The GunpowderRiver is flowing at 90 CFs and is 44 F and clear. Now is the time to stud your wading shoes. With 6 to 8 inches of snow blanketing the Hereford Zone of Gunpowder State Park, the trails above Falls Rd are tough going. Try Masemore, Bunkerhill and York Rd in the catch and release section for easier and safer access. Be sure to bring a wading staff and an extra pair of gloves. Most are better off using the trail along the river. Watch for edge ice in the flats and move slowly out there. Consider sitting and sliding in to the River rather than taking a large step from a cut bank. Small patterns are a great way to trick fish this time of year. Midge larvae this time of year can be found in submerged leaf piles. The lower river in the 5 fish a day stretch along the NCR-now the Torrey Brown trail-is worth a look. It’s a nice way to stay warm and cover more water. While the lower river is stocked with rainbows each year, it still hosts a sustainable, wild population of brown trout
Thanks to Josh Reider for the photos and stream report.
Fishing in the winter can be a very productive time for fishing. Nymphing small pheasant tails, stonefly imitations, zebra midges, and black fly larva is the best way to target cold finicky fish. I fished the coldest day of the year yesterday, and was able to pick up 3 fish in the lower river using these tactics. Many of those willing to brave the cold will often find a quiet serene river filled with fish that have not been fished over in a couple days; as compared to fish that will be fished over multiple times a day during the spring and summer. Fighting the cold with good gloves, warm socks, and insulation is a must if you want to enjoy your time on the river during the coldest days.
