The river is currently flowing at 131 cfs and the water temperature is fluctuating between 56 and 52 degrees. With the more consistent flows and the higher water temps that means the sulfur season is here! Fish are eager to rise, especially in the upper sections of the river like Falls Rd through York Rd. Throwing a sulfur dry has produced results along with a dropper off the back. Caddis nymphs have been very effective the last few weeks. Patterns such as a basic Duracell jig or a Green caddis nymph have been working best. The fish are also eating BWOs. Fishing just a standard Olive dry in a size 16-20 behind a Sulfur or just on its own had been working well. Make sure to stop in the shop to restock your fly box for the spring and summer. If you are having trouble figuring out the fish on the Gunpowder, consider doing one of our fly fishing schools or guided trips. Call the shop or visit our online store for more details.
High water means it’s time to bust out the heavy gear. The water is currently flowing at 322cfs and dropping. Water temp during the day reaches 48 degrees. Streamers have been the most productive style of fishing these last few days. Olive and black streamers have been working best with the occasional take on white. Patterns like the Complex twist bugger in black, Black Zonker, Hare Sculpin, and Olive and Black Wooly Buggers. Stripping the fly at a faster rate have produced the best results. Other methods like nymphing and dries have been productive. Fishing a double nymph indicator rig has proved results. Just make sure not to leave home without your split shot. Any Mayfly or caddis nymph has been producing along with the occasional stone fly. Make sure to stop in the shop to stock up on flies and gear. Try and stay in the upper sections of the river as for the lower river is very high and muddy, but that should clear up within the next few days. Come on in to check out our New Fishpond Inventory and Patagonia wading staffs.
Recent rainfall has increased the flows in the river, and the fishing has begun to pick up. We have had many successful trips as we start the transition into Spring. Looking ahead, even better fishing is yet to come. We are currently booking both half day (4hr) and full day (6hr) guided trips on the Gunpowder.
The Gunpowder River is flowing at 100 Cfs and 48 degrees F. Soft hackles on the swing are producing and fish are rising to BWO’s and Midges.That said, using a longer leader ending in 6X is always a good idea on the Gunpowder! Thanks to Will-who took this great shot and served as the net man for the lucky guy (name to follow) that connected with this chunky Wild Brown-look at that Heron strike! With the flows up it was caught in the flat water in the Catch and Release section. Please note the lower River-5 fish a day section is under Closure 1 and will reopen March 30 at 6:30 AM. Flies to consider now are Zebra midges, RS2’s, and Pheasant Tails in the #18-22 range. Those interested in fishing something larger dries-get ready, and don’t be surprised to see a wayward Cahill, but not quite a hatch, out there verging on an easy to see #12-14. We have new products from Dr. Slick on the wall this weekend and next week drop on by for new rods from Echo and Tacky fly boxes gear bags and accessories from Fishpond coming in next week!
The river is still low flowing at 19cfs, and the water temp is 43 degrees. We recommend fishing midge and stonefly patterns. Fish are going to be more lethargic with cooler temperatures, so we recommend trying to get those nymphs down as close to the bottom as possible. Tightline fishing or indicator nymphing have both produced results. Patterns such as the Prince nymph and Pheasant tail have been great flies along with the WD40 and Hares ear. Do your best to stay out of the water to avoid spooking with in the low water. Tight lines
If you’ve ever balked at how light modern fly reels can be, have started fishing Bamboo and want a more refined, classic look, or have taken to fishing with a 9ft or longer fly rod, (think Euro-nymphing) these reels are worthy of your attention.
Since Ross Reels started in 1973, there has been one model that epitomizes what a Ross Reel is: the San Miguel. It defined the ultimate in class and finesse, and now, over two decades since it was first launched, the classic returns…”
The river has been running at it’s usual low. Up by Falls Rd the river is flowing at 19cfs and the water temperature is 39 degrees. While fishing has been tough with the lower water, there are still fish to be caught. We suggest targeting the deeper pools and runs with small midges and mayfly patterns. Patterns such as the WD40 and Zebra Midges have been the top producing midge patterns. Pheasant tails and Hares ears have been our go to nymphs over the last month or so. We like to fish these in smaller sizes with no bead on them. Its getting to that time of year where the stoneflies are having some of the trout looking to the surface of the river. While catching fish on dries has been tough with the water conditions, it can be done. If you do this we suggest throwing a slightly larger stonefly dry and then a smaller stonefly nymph. Tight lines.
