Big Run Trout Fishing (MD – not VA!)

Approximate Boundary: 39.543268,-79.138516 to 39.603043,-79.167831 (5.11 miles) Big Run drops 1,162 feet as it wanders 5.1 miles from its source on the south side of Meadow Mountain through the gap between Middle and Peapatch ridges. Given that huge drop, Big Run meets all expectations associated with a high gradient stream and pairs up with its major tributary, Monroe Run, to be the key water feature inside Big Run State Park.

The DNR stocked almost 17,000 brook trout in the 40 years between 1948 and 1988 to reestablish their presence. Like the rest of the Savage Reservoir watershed, is protected by a Zero Creel fishing regulation.

The name “Big Run” recognizes the width of the stream rather than its depth. In most places, the shallow stream runs 15 to 20 feet wide across a rocky bed. Given the sharp drop in elevation, anglers must hike to find pools deep enough to fish. Most of the park facilities, including improved campsites, restrooms, and a potable water source, are located at the junction of Big Run Road and Savage River Road.

Getting There:  From Westernport, take MD 135 west towards Bloomington. Turn right onto Savage River Road. Turn left on Big Run Road.

Access Point: Various turnoffs and campsites adjacent to Big Run RoadSecrets Revealed? No. This is a very public location that is documented in the Maryland DNR website.

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Shallow glides lead to…

deeper pools

Easy access off of Big Run Road  

You have to walk a bit to find the better spots

Unless stated otherwise, this article was authored by Steve Moore

Articles on this site are out of date since some go back to 2006. Regulations and property ownership may have changed since publication. It is your responsibility to know and obey all regulations and not trespass on private property.

Disclaimer and Warning:  The contents of this site reflect the opinion of the author and you, the reader, must exercise care in the use and interpretation of this information.  Fishing is a dangerous sport.  You can slip and fall on rocks and sustain severe injury.  You can drown.  You can get hooks caught in your skin, face, eyes or other sensitive places.  All sorts of bad things can happen to you when to go into the woods to visit the places documented here.  Forests, streams and lakes are wild areas and any number of bad things can happen.  You must make your own judgment in terms of acceptable behavior and risk and not rely on anything posted here.  I disclaim all liability and responsibility for any actions you take as a result of reading the articles on this site.  If you do not agree with this, you should not read anything posted on this site.

Disclaimer and Warning:  The contents of this site reflect the opinion of the author and you, the reader, must exercise care in the use and interpretation of this information.  Fishing is a dangerous sport.  You can slip and fall on rocks and sustain severe injury.  You can drown.  You can get hooks caught in your skin, face, eyes or other sensitive places.  All sorts of bad things can happen to you when to go into the woods to visit the places documented here.  Forests, streams and lakes are wild areas and any number of bad things can happen.  You must make your own judgment in terms of acceptable behavior and risk and not rely on anything posted here.  I disclaim all liability and responsibility for any actions you take as a result of reading the articles on this site.  If you do not agree with this, you should not read anything posted on this site.

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