Savage and North Branch River April Fishing Report

Last week I journeyed to western Maryland for some big water fishing. The tailwaters in the region have been flowing extremely high all winter, and I took the first chance to fish once the levels dropped. Many anglers are learning the Savage Reservoir has been releasing water to lower levels so a broken dam release gate can be repaired. The reservoir has been nearly emptied from extended releases in the 600 Cfs range through winter. Depending on how quickly work is completed the reservoir may or may not gain back enough water in time to provide cold flows through summer. According to MD Fisheries freshwater …

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Gunpowder River Early April Stream Report

We’re enjoying some much needed rain and surface activity along the Gunpowder River. Tiny midges in the #22-26 range are accounting for most of the surface activity. Midge nymphs, emergers and dries are all working, as long as they’re tied up with a little 7X. Water temps are also on the rise, and the river is clear above Blue Mount Rd. By midday we’re seeing water temps in the 47-49 F range in shallow riffles between Falls Rd and York Rd. Thanks to David for the following stream report: Backwater, I took up fishing the Gunpowder a few months ago, and this past weekend I …

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Time Lapse Photos Of March Water Levels In Prettyboy Reservoir

When will we see an increase in flow on the Gunpowder River? In the shop we are asked this question almost daily. These lower flows the past six months have resulted in tough fishing, but on the bright side it has allowed Prettyboy to gain a lot of water back. I have monitored the levels in Prettyboy in March using a camera to document the rise of water against the dam wall.I snapped this photo below on March 7th 2008. The elevation of the water level at that time was roughly 12 feet from the point of spillover. I snapped this photo below on March …

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Another Opening Day in Maryland

This weekend we’ll celebrate another opening day in Maryland. The Put-and-Take, (five fish-a-day stretch) from the red posts demarcating the gas line above upper Glencoe RD, downstream through the Phoenix RD. section has been stocked with 3, 000 rainbows and has been closed since March 9. It will open for fishing at 5:30 AM this Saturday, the 29th of March. Both the upper, catch-and-release, artificials only section from Pretty Boy Dam through Bluemount RD. and middle, 2 fish-a-day stretch, any method from Bluemount RD. downstream to the red posts below Corbett RD. are open year round. Thanks to Mike for his kind words and support, Theaux: Congratulations on …

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A Bald Eagle and Blackflies on the Gunpowder River

I witnessed an immature Bald Eagle peering down into one of my favorite pools this morning along the Gunpowder river. Perched on a sturdy Walnut tree amidst a Sycamore grove, she looked intent on fishing and I was envious of her view. Through the dappled light, a raucous crow set upon her and left just as quickly, realizing that she was no hawk. Ferns are starting to make their presence known as their stark green fronds unfold against Fall leaves now going to soil. Further upstream, above the boulder pools Capt. Jeff Lewatowski led two clients this past weekend to trick what he termed, “easily three …

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