Backwater Angler 16829 York Road, Monkton, MD 21111

"I’ve stopped by Backwater Angler now for the last two weekends on my way to the Gunpowder and had a wonderful experience on both occasions. A transplant from Colorado, I’ve had the good fortune to fish many of our nation’s finest trout streams and have been in many highly respected fly shops. Backwater Angler is exactly what a fly shop should be. The atmosphere is non-pretentious and the staff is friendly and clearly very passionate about what they do. They made me feel welcome and told me everything I needed to have two amazingly productive days on the water. Backwater angler has everything from top of the line gear to affordable, entry-level equipment. This is what every shop should be and exactly what the sport needs. Special thanks to Theaux and Hudson. If you don’t stop by on your way to the river, you’re missing out."

"First time going to this small fly shop. I was pleasantly surprised by their selection of gear. It was extremely convenient to have a place like this so close to a great fishing area. Picked up a couple of flies that were recommended and they performed well that afternoon."

"If you’re looking for fly-fishing gear, advice, or assistance, this is THE place to go. My brother and I recently got some starter fly-fishing rods and were going out on the gunpowder to catch trout for the first time, and we stumbled upon this store looking for a place to get some flys and other tackle from. Not only did we end up purchasing some high quality gear, but the employees assisted my brother and I in getting our fly-fishing licenses (a process they made timely and simplistic), provided guidance when it came to what flys to pick, how to fish them, and where to fish them, and even took the time to help us rig up our rods properly so we had the best shot at catching our targeted species. Fantastic shop, even better people. If you need a place to go for fly-fishing gear or guidance of any kind, do yourself a favor and go to Backwater Angler."

"Great shop, wonderful owner in Theo, and a couple very cool and helpful young gents working in the shop when I stopped by last week (august of 2021). I was hoping to run into Theo as he was kind enough to get me started on my fly fishing journey about 8 years ago. Can’t say enough about small fly shops like Backwater Angler; they are the reason people can show up to an unfamiliar river, get a little local knowledge and have some fun throwing a fly around. Support your local fly shop, stop in and buy local. Attached photos were from 8/8/21."

"I started flyfishing 15 years ago. And, soon met Theo and the staff at Backwater Angler. The shop has always provided me with phenomenal service. That is not an exaggeration. The gear they sold me has lasted a long time, served me well and was thoughtfully priced at a point that a working man can afford. During the many years between major purchases, when I’ve often bought little more than tipit from them, they’ve always been willing to take the time to provide me with good advice about fishing on the Gunpowder and fishing generally. For any angler experienced or beginner looking to fly fish locally or when traveling it’s had to imagine a better source for gear or advice."