The river is low, clear and warm at 66 F.Midday fishing has been tough. Spinner falls in the evening have been slight but with a few warm evenings ahead try your luck close to dark with a #16 or smaller dun trailed by a #14-16 spinner. 7x tippet will make a difference…

Many thanks to Ellen for the following report:”

Hi!
Here is my report for the story archive:

May 26-29: the annual Chesapeake Women Anglers’ trip to Mill Pond Cottage at Masemore Road. Anglers from beginners to experts enjoyed the opportunity to be on the Gunpowder from dawn to night with breaks for great food, wonderful company, and excellent wine. Superb conditions for fishing, but the water level is alarmingly low for this time of year. The fish liked us, too: in total, the group caught about 30 trout, browns and rainbows ranging from 6″ to 16″ [two major brown trout, one taken on a spinner at the riffle above Masemore bridge in the evening of May 26th and the other taken above the power lines on a large (12) light Hendricksen at 7:30 am on May 28th]. The sulphur hatches were magnificant, but often discouraging since the fish probably have enough natural food to be ultra selective about artificials. At nightfall (8:00 pm) I took 6 at the riffle just below the big water at Masemore, using a large double humpy with a lurid yellow belly [I know, it was strange, but it must have got their attention]. Could have kept on going but it got so dark that I missed too many strikes. Early morning fishing at Masemore and Bunker Hill was a treat, two hours before the angler “hatch” arrived. Small (14-16) duns, larger blue winged olives (12-14), and parachute Adams (14) all worked well. Afternoon fishing: ants were successful down by Monkton. Thanks to BWA for all your assistance and advice!

Ellen

With a gate change in the works, the river should be cooling down andthe hatches should be more predictable. Stay tuned…

Note: Streamers are a good bet during warmer water temps…

Water levels have been wonderfully stable during the recent rains. Ideal flows of 65CFs to 185 Cfs have been maintained even after heavy local rains. Currently the river is at 105 CFs, is clear and beautiful. Water temps, still in the high 50’s, make for happy fish. #14-16 Sulphur Emergers, Duns, and Spinners, (after 7:00 PM) have been producing. The Sulphur Unusual tied with Snowshoe rabbit has been outstanding this season.We stll have some left-give us a call and we’ll be happy to drop a few in the mail to you.

Fishing pressure has been light after 7:00 PM just as the fishing is picking up. Traditional wets such as a little marryats have been working between hatches. 12 ft 7x leaders will make a difference in the late evening hours.

Note: As the trees leaf out, fish seek out shade-so should you.

The river is alive in the morning with lots of Caddis activity. Soft hackles and emergers have been working from Bunkerhill through Falls Rd. Sulphurs are just starting, a traditional sulphur wet paired with a soft hackle caddis should work fine.
Water temp is at 59 F, so we’re seeing some very active fish. Flow is at 73 CFS, so we have lots of riffles and flats to cover

for a few stream reports from other anglers this past week…

Message: Theaux, I’m the smiling face that greeted you the other morning, the long haired young guy who comes in the shop at least once a week. After I left the shop that morning I went to Masemore road bridge as I pulled into the lot only two cars awaited me which was a suprise. I geared up and before I got to the stream side I could already see rising fish and the caddis were abundant I fished from the bridge up steam to the first bend with the fallen tree. From 10:30 AM till 5:00 pm I landed over 25 fish and couldn’t even count how many I missed. Biggest of that day 17″ .All were caught on a light tan elk hair caddis. Body color didn’t seem to matter much . Nor did size. I had 4 other Anglers in that small stetch of water who were all catching fish all day. Thanks for all the advice you are more then willing to offer and look forward to seeing you this coming week. Lots of luck on the water. Sincerly PEA*****

Note: We just received some great Sulphur Patterns-Tied by Mike Bachosky out of quills and snowshoe rabbit…Don’t leave the shop without them.