fishing report

Despite the cold weather, harsh winds and snow, I have sent many people out fishing in the past week by simply issuing them a a 2013 fishing license, and handing off a basic assortment of nymphs and streamers, including a new leader, a spool of tippet and a few thingamabobbers. Fishing this time of year presents many challenges but if you’re willing to brave frozen fingers and cold feet the wild browns on the Gunpowder River are more than willing to cooperate. Usually in the winter months the flows are in the 30-60 CFs range, but in the past week the River has been closer …

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With the Mayan Apocalypse and more importantly, last minute holiday shopping behind us, anglers throughout the Mid Atlantic may find themselves bundled up and thinking about warmer locations and more cooperative fish. We have recently been outfitting folks heading to Belize, the Caribbean, South Carolina, New Zealand, South Florida and the Keys. I was fortunate enough to escape the Mid-Atlantic cold for a week of fishing on Grand Bahama Island. While generally not as well publicized as other bonefish destinations in the Bahamas, Grand Bahama is home to some of best guides and oldest fly fishing lodges in the Caribbean and is one very special …

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The Gunpowder River is flowing at 315 CFs and is 44.5 degrees. If you find yourself trying to squeeze in some fly fishing in Maryland before New Years stop by the shop and pick up a new pair of Patagonia merino wool socks before you hit the river. Keep in mind that most of the snow that arrived Christmas Eve is gone and the river is colder and higher because of it. York Rd downstream was muddy and high this morning. Fishing streamers above Bunkerhill Rd through the Falls Rd access points has been productive. Dead drifting these patterns with a sink-tip line or a …

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The Gunpowder river is flowing at 309 CFs, is clear enough upstream of Masemore and slightly off color and 46 degrees. Recent rains, accompanied by spillover from Pretty Boy Dam have moved the river level up overnight. Typically, with the winter solstice comes the first glimpse of early brown and little black stoneflies. Black flies and zebra midges are also effective behind caddis larvae and small prince nymphs. Traditional streamer patterns like zonkers in a sz #4 are a good bet. Fly fishing during the holidays will be tough until the wind knocks down.

It’s 68 degrees in December, the river is clear, water temps are 48 to 52 F and the river is flowing at a near perfect 72 CFS-time to look at how many sick days one has left this year and consider putting them to good use. We had several anglers in yesterday. Most picked up a few fish on BWOs sized #22 and small stonefly nymphs in the #16 range. All stated that they felt “much better” after a day on the river. Masemore downstream has been difficult, so try Bunkerhill through York Rd into Big Falls. Enjoy the beautiful weather and wild fish-We’ll have …

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The Gunpowder River is flowing at 80 CFS is 48F and clear. The trails are in great shape and the wading is getting easier as water levels have been slowing dropping through the week. Tiny BWO’s, small cream midges, small caddis larva and streamers have resulted in a few fish this week. Capt. Jeff Lewatowski sent this nice shot of a wild fish Megan released above Falls Rd. The lower river below the confluence of Little Falls at Bluemount Rd is actually a bit warmer than the mainstem and a good bet for streamers. Wild Turkeys have been spotted along the river below Monkton and …

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