Theaux Le Gardeur - BACKWATER ANGLER

Baltimore City DPW and Gunpowder River Flooding

October 13, 2013October 10, 2013

A full Baltimore City Reservoir and a Nor’easter that brought rain to the Hereford Zone last evening through today combined to create a spillover event at Prettyboy Dam. The Gunpowder River flow rose from 75 Cfs to over 1,190 Cfs. Water temperatures also moved up sharply from 56 to 66 F. This photo taken last night shows a full Reservoir while the storm approached the area. With relatively no freeboard (or buffer) at Prettyboy Dam, and heavy localized rainfall, spillover and related severe flooding occurred throughout the Hereford Area of Gunpowder State Park impacting the riparian habitat of the Gunpowder River. For weeks the River …

When One Wild Fish is Sometimes Enough

October 5, 2013

The Gunpowder is flowing at 104 CFS is clear and 56 to 58F. With River flows and water temps up, wild fish don’t have nearly as long to study flies and they will be snapping at well presented dries. For now, plan on ditching the 7 and 8x and enjoy fishing some more reasonable ( 9 ft 4 and 5x) leaders and tippet (5x and 6x) for now. Larger hopper patterns and heavy streamers will account for a number of fish at these flows. Nymphing with some shot and a double nymph rig-like a copper John followed by a small hare’s ear will do the …

A Rainbow and a BWA Hat

October 1, 2013September 29, 2013

Thanks to Jeff for the stream report and pics from August 19 and for picking up his new Patagonia Stealth Hip Pack this weekend. We hope it’s lucky for you Jeff!: Hey Theaux, Do you have an opinion of the Patagonia Stealth Hip Pack or have them in stock? I’ve been fishing a Fishpond chest pack for a few years now and while fishing the North Brach this week I thought how nice it would be to keep the weight off my back. Also I fished in the rain for a few hours on Sunday and the chest pack, along with my gear inside got …

Tricos and a Brookie on the Gunpowder River

October 1, 2013September 27, 2013

Thanks to Max for the nice shots of a trico in a web and this beautiful native Brookie from the Masemore Rd access. The Gunpowder is flowing at 31 CFS is low, clear and swinging from 50 to 53F. No shortage of small flies and rising fish are showing along the catch and release area. Tricos have been late. As the water warms up, spend some extra time adding some 7x. It’s tough to see those tiny flies even on a short cast, so consider tying the flies onto a fly you can readily see. Elk hair caddis in a #14-16 or a foam ant …

Beginner’s Fly Fishing School on October 12

October 1, 2013September 26, 2013

Please join us for a fly fishing school. On Saturday, October 12th, 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 $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 …

Low Water Rainbow Trout on the Gunpowder River

October 1, 2013September 22, 2013

Thanks to Mike for the stream report and picture Hello Theaux, I left your shop and went down to the River with Chuck. We fished up to the sharp bend above the bridge and picked up a few fish. I missed several surface strikes while fishing the caddis. I had Chuck swinging a streamer. We walked down stream and fished-low water. I had switched over to a nymph rig and had fish swiping at the strike indicator. I quickly tied on a cricket and smacked it on the water and this rainbow hammered it. Caught a few smaller browns near some dead falls farther down …