Maryland Anglers Urged to Prevent the Spread of Didymo and Whirling Disease

In order to protect fish populations and keep their habitat healthy, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has issued a reminder for anglers to clean and dry their gear between streams and outings.

MD DNR recommends scrubbing with dish soap or a 5 percent salt solution as an easy way to prevent the spread of invaders such as didymo and whirling disease.

Wader wash stations are available at several key wild trout areas including the Gunpowder River, Savage River, the North Branch of the Potomac (Barnum area), and Big Hunting Creek.

Anglers need to be aware that a proposed Maryland regulation to prohibit felt soles in all waters is scheduled to become effective in March 2011.

MD DNR is seeking public comment on the proposal through February 28 via email to fisheriespubliccomment@dnr.state.md.us or by mail to: Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Service, ATTN: Felt-Soled Wader Ban Regulation, 580 Taylor Ave., B-2, Annapolis, MD 21401.

source: MD DNR

Maryland to Stock Rainbow and Brown Trout

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will stock approximately 20,000 trout into freshwaters across the State in October. This total includes 19,400 rainbow trout weighing an average of one pound each and 600 brown trout averaging two pounds each.

Potential waterways for receiving fish include the North Branch Potomac, Bear Creek, Town Creek, Blairs Valley Lake, Antietam Creek, Beaver Creek, Cunningham Falls Lake, Rainbow Lake, Greenbrier Lake, Morgan Run, Patapsco River, Big Gunpowder Falls, Great Seneca Creek, Wheatley Lake, Lake Artemesia, Greenbelt Lake, Big Elk Creek, Deer Creek and Tuckahoe.

DNR’s trout stocking information telephone line, 1-800-688-3467, will be updated weekly beginning October 1 so that anglers may find out if their favorite area has been stocked. Stocked areas will also be posted online at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries once stocking is complete.