It's a Fishing Day

Species

Brown Trout

Salmo trutta · family Salmonidae

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.

Preferred conditions

Water temp
45–68°F (ideal 55°F)
Tide
either
Moon
avoid-full
Depth
3–25 ft
Active months
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov

Best brown trout conditions today

  1. Gunpowder Falls — Big Falls Baltimore, MD
    74/100
  2. Patapsco Valley State Park — Daniels Area Baltimore, MD
    68/100
  3. Deep Creek Lake Garrett, MD · harvest closed
    41/100
  4. Savage River Reservoir Garrett, MD
    41/100
  5. Youghiogheny River — Friendsville Garrett, MD
    41/100
  6. North Branch Potomac River — Luke Allegany, MD
    29/100

Regulations by jurisdiction

Maryland (non-tidal)

non tidal-trout

Creel
2

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.

Source · verified 2026-04-22

Delaware (tidal)

non tidal-trout

Creel
6

Delaware stocked trout program. Brown trout is among the stocked species (along with rainbow and brook). Daily creel 6 in aggregate (4 in fly-fishing-only waters). No minimum size. Trout stamp required April–June 30 and October–November 30 for streams; March–April 1 for Tidbury and Newton Ponds. No fishing in designated waters within 14 days before opening; no night fishing in designated trout waters. Regulations do not differ by species — the aggregate applies equally to rainbow, brown, and brook.

Source · verified 2026-04-22

Virginia (non-tidal — VDWR)

non tidal-trout

Min size
7"
Creel
6

Non-tidal VA: 7-inch minimum, 6 per day (aggregate across trout species). Notable brown trout fisheries: Smith River tailwater (Philpott Dam — year-round, special slot regs), Jackson River tailwater below Gathright Dam, and the South Fork of the Holston. The Smith holds wild browns to trophy size. Heritage Trout Waters restrict harvest further — check per-water rules.

Source · verified 2026-04-22