Rivers

Casselman River

The Casselman River is one of those great little trout streams that everyone should have to learned to fly fish on.  The river's size, accessibility, and ease of wading make it an excellent stream for beginners.  Managed as a delayed harvest area, the river is under catch and release regulations from the first of October through the 15th of June when anglers may use Artificial lures or Flies only. Thereafter a five fish per day limit is in place.  The Casselman River is a favorite destination of fisherman of all skill levels and has been featured on ESPN's Fly Fishing America.  Fisherman can expect good numbers of large rainbows and browns and excellent numbers of trout in the 12" to 14" range.  Brook trout can often be found in the river during the spring months before the tempreature increases force them back to the tributaries.  The Casselman flows through a wide valley filled with hardwood forests and Amish farmlands, its banks lined with alders and wildflowers, providing a setting that is hard to match in this age of fast food and urban developement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check out the Slideshow HERE.

North Branch of the Potomac

Until recently, the North Branch of the Potomac River was considered to be so degraded by acid mine drainage, that it would never support fish populations of any kind.  For most of the century the ground water flowing from abandoned coal mines has polluted the river with iron, aluminum and sulfuric acid, lowering the water's pH level to a point where fish and the invertebrates they feed on could no longer survive.  Thanks to the dedication and hard work of individuals from the DNR's Freshwater Fisheries Division, the Bureau of Mines and other agencies, the North Branch is now on its way to becoming one of the finest trout fisheries in the east.  This large freestone river is divided into two types of fisheries by Jennings Randolph Lake, a man-made impoundment used for flood control.  Above the reservoir, the river is subject to natural increases in temperature and flow.  The nine mile section of the river that borders Potomac State Forest has been heavily stocked with rainbows and fish over 20 inches are not uncommon.  The current state record brown trout, 18 lbs., 3 oz., came from this fine area.  Although the tailwater section of the river has yet to reach it's full potential, it is one of the few eastern rivers that is inhabited by cutthroat, brown, rainbow as well as brook trout.  Anglers forunate enough to land all four species have bragging rites to the only "Grand Slam" in eastern fly fishing.  Smallmouth, Largemouth, Sunfish and the ocassional Tiger Muskie can all be taken from the lower section of this great fishery.  Be sure to check out the slideshow below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Savage River

The Savage River may be better known as the site of the World Whitewater Championships and Olympic Whitewater Trials than as one of the finest trout streams in the East.  Lying within the boundaries of the massive 50,000 acre Savage River State Forest, the Savage River and its tributaries flow through some of the last remaining old growth forests in Maryland.  The upper two thirds of the river is typical of eastern freestone streams, small at first but widening as multiple tributaries add their strength.  Many of these tributaries flow from cold mountain springs, and support a strain of brook trout considered by many to be a hertage strain.  Untouched by man's breeding techniques, they are as genetically pure today as they were thousands of years ago.  The mainstem of the river remains relatively shallow as it makes its way toward the reservoir and is plentifully stocked with brown and rainbow trout. Below the reservoir the character ot the river changes dramatically.  Flowing from the dam at a year round temperature in the mid 50's, it pours through a series of swift channels and deep pools.  Conditions on this section can test even the most sure footed angler, but can create an ideal habitat for wild brown and brook trout.  Managed as a "Trophy Trout Area" the Savage River tailwater is divided into two sections, with the water nearest the dam being designated "Fly Fishing Only".  Although the structure of the river seems more suited to nymphs than dry flies, trout can be found feeding on the surface throughout the year.  As the season progresses midges and stone flies give way to overlapping hatches of caddis and mayflies with terrestrials providing the bulk of the late summer and autumn action.  The abundance of insects in the Savage River can allow the trout to be very selective in their feeding habits, and should provide an experience that is challenging enough for even expert fly casters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check out the Savage River Slide Show HERE

Youghiogheny River

Pronounced " Yock-ah-gain-ee", the Yough ( as it is known by the locals ), was the first river in Maryland to receive the Wild River designation under the Scenic and Wild River Act of 1968.  The character of the river changes several times on its 38 mile northward journey through Garrett County.  South of Oakland the river meanders through pastoral farmland and wooded lots before the river valley narrows, deepens and becomes heavily forested.  Entering Swallow Falls State Park, the river becomes a strech of falls and rapids, dropping 280 feet in elevation over the next 4 miles.  It plunges past one of the state's last remaining stands of giant virgin hemlock, as well as its highest waterfall, Muddy Creek Falls.  As it nears Hoyes Run, the rivers' gradient becomes less steep with an average drop of 10 feet per mile.  The next 6 miles of riffles and pools is some of the finest dry fly water found anywhere.  Cold water releases from Deep Creek Lake hydroelectric station allow this section of river to support an incredible number of brown and rainbow trout.  Excellent hatches of caddis and mayflies can be found on this strech of water, and anglers fortunate enough to catch one of the green drake spinner falls are in for an evening they will never forget.  Near Gap Falls the rivers' rate of descent increases dramatically, and in some areas exceeds more than 100 feet per mile.  This long stretch of Class V whitewater is the last big drop berfore the river levels out and its flow is halted by the Youghiogheny Reservoir.

I am now offereing float trips on the middle Yough from Confluence, PA to Ohiopile, PA.  It is a wonderful 9 mile float on a great tailwater.  There is a Delayed Harvest area in Friendsville, MD.  This fishery will be set up as the same as the Casselman River iin Grantsville, MD.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Youghiogheny River Slide Show is located HERE