Lancaster Fly Fishing Show

I spent this weekend at the Fly Fishing show in Lancaster, PA. This was the first year the show was held in this location and it seemed a great success. Guides and Outfitters from around the country highlighted their services and fly shops and tackle manufacturers showed off the newest gear. Guest speakers and celebrity fly fisherman kept the crowd well entertained.

I spent the show alongside long time Shimano/ G.loomis representative and avid sportsman Dick Kondak. We were promoting the newest fly rods in the G.Loomis lineup. The NRX series was the star of the show, boasting new nano graphite technology making a lighter, stronger, and more responsive fly rod. The folks who took the time to cast the NRX rods all gave rave reviews.

We also showcased the Pro 4x series of rods, the newest in the G.Loomis lineup. The Pro 4x rods use some of the same nano graphite technology as the NRX with a retail price attractive to both beginner and avid fly anglers alike.

The entire line of G.Loomis Fly rods are available at the Backwater Angler fly shop in Monkton, MD http://www.backwaterangler.com.

Susquehanna River Walleye Fishing

The last few winters I have made an effort to target walleyes fishing the Susquehanna below Conowingo dam. Seems that there have been a greater number of walleye in the river in recent years. They are aggressive feeders and can be caught right through the winter months.

I caught and released this nice fish on a recent trip, fishing from shore below Conowingo. I find the fishing best in periods of moderate water flows. Fish can be caught using a variety of techniques. I have had the best success fishing small jigs slowly. 1/8 an 1/16 ounce heads with grub tails or other soft bodies work well. I have had the best luck on chartreuse. I have heard reports of anglers having success on crankbaits and other hardbaits also.

Winter Fly Fishing Gunpowder River Maryland

We have been blessed with unusually mild temperatures in the central Maryland region this winter. Coupled with higher than average stream flows, conditions on the Upper Gunpowder River have been perfect for winter fly fishing.

Fly fisherman on the upper river above Falls rd. can expect to see a good bit of midge activity, especially on the 50 to 60 degree days like we have had in the last week or so. Black Stoneflies have begun to appear on sunny days throughout the catch and release area of the stream. Both offer anglers a shot at some dry fly fishing through February and March.

Popular patterns are many small, dark midge patterns in sizes 18 -22. Grizzly midges, griffiths gnats, and blackfly imitations will work well. Try substituting your summer trico patterns for blackflies, fish will often be fooled.

Quill winged , hair winged, or zlon winged stonefly patterns will take will take rising fish wherever you can find the bugs hatching. Bodies are dark brown or black. You might have to walk awhile to find some bugs hatching , but should find some risers if yo come across them. you can't miss the size 14 stones as the skate wildly across the water trying to gain flight.

March can also bring good fishing with all types of small nymphs. Many of the fish pictured here were taken fishing small dark nymphs under an indicator. Target areas where riffles fall deep.