Maryland ·
Gunpowder River Fly Fishing Report - May 31, 2026
GUNPOWDER RIVER
ReportMAY 31 — JUN 7, 2026
🌊
Flow
18CFS
WINTERS RUN NEAR BENSON, MD
🌡️
Water Temp
—
Updated 2026-05-31
☀️
Weather
47–75°F
Clear
💧
Clarity
Clear
Check post-storm
The Gunpowder is running low and gin-clear at 18.4 CFS (gauge height 1.35 ft) with a water temperature of 52°F — prime tailwater conditions demanding stealth and fine tippet. Sunny skies and highs in the low-to-mid 70s through the weekend will push afternoon sulphur hatches into high gear.
What's Working — Hot Flies
Parachute - Blue Wing Olive #22
#22
Juju Baetis Tungsten #22
#22
Egan's CDC Rainbow Warrior #22
#22
Black Zebra Midge (TBH) #20
#20
Roza's World Spain Perdigon Barbless #18
#18
Corn-fed Caddis (CDC) Olive #20
#20
Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail Jig - Barbless #12
#12
Egan's Thread Frenchie Jig - Olive #12
#12
Tungsten Jig Bugger - Olive - Barbless #14
#14
Coffey's CH Sparkle Minnow Sculpin #6
#6
Hatch Chart
| Insect | Size | Activity | Prime Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sulphurs (Ephemerella dorothea) | #16–18 | Building — peak approaching | Late afternoon to dusk |
| Blue-Winged Olives (Baetis) | #20–22 | Active | Morning & overcast periods |
| Midges (Chironomidae) | #20–24 | Active | All day, especially morning |
| Caddis (Brachycentrus / Hydropsyche) | #16–18 | Sporadic, building | Midday to dusk |
| Sulphur Spinners | #16–18 | Emerging | Dusk / last light |
| Little Black Stoneflies | #16–18 | Tapering off | Morning |
Best Time Window
- Early morning (6:00–9:00 AM) — BWO and midge hatches peak in flat glides and pool tails; tight-line nymphs and CDC emergers in the film
- Midday to early afternoon (11:00 AM–2:00 PM) — Caddis activity builds in riffles; shift to tungsten jig nymphs in pocket water and riffle heads
- Late afternoon through dusk (5:00 PM–dark) — Prime sulphur hatch window with spinner fall at last light; position early in lower pools and watch for rising fish
Guide's Tip
From the benchWith the Gunpowder running at just 18.4 CFS and gin-clear, stealth is your most important piece of gear — wade slowly, stay low, and always approach rising fish from downstream. Extend your leader to 10–12 feet and drop to 6X or 7X fluorocarbon tippet; anything heavier will put fish down in these conditions. Start your morning in the slower pool tails and flat glides between Masemore Road and Falls Road, where midging and BWO-sipping fish concentrate in feeding lanes. As the sun climbs and afternoon temps push toward 73°F, position yourself in the lower pools well before the sulphur hatch begins — watch for the first rising fish before committing to a pattern, and stay through last light for the spinner fall.
Main Species
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout
Brook Trout
