Monocacy River
Monocacy River
- Boat Ramps
- 12
- Access Points
- 14
- Species
- 25
The Monocacy River is a scenic waterway that meanders through Frederick and Carroll Counties in Maryland. Designated as a State Scenic River in 1974, the Monocacy originates near the Pennsylvania border at the confluence of Marsh Creek and Rock Creek, flowing for 58 miles before joining the Potomac River. As the largest Maryland tributary to the Potomac, the Monocacy watershed covers 974 square miles across Frederick County, Carroll County, and portions of Adams County, Pennsylvania. The river varies in width from 40 to 375 feet and flows gently with an average gradient of 3 percent. Its diverse ecosystem, characterized by shallow runs and deep pools, creates an ideal habitat for various fish species, offering anglers a serene escape amid rolling hills and rich woodlands.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Monocacy River and what's needed to catch them.
Find which waters have the species you want to catch
Largemouth Bass
Micropterus salmoides
Smallmouth Bass
Micropterus dolomieu
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
Walleye
Sander vitreus
Black Crappie
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Bluegill Sunfish
Lepomis macrochirus
Brown Bullhead
Ameiurus nebulosus
Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus
Common Carp
Cyprinus carpio
Fallfish
Semotilus corporalis
Flathead Catfish
Pylodictis olivaris
Golden Redhorse
Moxostoma erythrurum
Green Sunfish
Lepomis cyanellus
Longear Sunfish
Lepomis megalotis
Northern Hogsucker
Hypentelium nigricans
Northern Snakehead
Channa argus
Pumpkinseed
Lepomis gibbosus
Redbreast Sunfish
Lepomis auritus
Redear Sunfish
Lepomis microlophus
Rock Bass
Ambloplites rupestris
Shorthead Redhorse Sucker
Moxostoma macrolepidotum
Warmouth Sunfish
Lepomis gulosus
White Crappie
Pomoxis annularis
White Sucker
Catostomus commersonii
Yellow Bullhead
Ameiurus natalis
Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Monocacy River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
Know where you can legally fish on Monocacy River
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
Maryland licenses and regulations
Maryland Boating Regulations
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
Maryland Fishing License
Individuals under the age of 16 are not required to obtain a license to sport fish/crab. They can, however, purchase a recreational crab license if they want to catch the bushel of crabs allowed with that license.
Maryland Fishing Regulations
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
Maryland Stream Access Laws
Current law in Maryland seems quite friendly to public access to floatable water, allowing access at all public bridges and road crossings of floatable water. Though historically the state has only recognized waters subject to the ebb and flow of tides as navigable, that definition appears to have broadened. A complete list of public waters and access points is available on the Maryland DNR website.
Take Monocacy River with you
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Use the map without signal
Download the map around Monocacy River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to fish Monocacy River and check the forecast before you go.
MONOCACY RIVER AT BRIDGEPORT, MD
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Fish species
Fishing spots
- Rocky Ridge / Maryland Rt. 77 Bridge Boat Ramp
- Creagerstown Park Boat Ramp
- Devilbiss Bridge Boat Ramp
- Riverside Park Boat Ramp
- Park Mills Boat Ramp
- Gambrill Mill Soft Launch at Monocacy National Battlefield
- Pinecliff Park Boat Ramp
- Monocacy River Criss Ford Boat Ramp
- Monocacy Boat Ramp
- Monocacy Aqueduct Boat Ramp
- Goodh&s Creek Landing Boat Ramp
- Seneca Creek State Park Clopper Lake Boat Ramp
- All 170 spots
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