Copyright 2013 James Marsh
Fly Fishing Gear for the Potomac River, North Branch, Maryland
The tailwater section of this stream has some big trout in it, so you don't want to fish with too
light of a fly rod and tippet. It is not unusual to see trout caught up to eighteen inches or even
larger.
Fly Line:
We suggest either a 4 or 5 weight fly line for most of the fly-fishing. You may want to use a 6
weight line for heavy nymphs and streamers. If you are fishing only the headwaters, you may
consider using only one fly line size. We would suggest a 5 weight floating fly line in that case.
Fly Rod:
You would want a fly rod to handle each of the above line sizes. The four or five weight rod
should be between eight and a half to nine feet in length. A medium to moderately fast action
would be best. The 6 weight rod would be best in a nine foot length and a medium fast to fast
action. A tip that is slightly stiff would help your nymph fishing.
Fly Reel:
The reel for the four or five weight rod should have a good drag. You don't want to hang a
large trout and loose it because of a poor drag. It should be smooth and adjust to fine
increments. The reel for the 6 weight line should fit the same description as the 5 weight.
Leaders:
You should probably be using at least a 9 foot leader anywhere you fish on the North Branch
of the Potomac River. You should have them in sizes ranging from 2X for streamers, up to 7X
for small midge imitations.
Tippet:
Be sure to carry extra tippet material matching your leader sizes ranging from 2X to 7X.
Waders:
I would definitely suggest waders because there are few places you can fish from the banks.
Wading Boots:
Felt soles would be our choice. The new rubber soles may work well. We haven't tried them
there yet.
Flies:
We always recommend our "Perfect Fly" Trout Flies, not only because we sell them but also
because they are the best flies you can buy. Our imitations have proven effective on this
stream.
The tailwater section of this stream has some big trout in it, so you don't want to fish with too
light of a fly rod and tippet. It is not unusual to see trout caught up to eighteen inches or even
larger.
Fly Line:
We suggest either a 4 or 5 weight fly line for most of the fly-fishing. You may want to use a 6
weight line for heavy nymphs and streamers. If you are fishing only the headwaters, you may
consider using only one fly line size. We would suggest a 5 weight floating fly line in that case.
Fly Rod:
You would want a fly rod to handle each of the above line sizes. The four or five weight rod
should be between eight and a half to nine feet in length. A medium to moderately fast action
would be best. The 6 weight rod would be best in a nine foot length and a medium fast to fast
action. A tip that is slightly stiff would help your nymph fishing.
Fly Reel:
The reel for the four or five weight rod should have a good drag. You don't want to hang a
large trout and loose it because of a poor drag. It should be smooth and adjust to fine
increments. The reel for the 6 weight line should fit the same description as the 5 weight.
Leaders:
You should probably be using at least a 9 foot leader anywhere you fish on the North Branch
of the Potomac River. You should have them in sizes ranging from 2X for streamers, up to 7X
for small midge imitations.
Tippet:
Be sure to carry extra tippet material matching your leader sizes ranging from 2X to 7X.
Waders:
I would definitely suggest waders because there are few places you can fish from the banks.
Wading Boots:
Felt soles would be our choice. The new rubber soles may work well. We haven't tried them
there yet.
Flies:
We always recommend our "Perfect Fly" Trout Flies, not only because we sell them but also
because they are the best flies you can buy. Our imitations have proven effective on this
stream.
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Potomac River, Maryland
Felt sole wading shoes are now illegal
| Options For Selecting Flies: 1. Email us with the dates you will be fishing this stream and we will send you a list of our fly suggestions. Please allow up to 24 hours for a response. 2. Call us 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide which flies you need. 3. Call or email us with a budget for flies and we will select them and get them to you in time for your trip. Shipping is free in the U. S. Orders over $50 are shipped Priority Mail. |