Northeast
Patuxent River
Live Conditions
Patuxent River — Below Brighton Dam near Brighton
7-Day Flow
↓ Falling
24-Hr Pressure
29.24 inHg · → High/stable
Voluntary Catch-and-Release Advisory
Water temperature is at or above 68°F. At these temperatures trout are physiologically stressed and have a higher post-release mortality rate. Consider waiting for cooler conditions — early morning or evening — or choosing a tailwater with regulated temperatures.
Local Weather
Tough conditions — fish deep
Today
☁️Overcast
82° / 58°
Tomorrow
🌦️Drizzle
70° / 56°
0.2"
Thu
🌦️Drizzle
61° / 50°
0.01"
Fri
☁️Overcast
64° / 42°
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?
One call. Specific to today's exact conditions on the Patuxent River.
3.6
What should I pack?
Rod, flies, tippet, and safety gear specific to today's Patuxent River conditions.
🪰 Hatch Calendar
Patuxent River · May · Late Spring
🟡 Approaching — within 5°F of trigger range
Select month
HENDRICKSON peak. Caddis. Sulphurs (size 16-18) building.
🟢 Active · 🟡 Approaching · ⚪ Seasonal only
River Map
About Patuxent River
The upper Patuxent River below Brighton Dam in Howard and Montgomery Counties delivers surprising trout fishing within striking distance of the Washington, D.C. metro area. Brighton Dam's releases moderate summer water temperatures in the immediate tailwater reach, supporting holdover fish supplemented by annual stocking in Patuxent River State Park. Protected riverine corridor and good access through state park land make this the go-to early-season option for suburban D.C.-area fly fishers.
Regulations
Standard Maryland statewide trout regulations apply for most sections. Trout season opens the last Saturday in March. Consult Maryland DNR for any catch-and-release sections immediately below Brighton Dam and current stocking schedule. CFS alone does not indicate fishability — check dam release schedules.