Theaux Le Gardeur

Labrador Brook Trout, Boron IIIX Fly Rods and Bauer CFX Reels Gear Review

Thanks to Neil Jacobs who just returned from a recent fly fishing trip for Brook Trout in Labrador for the pics, gear review of the Winston BIIIX and Bauer CFX series reels, and kind words: Theaux & Jennie, Thanks for moving me towards the Winston Boron IIIX rods–6 and 7 weights as well as the Bauer reels. In Labrador the 6wt landed 6 lb brook trout in very heavy water. But for me the best feature of the Borons was line management and line handling ability-particularly hitting small pockets in heavy water. The CFX3 Bauer reel never missed a beat when I landed a 18 …

Read more

Out of Tippet? Visit our Mighty Helpful Fly Shop

The light is fading and fish are rising in front of you in a shallow flat and they’ve just switched to emerges. You’ve just spotted a big fish hanging in a root ball and it’s time to change to that articulated streamer from you-know-where. The above photo is evidence that, after Sulphur season, my own kit needed a quick makeover. If yours looks like this in the middle of a spinner fall you won’t soon forget it. As they say, it’s a long walk back to the truck. Rest assured we have tippet and some mighty helpful folks who fish the river a few times …

Read more

Sulphurs, Caddis, Ants and a Bit more Water

The Gunpowder is flowing at 70 Cfs, is 52 F and gin clear above Bluemount. Josh Reider released this nice brown on the Gunpowder during a Sulphur hatch. The fish took a Caddis instead. As the weather gets a little warmer try a parachute ant or small hopper in the fast water-especially around rootballs and overhangs. The River is back up should remain at this level through the weekend. The gravel bars are covered with water but still very easy to wade. Everything gets a little easier when the river is full bank to bank-especially if you’re planning on floating. Streamers fished along shaded baks …

Read more

Low Flows, Warming Temps and Spinner Falls on the Gunpowder

The Gunpowder River is flowing at 30 CFs is 54 F and is clear above Bluemount Rd. Low flows this week have allowed the water to warm up from the 48 F range closer to the mid-50’s. Spinner Falls have been closer to dusk. Small Elk Hair Caddis in the #16-18 range and BWO’s in the #20-22 range have also accounted for a few fish. Seek out shade and consider picking up a pair of hippies the next time you are in the shop to keep your feet warm and the poison ivy at bay.

Fly Fishing School on June 29th

Please join us for a fly fishing school. On Saturday, June 29, 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 …

Read more

Memorial Day Gunpowder River Fishing Report

The Gunpowder River is flowing at a nice, stable 72 CFs and is 48 to 56 F throughout the catch and release section. The above picture is of Josh Reider-he’ll be in the shop tomorrow and knows the Gunpowder. The water is clear and the fish are taking Sulphurs sized #16 and Caddis in the #18 range with abandon. Snowshoe Rabbit Phunny Emergers and Unusuals will work fine in the riffles. Comparaduns and Bachkosky’s Para-Spinners are better choices in the flats. Last week MDDNR fisheries stocked the section above Falls Rd with 5, 000 fingerling rainbows. There is really no compelling reason to fish very …

Read more