fishing report - BACKWATER ANGLER

Late September on the Gunpowder

September 23, 2017September 21, 2017

The Gunpowder is at 33 cfs and starting the day cold at 50 degrees at Falls road. The flows continue to be low for this time. However the past week the flows have been steady and with ideal water temperatures the fishing can be good, fish will always be opportunistic at this time of year. Caddis, around size 18, have been hatching in the afternoons through the evening from falls and the fish key in on these when happening. In the evenings, from the dam down to bunker hill area, tiny cream midges are hatching that are around size 24. Small subsurface patterns like Zebra …

Rain and clear water on the Gunpowder

August 7, 2017

Thanks to Gene for the fishing report and photos. The Gunpowder is stable at 42 cfs, clear and starting the day at 54 degrees. Following the push of water last week the river is back down to summer flows. Tributaries will add a little color to the river downstream from Falls Rd. Despite that the river is relatively clear until Little Falls at Bluemount Rd. Fishing with beetles, ants and small hoppers has been productive in the mornings especially. Small caddis size 18’s are coming off in the mornings and evenings. Tricos have been inconsistent as of yet this season.

Better Flows on the Gunpowder

July 27, 2017

The Gunpowder is at 73 cfs and water temperature remains in the mid 50’s at Falls road. Since the flows have been increased Monday night the fishing has been great. The fish seem to have spread out and are very active. Streamers have been working really well, especially for the larger fish, after 4 weeks of low water. Much of the same has been working – terrestrials, caddis etc. Now you can encounter tricos around 8-9 am from bunker hill downstream: Fish should be reacting to those more each day from now whilst they last. This fish was caught on a sculpin pattern 20 minutes …

Low Water on the Gunpowder

July 21, 2017

Thanks to Gene for the following stream report and photos: The river remains at 32 cfs and water temperatures swing from 52 up to the 60 degree mark. The fishing on the Gunpowder has been tough for the most part. Hot weather, low water and heavy use of the river from other form of recreation are creating for naturally difficult conditions. However those willing to go out during rainy, dark conditions, early morning or late evening when the river is quiet, trout are often willing to pounce on a well presented fly whether it be an ant, cricket, beetle or caddis. This fat fish for …

Ants and Midges abound on the Gunpowder

July 14, 2017

The Gunpowder is low, 32 cfs, and cold – starting the day at 52 degrees at Falls road. Thanks to Gene for the great stream report and photo: Terrestrials fished tight along the banks is the one of the best ways of fooling trout at this time of year. Quiet approaches and long leaders will increase your chances of success. Evening and morning have larger fish on the lookout for an easy meal like this trout pictured that devoured a size 16 parachute ant. Midges are the main hatch that will bring fish up in the slower water. When the surface activity is quiet euro …

Low Flows, Terrestrials and Midges

July 2, 2017June 30, 2017

The Gunpowder River is flowing at 32 CFS, 52 F and is clear. Try to find some shade this weekend. Wet wading works fine this time of year just watch out for the poison ivy and ground bees. A float in any size craft or even a Gunpowder River tubing trip will likely turn more into a muddy drag. Small midge patterns fished behind an ant or beetle on 7x is a great way to trick wild fish! Thanks to Gene Howson for the stream report: In the past week the flows have been reduced to 32cfs. Low flows can make the fishing more challenging …