Fly Fishing Tricos and Beetles to Wild Trout on Labor Day Weekend

The Gunpowder River is flowing at 78 CFS and is 55.5 degrees F. Conditions on the Gunpowder River are improving leading up to the holiday weekend! We’ve had quite a few guide trips this week with people new to the sport. Many have connected on dry flies patterns including Tricos and Olives in the upper catch and release section. For those that would rather see their flies before the fish take them and would rather not fish 7x wild fish will take terrestrials just fine. Josh Reider recently caught and released this beautiful wild brown in the two fish day stretch on a foam hi-vis …

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G. Loomis NRX review from Alaska

Thanks to Terry for the stream report, review and great shot from Alaska: Here’s the biggest of the week, 33” and 20lbs, from the Swishkak River in Katmai National Park, right where river empties into the saltwater. The silvers were big and shiny chrome. And packed up in knee-deep, clear water – just like bonefish in the Bahamas. Sight casting with 8wt (Loomis NRX that you sold me), was a delight. Saw every fish, every chase, every take – and then they’d go deep into the backing every single time! It was a terrific experience! All the best, Terry

Ants, Beetles and Trout

The Gunpowder River is gin clear and flowing at 78 CFS at 54 degrees F. This week ants, beetles and small grasshoppers have been fooling wild fish. A number of stocked rainbows have been caught as they move from the 5 fish a day section into the upper reach es of the River. Long leaders in the 10 ft to 12 ft range ending in 6x or 7x. Cloudy days have resulted in a few Blue winged Olives in the #18-22 range and we’re even seeing some Trico’s in the afternoon now that the water has warmed up a bit. Slate drake or two has …

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Fly Fishing for Carp

Thanks to Josh Reider for the great photo and stream report. This past weekend I was lucky enough to get up to the North Branch of the Susquehanna for a smallmouth trip. The day we fished we got on the water early, about 4:00AM. We had a blast fishing topwater flies and landed about five 4 pound smallmouth. As the sun got higher in the sky the topwater bite died off and were forced to start fishing streamers to the fish. Around lunch time we pulled up in a back eddy where there was a little bit of shade. About four bites into my turkey …

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Wild Browns and 53.5 degree Water in July on the Gunpowder River

The Gunpowder River is flowing at 106 Cfs is 53.5 F and gin clear. Fish are looking up for caddis and flying ants. Tricos are just starting at Masemore. Long leaders and 7x are a safe bet. Fish are holding in the shade. Terrestrials like Shenk’s hoppers and crickets are worth a look. Pheasant tails followed by a midge or midge larva pattern are a nice way to cover the riffles. Thanks to Josh for the pics of wild browns.

Beginner’s fly Fishing School

Please join us for a fly fishing school. On Sunday, July 13th, 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 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 school. Class …

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