backwater Angler Hats

Ides of March Gunpowder River Stream Report

Theaux Le Gardeur — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 21:06:32 +0000

The Gunpowder River is flowing at 100 Cfs and 48 degrees F. Soft hackles on the swing are producing and fish are rising to BWO’s and Midges.That said, using a longer leader ending in 6X is always a good idea on the Gunpowder! Thanks to Will-who took this great shot and served as the net man for the lucky guy (name to follow) that connected with this chunky Wild Brown-look at that Heron strike! With the flows up it was caught in the flat water in the Catch and Release section. Please note the lower River-5 fish a day section is under Closure 1 and ...

Ross San Miguel Reels In-Stock!

Theaux Le Gardeur — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 21:22:15 +0000

If you’ve ever balked at how light modern fly reels can be, have started fishing Bamboo and want a more refined, classic look, or have taken to fishing with a 9ft or longer fly rod, (think Euro-nymphing) these reels are worthy of your attention. https://backwaterangler.com/product/ross-reels-san-miguel-reel/ Description from Ross: Since Ross Reels started in 1973, there has been one model that epitomizes what a Ross Reel is: the San Miguel. It defined the ultimate in class and finesse, and now, over two decades since it was first launched, the classic returns…”

Winston Bamboo Fly Rod 7′ 9″ 5wt 3/2 Serial #4366

Theaux Le Gardeur — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 19:34:35 +0000

Likely the last rod out of the “old factory” (Airplane Hanger) in Twin Bridges Montana. It’s a new 3 piece, 2 tip, hex rod featuring a cigar grip with an uplocking boxelder burl reel seat that needs a good home. This from R. L. Winston: The use of bamboo dates to our founding in 1929, when Robert Winther and Lew Stoner began innovating with the material, and eventually patented the hollow-fluting process we still use today. The craftsmanship is legendary. The performance is something every angler should experience. Bamboo is part of Winston’s DNA. Please call us or your nearest dealer for current availability and ...

Holiday Hours for the Week of December 18th

Theaux Le Gardeur — Sun, 17 Dec 2023 20:00:47 +0000

We will be open the week of December 18th on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10-3 and extended hours Friday and Saturday 10-5: Tuesday the 19th (10-3) Wednesday the 20th (10-3) Thursday the 21st (10-3) Friday the 22nd (10-5) Saturday the 23rd (10-5) We will be closed December 24th, 25th.

Holiday Hours for the Week of December 11th

Theaux Le Gardeur — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 22:12:43 +0000

You heard it here first folks! We will be open this Tuesday the 12th and Wednesday the 13th from 10AM till 3PM. That said, for anyone gracing our doors on either or both of those days and spending at least $100 we’ll be providing a $15 gift card to spread some early holiday cheer. Thanks in advance for shopping with us on days that we are typically, “Gone Fish’n.”

Thanksgiving Gunpowder River Stream Report

Theaux Le Gardeur — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 15:57:11 +0000

The Gunpowder river is clear and flowing at 88 Cfs and is 50 F. Streamers are a good way to connect especially around log jams and bend pools. We have sinking leaders in-stock that really help these patterns roll and tumble. With most of the leaves gone folks have once again found fish by returning to stonefly nymphs and zebra midges. As Gene Howson related a few years ago, “Please limit your wading this time of year, Fish are on redds, refrain from tail outs and gravel wantonly stepping through redds can jeopardize next year’s bounty of wild stream bred brown trout!” We are truly ...

Gunpowder River Fly Fishing Report

Theaux Le Gardeur — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 15:16:38 +0000

The Gunpowder RIver is flowing at an ideal 76 Cfs and 58 degrees F. Leaves are falling and fouling larger nymphs so try a few smallish, #16-18 soft hackles in the riffles. The first frost did little to knock out the crickets and hoppers so terrestrials are still worth a shot. Longer (10-12 ft) and lighter leaders ending in 6 or 7x will make a difference out there. That said, if one is “head hunting” larger fish-go heavy and consider picking up a 5 to 10ft sinking poly leader leader from Airflo and attaching 2 1/2 to 3ft or 4x Flouro tippet to guide the ...

