Category Archives: Shop Online

Good, Better and Best Fly Fishing Outfits

   For gear we propose three set-ups you can find in the shop. Our low-price option is the Echo lift kit, which comes in sizes 9 for 4-6 with the echo base reel and a 12-month warranty. The Echo Lift kit will come in at a price of $189.99 making it a great choice for a starter or low-cost rod. Our second suggestion falls into the mid-price range with the Echo Trout 9-foot 5 weight costing $349.99 with a warranty extended through the life of the rod. For your reel and line, we suggest the Lamson Liquid reel ($139.99) and Airflow Universal Taper ($100). In total this kit will cost you $589.98.Echo Trout Fly Rod | BACKWATER ANGLER  Lamson Liquid – Smoke | BACKWATER ANGLER

Another great mid-price rod is the IMX pro Creek with a price of $570 with lifetime warranty. Its a great smaller river rod with no particular disadvantages and lots of play to the tip making it the perfect rod for the Gunpowder. We suggest a Lamson Remix with this rod ($189) with the Airflow Tactical Taper ($100). In total this setup will cost you around $859. G Loomis IMX Pro Creek | BACKWATER ANGLER lamson remix | Search Results | BACKWATER ANGLER

If you’re looking for something a bit wider ranging, we suggest the NRX + ($915). A stiffer and faster rod from G-Loomis. The rod will work wonders on larger waters such as those found out west and give you easy control over your casts. We would pair this rod with the Abel TR 4/5 (625$) with the Airflow Power Taper ($100) to take advantage of that powerful cast you can get with this rod. this setup will cost you around ($1640) But is an excellent choice for around home and on bigger water. G. Loomis NRX + | BACKWATER ANGLER    Abel TR 4/5 in Satin Black | BACKWATER ANGLER

Final suggestion we offer a high price kit featuring a Scott Centric ($945), a handcrafted rod with lifetime warranty. For your reel and line, we suggest an Abel Vaya ($675) and Airflow Power Taper ($129.99) or Airflow Tactical Taper ($100). in total this kit will cost you around $1800 and will last you a lifetime. Scott Centric | BACKWATER ANGLER      Abel Vaya 4/5 Satin Black | BACKWATER ANGLER

In other news the gunpowder has entered peak beetle season. Larger foam patterns and stimulators will work all day especially under bushes and overhanging trees. We highly suggest running a dropper setup with any large flies you throw.

The Best Saltwater Fly Rods On The Market

Between G. Loomis and Scott Fly rods we have never had a better assortment of saltwater weaponry. From the stiff and fast action NRX + S to the subtle presentation of a Sector we have just what you need for every species of fish you plan on targeting.

 

The NRX + S is the perfect fast action rod for your bigger flies and tough conditions. The extra stiffness greatly improves your longer casts and help fight the windier conditions. This rod will turn over bigger flies with ease and is great for all sorts of saltwater applications. With the fast action and stiffness, you do lose sensitivity in the close range however the precision is still there.

G. Loomis NRX+ Saltwater | BACKWATER ANGLER

The Scott lineup includes the Sector, Wave, and Tidal rods ranging from a 7 weight to a 9 weight. These rods provide the most sensitivity a saltwater rod can offer and are perfect for any flats or low tide situation where precision and accuracy is key to an angler’s presentation.  The added sensitivity is a drawback for larger flies and heavy winds however the rod will still be effective in these conditions.

Scott Sector | BACKWATER ANGLER

Scott Tidal | BACKWATER ANGLER

Scott Wave | BACKWATER ANGLER

Stop by the shop to cast these rods or order you can order them through the links provided on the post!

Backwater Angler’s Top Ten for Christmas

1.https://backwaterangler.com/product/personalized-fly-selection/

A Fly selection is one of the best stocking stuffers for anglers. We can adjust the number of flies and type to whatever best suits their needs.

2.Backwater Angler Guide Trip Gift Certificate | BACKWATER ANGLER

These certificates grant you access to lots of knowledge and insight on the mechanisms of the river and the techniques we use. It is redeemable whenever you are inspired to go out and be treated with all the gear and knowledge necessary to have a good day on the water.

3.Ross Animas | BACKWATER ANGLER

The Ross is a fantastic gift for the Holidays. With a light feel and durable frame it is one of the best reels to buy for anyone wanting to up their fishing game.

