Caddis, Ants, and Beetles on the Gunpowder River

With the Gunpowder River at 92 CFS and peaking at 52°F at Falls Road, fishing the last couples days has been great.  We have seen fish looking up and willing to take a variety of patterns. Fishing small caddis in a tan or dark brown has been the most productive method but many have started to fish small ants and beetle patterns on the river.  Many fish have been holding on the banks of the river, so be sure to make a cast or two before you get into the water.  You will be surprised where some of the little browns will hold.  If fish …

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Beginner’s Fly Fishing School this Sunday July 12th

Please join us for a fly fishing school. On Sunday, July 12th, 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 9:00 AM till 12:00 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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Winston LT and WT Rods

Come in and check out Winston LT and WT rods we have in stock.  We have 4 LT’s in 9′ 6 weight, 8’9″ 5 weight, 7’9″ 3 weight, and 7’9″ 2 weight models.  We also have 3 WT’s in 8′ 4 weight, 8′ 4 weight TMF, and 7′ 3 weight models.  The softer tip of the LT allows for ease in close casts, while the lower sections provide enough power to fish larger flies at a distance.  The WT series has a faster action giving enough backbone to make longer casts, but keeps the same “Winston feel” with a forgiving and softer tip section.  Both models …

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July on the Gunpowder River

The Gunpowder River is flowing at 104 CFS at Falls Road, a higher flow then we are used to seeing in the dead of summer.  The frequent thunderstorms have added enough water into Prettyboy Reservoir to keep the flows high.  Fishing terrestrials in the sections below Falls Road has started to prove productive and will only heat up as we continue through the remainder of the summer.  Caddis have also been hatching throughout the middle of the day into the evening, a simple X-Caddis or Elk-haired Caddis in a size 16 should do the trick.  Nymphing small Pheasant-Tails and Zebra Midges have been the best way …

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4th of July Weekend Hours

The Gunpowder River is flowing at 104 Cfs is 52f and clear until little falls. While the shop will be closed on the 4th, it will be open this Friday and Sunday. The 4th is the last free fishing day in Maryland this year so be sure to take advantage of it. With cooler weather ahead, plan on a BWO’s.The Sulphurs and caddis are a still a good bet try them in the #16-18 range. We’re also seeing a few ants and beetles making their way into the stream. Long leaders are still the trick. Typically as the water drops mid-summer a 10 foot leader …

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Clear and at a Great Flow after Over Three Inches of Rain

The Gunpowder River is clear and low upstream of Little Fall and flowing at 156 Cfs at 58 degrees F. After over three inches of rain fell in the area yesterday, the river is knee deep at Masemore. Caddis and Sulphurs have been present midday through late afternoon. Spinner falls have been quite late in the day, so be sure to have a flashlight or headlamp along if you’re planning on waiting them out. Avoid York Rd access point after 4 PM today as the Hereford Fourth of July Parade festivities will be ramping up through this evening. Patterns that are most effective this time …

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