Gunpowder River Report: 3/10/26

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 spring is almost full, but I have a couple days in May and June available. 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.

**ALL FLIES ARE 20% off now on the website. Use code "Spring20" for a discount at checkout!**

Many times the fog on the Gunpowder is because of the ice cold water and warm temps of the summer. However, this image is of the fog created because of the warm temps and cold water. This past weekend temps soared into the 60's and 70's, which helped warm the cold water and created a cool backdrop of fog for those spending time on the river!

Current Stream Temps- -39-49 degrees. Cold, but fishable! As a matter of fact, the river is waking up. That 10 degree swing happened TODAY! However, don't expect these swings each day. Usually 3-4 degree increases are the average. Nevertheless, fish a sunny day and you will see more bugs and fish activity.

Current Stream Levels- 29-35 CFS; levels are low, but we have been in a drought for two years now. We have seen average rainfall/snowfall this year. Here's to hoping for plenty of spring showers to help bump flows some!

Current Bugs- BWO, Midges, Eggs, Stoneflies

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

Tip #1 - Spring is a "Stones" throw away

A picture above of a stonefly that crawled onto me while taking a quick pic and release of a fish. Check the banks and rocks for these guys. You will see them flying around when the sun peaks out.

On the Gunpowder, one of out first spring hatches of bugs is the Stonefly, which implies spring is just a "stones(fly) throw away". All anglers are busting down the doors of cabin fever and seasonal depression. There has been plenty of anglers soaking up the sunshine and vitamin D, while taking advantage of time on the water.

As a result of the warm weather, the bugs and fish are now coming to life for the first time this year. We can all agree it was a brutal winter. Cold, dreary, and fishless (mostly). With that said, on a recent trip this this weekend, I observed multiple hatches throughout the day and many of which were strong. I also witnessed splashy rises to what had to be Stoneflies dapping the water with eggs, or BWO that were coming from the riverbed to surface and fish whacking them before the flew away.

My best advice is to carry some Pat's Rubber Legs, CDC France Flies, Ultimate Midges, and Pheasant Tail's. These flies are all part of the trouts diet right now. My most productive fly on my outing was the CDC France Fly. I hooked a handful of fish, as well as had fish take the fly and break me off. Overall, it was great to see fish keying in and getting in their usual feeding grooves for the first time in 2026!

Tip #2 - Don't forget other spawning fish

We all know our local Maryland trout spawn in October and November. As a result, egg patterns are great in late fall and early winter. Furthermore, they are not the only fish to pay attention to spawning. Keep an eye out for Suckers to start spawning. They usually do in March and April.

When suckers start to spawn the trout will follow the pods of suckers and just eat the buffet of eggs they leave behind. If you had success in the fall with eggs, don't shy away now in the spring. I know many great anglers that fish them all the way up to June! I prefer the Micro Eggs, but Standard Eggs also are great. My usual color choices are Pink and Orange, as in my experience they have been most effective for me on the stream.

Tip #3 - Avoid these days!

This brown was taken on a CDC France Fly and aggressively ate a nymph in the tailout of a run, just before a pool started.

If you want to catch more fish or have better success on the river, be strategic of when you use your "hall pass" or "sick day". For example, this past Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, were phenomenal days to be on the river. It is ironic because in the height of spring, or summer, I wouldn't want sunny and hot. However, in the spring this is EXACTLY what you are looking for. When those water temps creep up for the first time, the river comes to life and the fish gorge, after a long winter.

Therefore, stay home if we have a cold front or windy day, etc. I promise, even if was warm a few days prior, it is probably going to make our fishy friends tight lipped and tough to work with. If you have the chance to be picky, wait for a sunny day, slightly above average temps, and the "Fish Gods" will reward you!

Tip #4 - Tune up now, because in a month it will matter!

In the spring, it is time to swing and fish subsurface. Dry fly activity is present, but nymphing is the most consistent name of the game. You can CRUSH fish on the Gunpowder fishing nymphs and soft hackles in the height of spring.

Therefore, if you are looking to tune up your game, polish some skills, and have the best year ever on the river, I would highly suggest you sign up for the 2026 Euro Nymphing Clinic. Read below for information, but this is the event of the year! You will get amazing practice/experience on the river, but also get a classroom setting presentation and Q&A. This is our 4th year running it and the clinic sold out both days last year. We hope you will join us. For those who sign up from now until April 1, you will get: 12 free flies, Simple Euro Leader, and while supplies last a "Nymphing Ain't Easy" hat. If you bring a friend, both anglers get $25 off too! Just email me at jslepesky2@gmail.com for special pricing.

Lastly, stop by and see me at the Maryland Fly Fishing Show. This event is taking place next week. I will have flies, rods, nets, boxes, trips, etc. all available and discounts on many of it. Hope you will stop by, say hello, and talk "shop" with me.

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.