fishing report

for river related condition reports

Smallmouth Fly Fishing on the Susquehanna

The Susquehanna River offers some amazing water to target smallmouth bass. After fishing the river for years with spinning gear, I recently transitioned to fly fishing for smallmouth. My thoughts in presentation are still the same although I’m using a different setup. I have been using the new Patagonia Swiftcurrent packable waders the last few times I’ve fished there. Studs in your boots are almost necessary if you decide to wade. Big boulders and slippery mud make wading a challenge, so be careful. I used a basic 7 weight combo that I’ve had for years with a floating line. Flies were thrown on a 2x …

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Memorial Day Hours & River Report

We will be open 10-4 Memorial Day Monday. The river is flowing nicely at 106cfs with water temperatures in the low 50’s. Sulphurs remain much of what the fish are looking for through the afternoon along with tan caddis. Caddis are hatching well into the evening. Sulphurs are most consistent in the afternoon but you never quite know when you’ll encounter a burst of them coming off. It’s a good idea to have a variety of different imitations of sulphur duns and emergers at hand to show the fish if they wise up to one pattern, switch out and try another for an often instant …

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Backwater Angler Reopens May 22, 2020

Based on the County Executive’s order, Backwater Angler will our reopen our doors for retail business tomorrow, May 22 at 10AM. Big Changes you need to be aware of for our reopening: Mask requirements are in effect-if you’re not wearing a mask we won’t welcome you in. Period. We will limit the total # customers to Three(3) in the door at a time. Our restroom will remain closed to the public. If you’re sick, stay at home. We can always “talk fishing” remotely. Extended Hours on the Weekends: Because we’ve missed a good part of our busy season and because we want to follow social …

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Mid May Gunpowder Stream Report

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.

Late March Gunpowder Fishing Report

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 …

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Mid March Gunpowder Fishing Report

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 …

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