Maryland ·
Gunpowder River Fly Fishing Report - November 1, 2026

GUNPOWDER RIVER
ReportNOV 1 — 8, 2026
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Flow
18CFS
WINTERS RUN NEAR BENSON, MD
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Water Temp
—
Updated 2026-11-01
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Weather
42–66°F
Mostly Cloudy
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Clarity
Clear
Check post-storm
Flow is a lean 18.4 CFS at 1.31 ft on Winters Run — expect crystal-clear, low water with ultra-spooky trout demanding precise, drag-free presentations. Warming temps into the mid-60s today will fire afternoon BWO and Little Black Stonefly activity in the catch-and-release section.
What's Working — Hot Flies

Juju Baetis Tungsten #22
22

Parachute - Blue Wing Olive #22
22

Barr's Flashback Emerger - BWO #22
22

BWO WD-40 #22
22

Lil Bit Craven - Dark Olive #22
22

Olsen's Peacock Blowtorch Barbless #22 - 24
22-24

Black Zebra Midge(TBH) #20
20

Olsen's Hare's Ear Blowtorch Barbless #20 - 28
20-22

Top Secret Baetis #16
16

Roza's World Spain Perdigon Barbless #18 - 32
18-20

Egan's Silver Bullet - Baetis #14
14-16

Tungsten Jig Bugger - Olive - Barbless #14
14
Hatch Chart
| Insect | Size | Activity | Prime Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue-Winged Olive (Baetis) | 20-22 | Moderate | 11 AM - 3 PM |
| Little Black Stonefly | 16-18 | Moderate | 10 AM - 1 PM |
| Midge | 20-24 | Heavy | 9 AM - 12 PM |
| Caddis | 18-20 | Light | 2 PM - 5 PM |
Best Time Window
- 8 AM - 10 AM: Pre-hatch midge and Baetis nymphing in the deeper slots and current seams before fish become surface-aware.
- 11 AM - 3 PM: Prime BWO and Little Black Stonefly window — warming temps to the mid-60s will push fish to the surface; watch for rising trout in the flats and tailouts.
- 3 PM - 5 PM: Late afternoon light brings a secondary midge and caddis flurry; swing a Jig Bugger through the deeper pools as light fades.
Guide's Tip
From the benchAt 18.4 CFS the Gunpowder is running gin-clear and low — trout will see everything, so drop to 6X fluorocarbon and keep your profile low on the bank. Didymo is still coating the larger rocks in the upper C&R section above Masemore, making traditional bottom-bouncing nymphing frustrating; instead, suspend a single small nymph like the Juju Baetis or Peacock Blowtorch 12-18 inches under a small indicator in the cleaner gravel runs and tailouts. When the BWO hatch fires between 11 AM and 3 PM, switch to a dry or emerger and target rising fish with upstream presentations of at least 20 feet — these fish are educated and will refuse anything with drag. Work the shaded, slower water on the east bank in the afternoon when the sun drops off the water.
Main Species
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout
Brook Trout
