MD: North Branch Potomac Wading

[Encoded]

Fellow member and I attempted to fish the NB of the Potomac a month or two ago and as expected, the wading was extremely difficult. While I am not itching to go back, I may try again in a few weeks and am wondering if we were just not in an ideal location for wading.

Im curious if anyone here has recommendations on easier/easiest wading locations? Not saying it wont be difficult, but interested in some tips on where might be a bit more enjoyable with less white knuckling. We parked at the Barnum access lot and went up stream, but didn't get terribly far.

Appreciate it

 

[wildtrout2]

It almost sounds like you're describing wading the Lehigh.

 

[JimKennedy]

That river's treacherous, so the first tip is something you seem to already know: don't fish it alone. Barnum, I've found, is a fairly good place for an old man to fish, but I'd never try it without a wading staff and spikes on my boots.

It reminds me, in terms of flow and force of water, a lot of the Salmon River at Pulaski, N.Y., where fishing even at a relatively low flow can be a challenge. But the USGS record shows you may have been there at a time particularly high water, as there were two surf's - up situations in the late spring and early summer.

Not sure how far you're traveling, but I've found it to be worth the trip from Baltimore, though I don't necessarily make it out there every year. Big water can mean big fish, but also big challenges.

 

[Bamboozle]

Don't know if this will be of any help, but:

T

Thread 'North Branch Potomac help'

Aug 26, 2012

I have off a few days this week and was thinking of doing a little exploring. For years have been hearing people talk about this place. I am also of the understanding that it possess cutthroats. My question is will I be able to fish with no drift boat? I know people usually drift this part of the river. I hate to make the drive just to take a look and realize im not going t be able to wade it.

• trike23
• Replies: 23
• Forum: Pennsylvania Fly Fishing Locations

 

[cfarr]

Fellow member and I attempted to fish the NB of the Potomac a month or two ago and as expected, the wading was extremely difficult. While I am not itching to go back, I may try again in a few weeks and am wondering if we were just not in an ideal location for wading.

Im curious if anyone here has recommendations on easier/easiest wading locations? Not saying it wont be difficult, but interested in some tips on where might be a bit more enjoyable with less white knuckling. We parked at the Barnum access lot and went up stream, but didn't get terribly far.

Appreciate it

I plan on exploring it downstream from Barnum a bit on Thursday given decent flows. I’ll let you know how it goes and if there are any decent spots for wading. Every bit I’ve waded there has been tough and gets pretty deep pretty quick.

 

[Encoded]

I plan on exploring it downstream from Barnum a bit on Thursday given decent flows. I’ll let you know how it goes and if there are any decent spots for wading. Every bit I’ve waded there has been tough and gets pretty deep pretty quick.

We did go below the barnum lot as well and found that easier wading, less water pressure and the rocks were less slippery. In my opinion the difficulty is mostly due to the rock shapes and their slickness. It was treacherous wading right next to the bank in a foot of water given how slippery the rocks were.

 

[Encoded]

Thinking about heading back out in a couple weeks. Anyone have recommendations on better areas for wading and euro nymphing?

 

[StreamBottom]

Fellow member and I attempted to fish the NB of the Potomac a month or two ago and as expected, the wading was extremely difficult. While I am not itching to go back, I may try again in a few weeks and am wondering if we were just not in an ideal location for wading.

Im curious if anyone here has recommendations on easier/easiest wading locations? Not saying it wont be difficult, but interested in some tips on where might be a bit more enjoyable with less white knuckling. We parked at the Barnum access lot and went up stream, but didn't get terribly far.

Appreciate it

Keep an eye on the the upcoming whitewater releases, usually they have releases in September, but it appears none are scheduled except on the Savage.

https://water.usace.army.mil/office/nab/releases/north-branch

Pro tip; when you do loose your footing and go for a swim keep your feet pointed downstream and away from the rocky bottom until you can get into calmer water.

Foot entrapment is a real risk.

 

[ryansheehan]

I know the river pretty well and spend a decent amount of time there. I have a love hate relationship with the river. Currently I hate it and would rather hit the PA yough but that system is not nearly as consistent with it's flows.

A couple things on wading there, a staff and good cleats are an absolute must. Those little studs in most boots just don't cut it for me. The korkers pictured here with the carbide studs have been a game changer.

As for the easiest area to wade, park at the first lot in barnum and fish the section right in front of the cabins closest to the restrooms. There is no easier area on the river that also has easy access.

Good luck, stay safe.

 

[FisherOfMen]

My Father and I used to fish it several times a year in WV.
It is a difficult wade but the fishing can be absolutely fantastic.

Around Eagle Rock seems to have some easier areas but I won't say it will be easy. The river is tough.

I would invest in better footwear.

 

[Highstickdrifter]

I know the river pretty well and spend a decent amount of time there. I have a love hate relationship with the river. Currently I hate it and would rather hit the PA yough but that system is not nearly as consistent with it's flows.

A couple things on wading there, a staff and good cleats are an absolute must. Those little studs in most boots just don't cut it for me. The korkers pictured here with the carbide studs have been a game changer.

As for the easiest area to wade, park at the first lot in barnum and fish the section right in front of the cabins closest to the restrooms. There is no easier area on the river that also has easy access.

Good luck, stay safe.
View attachment 1641253356

Hey Ryan, I use that same Korkers system on the N.Branch and agree it’s a big help. I’ve followed your posts here over time and it’s obvious that you’re a pro. I’m curious as to your present “hate” mode— do you find that the numbers of trout have diminished significantly in the last few years?(especially in the Westernport to Black oak takeout)?