fishing report

For those of you watching the stream gauge, we have positively wonderful flows along the Gunpowder river at 125 Cfs, the larger volume of water is also cooler than it was last week, (less time for sunlight to warm it up) from the catch and release section through Monkton at 54 F. Large flies can really help trick fish when covering water at higher flows. Terrestrials like hoppers, sized #8-12 and large foam beetles, in the #10-12 range are worth a shot. Don stopped in today and reported new Graffitti at Bunkerhill Rd access along the rock ledge pool. If you witness any vandalism or …

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The river is flowing at 86 Cfs, is clear, and 54 F at Falls Rd. Mornings have been very productive with lots of fish taking caddis in the #16-18 range, and small hoppers sized #10-12 from Masemore Rd upstream. A dozen or so large brown stonefly cases were brought in last week from the lower river. A few Cahills have also been present but not in enough of a concentration to call it a “hatch.” Nevertheless the fish are looking up and if you have a few stimulators left in your Western box, give ’em a try. We’ve been using lots of 7x, even with …

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The Catch and release section is still relatively cool but with mid 90’s forecasted through this week, we could use a bit more flow. Currently the river is at 40 Cfs and temps at Falls Rd are in the low to mid 50’s throughout the day. Mornings have been especially productive with large attractor dries like stimulators and trudes in the #8-12 range. Midday small caddis emergers like zing-wings, cdc pupas and and x-caddis in the #14-16 range should work fine in the riffles. Low water is typical this time of year as is less pressure on the river. Many anglers over this past weekend …

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Western Maryland in June was tough fishing with low water. When I had a few days free this past week I called some friends and decided to give it another try. The Savage River was fishing hot despite returning to 55 Cfs from 800 on Sunday July 1st. Sulphurs, Yellow and Lime Sallies, Olives, Caddis and even March Browns were still hatching. Fish were looking up in a big way, which was a change from last month. X-Caddis and Olives in a size 14 brought many fish up from the deep holes. In the tailouts and flat water fish were selectively rising to size 20-24 …

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Time for a recap on the Gunpowder fishing the past few weeks. The low water has made some access points very difficult to fish. Options include targeting boulder pools, rougher water versus shallow riffles, and heading south below the catch and release sections. 12-15 foot leaders and staying nearly out of the water are required for fishing the catch and release sections. Anglers fishing the lower river should know that water temperatures which allow comfortable wet wading may be getting a bit warm for trout fishing. Bring a thermometer and look for a temp less than seventy degrees. Be sure to reach deep into the …

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Summer fly fishing near Baltimore, Maryland might just pass you by if you wait for water levels to increase on the Gunpowder river, near Monkton , Maryland. Despite low water levels this weekend, (38 Cfs and 54 F at Falls Rd), two new Gunpowder river anglers caught their first wild browns on a fly Saturday. On Sunday, two Backwater Angler regulars had a banner day on the stream. Dave H., who wet wades, even during 100 ft gate releases, picked up a 17″ rainbow up top near the dam on a ant and dropper rig. The fish took a #14 Copper John. Thanks to Marty …

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