Thanks to Chris for this stream report from July 20th.

Theaux,
Cosmic night on the Gunpowder! This was one of those evenings when all elements came together to result in classic dry fly fishing. As the fog rolled its way down river it chased the last of the tubers down-stream—I could hear their shouts and groans become swallowed and muted by the mist. Not a rising trout in sight. At approximately 7:30 the fog lifted to reveal the hidden world beneath the water–Rising trout came out to feed! With the water as low as it is, I took advantage by finding trout stacked up in channels and pools. One such spot tonight involved a glass smooth pool with a nice shade-line along its bank. Beneath the pool are large submerged boulders; two of which sit side-by-side forming a funnel that speeds the current as it passes through, resulting a deep green pocket with slowly twisting, braiding currents on top. The fish were holding in groups of 2 or 3 throughout this area and were feeding on the emergers of sized 16 and 18 sulphurs. A spattering of cream midges were mixed within the hatch. I tied on a sized 18 dun to 18 feet of leader ending in 7x and carefully made a 30 foot upstream cast to where the fish where pushing the surface. I instantly had a brown sip my fly. This became the routine for the rest of the evening, hooking into to several fish up to 13” (browns and rainbows) all on dry flies. This, I believe, is soulful fly fishing in its purist form. And not another person in sight; just the sound of the chorus of forest dwellers. I’m always truly amazed at what a phenomenal river we have just minutes from our doorsteps.

-Chris Karwacki