fishing report

for river related condition reports

Gunpowder River is Now Flowing at 144 CFs

The Gunpowder River is now flowing at 144 CFs, is 36 F and clear. This increase in flow should provide plenty of oxygenated water for the fertilized eggs on the redds and push some of the Didymo that has been accumulating in the upper catch and release section downstream. An added plus is that the river water should be warming a bit at the higher flows so we’re that much closer to fly fishing for wild trout with imitations of blackflies and stoneflies. With lows in the teens and twentys this week, sleep in and start out midday with grey midges and stonefly nymphs. The …

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A Tiger Trout Fooled on the Gunpowder River

The Gunpowder is flowing at 27 Cfs is 36 degrees and clear. Small grey midges are still coming off sporadically. Watch out for edge ice along the banks as it can make things interesting as one enters or exits the stream. Don’t be in a hurry to fish the middle of the stream. During this time of year, many fish hold in the shallows over leaf litter in order to pick off young of the year from last March. Midge larvae also tend to mass in leaf litter so fish where the food is and bring along a wading staff for good measure. The winds …

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Ring in the Fly Fishing New Year with Backwater Angler. Stop in a Pick Up a License New Years Day!

2011 will mark Backwater Angler’s 10th year. We’re celebrating by being open on New Years Day to help anglers shake off a little cabin fever and properly ring in the New Year by wetting a line. Pictured above is the new MD DNR regulation booklet, Bay Sport Pleasure Boat Sticker and Crabbing Boat Sticker for 2011. Fishing conditions along the river have improved measurably this week. The river is flowing at 29 CFs, is still chilly at 37 F, and should be warming through the weekend. Stoneflies are right around the corner and we should see some black flies and grey midges as the water …

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Simms Windstopper Gloves, Hats and a Fishing Report

The Gunpowder river is flowing at 30 Cfs, is 37 F and clear. Until the wind knocks down, try swinging small stonefly nymphs toward the banks. Traditional streamers are also worth a shot. Try dead-drifting them in the log jams. The river has been low since early fall so one will find fish along edges in leaf litter and tucked in the deepest slots they can find. Now would be a good time to explore the lower river between Bluemount Rd. and Upper Glencoe Rd. It’s a big area, the fish are spread out, and hiking the NCR trail will allow you to warm up …

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Wild Brown Trout And The Gunpowder River

The past two months I’ve hiked the Gunpowder (almost) top to bottom looking for spawning activity to film. I watched as redds began to appear nearly overnight along different sections of river. On a few occasions I was fortunate to witness numerous browns in the process of spawning. I watched two big trout pair up on a redd and spawn, before vacating the area days later. One day I filmed as many as eight to ten browns competitively jockey for position next to a female, and bump her to drop eggs. I also filmed some large browns that moved from their hiding spots to spawn …

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Fly Fishing for Ohio Steelhead and Gunpowder Browns

Thanks to Mitchell for the great pics and report. Hello Theaux, I always enjoy stopping in your shop when I’m in town visiting my sister Diane and her husband Stuart Pelkey who doubles as my fishin’ partner. Your shop has a great atmosphere and your warm hospitality is much appreciated! The Gunpowder is an awesome river, very scenic and rich in wildlife. It’s great fun casting to those browns with a four weight in hand. This past summer we had great luck drifting dry flies and over thanksgiving streamers were the ticket! A bead chain olive wooly bugger that was a bit neglected in my …

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