The Gunpowder River is flowing at 315 CFs and is 44.5 degrees. If you find yourself trying to squeeze in some fly fishing in Maryland before New Years stop by the shop and pick up a new pair of Patagonia merino wool socks before you hit the river. Keep in mind that most of the snow that arrived Christmas Eve is gone and the river is colder and higher because of it. York Rd downstream was muddy and high this morning. Fishing streamers above Bunkerhill Rd through the Falls Rd access points has been productive. Dead drifting these patterns with a sink-tip line or a 5 to 10 foot Airflo sinking polyleaders is the best way to cover the boulder pools. Upstream of Masemore, BWO’s in the #20-22 range have been coming off sporadically on warmer days. Mike Bachkosky’s BWO para-spinner is a great hi-vis pattern and his Phunny emerger in a #18 fished with Grey Zebra midge will cover the Olives and the Black Flies. A Rengade or Griffith’s in a #16 is easier to fish than the tiny stuff and should work fine in the shallow riffles. This time of year, a pair of small Prince nymphs are always a good bet-especially with some Loon Deep Soft Weight in front of them.
