Fly Fishing the Gunpowder River on New Year’s Day

The Gunpowder River is clear and flowing at 77 CFs. Water temperatures in the catch and release section dropped today from 43.5 to 42 degrees F. Small traditional feather-winged and buck-tail streamers have been moving a few fish from Masemore through Bunkerhill. These patterns work best when paired with a sinking leader and a short trace of tippet in the 5x or 6x range. Nymphing has been tough in the fast water. Zebra midges behind a red butt or small rubber legged stonefly have been working in slower moving water along the banks. The big boulder pools are still holding a few large fish but these areas often look better than they fish this time of year. A Griffiths Gnat in the #16 range or tiny Blue Winged Olive no larger than a #22 fished blind in the flat water is a good bet.

Please note: The shop will be closed on December 31st and January 1st and will reopen on Friday, the 2nd at 10:00 AM.

If you need a license over the next few days please visit COMPASS to obtain a license online. You’ll need a non-tidal (freshwater) license and a trout stamp to fish the Gunpowder.