NORTH BRANCH POTOMAC RIVER

Fishing Weather Hydrology
November 21, 2024

SUMMARY

The North Branch Potomac River is a popular fishing area located in western Maryland, USA. It is known for its abundance of smallmouth bass, along with other species such as walleye, musky, and catfish. Nearby activities include hiking, biking, and camping in the surrounding mountains. Fishing tips include using lures such as crankbaits and soft plastics. The best time to visit is in the late spring and early summer when the water temperatures are between 65-75°F. The average temperature during this time is around 70°F.

FEATURED FISH - BLUE CATFISH

The blue catfish is considered an excellent food and game fish. It prefers clean, swift-moving waters where it feeds primarily on fish and crayfish. It is a strong, well-toned fish with a fine, delicate flavor. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish: The blue catfish, the channel catfish, and the white catfish are the only three catfishes in the U.S.A. that have distinctly forked tails, setting them apart from the bullheads and the flathead catfish, which have squarish or slightly emarginate tails. The blue catfish can be distinguished from the channel and white catfish by its noticeably longer anal fin, which has a more even depth and a straighter edge than in the other two species. There are 30-36 rays in the fin, versus 24-30 rays in the channel catfish and 19-23 rays in the white catfish. Internally, the blue catfish can be identified by the fact that it has three chambers in the swim bladder, whereas the channel catfish has two chambers. All three forked tail species may be almost uniformly pale blue or silvery in color, though white catfish may show a more distinct difference between the bluish black and white belly. Channel catfish frequently have spots.

FISH SPECIES

  • Image Alt Largemouth Bass


  • Image Alt Smallmouth Bass


  • Image Alt Bluegill


  • Image Alt Tiger Muskellunge


  • Image Alt Brook Trout


  • Image Alt Brown Trout


  • Image Alt Rainbow Trout


  • Image Alt Walleye


Weather Forecast

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°F

mph

Windspeed

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Humidity



16-Day Long Term Forecast
       

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Watershed River Levels

82

Cubic Feet Per Second

19

Cubic Feet Per Second

5

Cubic Feet Per Second

433

Cubic Feet Per Second

Point of Interest

State Game Lands 273

State Game Lands 273

State Game Lands 273 is a vast recreational area located in the state of Pennsylvania. It offers numerous reasons to visit, including its diverse wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and abundance of outdoor activities. This summary is based on information gathered from multiple independent sources, ensuring accuracy. One of the primary reasons to visit State Game Lands 273 is its rich wildlife. This area is home to a wide variety of species, including white-tailed deer, black bears, wild turkeys, and many others. Birdwatchers will particularly enjoy exploring the game lands, as it hosts over 200 bird species. State Game Lands 273 features ...