Protected by the Patapsco Valley State Park, the Patapsco River offers a great fly fishing experience for those just starting to pick up the fly rod as well as those who have been fly fishing for decades. The State Park provides multiple points to access the river, each with parking, and the river itself is easy to fish from shore or by wading in the gentle currents. In the spring, you can cast for the rainbow trout which are stocked in large numbers. As the waters warm up in summer and continuing into the late fall, you can fly cast for and catch smallmouth bass, rock bass, redbreast sunfish, and fallfish. This Trail site is perfect for families to enjoy together, even if everyone’s not fishing as the river will keep you fully entertained.

Site Location

This section of the Patapsco River, extends from Woodstock, Maryland all the way downstream to where Interstate 95 crosses the river, is located within Howard County.

Address

Patapsco Valley State Park-Daniels Road Trailhead 2090 Daniels Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21043

Patapsco Valley State Park Old Frederick Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21043

Patapsco Valley State Park-Hollofield Area 8020 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21043

Patapsco River State Park-Avalon Area 6115 River Rd, Elkridge, MD 21075

How to Get There

The Patapsco River can be accessed at Daniels Road by following Route 29 to its end and taking a right turn onto Rogers Avenue followed by a left turn onto Old Frederick Road and then a left turn onto Daniels Road. By continuing on Old Frederick Road, you can access the Patapsco River where the road crosses the river.

Parking & Launching

There is a paved parking lot at the Hollofield Area and gravel parking lots at Daniels Road Trailhead, Old Frederick Road and Avalon access points. The Daniels Road Trailhead area has a dirt canoe/kayak put-in/take-out just above Daniels Dam.

Where to Fish

You can fly fish from the bank or by wading in the stream.  Focus on casting to the riffles and deeper pools.

What to Catch

Spring: Rainbow trout (stocked)

Summer/Fall: Smallmouth bass, rock bass, redbreast sunfish and fallfish

What to Fish & How

Recommend bringing 4-5 weight fly rods with floating fly lines with 9' leaders with 3x tippets. For smallmouth bass and panfish, recommend poppers, wooly buggers, and insect patterns with rubber legs. For Rainbow Trout, recommend minnow imitations and wooly buggers.

Fly Fishing Organizations

Connect with local fly fishing organizations to learn about mentoring opportunities and to connect with others interested in fly fishing.