Maryland ·
Gunpowder River Fly Fishing Report - January 1/4/2026
GUNPOWDER RIVER FLY FISHING REPORT
Maryland Trout Water — Prettyboy / Little Gunpowder / Big Gunpowder Falls
Report Date: January 4, 2026 | Next Update: January 11, 2026
Current River Conditions
Winter tailwater pattern in effect. Water is cold and low; focus on deep holding water and precision nymphing. Expect clear water and selective trout—patience and subtle presentation win.
Flows & Clarity
Flow: Low—commonly in the 25–40 CFS range on recent checks from the upper reaches (Prettyboy releases vary).
Clarity: Very clear in most catch-and-release sections; gravel bars exposed.
Note: Even small releases quickly change wading conditions — check USGS and local reports before you go.
Flow: Low—commonly in the 25–40 CFS range on recent checks from the upper reaches (Prettyboy releases vary).
Clarity: Very clear in most catch-and-release sections; gravel bars exposed.
Note: Even small releases quickly change wading conditions — check USGS and local reports before you go.
Water Temperature
Current: Mid 40s °F (≈ 6–8°C).
Trend: Stable-to-cold through the week; fish are in low-energy lies.
Current: Mid 40s °F (≈ 6–8°C).
Trend: Stable-to-cold through the week; fish are in low-energy lies.
Weather & Timing
Forecast: Cold mornings, modest daytime warming—watch for sunny windows mid-day when trout will move to feed.
Wind: Light to moderate; plan streamers on calm stretches, nymphs in breezy conditions.
Forecast: Cold mornings, modest daytime warming—watch for sunny windows mid-day when trout will move to feed.
Wind: Light to moderate; plan streamers on calm stretches, nymphs in breezy conditions.
Fishing Pressure & Access
Pressure: Moderate on weekends; weekdays quieter.
Access: Most parking areas open. Upper catch & release and Prettyboy-to-Blue Mount remain the best bets for wild browns.
Pressure: Moderate on weekends; weekdays quieter.
Access: Most parking areas open. Upper catch & release and Prettyboy-to-Blue Mount remain the best bets for wild browns.
Winter Hatch Chart & Insect Activity
| Insect | Typical Size | Activity | Best Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midges (various) | #18–24 | Moderate–High (winter staple) | All day; best mid-day when water warms slightly |
| Baetis / BWO | #18–22 | Light but consistent—small duns and emergers | Late morning to mid-afternoon |
| PMD | #16–20 | Low (sporadic) | Sunny, warmer days around noon |
| Small Caddis | #16–20 | Low | Late afternoon to evening |
| Stoneflies / Salmonflies | #6–10 | None–very low (winter) | Not expected until spring/summer |
| General | - | Trout feed subsurface; streamers effective on structure | Midday warm spells and just after short daylight thaws |
Recommended Flies (winter-focused)
How I build the box for January on the Gunpowder: tiny midges & thin tungsten nymphs for deep, clear runs; a couple of soft-hackle / emerger options for pockets; and one or two slim streamers for opportunistic grabs. Leaders long, tippet fine — visibility is your enemy and ally.
Midges & Micro Nymphs (go-to winter picks)
- Black Zebra Midge (TBH) — tiny, deadly in clear winter water.
- Tungsten Zebra Midge (thin) — for indicator or Euro-style rigs.
- Top Secret Midge — simple, realistic emerger profile.
- Jujubee Midge Flash (Zebra) — works as a visual attractor when water’s gin-clear.
Baetis / BWO / PMD Emergers & Duns
- Stealth Link Mercer — PMD — a clean emerger that reads well in slow seams.
- Parachute — BWO — small, high-visibility parachute for picky rises.
- Barr's Flashback Emerger — BWO — excellent when shallow emergers are working.
- Stealth Link Mercer — Callibaetis — versatile emerger style that covers small mayfly windows.
Nymphs & Jigged Nymphs (the bread-and-butter)
- Egan's Thread Frenchie Jig — Olive — great for indicator or jig nymphing deep runs.
- Tungsten Dart — Red — slim, high-speed dropper for tight seams.