End of August Shop Schedule

Theaux Le Gardeur — Sat, 19 Aug 2023 14:37:28 +0000

With everyone, even staff (my hat’s off to the guys pictured above- Dave, Jacob, Hudson, and Peter) who were so great to work with during the summer season. Great News-Hudson and Dave will be continuing into the fall! If you need to place an order online before September, we’ll still be shipping in-stock products including gift certificates during this time. Thanks to all of you who have supported the shop this season through some wildly strange weather! I gather that between us, we’re all trying to get some fishing in before school starts so we will have limited hours through the end of August as ...

Early May Gunpowder River Fishing Report

Theaux Le Gardeur — Sat, 06 May 2023 19:21:01 +0000

The Gunpowder River is clear and coming down nicely from 329 CFs on April 29th to a now ideal 103 CFs. Consequently water temps are rising a bit from a chilly 47.3 F and should be closer to the mid 50’s by the end of the weekend. We’re starting to see some clean gravel as the Didymo gets washed through. Swinging wets and nymphing other than drop-shotting is still tough and requires a lot of clearing between drifts and swings. A few Hendricksons and March Browns are still hanging on and have been returning on calmer, less windy days.Small Caddis and tiny Blue Winged Olives ...

April 29th Beginner’s Fly Fishing School

Theaux Le Gardeur — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 16:20:21 +0000

Early spring is the perfect time to learn how to fly fish. Please join us on Saturday, April 29th between 9 AM and 12 PM. Our Fly Fishing Schools are 3 hours long and included the use of gear. In the first half of the course we cover basic knots, casting skills, fly types and techniques for the river. Following instruction bank-side, during the second half we’ll practice the techniques on the water. One gets to try the four main techniques while fly fishing including: dry flies, wet flies, nymphs and streamers. Your guide will demonstrate and teach techniques that will help and prepare each ...

Gunpowder River Mid-April Fishing Report

Theaux Le Gardeur — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 15:59:02 +0000

The Gunpowder River is clear, flowing at 97 Cfs and is 48.5 degrees F. While we’ve seen just a few March Browns and Hendricksons by mid-day, windy afternoons have kept them largely off the water until well into the afternoon. That said, BWO’s in the #20-22 range have been peeling off in the mornings with little fanfare. Because the trees are still leafing out, shade is still hard to come by making for tough conditions on bright days so starting early or late is one’s best bet. Didymo has been the real story of late and is still making it difficult to fish the gravel ...

Backwater Angler Celebrates 22 Years

Theaux Le Gardeur — Sat, 01 Apr 2023 16:38:25 +0000

We quietly celebrated our 22nd Shop Birthday last month! Thanks to all, both old and new that have helped us reach this milestone! We could not have been successful without your support and loyalty. Fishing continues to improve on the Gunpowder as flows have been around the 60 Cfs range of late and river water temps are swinging upwards towards the magic #. Nymphing has been consistent with stonefly and attractor patterns in the #18-20 range. If the wind dies down try some tiny BWO’s between Masemore and Bunkerhill or a few black flies above Falls. A Bald Eagle sited well downstream of Corbett Rd. ...

March 25th Beginner’s Fly Fishing School

Theaux Le Gardeur — Sat, 18 Mar 2023 20:53:59 +0000

Early spring is the perfect time to learn how to fly fish. We have 4 spots available on Saturday, March 25th. Our Fly Fishing Schools are 3 hours long and included the use of gear. In the first half of the course we cover basic knots, casting skills, fly types and techniques for the river. Following instruction bank-side, during the second half we’ll practice the techniques on the water. One gets to try the four main techniques while fly fishing including: dry flies, wet flies, nymphs and streamers. Your guide will demonstrate and teach techniques that will help and prepare each individual for a trip ...

St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Gunpowder River Fishing Report

Theaux Le Gardeur — Sat, 18 Mar 2023 18:56:26 +0000

This week the Gunpowder River has been clear. It has dropped in flow from 106 Cfs on the 14th to 61.6 Cfs on the 18th.Consequently the River is warming up a bit from 42.44 degrees F on the 14th to 46.5 degrees F on the 18th. Bright and windy days have resulted in tough fishing on the Gunpowder. That said, tiny BWO’s, Little Black and Brown Stoneflies and a March Brown or two have been coming off between gusts. Fishing small, unweighted streamers that can be cast and drifted along the log jams are always a good bet. Nymphing has been challenging as the Didymo ...

