The Gunpowder River is in great shape for fishing and has been continuously improving throughout the month.  At Falls rd, the river is flowing around 70 cfs with water temps ranging from the low to mid 50s.

There is quite a bit of didymo on the rocks at the moment, which can cause frustration while nymphing.  Luckily there has been good opportunity for dry fly fishing this month, particularly in the upper portion of the catch and release section.  In the past two weeks we have seen the first  of the annual sulfurs and fish seem more than happy to pick them off.  The heaviest hatches are yet to come, but its worthwhile to bring your sulfur patterns to the river from here on out.  Swinging a wet fly is a great way to cover water and kill time while you search for rising fish.

Jacob’s first fish on a Sulphur this year.

On cooler days, when sulfurs are inactive, we have also been seeing a number of fish rise to small midges usually in the size 20-24# range.

After a few days of summer like weather this past week, the Gunpowder is starting to act a little more like spring.  Water levels are great for fishing, around 88 Cfs at Falls rd, while water temperate has finally broken the 40 degree mark and is peaking around 42-46degrees on a daily basis.Along with the warm temperatures and sun, we are seeing some very small black stoneflies and a number of fish rising to them. Although fishing with nymphs is still the primary way to catch fish, it’s wise to have a few small dries handy like an elk hair caddis in the #16-18 range for when you spot a splashy rise to a stonefly.
If you want a relaxing way to blend the two techniques, swinging small dark wet flies has been effective. When swinging, focus on getting your flies in front of and around rocks and log jams where the emerging stoneflies will congregate to climb out of the water.

The Maryland Department of Natural resources recently stocked the Put and Take section of the Gunpowder River.The River is flowing at 63 cfs and is 36 degrees at Falls Road. Down lower in the River, near Glencoe the river is flowing at 153 cfs. With 2,000 rainbow trout being stocked in the Put and Take section, fishing with small streamers slowly and nymphing with indicators are your best options. With warmer weather in our future be sure to get out on the river, whether it be on the Catch and Release or down on the Put and Take, enjoy it.

The cold is persistent with chances of snow on most days in the upcoming forecast. The trails will continue to be covered in mixture of ice and snow, so wading may well be the safest method of moving spots. The river is staying around 39F and is currently at 65 cfs. Fishing has been difficult for most, but nymphing can still be effective. Especially with small tungsten midges. Fish are mostly feeding on the stoneflies and midges tight to structure and the bottom.