gear

Chota Hybrid High-Top Boot Review

As winter 2021 drags on I can’t help but daydream of the approaching summer. When wet wading season finally rolls around I know I’ll be relying heavily on the Chota Hybrid High Top wading boot. I had the pleasure of wearing these boots on a trip to Wyoming last summer and found them invaluable.  These boots are lightweight, fast draining, and fast drying. They pair perfectly with a simple neoprene wading sock for a full day of summer hiking and fishing. They also come in at a great price point of $129.99 making them a versatile value item! https://backwaterangler.com/product/chota-hybrid-hi-top-rubber-sole-boot/

Holiday Season Fishing Report

Flows on the Gunpowder have been favorable recently, fluctuating between 60-120cfs.  This provides enough water to make the fish feel comfortable, but not so much that wading is too difficult.  That being said, please use care when walking the banks of the river as recent snows have formed a lot of ice.  This is particularly true for rocky sections such as the boulder pools above the Falls rd access point where the sunlight rarely reaches the trail deep in the river valley. As for the fishing, it seems to be improving as December progresses.  On days when the water level is rising streamer fishing tends …

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Filson Ridgeway Fleece Clothing in Maryland

Come stop by to see the new clothing with the Backwater Angler logo. Check out the Filson Ridgeway Fleece vest with Polartec Thermal Pro in brown and dark blue. We also have the Filson Ridgeway Fleece jackets with Polartec Thermal Pro in gray. https://backwaterangler.com/product/filson-ridgeway-fleece-vest/   The silver Backwater Angler really pops on the dark blue vest.   We also have Filson Ridgeway Fleece jackets in gray with an orange Backwater Angler logo. https://backwaterangler.com/product/filson-ridgeway-fleece-jacket/

Abel Artistic Finish Fly Reels

Come check out the 7 new Abel reels that just came in, 5 Vaya, 1 SDS, and 1 TR. We know have a total of 14 Abel reels in stock!! Abel TR Reel The detailing of the native brook trout on the TR 2/3 reel makes for a beautiful finish. This design requires at least 7 hours of hand painted craftsmanship. The return of a classic. The new Abel TR stays true to the roots of the original, but with a striking modern design and feel. The partial porting of the frame draws from the Abel lineage, and its unique features are as inventive as …

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Dog Days Fly Fishing on the Gunpowder River

The release from Prettyboy remains 29 Cfs, with the water temperature starting in the mid 50’s. Progressive stain in the water downstream from Masemore after localized thunderstorms. Nymphing is worth shot, the smaller the better. Terrestrial can still be effective especially in the riffles. Thanks to Warner for the great stream report! Hey guys,  Just checking in after a nice afternoon/evening on the Gunpowder after my recent Abel reel purchase.  Big thank you to Gene for his continued support and patience as he answers my numerous questions about gear and fly presentations.  He also was instrumental in helping me find this rod/reel combo of a Winston …

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Mid July Gunpowder River Stream Report

The Gunpowder is 29 cfs, clear and water temperatures start the day at 53-54 and can swing up to the low 60’s on hot sunny days. Since Wednesday evening the releases from Prettyboy dam have dropped from 85 to sub 30cfs. All of a sudden this presents a much changed river. There are little to no sulphurs and much reduced numbers of caddis around compared to 2 weeks ago. Now many fish have switched their attention to midges and terrestrials like ants and beetles along the banks. On darker days or after some rain, try swinging a small streamer. The trout are active and will …

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