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Fly Fishing the Gunpowder River Through the Holidays

December 24, 2008December 24, 2008

The Gunpowder river has been flowing in the mid 100’s this week. While it has been dropping a bit, (the latest gauge reading is showing 102 CFs), “icing effects,” (please see our related post from 2004 below for a primer) may be showing slightly lower flows than actual stream conditions. Today the Gunpowder river is clear and chilly at 47 F. We have nearly ideal Winter conditions along the river for fishing streamers and nymphs. It so happens that we have just put out three new trays of bright, flashy streamers for your approval. After getting some fishing time in, be sure to check out …

Fly Tying Class:Favorites

January 7, 2009December 22, 2008

Fly tying in Maryland? Please join us for a Beginners Fly Tying Class on Sunday, January 18, 2009 from 9:00 AM till 12:00PM. It’s an introductory fly tying class that focuses on Gunpowder river fly patterns. One of our Maryland river guides will be teaching this fun-filled beginners class. Cost of the class is $45 per person, and includes the use of tools and materials. The class is limited to six and pre-registration is required. Please give us a call at 410-357-9557 or drop us a line at info@backwaterangler.com to pre-register.

Fly Tying Materials & Gear

December 21, 2008

Rain, sleet, snow and wind are just a few of the weather conditions anglers have dealt with on the Gunpowder the past few weeks. The great water levels brought many anglers by the shop to restock on flies, and to load up on materials for days when the weather gets real nasty. Recent orders have filled the walls with plenty of materials to keep tying interesting at the vise this Winter. Threads, beads, hooks, flashy synthetics, furs, dubbing and feathers in a variety of colors can help put together a pattern that will produce this week or next Spring. Stop in and see the expanding …

Winter Gunpowder River Fly Fishing Heating Up

December 19, 2008

The Gunpowder river is flowing at 126 Cfs, is in the mid 40’s (F) and is clear. Recent reports point to excellent Winter fishing and very little pressure along the stream. Small nymphs in the #16-20 range have been most effective in riffles and flats from Falls Rd through Bunkerhill Rd. Try streamers a little further downstream to Bluemount. Make sure you bring along your rain jacket and feel free to stop in the shop while you’re up. Today we’re checking in some great Insulated Filson Packer Hats, Patagonia Sticky Wading Shoes and Patagonia Regulator Flash Pullovers. Thanks to Gunpowder River Guide Capt. Jeff Lewatowski …

09′ Maryland Fishing Licenses Available

December 16, 2008

That’s right folks, we have the new 2009 fishing licenses here at Backwater Angler. Pictured above is the 09′ Crabbing sticker and Bay Pleasure Boat sticker. We sell both resident and non-resident fishing licenses as a license agent for Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources.

The River is too High to Fish Hon!

December 12, 2008December 12, 2008

This morning Jason called me and asked, “Have you seen the Gauge?” Rest assured, I don’t yet have the stream gauge wired into my dash but I’m working on it. –Could it be the work of the Grinch?… The news Jason was alluding to is that the river has moved from 87 CFS yesterday to 767 CFS this morning and now it’s dropping quickly, but let’s just say that for now, at 681 Cfs, it’s simply too high to fish Hon. The Gunpowder river does recover very quickly and with any luck, someone will put a stop to this rain, –maybe the Lone Ranger can …