South Branch Potomac River Fishing Report: 04/28/24 (See at bottom of page)
Fly and Gear ordering and delivery: We can get flies to you within two to three business days from the time you place your order via Priority Mail. If you provide a budget for flies, we will select them to match the budget and get them to you on time for your trip. Please see the bottom of this column for ordering options.
We also have custom Perfect Fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream that come with or without fly boxes. They make excellent gifts. Click Here To Order or Call us at 800 594 4726 or email us at sales@perfectflystore.com.
Type of Stream
Freestone
Species
Brook Trout (stocked and wild)
Rainbow Trout (stocked with some
holdovers)
Golden Trout (stocked)
Brown Trout (few wild, mostly
stocked with holdovers)
Size
Small to Medium
Location
Northeastern West Virginia
Nearest Towns
Seneca Rocks
Petersburg
Cabins
Season
Year-round
Access:
Good, some private property
USGS Stream Flow Data:
At Cabins
Non-Resident License
State of West Virginia
Weather
National Weather Service Link
Seasons:
You can fish the river year-round.
Spring:
Spring provides the best fishing provided the water levels are not too high.
Summer:
The stream can get too warm during the hot days of Summer.
Fall:
Fall is a great time for fly fishing the South Branch Potomac River.
Winter:
Fly fishing the stream during the winter can be okay on warm days but it’s not usually not very productive.
Fly and Gear ordering and delivery:
Email us at (sales@perfectflystore.com) with the dates you will be fishing and we will send you a list of our fly recommendations. We can get flies and gear to you within two to three business days from the time you place your order via Priority Mail. If you provide a budget for flies, we will select them to match the budget and get them to you on time for your trip. Your can also call us at 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide what flies and gear to use. All orders are shipped free in the U.S. If under a $100 order requiring Priority mail is a charge of only $8.10. Orders over a $100 are shipped free via Priority Mail.
Copyright 2013 James Marsh
Fly Fishing South Branch Potomac River West Virginia
The actual name of this river is a mouth full of words -the North Fork of the South Branch Potomac River. That’s the name of the section of the South Branch Potomac River in West Virginia with trout and the subject of this article. This is just a small section of a big river that flows all the way to Chesapeake Bay.
Its water has one hybrid trout that’s rather unusual, or maybe I should say, different trout – the Palomino rainbow trout. They call it the Golden trout in West Virginia. There’s also plenty of rainbows, browns and some brook trout in the waters of the North Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac River. This stream has some excellent wading water but it can also be fished from a small boat or canoe.
The South Branch Potomac has some large pools, plenty of riffles and a few fast runs. Some sections offer some good pocket water.
Access is plentiful along highway #28/55. There are plenty of pullouts along the road. The river along the route #28 section is a smaller size stream. This section of the stream consist mostly of pocket water. Access is also available from River Road near the Ranger Station.
The river can also be floated in a small pontoon type vessel, canoe or kayak. You can launch at Weldon Park. There are several other launches.
There are some private sections of water on the South Branch Potomac River. Harman’s North Fork Cottages is one located in Cabins. This area is heavily stocked.
There’s also a mile of “catch and release” water in the Seneca Rocks area. It is open to the public and thanks to some rather good fishing opportunities it stays quite busy with anglers during the prime season.
The only downfall to the fishing in the South Branch Potomac River is the water can get too warm during the hottest days of Summer.
Fly Fishing Gear, Tackle and Trout Flies for the South Branch
Potomac River In West Virginia
The fly fishing gear, tackle and trout flies you need for the North Fork of the South Branch Potomac River.
Fly Line:
You could easily get by using a five weight floating fly line for all of the fishing in the South
Branch Potomac River. You may also want a 6 weight floating line to fish nymphs and streamers.
Fly Rod:
You would want a fly rod to handle each of the two line sizes if you choose to use both. The five weight rod would be ideal at a length of nine feet. We think a medium fast to fast action would be best for this one. The six weight rod should be nine feet in length in a fast action. A stiffer tip rod works best for heavier nymphs and streamers.
Fly Reel:
The reels for the five and six weight lines should be light and have good drags. The drags should be smooth and adjust to fine increments.
Leaders:
A nine foot leader length would probably be the best all around length. You may also want a twelve foot length for fishing small dry flies in the smooth sections of water. The only other exception would be when you are fishing streamers whereas you may want a short leader of only 3 or 4 feet. Make sure you have leaders in sizes ranging from 2X for streamers up to 6X for midges and other small flies.
Tippet:
You should also have plenty of extra tippet in sizes ranging from 2X to 6X.
Waders:
Waders are necessary most anywhere you would fish the South Branch Potomac River. We prefer the breathable type.
Wading Boots:
Felt soles would still be our choice.
Wading Staff:
The use of a wading staff would be an optional accessory. The stream is fairly easy to wade.
Landing Net:
A landing net would be purely optional.
Trout Flies:
We recommend our “Perfect Fly” trout flies. We have specific imitations of everything insect that exist in and around the South Branch Potomac River that trout eat. If you haven’t done so already, we hope you will give them an opportunity to work for you. We feel confident that you will be glad you did.
South Branch Potomac River Fishing Report:
01/23/2020 The stream is flowing at a normal level good for wading and catching lots of
trout. Few are fishing, but one of are customers is catching good numbers of trout.