4.Patagonia Winter Weight Fleece Oversock | BACKWATER ANGLER

Tired of cold feet in the winter? Solve that problem with the Patagonia Winter weight fleece over sock. This sock is the best solution that we have found at the shop to keep you warm and comfortable on the water.

5.Scott Centric | BACKWATER ANGLER

The Scott Centric is the top of the line the best of the best. this rod can handle smaller streams like the Gunpowder River but, it works just as well when you’re chasing after those larger fish weather that’s big Trout, Bass, pike, or anything else that swims.

6.Airflo SuperFlo Power Taper | BACKWATER ANGLER

Airflo Power taper is a heavy taper fly line that can load up fast and get your flies to where you want them to be. This line pairs perfectly with the Scott centric!

7.Abel Vaya 5/6 Native Brown Trout | BACKWATER ANGLER

The Abel Vaya is the best reel for trout. This reel suits all of your fishing needs. It is an extremely high quality and very durable reel with a lifetime warranty. we have a vast assortment of sizes and paint jobs to pick from.

8.Echo Trout Fly Rod | BACKWATER ANGLER

The Echo trout is one of Echo’s greatest products in our opinion. It is light and has a fast action that allows the angler to cast in tough winds out west or be precise on small rivers like our home-water: The Gunpowder River.

9.Patagonia | Product categories | BACKWATER ANGLER

Patagonia’s line of waders has exceeded the markets expectations with comfortable, warm, lightweight waders that are made entirely from recycled materials. Each style of wader can cater to your needs and will have you set for years to come.

10.Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Sling | BACKWATER ANGLER

Fishpond has had the best packs and accessories on the market for years now. The versatility of these packs allows the angler to customize them much more than their competitors. The submersible pack is entirely waterproof so you will not have to worry about taking off their bag, soaking their gear, or even worse their phone.

Stop by the shop or give us a call at 443-357-9557 with any questions regarding the gear and sizing and you’ll be set with a wonderful gift for the Holidays.

 

 

December 7 Gunpowder River Fishing Report

On Pearl Harbor Day, the Gunpowder is clear, low, flowing at 65 CFs and is 48 Degrees F. After a hard frost earlier in the week, the trails are in great shape and ready to be trodden. Midges and tiny Blue Winged Olives are making up the bulk of the “hatches”. Zebra midges are worth a shot! One will stay warmer fishing streamers as long as one keeps moving. As Hudson suggested over the holidays, with water temps dropping, leaky waders will make themselves known…To that end we have waders from Patagonia that will fit the bill. If you made it through summer without a hitch in the Patagonia travel waders or want to stay extra comfy when it’s icy out stop on in and pick up some winter weight fleece socks.

Patagonia Winter Weight Fleece Oversock

and…

Consider taking on Euro-nymphing as a winter project-the longer, lighter rods may keep you out of the deep cold water and it’s likely you’ll be nymphing anyway-just more effectively. The Echo Shadow X 11 ft 3wt is just the tool to deliver those jigs nymphs up close and personal to those wary wild browns.

Echo Shadow X

Gone are the crowds of spring and summer.Enjoy!

Abel TR 4/5 Fly Reels in Native Brook, Native Brown and Native Rainbow in stock!

Abel TR 4/5 Fly Reels in Native Rainbow, Native Brown and Native Brook


If one could only justify needing another trout reel, the Abel TR series is a winner! Among the awards bestowed on them in the past few years; “Best Freshwater Fly Reel” at the AFFTA Show in 2018, and two Best Awards from both Outdoor Canada Magazine-“Best of Show” and “Best New Trout Reel” from Fly Fisherman’s Gear Guide in 2019. We humbly assert that these will fit in a stocking whether alone or nestled together, will outlast your favorite fly rod-technology is the devil…and are worthy of your frank consideration and attention and are in-stock until they’re gone. Please note, pictures are of in-stock reels ready to ship.

Gearing up For Montana

Over my last few years working here at Backwater we always have a stream of anglers itching to go out to Montana and chase after its beautiful fish. but there is always the same question from all of these anglers: “what do I even bring out there?” But don’t worry we are here to help you on your way to an amazing trip. To begin with, you will be needing a sturdy rod with a nice backbone to handle those larger fish and cast larger flies. The rod for the job is the Scott Centric

Scott Centric

The Centric is the perfect Montana rod. It’s strong enough to combat stronger winds and still delivers the perfect presentation. It’s also stiff enough to cast larger streamers but has a lighter tip which allows you to feel the bottom while tight line nymphing.

