Gunpowder River Report: 9/23/26

Heading out to the Gunpowder River? Check out the most recent report of the stream from Mike Slepesky

If you want to put some of the skills I mention in this blog to the test, reach out to mike@tightliningmd.com to schedule a trip. My fall schedule is FULL (thank you!). I do have a space or two for an Advanced Euro Nymphing Clinic. Consider joining to experience what the Gunpowder truly has when you unlock the skills to fish it consistently!

Current Stream Temps- - 62-66 degrees. These are on the fringe of too warm. 68 degrees most would agree is the highest water temp you should fish, and 70 for some is the dividing line of appropriate temps to fish under. You can ABSOLUTELY still fish ethically. Just net quickly, release fast, and fish early/late.

Current Stream Levels- 110-163; levels have jumped, believe it or not. However, they are because of water from the dam, that more than likely is from the middle of the dam, thus it is warmer.

**These flows can't last forever and 30 CFS is looming, chase some fish prior to spawning season!

Current Bugs- BWO, Midges, Caddis. Terrestrials. Hatch season is behind us, but there are still bugs around, especially early morning and at! I witnessed a decent caddis hatch on two recent trips. There weren't many noses, but I did see a trout or two chase a caddis on the surface.

Use the advice below to help you net a few more fish the next time you step out on the water!

Tip #1 - To eat it, they gotta see it!

Pictured above is pretty wild brown taken from the head of a run. Flashy beads helped seal the deal in the off color water. He took a sz 18 Rainbow Warrior on the tag!

One of the things I learned from reading my buddy Josh Miller's Euro Nymphing: Tips, Tactics, and Techniques, was the bead color MATTERS! When it is off color, or cloudy, choose brighter beads. Therefore, I fish more Gold, Silver, and Pink.

When the water is clear/low, or it is sunny, I fish more drab beads like copper, or black nickel. These have less refractory features and as a result make a picky trout less wary.

Currently, on the Gunpowder, the flows are way up, color is tinted, and the fish likely have low visibility subsurface. To meet the fish on their terms, I have been primarily using brighter color beads/flies, to make sure they see my offering.

I respect those trying to keep it as natural as possible. However, I have never caught a trout with my fly out of the water, or where they couldn't see my bug. So, as a result, give them something that stands out!

Tip #2 - Junk works too

Pictured above is a fish take on a squirmy, in a riffle. All of my average to above average fish on this trip approved!

I don't know about you, but I sold my soul a long time ago when I picked up a Euro Rod (lol!). That day opened up doors I never dreamed of on a river. The technique was immediately something I gravitated to and enjoyed. Subsequently, I also realized that some would not view it as fly fishing, "cheating", or in general be down on it.

At the end of the day, do what you love. I think when we all leave the house, there is one goal in mind, CATCH FISH! I just so happen to really enjoy this method. I can be versatile with it, and I find I catch more fish than the average/casual angler.

Therefore, I am not afraid to also use flies that skirt the bound of "junk". I fish mops, squirmies, eggs, green weenies. You know why? I like to catch fish, don't you?

On some of my recent outings we have started with natural patterns, some even "flashy" patterns, like described above. Ultimately though, the fish came to net quicker with the beefier profiles of squirmies and mops. As a result, I have been tying them on more in these adverse conditions.

Tip #3 - Help (and harm) is on the way!

This years rain has not nearly been as problematic as the last two years. We are thankfully only a little under total average expected rain for the year. However, as I have said before, we are still making up for 18-20 plus inches of deficit from 2024 and 2025.

With that said, we have already gotten a nice infusion of rain this week. There is a chance of more during the week. Furthermore, there is a chance for a coastal storm this weekend. If all of these come true we are talking about a couple inches of rain, or more, depending on the track.

Not only that, but during these storms the temps during the day and night are going to start bringing the water temps down naturally. All in all, these are great precursors to a good fall fishing period.

So remember, with these cool temps and fairly consistent rain......

*Sorry if my Mrs. Doubtfire reference didn't land :)

I mentioned harm is also on the way. I have read recent articles, as well as now seen posts on FaceBook, where you better enjoy it while we got it! Reports are that by October 5th, the flows that have been coming from Prettyboy will be reduced to 30 CFS (cubic feet per second; speed/flow of water), or lower. This is quite unforunate, due to spawning fish in less than a month after.

However, it is unsustainable to keep flows at 150 CFS , let alone 100 CFS, and think the reservoir will sustain its pool enough to last. Therefore, it makes sense they will reduce the flows in the coming weeks. Unfortunately, the state/city will also use the Susquehanna River to tap into water for Loch Raven reservoir. Desperate times call for desperate measures though!

What does this mean to the fisherman, this is a fishing blog, right? It means you have a couple GOLDEN weeks to fish before it gets bad out there. Sure, there will still be fishing available and ethical on the river. However, fishing the Gunpowder in an almost prime season, and sitting at 100 plus CFS is a dream scenario. If you can find a way to get on the water in the next two weeks, you should!

Lets pray they don't drop it below 30 CFS. I believe I have seen it at 19 CFS, and the lowest I have heard they can go is 11 CFS. At that point, you should not bother leaving your houses.

Tip #4 - Fastest water of the season

Having now guided and fished myself quite a bit over the last few weeks there has been one trend to rue them all.

FISH THE RIFFLES!

Not only have fish been finicky, but they also have been VERY selective of the water types they have been caught in. I am not having luck in "B", "C" and "D" water, or anythign that isn't a prime lie essentially. Almost ALL of my fish are being caught near fast, white, water that is fast flowing and full of oxygen. It has been the most noticeable of the year. I roughly touched on it a blog or two ago. However, now it is the most prevalent I have seen in some time.

Therefore, consider using perdigon style flies, fishing heavy single nymphs in size 12/14, thread frenchies, etc. You will need to get down in these fast water areas and a trout will likely give it a look, and if lucky a bite.

Get your boots wet and chase down some fish!

I hope this report, with tips included, helps you the next time you head out to the Gunpowder River. Be sure to head over to my Youtube Channel and see the latest adventure, head over to the store for rods, nets, euro nymphs, new boxes, leaders for your next outing, and consider booking a trip for the clinic, or next year, through website.

Hats are back, but only a few left. Below is a sample "410" fishing hat for my Central MD peeps.