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Catoctin Mountain Park
Fishing
Flyfishing on Big Hunting Creek.
NPS Photo
Flyfishing on Big Hunting Creek

BIG HUNTING CREEK has played a prominent role in the development of recreational trout fishing in Maryland. The stream has long been popular among fly fishermen. It is the birth place of the "Brotherhood of the Jungle Cock," an organization dedicated to helping young people understand and appreciate the sport of angling and the resources upon which it depends. Big Hunting Creek was first in the State of Maryland to be designated as a FLY FISHING ONLY stream. Later it became Maryland's first CATCH AND RETURN trout stream.

Anglers will find brook, brown, and rainbow trout in Big Hunting Creek. All three species spawn in the stream.
BIG HUNTING CREEK REGULATIONS:

  • Maryland fishing license and trout stamp are required.
  • All trout caught must be released.
  • A person may NOT use or possess any natural bait, baitfish, fishbait, scents or natural or synthetic devices capable of catching fish except artificial flies or streamers.
  • Only artificial flies and streamers constructed in a normal fashion using natural and/or synthetic materials on a single hook with the components wound on or about the hook.
  • A person may fish only with conventional fly fishing tackle. The use of spinning, spincast, and casting reels is prohibited.
  • Fly fishing is permitted throughout the year.

Consult the Maryland Sportfishing Guide for specific details.

OWENS CREEK FISHING REGULATIONS:

Put and Take Trout Fishing Area is mainstream from Raven Rock Road downstream to Roddy Road.

  • Maryland fishing license and trout stamp are required.
  • Fish only in specified seasons, check the Maryland Sportfishing Guide.
  • Fishing with bait is permitted.
  • Keep only 2 trout per day while fishing on park property.
Red Squirrel  

Did You Know?
There are 4 types of squirrels found in Catoctin Mountain Park. The largest is the Fox Squirrel, the most common the Grey Squirrel. The Red Squirrel is known for being very vocal and the Flying Squirrel really only glides.

Last Updated: July 25, 2006 at 00:29 EST