Gunpowder Stream Report and Great Feathers Fly Shop Blog

Conditions on the stream have improved and the fishing, as well! As of this morning, Parkton gauge was at 137cfs and the Glencoe gauge is at 172cfs. Water temps are cold and the clarity is very clear!

The flows have been backed off after a week of filling Loch Raven. Now that the flows are lower, wading is not a concern and the fish have been moving around much better. More water over their heads leads to greater security and mobility than does a lower flow. Consequently, there is better fishing opportunities. Caddis have been producing takes on the surface. In spite of few fish rising, caddis is what they are looking for. Colors to use are grey, olive and tan. Streamers are also a go-to when there is more water. Matukas, buggers and larger leech pattern are doing the job. White buggers have been successful as well as olive, tan and black patterns.

As the spawn approaches, chances for larger fish increases. This is the time when they are staging up and with the plentiful flows, odds are greater for the bigger fish. Weather and water are great and the fall is some of the best fishing of the year. Take advantage of it!

ADDENDUM THE FLOW HAS BEEN BUMPED AGAIN TO FILL LOCH RAVEN. Now at 25o in the top section. Wade with care!!!
The flow has been bumped and the conditions are much improved. Due to the lack of rain, most of the side streams are low but the Gunpowder has great water and it is cold. The Parkton flow is at 115cfs and the Glencoe flow is 150cfs. Temps have dropped into the 50's so waders are needed!!

Due to the increased flows, the fishing is improved and the fish are more responsive. Caddis in dark grey and tan have been working on the surface. Sizes are from 16 to 20 and fish have been rising well to them. Caddis emergers and wets are also a great idea. Streamers are another good call when the water is at a higher flow. When flows are low, the fish will not move as much and be very skittish. More water above them increases activity and streamers will be much more productive. Across-and-down on the swing or with a strip will yeild great results.
The tricos and midges are both working as well. Sizes from 18 to 24 are best. Trico dries, Griffiths Gnat and grey midges are working. Presentation is always stressed when you are fishing the little stuff and tippet should be fine, down to 7x.


There is little rain in the forcast for the next ten days and the daytime temps should be more seasonable. We are getting into some of the best fishing times of the year. The fall months are certainly pretty, and the potential for the bigger fish increases as the spawn time gets closer.