Savage River Brook Trout

Type: Nontidal
Region: Western
Location: Poplar Lick

This past weekend I took advantage of the warmer temperatures and the melting snow to catch my first brook trout of 2015. After discovering that the mainstem upper Savage River had been rocked by high flows and ice damage, I decided to focus my efforts on the tributaries - specifically Poplar Lick. The day started well, with a beautiful 9" fish coming to hand on the second cast and the action remained fairly steady after that.

All fish came on a small, short-shank, #8 wooly bugger fished slowly as a nymph. The takes were very aggressive though and a strike indicator was not needed! I did see a few rising fish that were likely taking the few midges that I noticed hatching in the warm sunshine, but all of my action was on the streamer.

The forecast shows rain and high water for the remainder of the week, but as flows recede, shake of the winter blues, and go catch some brook trout! Just remember that if you are going to fish for brook trout anywhere in Maryland this year, we invite you to participate in our volunteer angler diary program! The data generated by this effort will help us to better understand and manage our brook trout resources across Maryland! The form can be found and downloaded by visiting our brook trout program page on the DNR Fisheries website.

Good luck and tight lines!