fishing report

for river related condition reports

Low Water on the Gunpowder

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 …

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Ants and Midges abound on the Gunpowder

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 …

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Low Flows, Terrestrials and Midges

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 …

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Terrestrial time on the Gunpowder

The Gunpowder is clear, flowing at 61 cfs with water temperatures in the high 50’s. As the sulphurs are finally winding down fish start to diversify their feeding habits. This means anglers who are willing to fish different methods depending on the conditions will typically catch more fish. Caddis are hatching regularly and fishing size 14-18 caddis patterns; pupa, emerger or adult patterns will all work. Terrestrials cast up along the bank is usually effective for tricking those fish who are keeping an eye out for an easy meal. Zonkers and wooly buggers have been catching the larger fish when fished tight to undercut banks.

Ants, Winston and Abel for Father’s Day

The Gunpowder River is clear and flowing at a near perfect 75 Cfs and is in the mid 50’s F throughout most of the day. Thanks to Gene for the great shot of Backwater Angler Staffer Carl Cartier showing how to handle a solid Brown trout in a bend pool on the Gunpowder with a short Leonard and a long leader. The last of the Sulphurs can be found above Falls Rd each evening. If you are starting earlier, Ants and caddis are worth a shot. Be sure to stop in a pick up a few parachute ants and some 7x tippet. We have lots …

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Fly Fishing on the North Branch of the Potomac

Summer seemed to arrive almost overnight a couple of weeks back, whilst freestone streams can struggle with warm water, tailwaters continue to produce great fishing opportunities. I fished out in western Maryland earlier this month on the Savage and the North branch of the Potomac. Both tailwaters like the Gunpowder – but aside from that they offer much different fishing experiences. I floated with guide Tony Lohr from Savage River Outfitters down a spectacular section of the North Branch downstream from Westernport. This was my first float and it was an experience to remember! In this fast, heavy water a 5 to 6 weight rod …

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