I’m happy to announce that the shop will be open New Years Day. Hours are 10 AM till 3 PM. Rates for 04′ Licenses are as follows. All rates quoted are for the 2004 Season.Fees reflect a Freshwater license and a Trout Stamp. Residents of: MD=$15.50 PA=$40 VA=$35 DC=$15 DE=$20 NJ=$39 Note: Need an 04′ license before you venture out? You’ll need to bring your drivers license and either a personal check or cash for payment.
With the water temp in the mid 40’s and flow around 200 Cfs, we’ve had mixed reports from folks spending their last vacation days of 03 fishing the Gunpowder. After a few warm days, cream midges sized #20-22 and tiny Olives accounted for a few fish, streamers have been working a little better on a dead drift and swing then when stripped across pools. If you’d like to toss a few nymphs, start with a nice, buggy, Hare’s Ear in a #14.Zug bugs and Carey specials are also important patterns to have in your box.
Water level has been dropping this week, and with the Sun out most are fishing green weenies and red butts downstream in the riffles between Masemore and Bunkerhill. Not many fish have been caught on dries lately, but large zonker style streamer like the Barr’s Bouface sized #4 & 6 are tricking a few fish. Water temp is still around 48 and the flow has dropped to the low 200’s.
With weather like this we hope that you hit the stream today.We had quite a few folks out early picking up fish on Hare’s Ears and Pheasant Tails below Masemore Rd. Water temp is a little under 50 F and is nice and clear. York Rd through Big Falls would be a nice stretch to cover with a streamer in the next few days.Be sure to check the flow before you go by clicking on the link to the USGS stream gauge on the front page of the site. Note: Need flies for tomorrow? The shop will be open Wednesday from 10 till 3 PM.
Following is a review of the Patagonia R1 pullover by Gary Corriero. Thanks Gary! The Gunpowder is a productive river even in the dead of winter. Stonefly nymphs and the right color midge have worked for me from December through March. The problems most of us “winter” people face are the cold and wind. The R1 Pullover, worn in conjunction with the fleece pants and the appropriate socks, will add HOURS to your ability to stay in water. They are both warm and comfortable. The only issue you may run into is “overdressing”. This gear is so functional that you will need to experiment a …
We ‘ve had several people getting out before the big melt today. Water has dropped to around 285 CFs and should bump up a little today as the white stuff goes away. Olive or black streamers sized #4-8 should be fished on a dead drift in pools and runs below Masemore. Stonefly imitations such as orange butts and prince nymphs sized #14-16 should be in everyone’s box by now. It is best to fish these patterns during the morning and then switch to a dark bodied caddis imitation sized #18-20 as it warms up during the day.