fishing report

for river related condition reports

Mid September Gunpowder Fishing Report

After a week of favorable flows in the 70s, the river has dropped back down to its typical summer flow of ~30 cfs. We recommend wading as little as possible and fishing long leaders with 6-7x tippet as the trout are quite skittish. Stop by the shop for some Trout Hunter 6.5x tippet, which is absolutely perfect for fishing low water when you just don’t want to commit to using super delicate 7x. Fishing a dry dropper is a good way to catch fish in the early mornings. I recommend cutting off the dropper around 11am when the water begins to warm up. Terrestrials have …

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BWA goes west/Gear review

Like many fly anglers, I was sucked into the hobby by visions of casting dry flies to rising trout surrounded by the sweeping hills and vast skies of the American west.  However, not long after breaking into the hobby, I found myself being drawn to the excitement of flats fishing in the Florida Keys and the idea of taking a trip out west became distant. Finally, five years after casting my first fly rod, I made the journey to Salt Lake City and then north to Wyoming.  The first full day of fishing was one of the most memorable I’ve had.  My fishing buddy and …

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Gunpowder Labor Day Fishing Report

      Even after one and a half inches of rain on September 2nd, flows on the Gunpowder remain clear and below 30 CFS with temperatures ranging between 56 and 60 degrees F. Despite the low water, lots of wild fish can be found rising to midges and some Tricos. Using small dries in the #18-22 range in the morning and evenings can result in subtle takes from these fish. Fishing a terrestrial around overhanging branches and grass is still an effective tactic.   Come visit the new shop labor day weekend. Directions to the new shop can be found here. We will be open: …

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Terrestrials on the Gunpowder

This week the Gunpowder River flow has been fluctuating often. Recently it has been at ideal levels, and flowing at about 85 cfs, 57.9 F and clear. Terrestrials are still going to the most effective way to fish a dry fly. Targeting structure like trees and other formations along the bank will give you the best opportunity to catch a fish, but some opportunistic fish may rise in the faster runs. Fishing a nymph rig can be very effective as well. You will find fish holding deep in the bigger pools, these fish are best targeted with nymphs.  It is best to go small, imitating midges …

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Dog Days Fly Fishing on the Gunpowder River

The release from Prettyboy remains 29 Cfs, with the water temperature starting in the mid 50’s. Progressive stain in the water downstream from Masemore after localized thunderstorms. Nymphing is worth shot, the smaller the better. Terrestrial can still be effective especially in the riffles. Thanks to Warner for the great stream report! Hey guys,  Just checking in after a nice afternoon/evening on the Gunpowder after my recent Abel reel purchase.  Big thank you to Gene for his continued support and patience as he answers my numerous questions about gear and fly presentations.  He also was instrumental in helping me find this rod/reel combo of a Winston …

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Mid July Gunpowder River Stream Report

The Gunpowder is 29 cfs, clear and water temperatures start the day at 53-54 and can swing up to the low 60’s on hot sunny days. Since Wednesday evening the releases from Prettyboy dam have dropped from 85 to sub 30cfs. All of a sudden this presents a much changed river. There are little to no sulphurs and much reduced numbers of caddis around compared to 2 weeks ago. Now many fish have switched their attention to midges and terrestrials like ants and beetles along the banks. On darker days or after some rain, try swinging a small streamer. The trout are active and will …

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