Author Archives: Gene Howson

FAQ About Governor Hogans Stay At Home Order Related To Fishing

We’ve been getting many calls with questions on how the stay at home order affects their fishing and recreational pursuits. Whilst we’re not in a position to give an opinion on it we have asked for further clarification. As for now here is the latest from them.

March 31, 2020

Governor Hogan has issued a Stay at Home Order in response to the global COVID-19 public health crisis. While there are certain exceptions for essential functions, the primary intent of the order is for people to stay at home in order to limit the spread of the virus.

With that in mind, here is some additional guidance in response to questions the department has received. This is current guidance and subject to change throughout the duration of the public health emergency.

Can I go fishing?

Limited fishing is allowed if you are seeking food for you or your family, but the social distancing guidelines and the prohibition on social gatherings must be strictly followed.

Can I go boating?

Recreational boating is prohibited until the governor lifts the executive order or until the State of Emergency has ended. However, if an individual is boating to seek food for them or their family, boating is permitted. Boats used to transport essential employees or goods as defined in the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce are also permitted.

Does kayaking or paddle boarding count as recreational boating?

Since kayaking and paddle boarding are a form of exercise, they are permitted under the executive order. Guidance on social distancing and the prohibition on social gatherings must be strictly followed.

Can I go to a state park?

Hiking, biking, and walking are allowed under the executive order but social distancing guidelines and the prohibition on social gatherings must be strictly followed. Most state parks are open but some have been closed or have restricted areas. Please choose a park nearest your home to limit travel and be sure to check our website before you leave for the park and read our guidelines for social distancing in state parks. Natural Resources Police and Maryland Park Service rangers are authorized to enforce the governor’s executive order and will close areas and disperse crowds as necessary.

Can you fish in a state park?

Limited fishing is allowed if you are seeking food for you or your family, but the social distancing guidelines and the prohibition on social gatherings must be strictly followed.

Can you fish/crab from a boat if it is for sustenance?

Limited recreational fishing and crabbing is allowed if you are seeking food for you or your family, but social distancing guidelines and the prohibition on social gatherings must be strictly followed.

For the page in full here is the link: https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2020/03/31/frequently-asked-questions-about-governor-hogans-stay-at-home-order/

 

Late March Gunpowder Fishing Report

The Gunpowder is running nicely at 110 cfs and warming from 45 early in the morning towards 50 degrees F.

With spring feeling like it’s here and the current requirement for ‘social distancing’ the park has been busy with people enjoying the outdoors and trout anglers are no different.

Young angler Jacob Warner has been out plenty recently:

The trout have been active and very hungry in the Gunpowder. Trout can be seen aggressively feeding on stoneflies and midges throughout slower water, with an occasional sulphur being taken. Nymphing has been an effective tactic as well, although the excessive amounts of Didymo presently in the water (particularly around Falls road and above) can make it a tedious process. 

 

 

 

Mid March Gunpowder Fishing Report

The Gunpowder is at 72cfs, clear and 43 degrees F swinging up to 47 F.

Little black stoneflies size 16 have been coming off and the fish are looking for them during the warmer part of the day.

Plentiful midges and the very occasional mayfly has been reported by customers including some small sulphurs! I would imagine the warm winter we’ve had can bring the hatches forward, we saw a similar thing occur in spring 2017 after a warm winter. Don’t be without some unseasonable patterns on the river just in case.

With the water being so clear and many of the fish holding in shallow water, fishing a dry dropper has been effective as you can present a nymph well without getting close enough to spook them.

 

Beginners Fly Fishing School

Please join us for a fly fishing school. On Saturday the 18th of April 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 9:00-12:00pm. 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 size is limited to 4 and pre-registration is required. Please give us a call at 410-357-9557 to pre-register.

Beginners Fly Fishing School

Please join us for a fly fishing school. On Saturday the 11th of April 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 9:00-12:00pm. 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 size is limited to 4 and pre-registration is required. Please give us a call at 410-357-9557 to pre-register.

Beginners Fly Fishing School

Please join us for a fly fishing school. On Saturday the 4th of April 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 9:00-12:00pm. 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 size is limited to 4 and pre-registration is required. Please give us a call at 410-357-9557 to pre-register.

Fresh Arrival of Scott Rods in Maryland!

Right in time for spring fishing, we’ve checked in a fantastic rod selection from Scott including:

  • 9′ 4wt Radian
  • 9′ 5wt Radian
  • 9′ 6wt Radian
  • 9′ 4wt G
  • 8′ 8″ 3wt G
  • 9′ 4wt Radian
  • 9′ 5wt Radian
  • 9′ 6wt Radian
  • 9′ 8wt Sector
  • 9′ 9wt Sector
  • 9′ 8wt Tidal

Stop in the shop to cast& see what they’re all about, available for online purchase aswell!

https://www.backwaterangler.com/product/scott-radian/

Scott G Series

Scott Sector

Scott Tidal

 

 

 

Beginners Fly Fishing School

Please join us for a fly fishing school. On Saturday the 28th of March 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 11:00-2:00pm. 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 size is limited to 4 and pre-registration is required. Please give us a call at 410-357-9557 to pre-register.

Second Hand Fly Rods For Sale!

With the river looking like it’ll be ripping this weekend we have some deals on used rods for your consideration.

    • Sage DS 905-2 (2 piece) $125  SOLD

SOLD

    • Sage DS 909-2 (2 piece) $100
    • Scott STS 908/3 (3 piece) $450 SOLD
    • T & T VE 904-3  (3 piece) $400 
    • St Croix Legend Elite 905-4 (Demo Model) $200

SOLD

  • St Croix Imperial 905-4 $150  SOLD
  • Orvis Clearwater Full Flex 5.5 7’9″ 5wt 2pc $100 SOLD
  • Echo E3 7’6″ 3wt $150

Or alternatively a new with lifetime warranty 7’6″ 3wt NRX LP 40% off at $432. SOLD

 

Superbowl Weekend Fishing Report on the Gunpowder

The river is at 90cfs and water temps around 40 degrees F, very clear.

With water temperatures dropping under 40 on colder nights, the fishing has usually been slow. That said, river levels are ideal and with mild winter temperatures, more little black stoneflies should be coming off getting the trouts attention. Fishing a small pheasent tail, prince or frenchie nymph (16-22) close to the bottom will catch fish most consistently. Didymo is starting to really take hold on the rocks above Falls road up to the dam; setting up a drop shot rig is a good way to get around the snot getting all over your flies.