Introduced from Europe in the 1800s, wild brown trout feature golden flanks with black and orange-red spots ringed in pale halos. Known for extreme wariness and selective feeding behavior under clear water conditions.
Season
Year-Round (Best Spring & Fall Hatch Runs)
Where
Gunpowder Falls (Prettyboy Tailrace), Patapsco River, Savage River
Salinity band
Inland Freshwater (0 - 3 ppt)
Status
Established Inland Freshwater Species
Record
MD Record: 18 lbs 5 oz
How we fish for them
Drift size 18 Pheasant Tail nymphs under a indicator, or cast 2-inch rapala floating minnows into undercut banks at low light.
Rod: White Perch & Panfish Rod 6'6" LF Reel: 1000 Spinning Reel • 4-6lb FC
Gear for this in the catalog →Handle with care
Safe release: Wet hands or rubber net before handling to preserve protective slime layer.
Seasons & limits are the law's, not ours
Size, season and creel rules change; always verify with the official regulations before you fish. Maryland DNR regulations →
Profile last reviewed: August 2026