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November 2023 by David Quinn
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.
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November 2022 by Jared Graff
Great fishing class and products in the shop are high quality. Best shop in the DMV and great fly fishing classes.
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August 2022 by ONTERRAFIRMA
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.
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May 2022 by Hugh M-C
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.
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August 2021 by Christian LaCroix
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 from8/8/21.
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July 2021 by Julian Chung
Theo is the single most helpful shop owner/knowledge repository for the gunpowder river. I usually stop by here every trip up here. 5 stars highly recommended.
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June 2021 by William Fontaine de la Tour Dauterive
Use to be a full service fly shop, use to be.
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May 2021 by Danielle Kaster
Great shop. Friendly and knowledgeable staff.
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March 2021 by Thomas Mudd
Very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful staff. ??
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March 2021 by David Green
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.
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January 2021 by Eugene Domingo
Knowledgable staff on the local area. Small shop , but prices are extremly high. Picture doesn't reflect where they are now.
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November 2020 by Glen Morgan
Nice shop. Great gear and flies and guidance regarding tactics for the Gunpowder.
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October 2020 by LORNE BORNE
Very professional operated shop , lots of local knowledge, great selection of flies for the area,Highly reccomend,
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August 2020 by Marcy Brusoe
Nice shop with knowledgeable staff. They’re super helpful with people new to the area. Will definitely stop by again when I’m in the area.
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July 2020 by jerome capo
Helpful, friendly, & knowledgeable staff.
