Gunpowder Stream Report and Great Feathers Fly Shop Blog

Well... the flow got dropped! We knew it would be coming with this dry spell we are experiencing, but do not be wary. The flow at Falls Rd. was 35cfs and Glencoe is reading 80cfs. The temperatures are staying between 48 and 57 during the duration of the day. Temps will be warmer in the sections below Blue Mount Rd.

When the flows are dropped, there is an increased need for being stealthy and making sure your presentations are good. Thinner water makes the fish much more spooky and unless you are minding your business, the results can diminish. One thing that you need to do is stay out of the sun. We do not  realize how much shine comes off of our faces when the sun hits us. With that in mind, stay in the shadows when moving to your spot. In the same vein, wear colors that are muted and earth tones and that includes your hat! You will stand out like a beacon when wearing light colors and more than likely, the fish will see you coming for miles! Also keep in mind that the middle of the day is going to be least productive due to the temperatures soaring.

Fly activity has been very good. In the northern most sections, tan and cream midges are coming off in great numbers. The fish are actively feeding on them, but they are from size 20 to 28. Don't let the itty-bitties scare you away. Hang them behind larger patterns and that will save on the eye strain. Caddis have also been coming off throughout the day. CDC patterns are yielding great results. Lastly, this is terrestrial season and its time to throw hoppers, ants and beetles. Concentrate on the first six feet from the banks and put them down with a thud! Anywhere there is overhanging foliage will be the drop-zones for the sun-drunk ants. Beetles and hoppers can crash land anywhere, but sticking them close to the banks will be best.

The weather is great and the Gunpowder is in great shape. As of this morning, the Parkton gauge read 76cfs and the Glencoe gauge was 128cfs. Temperatures in the upper sections are have been ranging from 49 degrees in the morning to 58 in the heat of the day. The weather could not be better with slight chances of thunderstorms over the next 10 days.

In the peak of the summer when the air temps are in the high 80's and 90's, the middle of the day will be quiet. The mornings and the evenings will be best for fishing. Also, the nice weather will bring out everyone else for tubing, swimming and canoeing. During the Fourth of July weekend, expect that you will see plenty of people coming out to the river.

Fishing has been steady using small sulphurs, caddis and terrestrials. The Sulphurs are in the 16 to 22 range. Sulphur wet patterns are also working well. The caddis are 14 to 18 in olive and tan and have been coming off sporadically during the day. As far as terrestrials, black and cinnamon ants, either drowned or dry, work well near the banks and under low hanging foliage. Beetle patterns in many variations are productive as well. Cream midges have been coming off as well and they are down to size 24. Fish have been sipping these in the longer slower runs.