Low flows, at 27 Cfs, warmer river temps, almost 57 F today at Falls Rd., and cold October mornings on the Gunpowder have added up to great fishing. The Trico hatch began two months ago and is still going strong with many fish active near riffles and slow pools through out the catch and release section. Many rising trout are eating spinners, which are dropping to the water later in the morning than previous weeks. Anglers and guides are reporting really good caddis hatches beginning when the Trico activity slows. Numerous first time customers and regulars are returning to the river for consecutive days, and to the shop to stock up on patterns after experiencing, “some of their best fishing on the Gunpowder.” The shop has had successful guide trips on the river nearly everyday over the past two weeks. After four guide trips last week my clients, ranging from first timers to experienced anglers, fished over pods of rising trout and landed into the double digits, with many more fish broken off or missed.

On days when cloud cover and rain are present, blue wing olives have been hatching and bringing fish to the surface. The terrestrial bite is still good, as many trout are hitting beetles, hoppers and ants fished near structure. Tiny flying ants are also a possibility after a previous days rain, and really get the trout’s attention. On some days toward evening a small number of non-descript mayflies emerge ranging from size 16-20, and result in a short lived spinnerfall at dark. Streamers are also starting to turn some larger fish and I recently lost two of my largest Gunpowder browns of the year in the 17-19 inch range on a 4 inch long pattern I tied. Note the trout’s extended belly in the pic above as a sign that the fish are feeding and bulking up for the next few months.