The river is at 61cfs, clear and starting the day in the low 50’s rising to mid/upper 50’s F.
I’ve been out again in Garrett County this week whilst releases from Prettyboy Dam have been up and down. Now the river seems to have settled 60 cfs which I think this is a superb level for fishing dry flies. We’re fishing terrestrials predominately now. With little hatching at the moment fish tend to be much more opportunistic at this time so throw hoppers, crickets or beetles along the banks.
The Gunpowder is at 30cfs, clear and 61 degrees F at 3pm today.
Prettyboy reservoir is over capacity and surface water very warm with the recent heat wave. This afternoon they cut the release dramatically once again from 120 to 30 cfs causing it to spill. With heavy rain forecast this afternoon through this evening, keep a close eye on the USGS gauge after as significant spillover is very possible. If water temperatures rise to 68 degrees or over give the trout a break until the water temperature comes back down again.
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The Gunpowder is at a lovely 153 cfs, 53 degrees and clear in the catch and release section.
After a heavy lashing of rain on Sunday, Prettyboy Dam increased the release to 150cfs from 30 just in time to avoid significant spillover. Once again, this has triggered the fish to spread out nicely and feed more confidently. Terrestrials have been working really well. Try throwing a big ant, beetle or hopper. Drop a nymph off the back and fish the faster runs and riffles. Fish tend to be very opportunistic at this time of year through the rest of summer so work on covering the water thoroughly, particularly focusing on the banks. Myself & Bryan Donoway, of Flies in Disguise, fished Tuesday evening & caught fish on dries, nymphs and streamers. Enjoy the flows whilst they last!
Note: Afternoon thunderstorms Thursday afternoon have caused the dam to spill over with the reservoir at full capacity. It’s running at 239cfs this morning and dropping.
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