Brook Trout

Brook trout are native to eastern Canada and the northeastern United States, extending as far west as eastern Minnesota. Brook trout are the only trout native to Maryland waters. They are also the only trout species in Maryland with light spots on a dark background. Relatively small, rarely growing over 9 to 10 inches, a 12-inch is a considered a real trophy. Because of their small size, at best Maryland streams support relatively low numbers of adult trout.

Opportunity:

In Maryland, there are nearly 100 streams that support native, self-supporting, populations of brook trout. Concentrations of brook trout streams are found in central and northern Baltimore County, the Catoctin Mountains of Frederick County and in far western Maryland mainly in Garret County.​

The lower Savage River below Savage River Dam in Garrett County is Maryland's only high-profile, native trout fishery where anglers can expect to catch nice stream-bred brook trout. There are tackle restrictions and harvest limits on this section of the lower Savage so anglers are strongly urged to consult their Sportfishing Guide for details and boundaries. For current recreational size and creel limits, see Maryland's updated regulation page.

DNR Fishing Recommendations:

• Do not harvest any native brook trout.
• Return them all to spawn again.
• Use artificial flies and lures to minimize hooking injuries.

Brown Trout

Introduced to Maryland waters at the turn of the century, brown trout are now well established in the many watersheds across the state. They vary greatly in appearance and are generally olive green to brown on top shading to a creamy, golden-yellow on the sides and an off white along the belly. Unlike brook and rainbow trout, the tails of brown trout have few if any spots.

Brown trout tend to grow bigger, live longer, and tolerate a wider range of habitat types than either brook trout or rainbow trout​  Their average size is between 12 and 14 inches and Maryland’s record brown trout weighed over 18 lbs. Fishermen consider these notorious surface feeders to be the smartest, most difficult to catch of the trout species found in Maryland.​

Opportunity:

Approximately 80 streams in Maryland support self-sustaining populations of brown trout.​ Some of the best fishing is found in Baltimore County in the Gunpowder River watershed to include Bee Tree Run, Little Falls, Western Run and the entire mainstem of the Gunpowder Falls between Prettyboy and Loch Raven Reservoirs.

Other naturally reproducing brown trout fisheries include Jones Falls also in Baltimore County, Hunting Creek in Frederick County and the lower Savage River in Garrett County. In addition, thousands of hatchery reared brown trout are stocked annually with brown trout including Big Elk Creek, Patapsco River, Morgan Run, Patuxent River, North Branch Potomac River and the Youghiogheny River. Trout stocking locations and Current stocking information.

Rainbow Trout 

Rainbow trout have been introduced in all fifty states as well as worldwide. They are stocked in well over 100 streams and lakes across Maryland. While their coloration varies, for the most part, Maryland rainbows have a greenish silver back, are heavily spotted and a silver sides with a faint red band that travel the length of the lateral line. The average size range of rainbow trout is 10-13 inches, with some individuals reach 20+ inches​.

Simple, quick, and at the palm of your hand, DNR’s app is the easiest way to get your Maryland fishing license. Download the app on your smartphone (MD DNR), click Apply for License, and enroll. From the app, you can also register any catches, post photos, and check for regulations updates. Or, you can apply for a license through Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ website. There are a few instances where registering for a license may not be necessary; visit Maryland DNR for a full list of these exceptions. For more information on fishing without a license – and locations where licenses are not required – visit http://dnr.maryland.gov/Fisheries/Pages/Free-Fishing.aspx. Visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for a complete list of Maryland’s Fishing Regulations.

Money generated from the sale of licenses goes directly to the conservation, protection, and preservation of Maryland’s natural habitat and cherished wildlife. Maryland DNR works tirelessly to maintain a healthy population of fish and game, and the regulations needed to sustain fishing and hunting in Maryland. Changes in regulations, dates, and requirements vary year-to-year. Please check with DNR frequently for the most up-to-date information.