April 8 Gunpowder River Stream Report

Unsettled weather carries cold fronts passing, April showers in full swing and the Gunpowder River rising. Looking skyward to catch a notion of light and a bit of blue foretelling of fair winds ahead I send a wish upstairs that my garden plot may dry out enough so I can get back to working the soil…That said the Gunpowder River is flowing at 277 Cfs and falling. That’s 277 cubic feet, say the size of a basketball, pouring over one’s favorite rock through the Upper Gorge every second. Unless it’s a bank fishing outing that’s mighty quick through the narrow upper river corridor.If you have …

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March 31 Gunpowder River Fishing Report

March went out like a Lion!–Quiet on the Gunpowder River before the storm this eve…I felt very thankful to take in a Bald Eagle with a wriggling Northern Watersnake, a Kingfisher flitting between the Sycamores, and a few wild fish sipping tiny Blue Winged Olives.The Gunpowder River is waking up and on the rise! The River is flowing at 100 Cfs and rising and is holding between 48 and 46.5 degrees. By Saturday the heavy rains and resulting flows will have moved through the upper River creating ideal conditions for nymphing or swinging small streamers in the #6-10 range on sink-tips. Over the weekend the …

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Vernal Spring Equinox on the Gunpowder River

The Gunpowder River this week after blessings from the vernal Spring Equinox-equal time dark to light. After 21 years along the River, I still find it hard to believe that 16 million people live within fours hours of this invaluable resource. In spite of this or maybe in part because of it, on most days, it’s still easy to spend time in quiet reflection among some of the oldest rock formations on the East coast and bear witness to the only other sounds of flowing waters and bird songs greeting the warming air.

Early Spring Gunpowder River Stream Report

The Gunpowder River is flowing at 78 Cfs, is 46 degrees F and is clear. With the last snow having retreated quickly, this week we’re back to sunshine and warming water temperatures. Look for wild fish in the tailouts and shallows taking tiny BWO’s and small stoneflies. Stop by to see our new Hi-Vis Klinkhammer that can do double duty alone or as a parachute lead fly to support an emerger. One might even chance upon a Hendrickson or early March Brown. The shop is full of new lines from Airflo including sinking polyleaders for those intent on fishing big streamers or trying for Shad.No …

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Beginner’s Fly Fishing School

Please join us for a fly fishing school. On Saturday, April 30, 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 9:00 AM-12:00 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 on the day of the school. Please consider looking at …

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Beginner’s Fly Fishing School

Please join us for a fly fishing school. On Saturday, April 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 9:00 AM-12:00 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 on the day of the school. Please consider looking at …

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