Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

North Branch Potomac River - Luke - Maryland

Hatch Chart - Best Access/Spots - Local Fish - About

Water Flow Chart

Using Water Flow Charts & Weather Reports: Begin with our water flow charts to grasp stream velocity and volume – look for stable or rising trends to pinpoint ideal fishing times. Learn to interpret sudden spikes or drops, which can indicate potential challenges. Next, consult our weather reports to understand ambient conditions. Pairing the two, you can anticipate fish behavior, choose the right gear, and select the best fishing spots. Use these tools together for a holistic approach to your next fishing adventure.

In-Depth Weather

Directions To Location

Hatch Chart

Month Hatch Time of Day Recommended Fly Sizes Popular Fly Patterns
January Midges Afternoon #18 - #22 Griffith's Gnat, Black Beauty
Stoneflies Dusk #8 - #10 Hellgrammite, Black Stonefly Nymph
February Midges Afternoon #18 - #22 Griffith's Gnat, Black Beauty
Blue Quills Midday #16 - #20 Blue Quill Dry, Blue Quill Nymph
March Blue Quills Midday #16 - #20 Blue Quill Dry, Blue Quill Nymph
Little Black Caddis Afternoon #16 - #18 Peacock Caddis, X Caddis
April Mayflies Afternoon #12 - #16 Spotlight Emerger, Klinkhammer
Caddisflies Dusk #14 - #16 Elk Hair Caddis, Tungsten Caddis Pupa
May Green Drakes Afternoon #10 - #12 Green Drake Dun, Green Drake Nymph
Dobsonflies Morning #6 - #8 Muddler Minnow, Dark Stonefly Nymph
June Damsel flies Midday #10 - #12 Damsel Nymph, Adult Damsel
Scuds All Day #14 - #18 Scud Olive, Scud Grey
July Terrestrials Afternoon #12 - #16 Hopper, Ant Patterns
Hoppers All Day #10 - #12 Classic Hopper, Stimulator Orange
August Terrestrials Midday #12 - #16 Beetle, Cricket
Hoppers All Day #10 - #12 Parachute Hopper, Foam Hopper
September Hoppers All Day #10 - #12 Stimulator Olive, Dave's Hopper
Midges Midday #18 - #24 Zebra Midge, Peacock Midge
October Blue-winged Olive Midday #16 - #20 BWO Sparkle Dun, RS2
Midges Early Morning/Evening #18 - #24 Zebra Midge, Peacock Midge
November Blue-winged Olive Midday #16 - #20 BWO Sparkle Dun, RS2
Midges Early Morning/Evening #18 - #24 Zebra Midge, Peacock Midge
December Midges Afternoon #18 - #22 Griffith's Gnat, Black Beauty
Stoneflies Dusk #8 - #10 Hellgrammite, Black Stonefly Nymph

While we strive to ensure the precision of our hatch charts, some reflect broader river region insights. Through ongoing partnerships with local guides and fly shops, we’re committed to refining our data. Should you notice any inconsistencies or have feedback, we welcome you to reach out. 

Best Fishing Spots

The North Branch Potomac River – Luke, offers several outstanding spots for fly fishing. These locations provide an enchanting experience, ideal for catching a variety of fish species.

  • Kitzmiller area: Known for its exceptional trout fishing, this spot is popular amongst experienced anglers.
  • Westernport: This area, favored for its productive fishing, often yields catches like smallmouth bass and walleye.
  • Barnum: This location, rich in trout, is suitable for both novice and proficient fly fishers.
  • Jennings Randolph Lake Tailwaters: Boasting high-quality fishing opportunities, tailwater yields consist of rainbow and brown trout.
  • Bloomington: This region is popular among anglers for its trout and smallmouth bass fishing.

Regardless of your fly fishing proficiency, the North Branch Potomac River – Luke offers plentiful options suited for various skill levels and fishing preferences.

Best Access Points

The North Branch Potomac River in Luke, offers numerous spots prized for fly fishing. Notable access points include:
  • Barnum Whitewater Area: Known for its excellent trout population. Accessible via river right at Barnum Road.
  • Bloomington: Renowned for its challenging rapids and diverse fish species. Can be accessed by following Bloomington Road to the river.
  • Kitzmiller: This area offers swift currents, keeping trout active. Access point is at the end of Oak Street.
  • Westernport: Renowned for its vast trout fishing opportunities. It’s accessible from Main Street in Westernport.
  • Keyser: The smooth currents here make it a favorite amongst novice fly fishers. Riverside Park in Keyser is the key access.
Remember, it is mandatory to follow Maryland’s fishing license regulations and practice catch and release to help maintain the population.

Local Fish

  • Brook Trout: Known for their beautiful colors, brook trout are a popular fish to target on the North Branch Potomac River.
  • Brown Trout: These fish are more elusive, making them a fun challenge for fly fishermen.
  • Smallmouth Bass: Smallmouth bass are game fish that provide a good fight when hooked, making them thrilling to catch.
  • Largemouth Bass: Largemouth bass are also targeted by anglers. They are easy to identify by their large mouths, hence the name.
  • Muskie: Muskies are big, powerful predatory fish that can reach impressive sizes. They are a prized catch for fly fishermen on the river.
  • Walleye: These fish can grow large and present a challenge to reel in, adding to the excitement of the sport.
  • Bluegill: Bluegill are small fish that make for fast-paced, action-packed fishing. They are popular on the North Branch of the Potomac River due to their abundance.
  • Pumpkinseed: Similar to bluegill, pumpkinseeds are small, brightly colored sunfish that are plentiful in the North Branch Potomac River.

About The River

Curving through Maryland and West Virginia, the North Branch Potomac River boasts a rich history as captivating as its landscape. Firstly named by American Indians, the Potomac, meaning “river of swans”, has always been a vital waterway for trade and transport. Over time, its significance grew.

  • In the 1700s, George Washington himself dreamt of making the Potomac navigable to promote westward expansion.
  • During the Revolutionary War, the North Branch served as a critical supply route.
  • By the late 1800s, a town named Luke was established along its banks, becoming a bustling hub for paper manufacturing.

Just as intriguing is the river’s natural beauty providing homes for various species of wildlife. Despite seeing industry and wars, the North Branch Potomac River exhibits resilience. Its waters keep flowing, serving as a historical mirror reflecting the stories of the past.

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