news

the news section is for shop events and programs

June Fly Fishing Schools!

With our Hatches in full effect the month of June is the perfect time to learn how to fly fish. We have 3 spots available on June 12th and on June 18th. Our Fly Fishing Schools includes a 3 hour course with all gear necessary to learn. In the first half of the course we go over our basic knots, casting skills, fly types and choices, and our techniques on the river. Following Instruction on the bank we practice our techniques on the water. You will get to try the 4 main techniques we use while fishing this river: dry flies, wet flies, nymphs and …

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Late May Fishing Report

With hot temperatures in the forecast we can only expect the fishing to heat up over the weekend! The river is flowing at 113 CFS and fluctuating between 55 and 62 degrees F. There have been great sulphur hatches throughout the day and into the evenings allowing for exceptional dry fly and wet fly fishing. Swinging wet flies like a partridge and yellow have been very effective throughout the warmer portions of the day. Into the evening this will continue to be effective however we begin to see more dry fly action as the day goes on. The heat this weekend could provoke some really …

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May Stream Report and New Shop Hours

The Gunpowder River is flowing at a beautiful 127 Cfs and fluctuating between 57 and 59 degrees throughout the day. The decreasing flow and warm temperatures have created incredible conditions for fishing of all kinds. Earlier in the day nymphing has been the most effective while imitating the mayfly nymphs. If you watch your waders you will see these bugs latched onto you as your day goes on. As the water warms up throughout the day more sulphurs have been hatching and the fish respond accordingly. Having several different patterns and patience are the key to fishing the hatches. Take your time through the pools …

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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.

Backwater Angler Celebrates 21 Years on Mardi Gras

The adage, “Time flies when you’re having fun,” clearly applies in the case of continuing Wally Vait’s On The Fly since 2001. While not necessarily an auspicious year to restart a retail specialty fly shop, many that year found solace and comfort from the happenings of 9/11 along the river. Since then we have proudly served both Gunpowder regulars and anglers who have been lucky enough to travel further afield in search of beautiful fish in stunning landscapes. In this way, and in the moment our hope is that these fishers have found a bit of peace from the stresses of the 24 hour news …

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