for river related condition reports
The river is at a ideal 115 cfs, clear and water temperature in the low to mid 50’s. Sulphurs hatching in the afternoon, spinner fall has been happening late after dark. Warmer days should bring this forward. Tan caddis coming off in the afternoon through evening. Midges have the fish looking up earlier in the day.
The Gunpowder is running nicely at 110 cfs and warming from 45 early in the morning towards 50 degrees F. With spring feeling like it’s here and the current requirement for ‘social distancing’ the park has been busy with people enjoying the outdoors and trout anglers are no different. Young angler Jacob Warner has been out plenty recently: The trout have been active and very hungry in the Gunpowder. Trout can be seen aggressively feeding on stoneflies and midges throughout slower water, with an occasional sulphur being taken. Nymphing has been an effective tactic as well, although the excessive amounts of Didymo presently in the water …
The Gunpowder is at 72cfs, clear and 43 degrees F swinging up to 47 F. Little black stoneflies size 16 have been coming off and the fish are looking for them during the warmer part of the day. Plentiful midges and the very occasional mayfly has been reported by customers including some small sulphurs! I would imagine the warm winter we’ve had can bring the hatches forward, we saw a similar thing occur in spring 2017 after a warm winter. Don’t be without some unseasonable patterns on the river just in case. With the water being so clear and many of the fish holding in …
The Gunpowder River is flowing at 78.4 Cfs and is 42.5 degrees F. Temperatures are swinging nicely up now from 39 degrees F in the morning so it’s fine to wait until mid afternoon to get out there. Rumblings of stoneflies are always heard this time of year but a safer bet would be to give the black flies a look up top in the catch and release section. Stop in and pick up some of Mike Bachkosky’s little Lehigh snowflies to imitate these and bring along some 7x. Bright, mild days can make streamer fishing tough so don’t feel compelled to wade all day-use …
The river is at 90cfs and water temps around 40 degrees F, very clear. With water temperatures dropping under 40 on colder nights, the fishing has usually been slow. That said, river levels are ideal and with mild winter temperatures, more little black stoneflies should be coming off getting the trouts attention. Fishing a small pheasent tail, prince or frenchie nymph (16-22) close to the bottom will catch fish most consistently. Didymo is starting to really take hold on the rocks above Falls road up to the dam; setting up a drop shot rig is a good way to get around the snot getting all …
End of the year and new year temperatures are making for some great days on the river. Early stoneflies are moving about attracting the attention of the wild brown residents. I was lucky enough to get out at the end of 2019 and land a brook trout on the Gunpowder which is a true gem. Much of the wild browns have been cooperating providing some action on nymphs and on top. Throwing some dry stones will be productive, but wait until you see some surface activity. Nymphing will still be more productive to those that stick with it. Stop by the shop to check …