fishing report - BACKWATER ANGLER

Summer Fly Fishing on the Gunpowder River

July 16, 2009

Yes folks the water is low, but the only surefire way to catch a few is to go fly fishing. Today the Gunpowder is clear, 56F and is flowing at 31 CFs. The fish in the stretch above Falls have been keying in on beetles. If you’re an early riser, try a few flying ants in the flat water between Masemore and Bunkerhill. Bluemount Rd access downstream has a bit more flow and the water is warmer, so a small streamer might be in order.Thanks to Creighton for the following kind words: Theaux/Jason, My father, Jim Byrnes, loves the Gunpowder and has to stop by …

Fly Fishing Western Maryland Rivers: July Fishing Report

July 13, 2009

The Savage and North Branch of the Potomac Rivers are down to easier wading levels and conditions are great on both rivers. On a recent July trip, I guided and fished both rivers over the week. My fourth outing to Western Maryland this year brought yet again different conditions, but plenty of options for fishing. The Savage flows were clear at 70 Cfs and fish were less willing to rise to larger dries, than previous high water levels. In many flat water areas fish were sipping tiny Blue Wing Olive spinners through the afternoon and refusing everything that wasn’t an exact match. I always bring …

Low Cold Flows, Caddis and Terrestrials

July 8, 2009July 8, 2009

Though the low flows on the Gunpowder are making a stealthy approach necessary, the fishing has not been that tough. The water is low, clear, and cold (in the low 50’s), so long leaders in the 12-13 foot range and 7X tippet have been necessary. Fishing the riffle water with small caddis and terrestrials, and staying away from flat water has been productive. Small tan elk hair caddis, beetles, and small hoppers have been fooling fish throughout the catch-and-release section. On a recent evening outing to the upper section, I saw very few caddis hatching, but I had many fish eagerly take a caddis emerger …

Fly Fishing in High Water on the Savage River

July 8, 2009July 8, 2009

The Savage River was at high water levels all Spring, and angling pressure has been extremely light during my previous trips. The Savage was dropping from the 400 Cfs range during the last week of June, so I made the trip for a few days fishing. The Savage River was impressive at a steady 330 Cfs and the roar was deafening. At first glance the river looked unwadeable, possibly unfishable, but both were possible in the right spots. A variety of insects were hatching in the rough flows including March Browns, Blue Quills, Olives, Caddis, Light Cahills and Sulphurs. The fishing and wading were challenging, but the water temps were at optimal levels in the 56-58 degree range. The …

July Fly Fishing on the Gunpowder River

July 6, 2009

The Gunpowder is cold in the low 50s in the upper catch & release water and low to mid 60s in the 2- trout-a-day water below Little Falls. Flow is currently in the mid 30 Cfs range at Falls Rd and mid 70 Cfs range at Glencoe Rd. Baltimore City continues to work on Prettyboy Dam, so flows may be limited for some time, as divers are working deep underwater during the weekdays. Recent fluctuations in the afternoons and weekends successfully off loaded water to prevent excess warm spill over from entering the river, and diluting the cold bottom release. Low water has not prevented …

The Shop Will Be Open Through the Holiday Weekend

July 2, 2009

The Gunpowder is clear, cold and flowing at 32 Cfs. Caddis and terrestrials are working in the riffles, while nymphs and streamers are catching fish in deeper holes. Zebra midges, caddis emergers and small midge dries are catching fish in slow moving areas. A long 12 foot leader tapering to 6x or 7x is best in these low water conditions. Backwater Angler will be open at its regular business hours this weekend. Friday the 3rd, 10 am-6 pm. Saturday the 4th, 8 am-4 pm. Sunday the 5th, 8 am-4 pm.