fishing report

for river related condition reports

Time Lapse Photos Of March Water Levels In Prettyboy Reservoir

When will we see an increase in flow on the Gunpowder River? In the shop we are asked this question almost daily. These lower flows the past six months have resulted in tough fishing, but on the bright side it has allowed Prettyboy to gain a lot of water back. I have monitored the levels in Prettyboy in March using a camera to document the rise of water against the dam wall.I snapped this photo below on March 7th 2008. The elevation of the water level at that time was roughly 12 feet from the point of spillover. I snapped this photo below on March …

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Another Opening Day in Maryland

This weekend we’ll celebrate another opening day in Maryland. The Put-and-Take, (five fish-a-day stretch) from the red posts demarcating the gas line above upper Glencoe RD, downstream through the Phoenix RD. section has been stocked with 3, 000 rainbows and has been closed since March 9. It will open for fishing at 5:30 AM this Saturday, the 29th of March. Both the upper, catch-and-release, artificials only section from Pretty Boy Dam through Bluemount RD. and middle, 2 fish-a-day stretch, any method from Bluemount RD. downstream to the red posts below Corbett RD. are open year round. Thanks to Mike for his kind words and support, Theaux: Congratulations on …

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A Bald Eagle and Blackflies on the Gunpowder River

I witnessed an immature Bald Eagle peering down into one of my favorite pools this morning along the Gunpowder river. Perched on a sturdy Walnut tree amidst a Sycamore grove, she looked intent on fishing and I was envious of her view. Through the dappled light, a raucous crow set upon her and left just as quickly, realizing that she was no hawk. Ferns are starting to make their presence known as their stark green fronds unfold against Fall leaves now going to soil. Further upstream, above the boulder pools Capt. Jeff Lewatowski led two clients this past weekend to trick what he termed, “easily three …

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March Hatches On The Gunpowder River

Mild March weather is ideal for dry fly fishing on the Gunpowder. The warm temps hatch clouds of midges and send dark brown stoneflies skittering across the water’s surface. Trout are sipping the midges in the slower pools and whacking larger stoneflies used as searching patterns. Nymphing is still productive, but the surface action has really picked up for anglers willing to tie on some 7X-8X and cast tiny flies to sipping fish. The rising trout tend to go into sporadic feeding cycles, and many fish can be seen hanging inches under the surface. Patience and hatch matching skills will be put to the test …

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Gunpowder River Mid-Winter Fishing Recap

March has historically been a time when numerous insects start hatching on the Gunpowder River. Midges hatch on the river on mild days, and Blackflies can be found hatching in areas of the river this month under warm, ideal conditions. Stonefly nymphs pictured below can be found in the water under rocks and in leaf piles. Dry fly anglers should look for less wary fish down river and an extended period of warm days or bright sun. I got reports of fish hitting dry flies on the warmest days the past two weeks. On days when the temps reached 55 degrees I counted six browns …

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Gunpowder River Fishing Report

February fishing on the Gunpowder at these low levels is not the typical winter fishing experience. Many anglers are opting to stay home or stop by the shop for tying materials to keep them busy. Contrary to what many anglers think the fishing on the Gunpowder has shown improvement over the past few weeks. The fish have seen little pressure and have developed an appetite since the drop in flow late last Fall. This picture below is Prettyboy releasing 30 Cfs and was taken during the low flow of January 07. In 2007 Prettyboy gained enough water to spill over in early March when we …

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