On Wednesday, I took advantage of the first day in recent memory that ambient temperatures weren’t encouraging water to freeze. I was prodded partially just by the desire to be outside, but also by this:
I had driven over the river in Monkton last week, and it was frozen over. Theaux at the shop said this is the first time he’s seen this in 15 years. But that is nearly 9 1/2 stream miles below the dam. Could ice be covering the river just over a mile below the dam? I hoped not.
I didn’t even bother bringing a fly rod. I just strapped on my gaiters and yaktrax and went exploring on the upper Gunpowder (above Falls Rd, where the stream gauge is.)
So, the good news is that the top section of the tailwater is NOT frozen.
It was great to get out on the trail, although calling the stretch by the boulder pools a ‘trail’ is generous. I wouldn’t recommend going on that trail. I know it by heart from the hours I’ve spent there during non-snow covered times, but there were still sketchy moments. It was beautiful, though.
Despite the frozen gauge, water temps are slowly creeping up. I’m hoping winter breaks soon and we will see some decent fishing in the not too distant future.
James Kibler 