Gunpowder Stream Report and Great Feathers Fly Shop Blog

Stream conditions on the Gunpowder are starting to get into the summer mode. As of this morning, Falls Rd. is flowing at 98cfs and 64degrees. Glencoe Rd. is flowing at 180cfs and was 69 degrees. Clarity up top is very good and the lower river is chalky, but good.

With the temps creeping close to and above 70, the fishing is going to get more technical. Longer leaders, over 13 feet, and 7x with small dry flies are needed and more attention to presentation is also required. With the daytime temps getting into the high 80's and 90's, the middle of the day will be much slower. The best times are in the mornings until around 11 and in the late afternoons, 5 pm and later, until dark.

Fishing small caddis and sulpher dries in the later afternoon and evening are your best bet. If you are fishing during the heat of the day, throw tiny black ants up under overhanging bushes along the bank, wooly buggers are always a good bet if the fish are not active on the surface, as are pheasant tail and hare's ear nymphs in size 18 to 14. Also, fishing spiders and softhackles in sulpher or caddis colors, could produce some fish anytime of the day. Good luck out there!

Well, the nice warm weather has taken a break, but overall conditions are still very good. As of this morning, Parkton gauge reads 70cfs and Glencoe is 165cfs. Clarity is great and the temps are staying in the low 60's. The recent cold snap may lower them slightly, but that will not effect the fishing.

The sulphur have been seen many stretches along the river. Using dries has been successful, but spotty. Best bets are nymphs and soft hackles. As the colder temps have settled in for the short term, try to get to the stream as the daytime heat builds. If you see emerging duns, try sulphur wets. If the fish are making more splashy rises, move to the dries. If there are no rises, move to nymphs and streamers. Pheasant tails and hares ears are the staples, but we have tied some variations that are producing results.

Persistence and presentation are still the key. Put out only as much as you can control. Don't reach out farther than you are comfortable maintaining. Keep the slack out of your drifts as you may be missing subtle takes. Keep things simple and concise. The conditions are great and take advantage of this weather before it gets hot!