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Gunpowder River Shocking Survey Update

I recently took part in the Maryland DNR Shocking survey of the Gunpowder River and am happy to report that everyone that participated saw some very nice fish at Falls, Masemore and Bluemount. Thanks to all that participated! Later this Winter, Charlies and his staff will report their findings…Stay tuned! Pat van dem Beemt from the North County News also covered the event in an article titled; Gone Fishing, Shocking, Counting Trout in the Gunpowder Falls The other news is that the river has been a little cloudier this week than our normal “gin clear” description as the reservoir has been turning over. This slightly …

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Maryland Hunting Licenses at Backwater Angler

Backwater Angler is a Maryland Sports License Agent and sells MD hunting and fishing licenses. The shop requires a valid ID, a hunter safety card and check or cash for license payments. The shop is located at 16928 York Rd Monkton, MD 21111 and is open from 10AM till 6PM weekdays and 8AM till 4PM weekends. Pictured above are the 2008-2009 Maryland Hunting Regulations Booklets , a row of this season’s Migratory Waterfowl stamps by Robert Bealle and a Dale Stahl Recurve Bow. Have a safe hunting season! The shop phone # is 410-357-9557.

2008 Gunpowder River Electrofishing Survey

Please join the Backwater Angler Staff and DNR Fisheries Biologists for the Annual electroshocking survey on the Gunpowder River. The following schedule will be kept firm. The only exceptions will be if electrofishing conditions are unacceptable, (ie. Flooding,muddy water, or torrential rain). Volunteers should check with me, (cgougeon@dnr.state.md.us) at work, (410) 442-2080 or on my cell phone, (410) 570-5718, a day or two prior to the work date to confirm that the survey date will go as planned. All meeting times will be at 9:45 A.M. at the planned meeting location. Bring chest high waders if you plan to assist us in the stream. Those …

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Gunpowder River Float Trips

September is approaching and lower Gunpowder River temps are currently at safe and ideal temps for fishing, so I’m offering float trips to more remote areas of the Gunpowder now through Fall. Wild browns have been taking streamers, nymphs and the occasional hopper from the boat, but deep water nymphing the runs has produced some nice browns. Fishing smaller dries can be tough, as the chubs and fall fish tend to immediately inhale tricos, caddis, etc. Medium size terrestrials close to the bank will get strikes from browns, but not turn as many fish as a streamer. Anglers who frequent the upper river will find …

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Gunpowder River Featured in Leading Fly Fishing Magazines

Thanks to Beau Beasley for the nice Article on the Gunpowder River featured in the July/August issue of Eastern Fly Fishing. Backwater Angler staffer and guide Jason du Pont contributed three photos to Beau’s article, wrote a timely piece for the Conservation section on Tubifex worms and their role in Whirling disease, and was also recognized on the editorial page for his astute eye in identifying Didymo on the Gunpowder River. Whew! Great work Jason! The Gunpowder river was also featured in the “Hot Spots” section of the July issue of American Angler.

Fishing Multiple Rivers and Dealing With Invasives

On Western Maryland excursions I spend mornings fishing the North Branch in my Patagonia Watermasters and Sticky River Walkers, and use my extra Cloudveil waders and 8X Stealth Boots on the Savage for the evening hatch. It is too easy to shrug off concerns about invasives and wade from one fishery to another in a 24 to 48 hour period without treating, or changing into new gear. The issue isn’t being the first to contaminate another fishery, or whether others are disregarding protocol, but the problem becomes the increased frequency of spore loading, especially when leaving the North Branch or Gunpowder to fish other rivers. …

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