The Catch and release section is still relatively cool but with mid 90’s forecasted through this week, we could use a bit more flow. Currently the river is at 40 Cfs and temps at Falls Rd are in the low to mid 50’s throughout the day. Mornings have been especially productive with large attractor dries like stimulators and trudes in the #8-12 range. Midday small caddis emergers like zing-wings, cdc pupas and and x-caddis in the #14-16 range should work fine in the riffles. Low water is typical this time of year as is less pressure on the river. Many anglers over this past weekend found alot of room and reported lots of dry fly action. Rest assured, more water is on the way, until then, work the fastest water-read more dissolved oxygen and cover and limit your wading.The Gunpowder river at Sparks access was measured at 77 F on Thursday. Little Falls is quite warm and contributing to higher temps downstream, so please give the lower river a rest until conditions improve.

Thanks to Fred for the following report and picture of a fly rod smallmouth.

Theaux,

Quick report form July 4th, (a little late). With the river being super clear and the fish spooky, I decided to try something different. I decided to climb around the mouth of the dam and fish the far side of the plunge pool. Using a sink tip withan intermediate line I managed to land this smallmouth probably measuring between 17-18 inches and 4 1/2 -5 1/2 pounds. The picture does not do the fish justice. In order to land the fish I had to climb down the rock face where there is only one foot hold , which was very sketchy. I manged to get him up, -luckily with 6 pound test. Jim, (with BMW) witnessed the catch from the other side of the plunge pool. The day was a little overcast so visibility was low, but I saw a lot of activity down below the plunge pool. I had lots of strikes using that method and also caught a handful of browns and one white perch. Looking forward to doing it again and maybe this time I’ll get one of those big browns.

gotta go

Fred