The Big Falls section of the Gunpowder River is one of Maryland's premier wild trout streams — a designated Catch-and-Return, artificial-lures-only fishery. Wild brown trout are the main draw; access via Gunpowder Falls State Park.
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Top pick today
Brown Trout — Marginal conditions for Brown Trout.
Best conditions of 1 species tracked at Gunpowder Falls — Big Falls.
47/100
ok
Atmosphere
Air Temp
91°F
Mostly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms
Wind
3 to 9 mph
W
Rain
77%
Friday
Pressure
Steady
6-hour trend
Water
Water Temp
53°F
Inland
Flow
27.4 cfs
Steady · -8% / 24h
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
5:38 AM
Sunset
8:33 PM
Moon · 11%
waning crescent
Species at Gunpowder Falls
1 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top pick is open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1Brown TroutMarginal conditions for Brown Trout.In season 47/100
What's helping
✓53°F water — right in brown trout's ideal range
✓9 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
−Thunderstorms — get off the water immediately when storms approach
About.Salmo trutta — Naturally reproduces in the Gunpowder River tailwater (Loch Raven below Prettyboy) and several Western MD streams; also heavily stocked. Typically more wary than rainbows. Classic mayfly hatches on the Gunpowder — sulphurs, BWOs, caddis. Streamer-eaters after dark.
Prefers. Water 45–68°F (ideal 55°F) · either tide · depth 3–25 ft.
Daily creel 2 in aggregate across trout species; possession 4 in aggregate. No minimum size. Same Closure 1 March 8–28 pre-season rule applies. Many brown trout fisheries (Gunpowder below Prettyboy, Savage River tailwater) are Catch-and-Return only or have elevated minimum size — check water-specific regs. Trout stamp required.
Catch-and-return, artificial lures only in the Quality Fishery section. No bait. Parking at Big Falls Road or Masemore Road. Popular — arrive early on weekends.
Maryland’s spring trout stocking season is now complete. Stocking began in February and wrapped up on May 18. A total of 254,810 trout were stocked; 182,260 trout were stocked into open waters and 72,550 stocked under the closure period. Trout were stocked into 118 waterbodies, including 53 streams and rivers and 65 lakes and ponds. The next period of regular trout stocking will begin in October. Due to warming water temperatures, some delayed harvest trout management waters (known as Group I) in the central and parts of the western region will open to trout harvest from June 1 to September 30.
Species mentioned: trout
Excerpts are anecdotal and reflect a single week's observations from DNR biologists and reporting anglers — not predictions. Use as one signal among many; verify against current conditions before planning a trip.
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Gunpowder Falls — Big Falls?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Gunpowder Falls — Big Falls you need a Maryland non-tidal fishing license issued by MD DNR (and a separate Maryland trout stamp if targeting trout in non-tidal waters). See the agency's current rules: https://dnr.maryland.gov/pages/service_fishing_license.aspx
What fish are commonly targeted at Gunpowder Falls — Big Falls?
Gunpowder Falls — Big Falls is listed on this site for 1 commonly-targeted species: Brown Trout. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Gunpowder Falls — Big Falls?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Gunpowder Falls — Big Falls against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Gunpowder Falls — Big Falls have?
Gunpowder Falls — Big Falls has shoreline / wading access. There is no pier or boat ramp at this location. Catch-and-return, artificial lures only in the Quality Fishery section. No bait. Parking at Big Falls Road or Masemore Road. Popular — arrive early on weekends.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Gunpowder Falls — Big Falls?
Maryland DNR non-tidal (inland) regulations apply at Gunpowder Falls — Big Falls. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Gunpowder Falls — Big Falls tidal water?
No. Gunpowder Falls — Big Falls is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.