news

the news section is for shop events and programs

The Gunpowder is Blown Out! Let us help you prepare for the upcoming season this weekend.

After almost an inch and a half of rain yesterday through last night resulted in the Gunpowder cresting at 1700 cfs at Falls Road. It’s now at 1500 cfs, slowly dropping and heavily stained. Best put off fishing for a while until it drops to a safer level. Streamer fishing from the bank can be productive at around 400 cfs but I wading is not recommended until it’s under 300 cfs. Remember all of Little Falls is closed from any forms of fishing until Sunday March 31st. The wet weather trend of last year looks like it isn’t leaving anytime soon! So we have a …

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March Fishing Report on the Gunpowder

The river at Falls road is flowing at a steady 214 cfs. The water temperature is now climbing above 40 degrees F at Falls road. Prettyboy reservoir has been spilling over since last summer and with the ground completely swollen any rainfall occurring above the dam causes the Gunpowder to rise. Before planning a trip look at the USGS gauge at Falls Road. If it’s above 250cfs, it’s tough to wade. With this continuous high water many anglers have been throwing streamers but with the water still being cold and insects starting to stir, if you fish small nymphs and midges in the back eddies …

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Beginners Fly Fishing School

Please join us for a fly fishing school. On Saturday March the 23rd 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. …

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Environmental Scholarship Opportunity for Students Residing within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

The Terry Newendorp Environmental Scholarship for the Gunpowder River 2019 Criteria and Application Guidelines What the award is: The Terry Newendorp Environmental Scholarship is a gift that was established by Terry Newendorp, an avid fisherman and conservationist who with generosity and foresight knew that “protection of the Gunpowder River had to come from future generations.” Founded in 2018, the Award’s purpose is to assist college-bound high school seniors who excel in their studies and who plan to use their talents and expertise in the service of environmental protection. Each year, one winner will be chosen from among the current year’s graduating class. The award will …

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February Report on the Gunpowder

The Gunpowder is clear, 240 cfs and 40 degrees F. This winter 300 cfs has became the new normal on the Gunpowder, these high levels have limited good fishing opportunities.  When the river is at this level the water temperature doesn’t climb much even on a sunny or mild day – bad news for those looking to find fish rising to midges. Trout will eat a slowly worked streamer or a midge pupa, pheasant tail or prince nymph dead drifted close to the bottom. Given the river volume and temperature getting your fly down to the bottom is important as the fish won’t generally move …

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Gunpowder River Streamer Clinic

Need to fine tune your streamer fishing techniques? Please join us on Sunday March 3 for a streamer clinic with a Backwater Angler Guide on the Gunpowder river. This course will cover gear selection (suitable rods), leader selection and construction, knots, fly selection and their imitations, casting mechanics (casting heavy lines/flies, shooting line) and multiple presentation scenarios and techniques (streamer retrieves and dead drifting). Class is 2 hours long and starts at 2pm. Cost is $100 per person. 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 clinic. Class …

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