Trout - Middle Creek (MD)

Approximate Boundary: 39.571104,-77.532542 to 39.517559,-77.548034 (From the MD 17 bridge near the junction of Bittle Road upstream to the confluence of Spruce Run) Middle Creek is a wonderful 30 foot wide body of water, routinely stocked with over 5,000 trout, that stretches a lazy 5 miles through the narrow valley framed by the Catoctin Mountains on the east and the South Mountain National Environmental Area to the west. The creek runs wide and clear over a uniformly rocky, boulder strewn bottom. Depending on the wind, the sweet odor of fresh cow manure provides both an aromatic caress as well as a reminder that you are in the heart of the beautiful rural area. MD 17 hugs the bank tightly for most of its length, allowing easy access to the stream. As a result, this is a popular fishing destination and experiences heavy pressure during the height of the stocking season. If you wait until the end, there are usually still decent numbers of stock trout waiting to provide an enjoyable fishing experience. The best, most productive stretch lies in the middle section between the junction of Harp Hill Road (39.526991,-77.543077) and Highland Hill Road (39.546169,-77.5258). There are plenty of spots to pull off and safely access the stream, just be cautious of private property. In general, this creek is at its best when the Catoctin Creek Middletown gage (downstream of the stocked area) is running near 115 cfs. Getting There: From I-70, take exit 42 north onto MD 17/Myersville Road. Stay on MD 17 when it jogs right onto Ellerton Road in the town of Myersville. The stocked section begins at the bridge crossing approximately 1.3 miles after turning onto Ellerton Road.   Google Local Coordinates: The road parallels the creek for most of its length with the easiest access being between 39.571104,-77.532542 and 39.546124,-77.526147.   Secrets Revealed? No. This is a very public location that is documented in the Maryland DNR stocking plan. Tell a friend about this article by clicking on this link	View MD Frederick Co Trout Management Areas in a larger map Pressure Trout Size Physical Fitness Bass Size N/A Access Regulations Hard to Find Stocking Scenery Overall Remember to refer to my rating explanations - these are based on what I look for - so RED for Physical Fitness translates to easy physically - you do not need to be in shape to fish this section.  I prefer terrain that is tough to get into and out of. Purchase Switchfisher's books using the links to Amazon below for: Wade Fishing the Rappahannock River of Virginia (more info) Wade Fishing the Rapidan River of Virginia (more info) Wade and Shoreline Fishing the Potomac River for Smallmouth Bass (more info) Trout and Smallmouth Fishing on the North Branch of the Potomac (more info)
Rocky, good structure	Wide, unobstructed
Close to the road	Scenic farms provide atmosphere.. both visual and aromatic
Good, solid rocky streambed	Cooperative trees stay out of the way

 Unless stated otherwise, this article was authored by Steve Moore

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.  Calibrated Consulting, Inc disclaims 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.

Finally, access points may be different or restricted based on changes in property ownership since posting the original article.  It is up to you to make sure you are fishing where it is legal.