Jason du Pont - BACKWATER ANGLER

Heat Wave Fly Fishing On The Gunpowder

July 21, 2011

The heat this week is approaching triple digits, but the Gunpowder River is still well below the threshold where trout become stressed by warm water. The upper reaches are still below 50 degrees in the morning, and may climb into the sixties in the mid to lower accesses of the catch and release sections. Areas below Bluemount Rd are likely to be too warm for fishing, so consider taking a water temp before fishing. Generally the trout become less active once the water gets into the 68-70 degree range, so fishing farther up river will be far more productive, and less stressful on the trout. …

Another Release On The Gunpowder River

June 23, 2011

The shop received an update that a release was made this morning at Prettyboy Dam. The latest release is an attempt to draw down reservoir levels to eliminate spillover. When reservoir levels drop below the lip of the dam, the release will be cut back to a lower flow. Flows are expected to level out at 100 CFs through the weekend into early next week. Water temps are fluctuating from the low to mid fifties through the day. Caddis and sulphurs are still hatching midday, and bringing fish to surface. Nymphs are working well, and anglers should consider fishing midge or nymph patterns down to …

Simms Vibram Rubber Soled Wading Boots In Stock

June 18, 2011

This Spring the shop received numerous shipments of Simms boots, and with the felt sole ban in effect in Maryland, boots moved quickly in the shop. Many anglers commented that they were both pleased, and a little surprised at how well the new rubber soles performed. The positive feedback on the traction of these boots, in all variety of terrain anglers encounter, has been a big selling point. Limiting the spread of aquatic invasive species has become the biggest driving force for anglers in PA, VA, DC, DE, who are converting from felt to rubber without bans in those states. Many of us in the …

Cold Water Release On The Gunpowder

June 14, 2011

The Gunpowder River flow climbed into the 600 CFs range over the weekend. A release was made to stop the hot spillover, which began after a thunder storm produced heavy rains. The water temp rose into the low seventies, but quickly dropped when the valve was opened. Flows are now back to a normal 103 CFs, and a chilly 50 degrees. Sulphurs and caddis are still bringing fish to the surface, and small nymphs will work when the hatch slows. A black Zonker worked well for me on the Gunpowder, as the flow dropped yesterday evening. A few days ago I decided to try my …

Higher Flows On The Gunpowder River

June 11, 2011

Flows were bumped up to 65 CFs at Falls Road on the Gunpowder River. Currently the gauge is down, but the water is flowing at good levels. Water temps climb from 48 degrees to around 58 during the afternoon. The change in flow and fluctuation in temps has the sulphurs hatching midday. I guided an angler yesterday, and we encountered a quick sulphur hatch from 1-3pm. One of our other guides was out in the morning, and reported seeing sulphurs hatching all morning. The evening is still a good time to catch a spinnerfall. Many anglers reported rising trout after 7:30 until dark. The river …

Warm Water Fly Fishing In Maryland

June 9, 2011

There are many warm water fishing options in Central Maryland during the Summer months. Anglers can fish large reservoirs, ponds, rivers and even small streams across the state. Once June arrives I start to spend a day or two a week exploring numerous warm water hotspots. I went over to Loch Raven Reservoir last week armed with my 1 weight Scott fiber glass rod. I quickly located a fallen tree swarming with crappies. My camera was dead, so it was just an hour of catching and releasing a few dozen “paper mouths.” A few days later I returned to the area to find the fish …