Gunpowder Stream Report and Great Feathers Fly Shop Blog

Due to the recent heavy rains, the river has been subjected to extreme flows. As of this morning, the flows at Falls Rd. gauge were 317cfs and the gauge at Glencoe is still nonfunctional. That gauge may be trashed or missing-in-action! The temps got up to about 73 degrees at the peak of the rains due to the warmest surface waters coming over the dam. Since then, the temps have been steadily dropping and as of today, the temp has dropped 11 degrees back to the lower 60's.

The water levels are still very high and technical for those that want to wade. Please exercise caution when the flows are above 300cfs. This much water is nothing to take for granted!!

As for activity, the Gunpowder needs to relax for a few more days. The clarity in the top section is still chalky but clearing nicely. Lower sections have been seriously mucked and are very thick with sediment. One of the interesting observations has been the addition of many carp in the top section. Presumably, they took the ride over the dam and are milling in the slower water and eddies. They will drift downstream as the temps get lower, but they will still add a new twist to the upper Gunpowder.

The stream is likely to have changed in many areas due to the extreme volumes  of water. This is great  for the fisherman as many of the features have changed. It will offer new water to the old river. Small streams have also been redesigned and offer new water and challenges for the fisherman.