The North Branch Potomac River forms the border between Maryland and West Virginia, stretching just over 101 miles from its origin in West Virginia's Fairfax Stone Historical Monument State Park to where it merges with the South Branch near Green Spring, WV to form the main stem of the Potomac River. Once severely polluted by acid mine drainage from coal mining activities, the river has undergone significant rehabilitation efforts and now supports thriving fish populations. The North Branch transitions from a remote mountain freestone stream in its headwaters to a tailwater fishery below Jennings Randolph Lake, offering diverse fishing opportunities in a scenic and often secluded setting.
Learn what type of fish are at North Branch Potomac River and what's needed to catch them.
Micropterus salmoides
Micropterus dolomieu
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Salmo trutta
Salvelinus fontinalis
Oncorhynchus clarkii
Esox masquinongy
Sander vitreus
Lepomis macrochirus
Ameiurus nebulosus
Ictalurus punctatus
Semotilus corporalis
Lepomis cyanellus
Hypentelium nigricans
Lepomis gibbosus
Lepomis auritus
Lepomis microlophus
Ambloplites rupestris
Catostomus commersonii
Ameiurus natalis
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Updated Nov 13, 2026. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.
Open stocking page, opens in new tabLearn how to get on North Branch Potomac 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Download the map around North Branch Potomac River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Keep a private fishing journal for North Branch Potomac River to find where and when fish are biting for you.
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See the best times to fish North Branch Potomac River and check the forecast before you go.
All Flow Stations
Scheduled releases and generation forecasts from the dams on North Branch Potomac River.
North Branch Potomac River · Barnum to Bloomington · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District
350 cfs now
Forecast updated Fri, Nov 13 at 5:23 PM EST. Schedules can change, so check the operator's page before you go.
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