Approximate Boundary: 39.70131,-78.843827 to 39.722174,-78.845801 (1.62 miles)
North Jennings Run is a sparkling small stream that must be fished early in the season when water levels are high. Boulders and gravel fill the 10 to 15-foot narrow course of the creek, and the water gets a good push of velocity as it runs down the 180-foot drop in elevation between the Pennsylvania border and the junction with Jennings Run adjacent to MD 36.
Thankfully, in many places, the banks are not overloaded with vegetation, and movement is easy in either direction. Of course, the best places will be protected by obstacles that place a premium on the ability to deliver accurate, short casts. Piles of rocks and small boulders line both shorelines, so caution is required when sneaking to the next deep channel or pool.
Although the boundary extends all the way up to the Pennsylvania border, scattered residential development and associated private property makes fishing above the turnout north of Belle Star Road NW problematic. Be careful in that area and look for “posted” signage. Frankly, it is no great loss since the water becomes smaller and smaller the closer it gets to the border.
Getting There: From I-68, take exit 44 for Baltimore Avenue. Turn left onto Willowbrook Road (name changes to Baltimore Avenue). Turn right on Henderson Avenue to remain on US 40 Alt W. Make a right onto MD 36S/Mt Savage Road. Turn right onto MD 47N/Barrelville Road. The stream parallels Barrelville Road.
Access Point:
· Intersection of Barrelville Road NW with Abucevicz Road (39.703778,-78.843814)
· Intersection of Barrelville Road NW with Old Spring Road (39.713212,-78.839624)
· Turnout 1,000 feet north of the intersection of Belle Star Road (39.717545,-78.842215)
Secrets Revealed? This is a very public location that is documented in the Maryland DNR stocking plan.
Unless stated otherwise, this article was authored by Steve Moore