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!