While the flows on the Gunpowder at still at 19cfs and the temps fluctuating between 41 and 43 degrees the fish have still been active. we are finding that the fish are just about done spawning and they are looking for a big meal. We have been having lots of luck on smaller streamers like a black wooly bugger or Complex Twist Bugger. Pheasant tails and hares ears are still a good choice when nymphing. Zebra midges have also produced results. Make sure to keep and eye out for any redds on which with may still be spawning. Happy Holidays.
Any gift certificates ordered past 4pm today will not be sent out until the 26th.
The Abel Nippers are ON SALE! These are nippers for a lifetime. Replaceable jaws and a magnetic system to eliminate faults like a corroded or broken spring. These magnets can also act as a temporary fly dock as you are changing flies. Truly the pinnacle of quality nippers.
Created in Colorado, the Vaya is the perfect reel for trout fishing. Lightweight, a strong 5 disc drag, the quick-change spool, and a gorgeous finish of a hand painted native brown trout. This Vaya is the perfect combination of functionality and beauty which compliments any rod you pair it with.
A great assortment of reels that complement each other wonderfully. Fresh to salt, painted to matte, we have a reel for you.
3) G. Loomis NRX+ Saltwater
The perfect rod for any saltwater application. It’s quick action and stiff midsection allow anglers to cast large flies for the bigger predatory fish or perfectly place a shrimp for a cruising bonefish. Designed to be able to cut through the toughest winds, this will be the only Fly rod you will ever need for saltwater.
Undoubtably the best valued boot on the market. the collaboration between Patagonia and Danner Boots created a lightweight and extremely grippy boot. The perfect boot for both hiking and cruising the flats.
Patagonia’s new and improved wading staff is extremely light weight and has many accessories to make your experience safer and easier on the water. A retractor attaches to the handle, allowing anglers to leave the staff off hand when needed. It also includes a carrying bag for longer hikes and camping. This staff is adjustable so one size fits all.
Patagonia’s wading staff compacts into the bags shown in the center of the table and can be adjusted between 47″ and 55″ in length.
6) Umpqua ZS2 Wader belt
The ZS2 Wader belt can be purchased “Fully Loaded” with a net quiver, water bottle holder, bag and gel floatant holder or can be purchased as a singular belt and be customized to your liking. The belt provides support to the lower back with its padded design and can act as your wading belt.
Throwing big flies has been all the rage for the past few years, and if you’re looking into getting into it this is the perfect line for you. The 26 foot sinking head allows anglers to get their flies down deep even in strong currents. A line like this is very useful for the larger rivers and lakes for trout, bass, and other predatory fish.
Tenkara takes fly fishing and makes it simple. The long, flexible, telescopic rod allows for extreme sensitivity and precision while being compact and storable for the bushwhacking us anglers do. Tenkara is a great way to pick apart the smaller bodies of water and is well worth getting into.
The winter weight fleece oversock was originally designed to help those with packable waders that had the rubber foot, but it has quickly become a necessity for me while winter fishing. The slim fit doesn’t cramp your boots while keeping your feet warm in the cold water and air.
These fleece oversocks are perfect for the snowy days on the water. For those who are not a fair-weather fisherman, these are essential.
10) Ross Animas
The Animas is our standard for a quality fly fishing reel. A strong drag, large arbor, and varying colors to match your rod. Built in Colorado, these reels will meet every expectation an angler has of their reel. Ross has exceptional customer service and warranty extends for the lifetime of the reel.
Likely the last rod out of the “old factory” (Airplane Hanger) in Twin Bridges Montana.
It’s a new 3 piece, 2 tip, hex rod featuring a cigar grip with an uplocking boxelder burl reel seat that needs a good home.
This from R. L. Winston:
The use of bamboo dates to our founding in 1929, when Robert Winther and Lew Stoner began innovating with the material, and eventually patented the hollow-fluting process we still use today. The craftsmanship is legendary. The performance is something every angler should experience. Bamboo is part of Winston’s DNA. Please call us or your nearest dealer for current availability and timeframes. All bamboo rods come with a powder coated aluminum tube and logo rod sock.
