fishing report

for river related condition reports

August Gunpowder River Report

The river is at 139 cfs, water temperature is in the mid 50’s. The fishing is very good with the flows being ideal for summer fishing. There is a lot of stream side terrestrials active now, hoppers, crickets and loads of ants. Inch worms falling in from the trees keeping the fish on the look out. Note: The river level has dropped to 64 cfs on Friday afternoon.  Thanks to Keir for the report earlier this week: Guys, Beautiful morning to be out and had some luck on the Gunpowder. The trout were taking a bead head prince nymph. 

Dry Fly Fishing on the Gunpowder

The river is at 61cfs, clear and starting the day in the low 50’s rising to mid/upper 50’s F. I’ve been out again in Garrett County this week whilst releases from Prettyboy Dam have been up and down. Now the river seems to have settled 60 cfs which I think this is a superb level for fishing dry flies. We’re fishing terrestrials predominately now. With little hatching at the moment fish tend to be much more opportunistic at this time so throw hoppers, crickets or beetles along the banks.

Low Water and Spillover on the Gunpowder

The Gunpowder is at 30cfs, clear and 61 degrees F at 3pm today. Prettyboy reservoir is over capacity and surface water very warm with the recent heat wave. This afternoon they cut the release dramatically once again from 120 to 30 cfs causing it to spill. With heavy rain forecast this afternoon through this evening, keep a close eye on the USGS gauge after as significant spillover is very possible. If water temperatures rise to 68 degrees or over give the trout a break until the water temperature comes back down again.  

Fantastic Levels On the Gunpowder

The Gunpowder is at a lovely 153 cfs, 53 degrees and clear in the catch and release section. After a heavy lashing of rain on Sunday, Prettyboy Dam increased the release to 150cfs from 30 just in time to avoid significant spillover. Once again, this has triggered the fish to spread out nicely and feed more confidently. Terrestrials have been working really well. Try throwing a big ant, beetle or hopper. Drop a nymph off the back and fish the faster runs and riffles. Fish tend to be very opportunistic at this time of year through the rest of summer so work on covering the …

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Low, Clear Water on the Gunpowder

The Gunpowder is at 31 cfs, and water temperatures are swinging from the low to upper 50’s. The water is clear. Once again, we’re in skinny flows on the river. Fish are concentrated in deeper runs and pools. The dry fly fishing can be good in low water, but just stay out of the water as much as possible to not spook fish before casting to them, especially in slower water. Midges can get fish looking up throughout the day but are most consistent in the evening. Just had a customer call the shop saying the fishing was great this afternoon, thanks Jack!

Mid June Gunpowder River Report

The Gunpowder is at 163 cfs, mostly clear, particuarly Masemore up to the dam. Water temperature starting the day in the high 40’s rising to the 50’s. Not much has changed, still sulphurs and caddis hatching, the river is not being affected by heavy storms much. Ants are definitely worth casting along the banks. Enjoy the weekend!