Gunpowder Stream Report and Great Feathers Fly Shop Blog

Well, it looks like the river is coming back down. As of this morning, the flow has been backed off. At last chech, it was at 191 cfs. and falling. Let's hope that they stop above a minimum flow!!
More than likely, the fishing will be a little off due to the conditions changing. Check for the hatches, and see if they are rising. If not, a good bet will be to slap the banks with terrestrials. Foam ants, hoppers, and crickets on the first six feet off of the banks. If they are interested, you will know almost immediately. If that is a no, continue with nymphs and streamers. A tested combo is a stonefly(go big and dark)and hang a soft hackle 6-18 inches behind. Partridge and Herl, grouse and herl, and dark, soft hackle Hares Ear should be money.
Weather is moving this way, so the planets may be in line.

Let us know how they're bitin'!

Having just returned from McHenry, Md, the report for the North Branch of the Potomac is great. Last week, there was a huge release, around 1000 cfs., but it has been cut back to reveal some exellent conditions. The water was still moving at a good clip, 400-ish, but the holes and pocket water were giving back. In the group, there were three fish caught over 20 inches and many more in the high teens.
Flies that were working in the pockets included stones, egg patterns and copper johns. In the holes, caddis and terrestrials were still the go-to flies. The fish were feisty and the rainbows were airing it out! Some amazing aerials were going on.
The "where" was upstream of the parking area about 3/4 of a mile and on the way back.
Reports on the Savage were mixed to say the least. Water temps were up! Not great, but a good midge fisherman should not have too much trouble.



BTW   Interested in tying flies?  We have the best selection of fly tying feathers and a variety of fly tying materials at Great Feathers.

Labels: fly fishing feathers

With the Gun running at 299cfs and other area favorite creeks all but devoid of water fishing has been tougher then usual. Our guides have had some very productive days, as well as some good reports from regular customers. Fish are being caught, as always in October the average size is better as they begin to que up for the spawn and get more aggressive. Large nymps in the pockets, soft hackles and nymphs in the runs, and streamers as always in high water,account for most success.

Lets talk fly tying for a minute...
If you have never been in Great Feathers you do not know we are one of the best supplied stores on the EAST COAST for tyers. Simply put we carry EVERYTHING you need and many things you thought you'd never see. Uni Thread 8/0, 6/0, 3/0 in EVERY color, Also Danvilles, UTC, and Orvis threads...we offer you a choice. Pearsalls silks and floss from England, Ultra wire in every color and every size, as well as spirit river wires and Lagartun wires tinsels and twists. Dubbing? We carry it all...in both variety packs, single packs, and on the skin.

We have 2 walls devoted to skins, another 3 to dubbings.....didf I mention hackles? A wall of Whiting Necks, another of Whiting 100 packs, yet another of hen necks for soft hackles and wets...as well as some extrodanary necks from local friend Bobs Hackle.
Hooks, Beads> we carry Tiemco, Daichi, Gaelic Supreme, and Mustad....Beads in all sizes and colors, including the "hot beads" in all available colors, and from 5 different vendors, choice is a theme at Great Feathers.

English Partridge, Grouse,Woodcock, Jackdaw, Magpie, Waterhen, Coot and more......you get the picture.

If you've stopped by you know, if you never have you really owe it to yourself to just come in, browse, shoot the bull, and see what a TRUE dedicated Fly Shop looks like.

We are very proud that after 15 years in this location we are both the biggest and the best...

Next week I'll talk about the best rods and reels for Flyfisherman in any price range...our products are second to none and better then most, in fact after 40 years as a fly fisher I don't think I've ever seen better tools in one place.

Regards,

Mike