Theaux Le Gardeur

Memorial Day Sulphurs on the Gunpowder River are Hatching–better Tivo the Indy 500!

Unless you have a Fly-O, and are content casting indoors in front of the tube on such a glorious day, Tivo the Indy 500 and check out the Gunpowder. Flyfishing near DC has never been easier. Just point the car a bit North, drive about an hour and step in carefully among the 5, 030 fish wild fish per mile that inhabit the upper reaches of the Big Gunpowder Falls river and enjoy. The river is flowing at 110 Cfs, is gin clear, and water temps are 62-64 F throughout the catch and release section. Warmer water temps, created by spillover are making the insects …

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Didymo, “Rock Snot” Stories Abound…

Thanks to Candus Thompson from the Baltimore Sun for her timely reporting on Didymo along the Gunpowder River. Alex Demetrich, from WJZ13 stopped in last week and spent some time in shop talking about invasives like Whirling disease and Didymo with Backwater Angler Staff members Theaux Le Gardeur and Jason du Pont. Later that night the information was broadcast during “The Environment” segment. Pat van dem Beemt, of the North County News also wrote a story on Didymo titled, “Rock Snot Reported Below PrettyBoy Dam.” We’ve also heard about Didymo from a number of Gunpowder regulars: Roman Kostrubiak, sent us this email in late April …

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Simms Headwaters Aquastealth Boot

They’re here! We’re celebrating the much anticipated arrival of the lightest and most versatile shoe Simms has offered in years. This new Simms Headwaters boot has an Aquastealth bottom. The upper is made of a NanoSphere, a Scholler technology that promotes easy cleaning. The shoe is an important option for fisherman concerned about spreading Didymo, (an invasive algae) and Whirling Disease Spores with ordinary felts. Coupled with Simms Hard Bite Studs, it’s a go-anywhere fly fishing boot. Buy a pair of Simms Headwater Aquastealth boots.

PrettyBoy Spillover in time for the Sulphur Hatch

The latest video post from Jason du Pont shows water building behind the dam this past week. Spillover points to excellent dry fly fishing. The river has moved up slightly from 41 Cfs to 50 Cfs. A recent gate change from 55ft to 15ft has warmed up the water a bit, coupled with spillover today, stream temps have moved up from the mid 50’s to closer to 60 throughout the catch and release section and fish are snapping at Caddis and Sulphurs. Now would be a great time to call the kid down the block and have him cut the grass…

Preakness Dry Fly Fishing

Now that folks can’t bring alcohol into the Grandstand during Preakness, consider heading for the infield of Pimilico for a cold one. If you’ve already placed your bet, (FYI: the park is also alcohol free) or try your luck on Gunpowder this weekend. You won’t find many horses in Gunpowder State Park or 90,000 people for that matter, but you will find Caddis, Sulphurs and lots of wild fish. Even with rain in the forecast, conditions will improve through the weekend as PrettyBoy Reservoir nears spillover. Water temps have been in the low to mid 50’s this week.The river is clear and flowing at 41 …

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Fly Fishing School

Please join us for a flyfishing school. On Sunday, June 15, a Backwater Angler Guide will be teaching a fly fishing school that is ideal for beginners. If you’re planning on flyfishing 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 11:00 AM till 2:00 PM. Cost is $100 per person and includes the use of gear. Class size is limited to 4 and pre-registration is required. Please give us a call at 410-329-6821 or drop us a line at info@backwaterangler.com to pre-register.