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Maryland · Baltimore Co.

Gunpowder Falls

🥇 Gold Medal
Baltimore Co. · 55 mi · Class Riffles
Optimal: 50–250 CFS · USGS #01582500
130 avg
76.9CFS
0.89 ft gauge height
Optimal
→Stable
⚡Flow data is live from USGS·Rapid classifications and CFS ranges need community verification·Know this river?
Avg flow: 130 cfsHist. median: 117 cfsUSGS #01582500
Gunpowder Falls State Park · Maryland Gold Medal Trout Stream

About

Gold Medal waters below Prettyboy Dam support Maryland's premier wild trout fishery on seven miles of fly-fishing-only water through Gunpowder Falls State Park. The Gunpowder Falls runs 55 miles through Baltimore County at an average 130 CFS, with optimal conditions between 50–250 CFS on gauge 01582500. Cold tailwater releases from Prettyboy Dam create the thermal refuge that allows trout to thrive this far south, and the seven-mile stretch to Falls Road draws serious fly anglers year-round. Below Falls Road, another eight miles to Monkton offer popular wade-and-paddle water with riffle-pool structure and less restrictive regulations. The lower 20 miles transition to tidal water before joining the Chesapeake Bay. Backwater Angler provides guided trips and local knowledge on hatches and flows.

Solunar Fishing Activity
🌒
Waxing Crescent
15% illumination
Poor
★ Moon overhead
8:34 AM
Moonrise
1:08 PM
Moonset
4:01 AM
★ Moon underfoot
8:34 PM
Next full moon: May 3111 days
Outfitters
Backwater Angler
Gunpowder Falls fly shop and guided trips, Monkton
10-Year Flow Patterns
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Your Optimal Range
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Data Quality

River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.

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