Gunpowder River Stream Report

Theaux Le Gardeur — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 19:27:34 +0000

The Gunpowder River is clearing, dropping from 105 CFS and is 43.5 F. Small streamers and jig nymphs have been working fine. It’s been a bit too windy to fish with small dries. But with water temps on the rise we are certainly getting closer to seeing some Little Black Stoneflies, Black Flies and BWO’s coming off. Midge cluster patters like Griffith’s typically work fine and will keep one from squinting. A peacock elk hair caddis is a great searching pattern especially when using hopper-dropper style with a #18-22 zebra midge trailing the dry. Please note: The shop will be closed on Saturday the 18th ...

The Shop will be Closed Until Monday the 13th

Theaux Le Gardeur — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 14:32:22 +0000

The shop will be closed till Monday the 13th.

Shop Hours for the week of Monday, January 16th

Theaux Le Gardeur — Sat, 14 Jan 2023 19:28:54 +0000

The shop will be closed on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of the week of January 16 and will reopen on Thursday the 19th at 10 AM.

December 7 Gunpowder River Fishing Report

Theaux Le Gardeur — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 21:55:08 +0000

On Pearl Harbor Day, the Gunpowder is clear, low, flowing at 65 CFs and is 48 Degrees F. After a hard frost earlier in the week, the trails are in great shape and ready to be trodden. Midges and tiny Blue Winged Olives are making up the bulk of the “hatches”. Zebra midges are worth a shot! One will stay warmer fishing streamers as long as one keeps moving. As Hudson suggested over the holidays, with water temps dropping, leaky waders will make themselves known…To that end we have waders from Patagonia that will fit the bill. If you made it through summer without a ...

Abel TR 4/5 Fly Reels in Native Brook, Native Brown and Native Rainbow in stock!

Theaux Le Gardeur — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 16:20:11 +0000

If one could only justify needing another trout reel, the Abel TR series is a winner! Among the awards bestowed on them in the past few years; “Best Freshwater Fly Reel” at the AFFTA Show in 2018, and two Best Awards from both Outdoor Canada Magazine-“Best of Show” and “Best New Trout Reel” from Fly Fisherman’s Gear Guide in 2019. We humbly assert that these will fit in a stocking whether alone or nestled together, will outlast your favorite fly rod-technology is the devil…and are worthy of your frank consideration and attention and are in-stock until they’re gone. Please note, pictures are of in-stock reels ...

Holiday Hours, Streamers and Well Wishes!

Theaux Le Gardeur — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 18:28:55 +0000

The Gunpowder river is clear and flowing at 82 Cfs and is 52 F. Streamers are a good way to connect especially around log jams and bend pools. We have sinking leaders in-stock that really help these patterns roll and tumble. With most of the leaves gone folks have once again found fish by returning to nymphing jigs and zebra midges. Please limit your wading this time of year, wantonly stepping through redds can jeopardize next year’s bounty of wild stream bred brown trout! We are truly thankful of your support this season and wish everyone a peaceful and restful holiday! The shop will be ...

Last of the Terrestrials on the Gunpowder River

Theaux Le Gardeur — Fri, 21 Oct 2022 18:12:23 +0000

The Gunpowder River is flowing at 40 CFs, is clear and reaching 55 degrees F. Fortunately this week’s light frost did not put a stop to the last of the terrestrials. If one still has ants and beetles and maybe a small hopper in the summer box, now is the time to use them. Consider a small dropper off of something you can see-as smaller hooks catch fewer leaves this time of year. Folks have also been connecting with traditional unweighted streamers especially in the logjams and bend pools. Low water typically mean a longer walk that can be worthwhile as long as one uses ...

Lows Flows on the Gunpowder River and lots of Small Wild Fish

Theaux Le Gardeur — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 19:02:42 +0000

With water levels returning to a somewhat “fall normal”, The Gunpowder River of flowing at 43.7 CF s and is swinging between 54 and almost 58 degrees. As long as one doesn’t pick a bright day you’ll be greeted by lots of eager yearlings and young of the year-even smaller wild trout clobbering small terrestrial patterns. Longer leaders ending in 6and sometimes 7x can make a big difference in low flows. If the idea of squinting evinces a wince, give the pocket water a go above Falls Rd! It is fun section to fish this time of year especially with larger terrestrials and dropper rigs. ...

