Located in Garrett County, the Youghiogheny River (“The Yock,” as it is popularly known), is wide, ranging in width from 80 to 180 feet. Even when other anglers are on the water, there is a sense of being alone on the river. Flowing South to North, the four and a half mile special regulation section offers quality dry fly fishing. The river has been referred to as a hybrid tailwater, given it receives its waters from an upstream reservoir. The gradient in this stretch of the river is moderate, and structure is provided by varying sized rocks in the shape of bowling balls, perfect habitat for the rainbow and brown trout present in the river. On the east side of the river, a trail parallels the special regulations section, making the Youghiogheny River very accessible to fly fishers looking for a trout fishing experience on a larger, very productive river.

Site Location

The Youghiogheny River is located in western Maryland in Garrett County, flows from south to north, with the Trail Site section of the river located north of Swallow Falls State Park and northwest of Deep Creek Lake.

How to Get There

From Interstate 68 just west of Grantsville, Maryland, take Exit 14B onto MD-219 South. Continue on MD-219 past Accident, Maryland where you will take a right turn onto Hoyes Road which becomes Hoyes Sang Run Road and then Sang Run Road. Follow Sang Run Road until it crosses the Youghiogheny River. The Trail Site is the four-mile stretch of the river between the Deep Creek Power Plant and Sang Run Bridge off of Oakland Sang Run Road.

Parking

There is parking at the pull-off below the Deep Creek Power Plant dam. There is also a small parking area next to the intersection of Hoyes Run Road and Oakland Sang Run Road.

Where to Fish

You can fly fish the Youghiogheny River’s Catch and Release Trout Fishing Area by wade fishing the 4-mile stretch between the Deep Creek Power Plant and Sang Run Bridge off of Oakland Sang Run Road. On the east side of the river, a trail parallels the special regulations section, providing fly fishers with excellent access to this entire stretch of the river.

What to Catch

Rainbow trout and brown trout

What to Fish & How

The Youghiogheny River produces prolific hatches of tan caddis flies in the mid-morning and early afternoon in May and June.  Blue wing olives, parachute Adams, Royal Wulff, Royal Coachman and lime and royal trudes are effective fly patterns. A 9-foot, 4 or 5 weight fly rod, with a 9-foot leader is a good choice.

Check Flow Release

The nearby Deep Creek Power Plant periodically generates electricity—more frequently during the summer months. The discharges from the plant during power generation cause water levels to rise quickly. For reservoir flow release information, call the Deep Creek Hydroelectric Power plant at (301) 413-2823.

Fly Fishing Organizations

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