Gunpowder River Report: 12/28/25

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. I already have trips booking for spring, and space is tight! I suggest booking a date before January is over, if you wish to get out with me before summer. Don't miss the clinics happening as well, bring a buddy and make memories catching more fish than you ever have! Thanks to all who supported me this year! Tight lines and I hope you gain something from reading this.

 A nice brown that took an egg pattern in a "bucket" of a riffle. Finding these small depressions in a stream can be exactly what you need to find fish transitioning into winter mode.

Current Stream Temps- 38-42 degrees. Cold, but fishable!

Current Stream Levels- 30.5 CFS; levels are LOW, to say the least. We are 15 inches in drought since Jan. 1 of 2024! The good news is the levels are stable and the Gunpowder is one of the only fisheries with any consistent flow

Current Bugs- BWO, Midges, Eggs, Baitfish/Sculpins

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

Tip #1 - It's winter, but do the fish know?

I understand the common thought pattern of winter fishing is deep and slow. However, remember, the Gunpowder isn't like all other fisheries. This water is warmer than other rivers and streams. As a result, they don't act like other fish in different systems. On my most recent outing the fish were still sitting in the heads of riffles and eagerly eating nymphs in faster water.

I did find and "bucket" with 12-18" of water was where they would gather. Another likely spot was near structure with moving water nearby. As a result, dead drifting in the riffles/runs, or even swinging nymphs into log jams, were all very successful plans. Usually, this would be what I would expect in the spring through summer. However, the fish have not fully gone into winter mode. Therefore, make sure you don't skip over fish and go right to the deeper pools. Surely they are there too, but your most aggressive and willing fish can still be found in moving water!

Tip #2 - Less is more

Sometimes keeping the profile of your fly and overall size of the fly is more important than pattern selection. I have found a slim and dull profile will get the job done. For example, on recently guided trips I have had success with CDC France Flies and Walt's Worms. These imitate Blue Winged Olives and Cress/Sow bugs, respectively. The key is to keep it small. Most of the bugs hatching in the winter are tiny. Therefore, given the small bugs and low flows, at that has been needed is a size 16-18 single fly to get fish to bite.

In the event they are sluggish and unwilling to eat a more natural fly. My two go to pivots for this time of year is a Tasmanian Devil and Egg Pattern. These are lethal winter options when trout are super selective and need a bit more bulk or flash to draw them in. On any given winter trip, just the four flies listed above is all I need to get the job done!

Tip #3 - Thin to Win

Winter fishing is TOUGH! Downsizing, especially in low water conditions is the right decision. Most of my winter fishing has been fishing 6x/7x tippet to make sure my flies get down and so that I have as small of diameter tippet as I can in the water. By using lighter tippet you can be assured that your flies get a quick descent, as well as making it very difficult for wary trout to see.

Tip #4 - Check out a live report on the water

I recently published a winter fishing video. While I was out on a guided trip, at the end I was able to fish some with my buddy Josh. In the few holes I got to fish, they were eagerly taking a CDC France Fly. Head over to YouTube and check out the video to see exactly what it is like fishing on the Gunpowder currently!

New boxes have been added to the website and are the cheapest they have ever been! Get your hands on this loaded Fulling Mill pocket box that has 57 total flies:

12 Sculp Snacks- sz 8

Tasmanian Devil- sz 14-18

CDC France Fly- sz 14-18

Partridge Pheasant Tail- sz 14-18

Black Blow Torch- sz 14-18

Purple Blow Torch- sz 14-18

A great Euro Nymphing box to catch fish all winter and into spring! I also have a Dry Dropper box, with 48 flies as well!

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 euro nymphs for your next outing, and consider booking a trip for the summer through the website.