Mid-May Fishing Report: Sulphurs are here!

The water has dropped down to 66 cfs as of May 17th and is ranging between 45-51F throughout the day. Earlier throughout the day it is best to try swinging wet flies and nymphing. The caddis and sulphurs need some time to warm up to begin hatching, so most fish will be feeding on the nymphal and emerger stages of the bugs early in the day. As the day progresses, sulphurs will begin to dance on the surface and the trout respond. It is best to bring multiple patterns to figure out which style of dry the fish want, as the smallest details can make …

Read more

Early May Gunpowder River Fishing Report

The Gunpowder River is clear and coming down nicely from 329 CFs on April 29th to a now ideal 103 CFs. Consequently water temps are rising a bit from a chilly 47.3 F and should be closer to the mid 50’s by the end of the weekend. We’re starting to see some clean gravel as the Didymo gets washed through. Swinging wets and nymphing other than drop-shotting is still tough and requires a lot of clearing between drifts and swings. A few Hendricksons and March Browns are still hanging on and have been returning on calmer, less windy days.Small Caddis and tiny Blue Winged Olives …

Read more

April 29th Beginner’s Fly Fishing School

Early spring is the perfect time to learn how to fly fish. Please join us on Saturday, April 29th between 9 AM and 12 PM. Our Fly Fishing Schools are 3 hours long and included the use of gear. In the first half of the course we cover basic knots, casting skills, fly types and techniques for the river. Following instruction bank-side, during the second half we’ll practice the techniques on the water. One gets to try the four main techniques while fly fishing including: dry flies, wet flies, nymphs and streamers. Your guide will demonstrate and teach techniques that will help and prepare each …

Read more

Gunpowder River Mid-April Fishing Report

The Gunpowder River is clear, flowing at 97 Cfs and is 48.5 degrees F. While we’ve seen just a few March Browns and Hendricksons by mid-day, windy afternoons have kept them largely off the water until well into the afternoon. That said, BWO’s in the #20-22 range have been peeling off in the mornings with little fanfare. Because the trees are still leafing out, shade is still hard to come by making for tough conditions on bright days so starting early or late is one’s best bet. Didymo has been the real story of late and is still making it difficult to fish the gravel …

Read more

Backwater Angler Celebrates 22 Years

We quietly celebrated our 22nd Shop Birthday last month! Thanks to all, both old and new that have helped us reach this milestone! We could not have been successful without your support and loyalty. Fishing continues to improve on the Gunpowder as flows have been around the 60 Cfs range of late and river water temps are swinging upwards towards the magic #. Nymphing has been consistent with stonefly and attractor patterns in the #18-20 range. If the wind dies down try some tiny BWO’s between Masemore and Bunkerhill or a few black flies above Falls. A Bald Eagle sited well downstream of Corbett Rd. …

Read more

March 25th Beginner’s Fly Fishing School

Early spring is the perfect time to learn how to fly fish. We have 4 spots available on Saturday, March 25th. Our Fly Fishing Schools are 3 hours long and included the use of gear. In the first half of the course we cover basic knots, casting skills, fly types and techniques for the river. Following instruction bank-side, during the second half we’ll practice the techniques on the water. One gets to try the four main techniques while fly fishing including: dry flies, wet flies, nymphs and streamers. Your guide will demonstrate and teach techniques that will help and prepare each individual for a trip …

Read more