Gunpowder Stream Report and Great Feathers Fly Shop Blog

Conditions on the stream, as of today;

Clarity was perfectly clear. The flow at Falls Rd. was at 74 cfs. and 124 cfs. at Glencoe. Water temperatures were 37 degrees at Masemore Rd., and pretty much the same at Glencoe Rd. The air temperature and the wind made for little opportunity to see any bugs flying and the water suface was choppy making it hard to see any skittering. Bug life on the rocks was sparse but the midge pupa was there. I did see a few nymphs in the 18 to 22 range.

Fishing on the stream has produced mixed results. Fish have been caught but the numbers are lower due to the cold conditions. As long as the water stays below 40 degrees, the fish activity will be less than what we would prefer. On the warmer days, the activity does increase during the "heat" of the day and midge hatches occur when the sun warms the bottom. Patience may be rewarded when least expected provided the fly selection puts you in the game.

Patterns that have working with the most frequency are nymphs. Czech nymphs, pheasant tails, copper johns, hare's ear, and stone fly nymphs are the chioces. Think really small for the nymphs and for larger flies, think streamers. Buggers, zonkers and matukas have worked in black.