Big Gunpowder Falls

A Mouthful

Micahdammeyer Big Gunpowder Falls, fishing, Spring April 24, 2011April 24, 2011Big Gunpowder Falls, fly fishing for trout, Gunpowder Falls, Hendricksons, Maryland trout fishing, Spring fly fishing, trout fishing 0 Comment

The Big April Mayflies are a meal for the trout on the Big Gunpowder Falls. I was lucky enough to get out last Wednesday when the weather was in the 80’s and the sun was shining; I have no excuse for not posting a report sooner.

The official report: PERFECT!

The water temps are jumping up with every rainstorm and the bugs are active. This has the trout feeling pretty bold. While my fish were great in number I didn’t hook into any submarines. They’re still in there however and after running into Theaux from the Backwater Angler up in Monkton, he and his pal had proof on their camera phone at the end of the night and bragging rights. See the short story here. Swing by his shop and pick up a few flies and fresh leaders and keep his lights on if you’re headed up this way.

Monday looks like a repeat of last week’s situation – storms followed by warm weather – and with a little luck the gas prices will stay low. Here’s a couple pics, below, from my outing. I’m off to hit the bench to crank out a dozen fresh flies.

: I was pretty happy when I saw $4.23 high-test!

Nice Brown — An average fish for the day. I could catch these for days.

Jsut look at that bottom! — High but clear.

The Bats are out. The warmer weather can't be far behind. — The bats are out. The warmer weather can't be far behind.

March comes back with cold and snow?

Micahdammeyer Big Gunpowder Falls, fishing, Uncategorized, Winter March 26, 2011Big Gunpowder Falls, fishing with dogs, Gunpowder, March Trout, Streamer Fishing 0 Comment

As is fitting with most of my outings this Spring, the good days seem to happen when I’m busy with indoor activities and the cold days land on my days marked “FISH!” on the daytimer. I was not discouraged and after some fun stops in the AM I was on my way to the water with my dog Shay. Once we’d settled in and remembered what it was like to be outdoors we got into a good groove.

While there were some tiny bugs here and there and I even saw one small fish bust the surface, I was throwing weight at the log jams. This little guy took a few tries to hook but he came out of his hiding place 3 times before chewing up my fly.

The fishing got better as the sun fell and the eagles stopped flying around above me and a few fly changes later I had a good formula going. It was great to get out and unwind for a while. I eventually had to throw in the towel in favor of dry socks food and a good brushing for the dog…not before a few better fish were duped by some more creative streamer fishing.

I spent half an hour or so picking grass out of my dog’s coat and packing up my laundry and wet leaky (fairly new) waders and then headed down towards Baltimore for some dinner. A while back the guys over at Backwater Angler clued me into Andy Nelson’s BBQ and it was just what the dog and I needed after a day eating squashed sandwiches. As always it was great and hit the spot after working hard chasing after trout with a stick!

All-in-all it was a great day and with over 150 hard-won miles put on my new transmission I made it home safe and sound. That “satisfied but tired” feeling that only comes after a day on the water was good to feel again after a long winter and I’d almost forgotten about those 2 fish days spent with frozen guides and hands. I’m looking forward to the warmer days ahead.

This Is Where Trout Come From

Micahdammeyer fishing, Uncategorized, Winter January 12, 2011Big Gunpowder Falls, Gunpowder, spawning, Trout, winter 0 Comment

This grainy shot is from a week ago on The Big Gunpowder Falls on a cold cloudy day. There’s a lot of magic happening in that clean spot on the riverbed.

November’s Winds Of Change

Micahdammeyer Uncategorized November 8, 2010December 7, 2010Big Gunpowder Falls, Cold Weather, November, Streamers, Trout 0 Comment

With the addition of this new blog I hope to post updates of events and fishing reports from recent trips with pictures thrown in.

October C 003 — Icy Guides - Early November 2010

A run up to the Big Gunpowder Falls this week required some digging through the gear to finds hats and gloves. When we arrived in the morning the temperature on the truck’s thermometer read 26 degrees. We had a frigid start complete with ice in the guides. The water temps were still in the high 40’s and flirting with 50 as the day went on. It was great to be chucking nymphs with gloves on – a novelty which will wear off sometime in February.

I had high hopes for the day but the clouds rolled in and I only saw one caddis. The fish were eagerly chasing streamers but were a little skittish in the low flows.

Careful wading and some long casts were the name of the game but all that could change after this front moves through. Keep checking in. As it rains it’s a great chance to get caught up on the fly tying. The weather looks clear and warm all next week and I have high hopes for the caddis.