The Savage and North Branch of the Potomac Rivers are down to easier wading levels and conditions are great on both rivers. On a recent July trip, I guided and fished both rivers over the week. My fourth outing to Western Maryland this year brought yet again different conditions, but plenty of options for fishing.  The Savage flows were clear at 70 Cfs and fish were less willing to rise to larger dries, than previous high water levels. In many flat water areas fish were sipping tiny Blue Wing Olive spinners through the afternoon and refusing everything that wasn’t an exact match. I always bring …

Read more

Though the low flows on the Gunpowder are making a stealthy approach necessary, the fishing has not been that tough. The water is low, clear, and cold (in the low 50’s), so long leaders in the 12-13 foot range and 7X tippet have been necessary. Fishing the riffle water with small caddis and terrestrials, and staying away from flat water has been productive. Small tan elk hair caddis, beetles, and small hoppers have been fooling fish throughout the catch-and-release section. On a recent evening outing to the upper section, I saw very few caddis hatching, but I had many fish eagerly take a caddis emerger …

Read more