- Spanish-style Perdigon — for euro anglers pushing small, dense rigs.
- Tungsten Pat's Rubber Legs — tan/brown — imitates stonefly/pupa profiles in heavy runs.
Soft Hackles & Emerger Nymph Hybrids
- Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail Jig — slow, natural pulsing in softer water.
- CDC Soft Hackle Tailwater Sowbug Jig — subtle profile for selective mid-winter trout.
- Soft Hackle Hare's Ear — a classic soft hackle for slow drift and twitch.
- Bead Head Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail — gives a touch of weight while keeping action.
Streamers & Larger Subsurface Attractors
- Egan's Poacher — Olive — compact, effective for stripping near structure.
- Coffey's CH Sparkle Minnow — Sculpin — best on deeper tails and pocket water.
- Sculpzilla — Olive — articulated sculpin imitation for bigger takes.
- Mena's Cousin It — Jig Streamer — jig streamer action ideal in low, cold flows.
Tactics & Tips for January
Rigging
- Nymph rigs: long leaders (9–12 ft), 4–6 ft of 2X–4X fluorocarbon off a 9–10 ft butt. Keep tippet thin (#4–6X) when water is clear.
- Euro / tight-line: micro-perdigons and thin tungsten jigs fished on 10–12 ft of leader with light fluorocarbon tippet cover deep runs.
- Streamers: 6–8 wt rod with a weight-forward line; short, sharp strips to mimic a fleeing baitfish or sculpin.
Where to Fish
- Upper catch-and-release runs, deep tailouts and undercut banks on the Big and Prettyboy sections hold trout in winter.
- Probe seams and slots with nymphs; place streamers through deeper pocket water and behind boulders.
When to Move
- If you don’t get a follow or soft take after a full drift over a good lie, make a single methodical change (depth, fly, or retrieval)—too many changes spook cold trout.
- Midday warm windows (sunny calm hours) are prime—fish will leave tight lies for short periods to feed.
- Nymph rigs: long leaders (9–12 ft), 4–6 ft of 2X–4X fluorocarbon off a 9–10 ft butt. Keep tippet thin (#4–6X) when water is clear.
- Euro / tight-line: micro-perdigons and thin tungsten jigs fished on 10–12 ft of leader with light fluorocarbon tippet cover deep runs.
- Streamers: 6–8 wt rod with a weight-forward line; short, sharp strips to mimic a fleeing baitfish or sculpin.
Where to Fish
- Upper catch-and-release runs, deep tailouts and undercut banks on the Big and Prettyboy sections hold trout in winter.
- Probe seams and slots with nymphs; place streamers through deeper pocket water and behind boulders.
When to Move
- If you don’t get a follow or soft take after a full drift over a good lie, make a single methodical change (depth, fly, or retrieval)—too many changes spook cold trout.
- Midday warm windows (sunny calm hours) are prime—fish will leave tight lies for short periods to feed.
Safety & Stewardship
Cold Water Safety
Dress in layers, carry an extra insulated layer, and use a wading staff on slick rocks. Hypothermia is a real risk—plan shorter sessions if temps are below freezing.
Dress in layers, carry an extra insulated layer, and use a wading staff on slick rocks. Hypothermia is a real risk—plan shorter sessions if temps are below freezing.
Leave No Trace
Pack out trash, obey access signs, and respect private property. Keep dogs leashed near sensitive C&R reaches.
Pack out trash, obey access signs, and respect private property. Keep dogs leashed near sensitive C&R reaches.
Quick Checklist for a Gunpowder January Day
- Rod: 4–6 wt for nymphs/streamers; 8–9 ft rods comfortable for tight-line nymphing.
- Line: WF floating, or a light sink-tip if you plan deep streamer work.
- Leader/tippet: long leaders, fine tippets (4–6X) for clear water.
- Flies: several midge sizes (#18–24), 2–3 tungsten nymphs, 1 soft-hackle/emerger, 1 streamer.
- Check: USGS flow, Gunpowder Riverkeeper notices, and on-the-ground conditions before you leave.