Sept 9 Hours Update

Theaux Le Gardeur — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 13:25:11 +0000

The shop will open Friday, September 9 at 12 PM.

Labor Day Weekend Gunpowder River Fly Fishing Report

Theaux Le Gardeur — Sat, 03 Sep 2022 16:58:00 +0000

The Gunpowder River is low at 43.7 Cfs and is swinging from 54 in the morning up to almost 58F. That said, longer leaders in the 10 to 11 ft ending in 7x have been productive in the shade. Small, not large, terrestrials will produce this time of year. Small beetles, CDC and foam ants should be in your box. Henryville caddis, tiny BWO’s and midge cluster patterns are all worth a shot. Unweighted streamers are also fun especially when fished upstream rather than on a swing. With leaves just turning get out while you can… Please note: The shop will be closed this Sunday ...

September 24th Beginner’s Fly Fishing School

Theaux Le Gardeur — Sat, 03 Sep 2022 16:24:23 +0000

Early fall is the perfect time to learn how to fly fish. We have 4 spots available on Saturday, September 24. Our Fly Fishing Schools are 3 hours long and included the use of gear. In the first half of the course we cover basic knots, casting skills, fly types and techniques for the river. Following instruction bankside, during the second half we’ll practice the techniques on the water. One gets to try the four main techniques while fly fishing including: dry flies, wet flies, nymphs and streamers. Our guides will go over the techniques and help each individual to best prepare them for a ...

September 17th Beginner’s Fly Fishing School

Theaux Le Gardeur — Sat, 03 Sep 2022 16:15:17 +0000

Early fall is the perfect time to learn how to fly fish. We have 4 spots available on Saturday, September 17. Our Fly Fishing Schools are 3 hours long and included the use of gear. In the first half of the course we cover basic knots, casting skills, fly types and techniques for the river. Following instruction bankside, during the second half we’ll practice the techniques on the water. One gets to try the four main techniques while fly fishing including: dry flies, wet flies, nymphs and streamers. Our guides will go over the techniques and help each individual to best prepare them for a ...

Late April Gunpowder River Stream Report

Theaux Le Gardeur — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 18:46:51 +0000

Water levels in the Gunpowder have been falling steadily from the 180’s last week to 110 mid-week and are plateauing a little below 70 Cfs and well into ideal wading and fishing conditions. With the cold nights seemingly hanging on water temps have been swinging down from 56-57 F earlier this week to 49.5 F this morning. As to hatches, we’ve seen a few speckled, gray winged caddis and tiny Blue Winged Olives. Find time to explore the tributaries bounded by Mt.Laurels and Rhododendrons and fringed by Mayapples. Now is the time to fish below the confluence of these small noisy runs moving groundwater from ...

April 8 Gunpowder River Stream Report

Theaux Le Gardeur — Fri, 08 Apr 2022 17:58:43 +0000

Unsettled weather carries cold fronts passing, April showers in full swing and the Gunpowder River rising. Looking skyward to catch a notion of light and a bit of blue foretelling of fair winds ahead I send a wish upstairs that my garden plot may dry out enough so I can get back to working the soil…That said the Gunpowder River is flowing at 277 Cfs and falling. That’s 277 cubic feet, say the size of a basketball, pouring over one’s favorite rock through the Upper Gorge every second. Unless it’s a bank fishing outing that’s mighty quick through the narrow upper river corridor.If you have ...

March 31 Gunpowder River Fishing Report

Theaux Le Gardeur — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 14:46:45 +0000

March went out like a Lion!–Quiet on the Gunpowder River before the storm this eve…I felt very thankful to take in a Bald Eagle with a wriggling Northern Watersnake, a Kingfisher flitting between the Sycamores, and a few wild fish sipping tiny Blue Winged Olives.The Gunpowder River is waking up and on the rise! The River is flowing at 100 Cfs and rising and is holding between 48 and 46.5 degrees. By Saturday the heavy rains and resulting flows will have moved through the upper River creating ideal conditions for nymphing or swinging small streamers in the #6-10 range on sink-tips. Over the weekend the ...