The Gunpowder is at an ideal 99cfs, starting the day at 36 cfs, and clear.Over the past week the discharge from Prettyboy dam has been gradually decreased from the 200+ cfs it was previously. At this current level, water temperature can really jump during a mild day, which looks good for the weekend. Early brown and little black stoneflies have been hatching, fishing a size 16 prince nymph is a good imitative pattern for these, which you will see crawling up logjams drying out their wings. If you see or hear a splashy rise, try skating a dry in the faster water, the first strong hatches of the year will tempt hungry fish to look up for a meal through early afternoon.

The Gunpowder is high at 285cfs, 39 F and progressively more stained downstream from Falls road.

The river is a different beast at these levels. Putting lots of weight onto your line is the way to go if nymphing, as the fish are sitting in deep water and will be sluggish. Zebra midges are working well. The issue is getting snagged more often as there is more debris washed into the river waiting to steal your fly.

I think that these levels are great for streamers, sink tip lines make a huge difference in keeping your streamer in the strike zone. The best bet of finding a larger, hungry trout is in the tails of pools and against structures like log jams.

Take special care when wading whilst the dam release remains as it is, I wouldn’t recommend crossing, and cleats will help keep your footing.

The Gunpowder is flowing at 230 cfs, 38 degrees farenheit and off color.

Due to the freezing temperatures, fishing has not been easy. However, if you manage to stay warm and concentrate your fishing on days when the wind hasn’t been too harsh, the Gunpowder is producing. I fished New Years day and then Wednesday the 3rd. I caught several fish during a couple of hours on zebra midges on Monday when the water was clear, on Wednesday the water was stained and the flow was up to 195. Dead drifting woolly buggers picked up some nice wild fish. I had to work for them though and found them hugging the banks. Patagonia capilene underwear, gloves and shelled insulated pants make a huge difference to enjoying your outings during the winter months.

With a break in this cold weather this coming week, the fishing should get better. Fish will spread out in this higher volume of water and streamer fishing will work for those willing to put the time in. Czech nymphing is always an excellent way to search for fish when the water is stained like is it. Use caution when on the trails, put some cleats in your boots and avoid rocky areas if possible. Watch your step –  broken bones are not fun, I can attest to that recently!

Thanks to Jim Czawlytko for catching this photo of this pretty brown with the giant tail.