What flies are hatching on the Big Hunting Creek right now?

Current and seasonal hatches on the Big Hunting Creek include Hendrickson, Caddis, Sulphur. Use the AI Hatch Advisor on this page for a live, temperature-aware recommendation.

What's the current flow on the Big Hunting Creek?

The Big Hunting Creek is running at 7.56 CFS at the Catoctin Creek near Middletown (proxy) gauge. Readings update every 15 minutes from the USGS Water Services API.

Is the Big Hunting Creek fishable today?

Big Hunting Creek is outside its fishable window right now. Flow is 7.56 CFS at the Catoctin Creek near Middletown (proxy) gauge. Check back when conditions return to the normal range.

Big Hunting Creek Fly Fishing Conditions

Live Conditions

Big Hunting Creek — Catoctin Creek near Middletown (proxy)

Unfishable

7.56CFS

Discharge

1.54ft

Gauge Height

—

Water Temp

Updated 1 hr agoView on USGS ↗

7-Day Flow

↑ Rising

RisingFallingStable

24-Hr Pressure

29 inHg · → High/stable

Falling (good)RisingHigh/stable

Local Weather

75°FOvercast

Wind 6 mph29 inHg Low & stable

Tough conditions — fish deep

Today

🌫️

Foggy

85° / 70°

Tomorrow

☁️

Overcast

83° / 64°

Wed

🌦️

Drizzle

81° / 72°

0.01"

Thu

🌦️

Drizzle

90° / 69°

0.21"

Cold front incoming — go deep with nymphs, surface activity likely slow.

Weather by Open-Meteo · No API key · Updated every 30 min

What should I fish today?

⚡ AI

AI-powered recommendation using today's live flow, temperature, and hatch data.

2

Time of Day

Using: 7.56 CFS · Terrestrials peak. Caddis. Wild fish hold in cool shaded pools.

What should I pack?

Rod, flies, tippet, and safety gear specific to today's Big Hunting Creek conditions.

🪰 Hatch Calendar

Big Hunting Creek · August · Late Summer

Full calendar →

Showing typical dates — water temperature data unavailable for live hatch predictions.

Select month

JanDec

Terrestrials peak. Caddis. Wild fish hold in cool shaded pools.

CaddisTerrestrials

River Map

Loading map…

USGS Gauge (click for site ID)Fishing Access / SectionScroll to zoom disabled — use map controls

About Big Hunting Creek

Maryland's most storied wild trout water in Catoctin Mountain Park near Thurmont — one of the oldest designated fly-fishing-only streams on the East Coast, managed catch-and-release since 1974. The freestone stream holds a dense population of wild brown and native brook trout in classic Appalachian pools and riffles beneath a cathedral forest canopy. Selective fish, precise presentations, and tight back-cast lanes make this a demanding and deeply rewarding pilgrimage for serious fly fishers.

HendricksonCaddisSulphurLight CahillBlue-Winged OliveMidge

Regulations

Fly-fishing only throughout Catoctin Mountain Park and Cunningham Falls State Park boundary. Catch-and-release only — all trout must be immediately released. Artificial flies and streamers only; barbless hooks required. Open year-round within the park. Below the park boundary, standard Maryland regulations apply.

Learn More

Guides to help you fish Big Hunting Creek with more confidence.