The Gunpowder river is clear, low at 32 CFS and warming up at 58 F. Bright sun and burning hot days has made the fly fishing quite challenging. Thanks to Gene for the stream report and great photos:

After a brief spell of 80 cfs flows the dam has reduced the flow to the mid 30’s yesterday morning. Long leaders and small dry flies have been still been tempting plenty of fish in the faster water. Small caddis patterns and ants (size 18) are great go-to flies all day long.

The Gunpowder River is clear upstream of Bluemount road, flowing at an ideal 78 CFs and is 55 degrees. Fish are taking terrestrials, small streamers and midge patterns. Five-thousand (5,000) fingerling rainbows were stocked in the upper catch and release section in the past two weeks.

Thanks to Gene for the following stream report and photos:

Since Friday, the flow has been bumped up from the mid 40’s to the 80 cfs mark, providing much greater fishing opportunities. The water temperature in the upper sections ranging from 50-55 through the day. At time of year, with temperatures being well in the 90’s, its often best to give the lower sections a miss due to high water temperature and lots of river traffic from others enjoying the river.

The fishing is most consistent in the morning. Bigger fish are falling readily for an opportunistic hopper or beetle. I’ve been catching more rainbows than usual lately, including a large one which was 17 inches long. Many fish will be tempted by caddis (size 16-18) and midges. I like using small streamers like sculpin patterns, wooley buggers and traditional’s like grey ghosts and Mickey Finns, being effective when fished up against any structure. As we enter August, keep an eye out for tricos as well in the morning.

Gene

The Gunpowder River is low and clear and flowing at 44 CFs and 54 degrees F. Find some shade and you’ll find some fish. Tippet in the 6 to 7x range is a must. Long Leaders starting at ten feet will ask make a big difference in whether your tricking fish or not. Thanks to Chris Karwacki for the great morning shot of the Gunpowder and to Gene for the following stream report:

The river is shallow, clear with ideal water temperatures for trout fishing.Terrestrials are having opportunistic fish looking up to the surface for ants, hoppers and beetles and will take them along shady banks. Midges will catch fish. Using a small zebra midge behind a caddis pattern is a good bet in the catch and release section-particuarly above falls Rd. The low water levels have forced fish to the deeper pools, and sight fishing with a pair of good polarized lens sunglasses is an effective way to catch fish. You’ll be able to see fish and know where they are for next time.

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