I you are looking for a spring creek rod for more delicate presentations then we suggest the Scott G Series

Scott G Series

The G Series is the perfect rod for making that delicate cast at a rising fish or that stealthy mend for the perfect drift. The G series is truly a fly fishermen’s dream. With its delicate capabilities it is still able to hold large fish and fish larger flies if needed but excels in lighter flies and tighter spaces.

Next, you’ll be needing flies. We suggest looking at a hatch chart for the Area you will be fishing but if you don’t have time to or can’t find one, we have many great fly options here in the shop. Montana is known for its larger bugs, and even more so for its fish loving to eat these big bugs on the surface. Here at the shop, we have what you need.

As far as waders and boots go, it is a necessity that you have a quality pair to wade the rough waters and hike the rugged terrain. To compete with these conditions that Montana has we recommend the Patagonia Foot Tractors or the Patagonia River Salts.

Patagonia River Salt Wading Boots

Patagonia Foot Tractor Boots – Sticky Rubber (Made by Danner)

The price on these boots will be rising this Fall by $100+. If you are looking for that new pair of boots that that has an amazing warranty and will last a long. We highly suggest the River Salt or the Foot Tractor for any of your wading needs.

 

New Scott Centric Fly Rods in the Shop

Recently we received three new Scott Centrics this week at Backwater Angler: The 9 foot 4 weight, 9 foot 5 weight, and 10 foot 4 wight, all 4 piece rods. Each rod provides advantages in different situations and are Scott’s top of the line rods.

The 10 foot 4 weight is the most specialized of the three rods. The extra length makes it ideal to use for nymphing, both tight-line and indicator nymphing. The tip section provides enough sensitivity to use for tight-line nymphing, however still has the back-bone to lift heavy nymph  rigs and cast them upstream. The biggest advantage of the extra length is the ability to mend over currents to provide yourself with the best drift. Although this rod may be ideal for nymphing, it does cast a dry fly very well. The extra length requires a slower cast to unroll longer casts.

Both the 9 foot 4 and 5 weight rods are going to be the best all-around rod you can find.  Both rods will be efficient in streamer, dryfly, and nymph fishing. The 4 weight is going to handle the bigger streamers and nymph rigs slightly worse than a 5 weight, however the extra sensitivity will help you maneuver your flies in smaller water. Both are strong enough to stand up against the bigger water and fish. Whether you need a 4 or a 5 weight rod truly comes down to what water you fish the most, but either option will provide an excellent fishing experience on the water.

If you are interested in getting one of these rods please stop by the shop or order online and we’ll get it shipped out as soon as possible.

Scott Centric

Holiday Gift Guide

Naughty or nice? Sometimes the best approach is to treat yourself or consider sharing this post with someone in the gift giving spirit.

1. Backwater Angler Gift Certificate

Backwater Angler Gift Certificate

2. Abel Classic Brown Trout Vaya

Abel Vaya 4/5 Classic Brown Trout

3. Patagonia Winter Weight Fleece Oversocks

Patagonia Winter Weight Fleece Oversock

4. Patagonia Swiftcurrent Expedition Zip Waders

Patagonia Men’s Swiftcurrent Expedition Zipfront Waders

5. Personalized Fly Selection

Personalized Fly Selection

6. Backwater Angler Fly Fishing School Gift Certificate

Backwater Angler Fly Fishing School Gift Certificate

7. Scott G Series Fly Rod

Scott G Series

8. Patagonia River Salt Boots by Danner

Patagonia River Salt Wading Boots

9. A Backwater Angler Guide Trip Gift Certificate

Backwater Angler Guide Trip Gift Certificate

10. We believe that the River is a gift. Please support our efforts to protect and conserve the Gunpowder, Little Gunpowder, Bird and Bush River watersheds by joining us or purchasing a gift membership to Gunpowder RIVERKEEPER. Find out more about our work.

Donate or Purchase a Gift Membership to Gunpowder RIVERKEEPER

Ross Animas Fly Reel Review

A fully-redesigned frame and spool are highlights of the new Animas. The spool shows off the cutting-edge manufacturing techniques Ross Reels has developed, delivering a design that is incredibly strong and visually stunning. The Animas also re-joins the family by incorporating an ultra-light canvas phenolic handle which gets tackier when wet. along with the new drag system that includes composite discs that are more reliable and a smaller drag nob.  A new trouble-free spool release yields zero-maintenance performance, allowing the Animas to be ready for any fresh or saltwater excursion.

Ross Animas