Gunpowder River Stream Report -Up and Down, Sulphurs, Caddis and Rainbows…

The Sulphurs aren’t the only things going up and down in Hereford. Water levels this week have dropped from a high on Wednesday of 346 Cfs, (think limited wading and large streamers in the upper catch and release section), to the high 170 Cfs range Friday. With a recent gate change expect the gauge to look like a zig zag line for the next day or so but water levels should still be on the downswing, and very fishable by today.
Kamloops Rainbow from the Gunpowder RiverExpect to see the river in the mid to high 100’s (Cfs) throughout the weekend. Water temps have been in the low 60’s (F) but as more water moves through river temps should hold in the low to mid 50’s (F) as spillover-warmer water coming over the top of the dam face slows down a bit. Clouds of Caddis have made the dry fly fishing exciting and Sulphurs in the #16 range are peeling off throughout the day. It’s certainly hot enough for a spinner fall so stop by and pick up some of Mike’s biot-bodied Sulphur Para-spinners and get ready for some great evening dry fly fishing. If you have dinner plans, fly fishing midday with pheasant tails, soft hackles and snow shoe emergers has been the ticket. Find a shaded riffle and you’ll increase your chances of tricking fish. Having trouble catching Gunpowder Browns? Try your luck with the 5,000 new rainbows that are now swimming above Falls Rd. These kamloops strain fingerling rainbows are taking dries with abandon.