Beaver Creek, Maryland, Trout Fishing

Trout fishermen looking for fun outdoor experiences can travel to Maryland’s Beaver Creek. Beaver Creek is long-standing trout stream, lined with natural limestone, and rocks. Beaver Creek is in Washington County, a relatively short trip from Washington D.C. The Creek is stocked with trout each spring and fall by Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources. Anglers looking to catch rainbow and brown trout, both for recreation and food, should know about the stocking season, species of trout, and techniques to employ.

  1. Location

    • Beaver Creek sits southeast of Hagerstown and north of Boonsboro Maryland. Anglers wanting to find this trout haven can take Route 70 to Route 66. The highway will lead to Beaver Creek Road. Once on Beaver Creek, make a right onto Beaver Creek Church Road. After crossing a bridge, look for the parking lot area. For anglers who prefer to to keep their fish or catch and release, Beaver Creek has several sections for both. To reach these areas, anglers can continue following Beaver Creek Church Road to several designated "Put & Take" and "Catch & Release" areas along the steams. There are signs, throughout Beaver Creek to eliminate confusion and assist anglers.

    Seasons

    • According to Maryland’s DNR, Beaver Creek is a year-round trout stream, and trout are released into its waters four times throughout the year. In March, fishing is at its best, as the vegetation and brush are not as thick during this time. With incoming stocked trout, the stream thrives with activity, along with many trout fishermen. In the summer, as the water is still cool, leftover stocked trout and native trout move to deep holes and feed in the morning and afternoon. In the fall, on the final stocking, the stream once again is active. In the winter, few anglers fish Beaver Creek, as the water conditions make it inhospitable.

    Maryland Licenses

    • Maryland residents and non-residents need a state fishing license and trout stamp in order to fish at Beaver Creek. The state license and trout stamp are mandatory. With the purchase of a license, it signifies that an angler understands the laws and regulations of Maryland. State license and trout stamps go on sale in January. Maryland state licenses allow you to fish within all designated trout streams in Maryland. According to Maryland’s DNR, fishermen can go to retail sporting goods stores and area bait shops and purchase a Maryland State fishing licenses and trout stamp for less than $30.

    Wild Trout

    • According to Wildtroutstreams.com, Beaver Creek has wild brown trout. Generations of these trout have thrived in the creek since their release in 1956 by Maryland’s DNR. Maryland initiated within this time a program to stock state streams with trout. The adult wild brown trout within Beaver Creek are small and range in size from 5 to 12 inches. They are also very finicky when it comes to biting on baits. They prefer natural foods such as flies, worms and small minnows.

    Stocked Fish

    • According to the Maryland DNR website, for the year 2010, some 5,295 rainbow and brown trout are swimming the waters of Beaver Creek. The stocked rainbow trout average 9 to 14 inches, with some breeder trout measuring in at 16 to 18 inches. Stocked brown trout are smaller, averaging anywhere from 6 to 14 inches as they grow slower in hatcheries than rainbow trout. Both stock varieties of trout will bite on power bait, which is sold commercially. Power bait is a mixture of foods trout feed on while at the hatchery. The wild browns will not bite on power bait, as it is not natural to them.

    Fishing Techniques

    • Fishermen at Beaver Creek might want to use a small fly rod, or a spinner cast rod and reel. Anglers should look for the fast-moving sections of the creek and use heavy split shots to sink the bait near the bottom. In slow water, use lightweight split shots. Wild browns like artificial baits such as trout files. When fishing for stocked trout, employ the use of power bait and spinners. Generally, live bait such as small worms and minnows can also work well.