Fly Fishing

Big Hunting Creek only permits fly fishing.

NPS Photo

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. 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.
 

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.

OWENS CREEK FISHING REGULATIONS:
Maryland fishing lisence and trout stamp required.
All brook trout must be released.

Along Foxville Deerfield Road

• No tackle restrictions.
• Keep only 2 brown trout per day.

Along Rt. 550, down stream of Buck Lantz Road

• March 1-May 31-Put and take (5 fish a day) with no tackle restrictions.
• June 1-February 28-Catch and release only, artificial lures only.

Details

Activity

Fly Fishing

Big Hunting Creek is a catch-and-return, fly fishing stream.

Pets Allowed

Yes

Pets must remain leashed at all times.

Activity Fee

No

Admission to the park is FREE, but for those who qualify, Senior Passes, Military Passes, Access Passes, and Every Kid in a Park passes are available at the visitor center.

Location

Big Hunting Creek

Big Hunting Creek can be accessed from parking lots and pulloffs alongside MD Rt. 77 by Park Headquarters, the Visitor Center, as well as Cunningham Falls State Park. Parking along MD Rt. 77 is also permitted as long as vehicles remain within the roadside median boundary.  

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day

The park is open daily from dawn until dusk.

Accessibility Information

There is no wheelchair access to Big Hunting Creek.