Maryland Department of Natural Resources

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Town Creek Delayed Harvest Trout Fishing Areas

Located in Allegany County


Use the Public Angler Access Map to get more information on this site.​

Town Creek

Physical/ Habitat Description - Town Creek enters Maryland at an elevation of 900 feet and drops 360 feet during its 30-mile journey to the Potomac River. Stream gradient is rather low, averaging about 12 feet per mile. Town Creek consists of relative large pool areas connected by productive riffle areas. The average width of the stream is about 50 ft. The stream bottom consists primarily of cobble and scoured bedrock. Stream temperatures limit trout survival during the summer, so trout management is limited to the spring, fall, and winter months. Aquatic insect hatches are very prolific, and late winter stoneflies hatches can provide fantastic early season dry-fly fishing. 

Fish Species - The Town Creek Delayed Harvest Trout Fishing Areas receive annual spring and fall stockings of adult brown and rainbow trout, and many of these fish are trophy-size. The Nemacolin Chapter of Trout Unlimited assists with float-stocking the stream, providing good fishing throughout the Delayed Harvest Trout Fishing Areas. Smallmouth bass, rock bass, and redbreast sunfish provide fishing opportunities, especially during the summer months.

Restrictions - The Delayed Harvest Trout Fishing Area management scheme includes a Catch and Release Season from October 1 through June 15 when anglers may use Artificial Lures or Flies Only. Anglers may harvest five trout per day from June 16 through September 30 and there are no bait or tackle restrictions. Please consult the Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing​ for complete details.

History - The Town Creek Watershed lies within the States of Pennsylvania and Maryland. The watershed is 84% forested and has federal, state, county, and privately owned lands. Thanks to the efforts of the Town Creek Ecosystem Management Project, a public/private partnership dedicated to responsible stewardship, this stream is one of the most pristine streams in the Ridge and Valley province in Maryland.

Contact Us - Comments and questions regarding fishing Town Creek can be directed to:

Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Fishing and Boating Services
1728 Kings Run Road, Oakland, MD 21550
301-334-8218 or customerservice.dnr@maryland.gov ​​​

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