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New Zealand Mudsnails

A population of New Zealand mudsnails (Potamopyrgus antipodarum)has been confirmed by Maryland DNR in the following press release. Thanks also to Scott Dance for early coverage in the Baltimore Sun of the prescence of the invasive New Zealand Mudsnails in the Upper Gunpowder River. There are two schools of though on invasives; one is the “aw shucks” approach to let thing be, the other more conservative approach is apt to slowing the spread of invasives by educating river users and taking steps to containing invasives to the affected waterbodies. The good folks at MDDNR should be applauded by taking the conservative approach of letting angler’s …

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Late September on the Gunpowder

The Gunpowder is at 33 cfs and starting the day cold at 50 degrees at Falls road. The flows continue to be low for this time. However the past week the flows have been steady and with ideal water temperatures the fishing can be good, fish will always be opportunistic at this time of year. Caddis, around size 18, have been hatching in the afternoons through the evening from falls and the fish key in on these when happening. In the evenings, from the dam down to bunker hill area, tiny cream midges are hatching that are around size 24. Small subsurface patterns like Zebra …

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Low Water fishing on the Gunpowder.

The Gunpowder is flowing at 28cfs and gin clear. Water temperatures are starting out at 54 degrees and rising to the 60 degree mark at the warmest part of the day. Thanks to Stefan for the following report & photos. With low water conditions on the gunpowder fishing has been tough. With that being said fish still have to eat and fishing long 10-13 foot leaders tapering to 6 or 7x will get them to do just that. Ants and beetles will draw the most consistent dry fly action in the heat of the day, if you are fishing in the morning or evening a …

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Terrestrial time on the Gunpowder

The Gunpowder is clear, flowing at 61 cfs with water temperatures in the high 50’s. As the sulphurs are finally winding down fish start to diversify their feeding habits. This means anglers who are willing to fish different methods depending on the conditions will typically catch more fish. Caddis are hatching regularly and fishing size 14-18 caddis patterns; pupa, emerger or adult patterns will all work. Terrestrials cast up along the bank is usually effective for tricking those fish who are keeping an eye out for an easy meal. Zonkers and wooly buggers have been catching the larger fish when fished tight to undercut banks.

Sulphurs on the Gunpowder River

The Gunpowder River is clear, flowing at 90 CFS and is 59F. Thanks to Gene for the fishing report. We have plenty of Sulphur emergers in the Muffin tins on the front counter. Stop in this weekend through Monday to round up what you need to get out there and catch a few wild fish and find some peace. Please remember those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The flows on the gunpowder have continued to provide ideal conditions for fishing the Sulphur hatch. Whilst the large sulphurs are still hatching, smaller sulphurs E. dorothea, size 18 are beginning to outnumber …

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Beginners Fly Fishing School

Please join us for a fly fishing school. On Sunday May 28th 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 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. 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 …

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