Theaux Le Gardeur

Low Flows, Tough Paddling on the Gunpowder River

The Baltimore Sun in an article titled; Best Places to Kayak near Baltimore just named the Gunpowder River as a top paddling destination. After a lengthy, spirited conversation from a kayaker this morning who stated that; I walked about the same distance that I floated last week! I’d like to relate that PrettyBoy Reservoir is full folks. With that in mind, it might be helpful to look critically at the flows controlled by the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) in the last month compared with flows on the Gunpowder in the same time period over the past eleven years and review the good …

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Gunpowder River Firsthand Knowledge, Flies, Advice and Afterwork Fun

A friendly reminder from Jennie to be sure to stop in to the shop for flies, and advice the next time you’re up on the river. These two shots speak volumes about firsthand knowledge in practice at Bunkerhill Rd access–afterwork fun! Related post: Gunpowder River Reload and a Warm Welcome for a Returning Staff Member

Sporadic Rises, Small Dries and Wild Trout on the Gunpowder

The Gunpowder is flowing at 31 CFs, is 54F to 56F in the catch and release section and is clear. The MD DNR Fisheries shocking survey is over. Thanks to all who participated! We’ve heard good initial reports of young of the year and a lone American eel at the Falls Rd station. The Bluemount station continues to produce chunky wild trout and seemingly limitless suckers and sculpins-their is a connection here. As soon as the official #’s are out we’ll post them on the site. Until then get out and find some wild browns on the end of your line. Until the first hard …

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Join Gunpowder RIVERKEEPER® Volunteers for the Annual MD DNR Fisheries Service Shocking Survey on the Gunpowder

This just in from Fisheries…Thanks to Mark Staley for the invite! We plan to conduct our annual electrofishing survey of the Gunpowder on the following dates: Sept. 24—Dam/Falls station Meet at 9:30 am at the upper lot on Falls Rd. Backpack electrofishers- 3 Sept. 25-Masemore station Meet at 9:30 am at the Masemore Rd. lot Barge shocker Sept. 26-Bluemount station Meet at 9:30 am at the Bluemount Rd. lots and carpool down the NCR trail to the station. Barge shocker Chest waders will be necessary for those who want to participate in the electrofishing. Anyone is welcome to attend and observe, however not everyone will …

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Fly Fishing School on Sunday the 30th

Please join us for a fly fishing school. On Sunday, September 30, a Backwater Angler Guide will be teaching a fly fishing school that is ideal for beginners. If you’re planning on flyfishing Maryland, or anywhere else for that matter, this course is a great introduction to the sport. The school covers knots, casting, gear and fly selection. Class is held from 11:00 AM till 2:00 PM. Cost is $100 per person and includes the use of gear. A Maryland non-tidal fishing license and trout stamp is required and may be purchased at the shop with check or cash the day of the school. Class …

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Streamers and Higher Flows on the Gunpowder River

Thanks to Craig for his Gunpowder River stream report from September 7: Theaux Took your lead on the streamers yesterday – 7 fish in an hour and easily missed as many – some ferocious hits as well. Flow was perfect – went early and fished from 7 to 9, left when everyone else showed up :) Tight lines Craig