Northeast
Patuxent River
Live Conditions
Patuxent River — Below Brighton Dam near Brighton
7-Day Flow
→ Stable
24-Hr Pressure
29.68 inHg · → High/stable
Voluntary Catch-and-Release Advisory
Water temperature is at or above 65°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
Normal conditions
Today
☁️Overcast
63° / 41°
Tomorrow
🌤️Partly cloudy
66° / 42°
Wed
🌫️Foggy
69° / 47°
Thu
🌦️Drizzle
76° / 62°
0.06"
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?
⚡ AIAI-powered recommendation using today's live flow, temperature, and hatch data.
2
Time of Day
Using: 63.6 CFS · 70.3°F · Midges and BWOs. Browns spawning continues — RESPECT REDDS.
What should I pack?
Rod, flies, tippet, and safety gear specific to today's Patuxent River conditions.
🪰 Hatch Calendar
Patuxent River · November · Late Fall
🟡 Approaching — within 5°F of trigger range
Select month
Midges and BWOs. Browns spawning continues — RESPECT REDDS.
🟢 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.
Learn More
Guides to help you fish Patuxent River with more confidence.
Maryland Fishing Regulations for Fly Anglers
Maryland nontidal fishing license, the separate Trout Stamp required statewide, the last Saturday in March opener, the Gunpowder Falls 7.2-mile…
Trout Species of Maryland
MD's wild brown trout fishery — the famously selective Gunpowder Falls below Prettyboy, the Trophy Trout Savage tailwater, the North Branch Potomac…
How Barometric Pressure Affects Fishing (And How to Use It)
That gorgeous bluebird day after a cold front? Worst fishing of the year. Here's the data behind why pressure changes matter more than the weather…