The Gunpowder river is 60 F, clear and is flowing at 121 CFs. Small midges and the Hendricksons are upon us. Soft hackles and emergers are proving to be tough to fish especially with some of the didymo “letting go” with warmer stream temps. Bright sun filtered by trees that just leafing out made conditions tough last week, but after a few days when air temps approached 90 F, the river is shaping up. Hendrickson emergers, duns, and spinners. are worth a shot-especially in the riffles. Next time you’re up at the shop, be sure to pick out a few snowshoe rabbit midges that are very effective in imitating those difficult to match midges along the river.

Thanks to Fr. paul for his stream report from Thursday March 27,

Theaux,
Just wanted to report on today’s fishing. It was one of those days on the
river that will be remembered for a long time. I fished just upstream
from Falls Road this morning and am happy to report that fish were rising
all morning long! Five fish were fooled by the tiny trico pattern I
picked up at the shop a while back (thanks for replenishing the supply
this afternoon). I have found this to be one of the most effective
patterns on the Gunpowder. After the winter we’ve had, rising fish seem
even more special than usual. Thanks again!

-Fr. Paul

Thanks to Bryan for his stream report from April 3,

Guys,
Went out on Sat. at Bunker Hill Rd. Gorgeous day. Saw a number of small fish on the surface chasing a bug so small, I never did get a chance to see what it was. Since it was so bright out, I tried hitting the deep holes. I was fishing my way down towards one with my gold bead head black woolly bugger when I saw an absolute horse come up and follow the bugger, then turn away at the last second and sink back down. To put it in perspective, I saw an 8-10″ fish right at my feet, but the large one could have absolutely eaten that 10″ in a bite! He was a horse – had to be 2.5 – 3 times larger than the small fish at my feet. Caught one small brownie, and two other bites that I missed.

Just a beautiful day
Bryan

Thanks to Dick for his stream report from April 5

Theaux,
Only spent about 30- 40 minutes on the water on a long overdue mental health day :-). Probably spent more time getting “suited up” than fishing, since I hadn’t even lawn cast since last fall. I am a terrible photographer, but caught this pretty brown on a #16 hendrickson a moment after missing another about 100 yards upstream from the bridge at Masemore, hard against the bank. Only had a little time, as you know I almost didn’t go out, but glad I did. Thanks for the encouragement!

Dick

Related Post:
Don Quixote and Quills along the Gunpowder