Gunpowder Stream Report and Great Feathers Fly Shop Blog

11/30/07 No changes to report.

Low flows (28cfs) from the dam down to the Glencoe area as well as temps in the mid teens last night added up to a rough day today on the river. The first skim ice of the year was seen on the rivers' edge and the fish and insect activity were both all but non existent. The few bright reports were from careful and patient midge fisherman.

Try subdued patterns in the thin water, Zebra midges tied with the original white rib rather then flash or wire, non bead heads such as P.T.s and hare's ears and small soft hackles and flymphs. Even size 20 brassies were quickly hanging up in some of the thinner riffles so be sure your fly matches the conditions.

Tomorrow calls for a high in the 50's and should perk things up quite a bit...try to be on the stream at the warmest part of the day, with low flows the ambient temps will spark both the insects and the fish.

Tight Lines,
Mike

In light of the thread http://www.greatfeathers.com/forums/index.php?topic=52.0 relating to misuse of the Gunpowder by a canoe club...or at least members of one I thought I'd share a few thoughts.

I caught my first trout in the gun 40 years ago, a wild brookie on Micky Finn and my first fly rod a horrid South bend glass with an equally horrid martin automatic fly reel and level line. he fish must have been suicidal but it mattered not...we were both hooked.I've seen changes I still can't believe, hell as teens we skinny dipped at falls road on Sundays with no fear of being seen as no one was ever there...now parking can be a problem .

The fight in the 80's to get a minimum flow left many "bloodied and scarred' but it lead to the fishery we have today, a fishery we must share and can share with those who use it differently then us. I know many canoeists and kayakers can be a pain...so can horse riders and dog walkers that ignore leash laws. But we in the Fly fishing community must understand that these folks have as much right to enjoy the park as us...and in most cases are our allies in keeping the park well preserved.

We must stay vigilant and report those that abuse the rights of others and break laws that protect the resource but always....we should take the high ground and go thru proper channels. We live in an area that has grown dramatically over the years and need to work together with all users to protect what little open wild spaces we have here in Baltimore county.

Remember, the next canoeist you see is probably not a law breaker...but as concerned for the resource as we are, treat them accordingly.

Regards,
Mike K

The flow is at a minimum, 24-28 cfs, but there are great opportunities to catch some bigger fish. The spawning season is very soon and that can be great! Because of the spawn, the opportunity to get strikes increases due to females getting territorial and the males being on a tear to find a mate. Strikes can come from anywhere and usually have nothing to do with feeding. Streamers are the key and don't feel funny throwing chartreuse, purple or white. This time of year, most of the traditional rules do not apply. The "Trout Rut" will elicit aggressive behavior toward an patterns that may present a threat. Clouser minnows in larger sizes, #4 or bigger, can really piss off a feisty bull or a brooding hen. Brighter colors have been successful in years past and will probably still work.
The water is clear and slow, so it is your objective to be more stealthy than normal. Keep your face out of direct sunlight as they will see you coming. Cherry pick your holes, as well. Long, slow runs will have fewer fish and the deeper spots will hold the beasts. After fishing near the old bridge at Bunker Hill, I can assure you that the flats will yeild far fewer fish, but there are a few! Also, due to the fact that the water is moving VERY slowly, just a simple bead-head will sink and catch up in the long shallows. If you feel compelled to fish the runs, there is not need for using any weight. In the faster riffles, they do work.
Flies I would suggest include all your bugger patterns, matukas, zonkers and clousers from the streamer box. Copper Johns, #16-#22, pheasant tails, hares ears and, without a doubt, soft-hackles. In the faster sections, hang a wet behind a Copper John or a bead-head pheasant tail flashback. Wets I would suggest would be grouse and herl, partridge and anything and starling and purple. Also, look for midge activity where the sun is heating up the bottom. Griffiths Gnat will be a good suggestion for the surface.
DON'T LET THE COLD SCARE YOU AWAY!