Streamers and Nymphs in the Rain on the Gunpowder River

The Gunpowder River is clear, 53 degrees F. and has just dropped in flow from 104 Cfs to 48 CFS. I spent a very enjoyable morning fishing with Tom. We saw a Great Blue Heron, Kingfishers and a Bald Eagle and plenty of fish rising to tricos and a few caddis. That said, water temps have dropped a bit and nymphing might be a better approach through the weekend. Tiny BWO’s and zebra midges-the smaller the better as leaves are starting to drop. This time of year Terrestrials fished among the leaves is always a good bet. Thanks to Alex McCrickard for the excellent (per …

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Beginner’s Fly Fishing School on October 23

Please join us for a fly fishing school. On Sunday, October 23, 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 AM till 1:00 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 …

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Fly Fishing School on Saturday the 22nd of October

Please join us for a fly fishing school. On Saturday, October 22, 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 AM till 1:00 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 …

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Clear water and Wild Fish on the Gunpowder

The Gunpowder River is clear, flowing at 127 Cfs and is 56.5 degrees F. With flows now dropping a bit after the rains this week, large streamers on a sink-tip have been working fine in the tailouts, bend pools and logjams. No need to fish 6x, bring your rain jacket and enjoy the fall weather along a River that supports wild fish and is surrounded by 2,500 acres of State park! Thanks to Gene for the stream report, photo and a Yorkshire take on the gloomy weather. The high, consistent flow the past week at around 130 cfs have been producing excellent subsurface fishing with …

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Great Flows and Ideal Water Temperatures along the Gunpowder River

The Gunpowder River is clear, flowing at 127 Cfs and is 57.5 degrees F. With flows up, heavy streamers and large terrestrials have been the ticket. Large nymphs such as Red Fox Squirrel and Hare’s Ear nymphs have been working fine in the riffles provided one puts on enough deep soft weight to slow them down. Thanks to Gene for the stream report and photo! It has been a week of fluctuating flows on the river due to low levels in Loch Raven demanding more water from Prettyboy dam along with daily spells of low flow Monday to Wednesday for annual electroshocking surveys. The DNR …

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Smash and Grab Sale at Backwater Angler!

Bad news folks! After 15 years in Monkton, and after moving this July a mere 1/5th of a mile closer to I-83 on Mt. Carmel Rd. in Parkton, we experienced our first smash and grab theft at the shop Tuesday morning at 5:31 AM. All told, we lost approximately $4, 500 combined between stolen inventory-including a mannequin and property damage that occurred during the break-in. If one had told me 15 years ago that I would need to have security cameras to protect a fly fishing store, I would not have believed them. For many folks in this tight knit River community it’s been quite …

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