Dog Days Fly Fishing on the Gunpowder River

The release from Prettyboy remains 29 Cfs, with the water temperature starting in the mid 50’s. Progressive stain in the water downstream from Masemore after localized thunderstorms. Nymphing is worth shot, the smaller the better. Terrestrial can still be effective especially in the riffles. Thanks to Warner for the great stream report! Hey guys,  Just checking in after a nice afternoon/evening on the Gunpowder after my recent Abel reel purchase.  Big thank you to Gene for his continued support and patience as he answers my numerous questions about gear and fly presentations.  He also was instrumental in helping me find this rod/reel combo of a Winston …

Read more

Beginners Fly Fishing School

Please join us for a fly fishing school. On Sunday the 19th of July 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 9:00-12:00pm. 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 on the day of the school. Please consider looking at …

Read more

Beginners Fly Fishing School

Please join us for a fly fishing school. On Saturday the 18th of July 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 9:00-12:00pm. 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 on the day of the school. Please consider looking at …

Read more

Mid July Gunpowder River Stream Report

The Gunpowder is 29 cfs, clear and water temperatures start the day at 53-54 and can swing up to the low 60’s on hot sunny days. Since Wednesday evening the releases from Prettyboy dam have dropped from 85 to sub 30cfs. All of a sudden this presents a much changed river. There are little to no sulphurs and much reduced numbers of caddis around compared to 2 weeks ago. Now many fish have switched their attention to midges and terrestrials like ants and beetles along the banks. On darker days or after some rain, try swinging a small streamer. The trout are active and will …

Read more

New Abel Reels in Stock

We’ve got some beautiful new reels in from Abel! The Vaya is a new favorite along with the time tested Super Series. Have a look on our online store! Abel Vaya 7/8 Blue III Abel Vaya 5/6 Native Brown https://www.backwaterangler.com/product/abel-super-series-7-8-ported-satin-slate/ https://www.backwaterangler.com/product/abel-tr-2-3-gloss-black/ https://www.backwaterangler.com/product/abel-super-series-4-5-satin-dark-green/ Abel Vaya 4/5 Satin Black    

Jakes First Impression of the Savage River

My first trip to the Savage River several weeks ago presented different challenges than the Gunpowder. I had been told of the difficult wading  and after my first day I would agree. Didymo covers the large boulders that lay in the water which causes very slick conditions. With much more rocks in the water, the currents were more intricate than those of the Gunpowder. For this reason, i found maneuvering through the river and positioning was key to getting a good drift. It may be helpful to bring a wading staff for crossing the river because of the slick rocks and strong current. It was …

Read more