02/17/2020 The flows are still a little above normal but trout are being caught. There are
BWOs, winter stoneflies,and black flies hatching and our sculpin streamers are working good.
03/04/2020 The stream is flowing just a little above normal and good numbers of trout are being caught. Our sculpin streamers and particularily our articulated streamers are catching some large trout. There are winter stonefly, midge and little BWO hatches taking place.
03/20/20 The stream levels are running just a little above normal., Trout are being caught
in good numbers by our customers.
04/14/20 Stream levels are high but falling fast. Our customers are sending in some good
reports. There are some very good hatches of Quill Gordons, Blue quills, Little Black caddis, and Little Brown stoneflies.
05/10/20 Stream levels are just a little above normal. There are lots of hatches taking place including Sulphurs. Conditions are good.
05/27/20 The river is flowing just a little above normal levels and the water clear. There are some very good hatches taking place. Our customers are sending in good reports.
06/09/20 Stream levels are a little high but still okay. Trout are being caught by our customers including some very good ones.
06/21/20 The stream levels are currently very high but it should be falling back out fast. We have been getting some very good reports from customers.
07/03/20 The stream levels are just a little above normal and the river in good shape. We are getting good reports from customers. There are some good hatches taking place.
07/13/20 Stream levels are back down to a normal level. There are multiple hatches taking
place and terrestrials are also working.
07/27/20 The stream levels are a little below normal and in good shape. We continue to get some very good reports from customers. Good hatches are taking place.
08/12/20 The stream levels are down to normal and the river in good shape. We get good
reports from customers when the levels are good. There are still some good hatches taking ;place and terrestrials are also working.
08/30/20 The stream has been turning out some good trout for our customers but it is high now. It should fall out fast and be good again very soon. Good hatches are still taking place.
09/18/20 The river is a little above normal level but very fishable. There are still some good hatches taking place and our customers are sending in some good reports. Send us an email for a recommended fly list.
10/07/20 The stream is down to a normal level and in good shape. There are good BWO,
midge, Mahogany dun, cinnamon caddis, Great Autumn Brown sedge and other hatches taking place.
10/21/20 The stream levels are normal and the river in good shape. We are getting some very good reports from customers.
11/07/20 We are getting some very good reports from customers catching some large trout on our sculpin and leech streamers. There are still some good BWO and lots of midges hatching.
11/21/20 The river is flowing just a little above normal level and in good shape. We continue to get good reports from customers.
12/09/20 The river is flowing a little above normal currently but should fall back down fast.
We were getting some very good reports prior to the rain. Our sculpin and leech streamers
are catching some big trout.
12/22/20 The river is currently flowing a little high but should fall back down fast. We were
getting some good reports from customers prior to the high water. Send us and email for a
recommended fly list.
01/05/21 Stream levels are high right now but should fall out fast. We have been getting
good reports when the levels were okay.
01/18/21 The stream levels are just a little below normal level and in good shape. We are
getting good reports again from customers. Good midge, winter stonefly and BWO hatches.
02/01/21 The river is at a good levels and we are getting a few good reports from
customers. Midges, creams and reds or blood midge, little BWOs and Winter stoneflies.
02/20/21 The river is high and stained but should start dropping and clearing very soon.
Good numbers of trout were being caught by our customers prior to the last front.
03/09/21 The stream levels are normal and the water clear. There are some good hatches
taking place and we are getting some very good reports from customers.
03/21/21 The discharges and stream levels are near normal and the river in good
condition. We are getting good reports from customers. Few anglers are fishing.
04/24/21 The stream levels are just a little below normal level and the river in good shape. We are getting some very good reports from customers. There are multiple hatches taking place.
05/03/21 Conditions are very good. There are good hatches of Blue Quills, Blue-winged olives, Little Black Caddis, Little Brown stoneflies, Quill Gordons, and other insects.
05/10/21 The stream is in good shape with good hatches which now include Green Sedge Caddis, Blue Quills, and others. Call us or send us an email for a recommended fly and gear list.
05/18/21 The stream levels are low but we continue to get good reports from customers. There are some excellent hatches taking place.
06/03/21 The river is still very low but trout are still being caught by our customers in good numbers. There are multiple hatches takng place. Call of send us an email for a recommended fly and gear list.
06/13/21 The stream is a little high right now but falling out fast and should be in okay shape this afternoon. We have been receiving some very good reports from customers. Email us at (sales@perfectflystore.com) with the dates you will be fishing and we will send you a list of our fly recommendations.
06/24/21 The river is in good shape with good levels and clear water. There are some very good hatches taking place.
07/03/21 The stream level is a little high now but falling down fast and should be in good shape in a day or two. We have been getting very good reports from customers.
07/14/21 The stream is a little low but okay. We are still getting good reports from customers. Good hatches are still occurring and our terrestrial patterns are also working.
07/20/21 Stream levels are still a little low but we are still getting good reports from customers. Good hatches continue.
07/27/21 The stream levels are low again but the stream is still turning out some good catches for our customers.
08/03/21 The river is still low but we continue to get good reports from customers. There are many places you can wade that would normally be to deep. There are good hatches taking place.
08/12/21 Stream levels are still very low. We received two good reports this past week. The low levels aren’t a bad thing in this case as it opens up more wading water.
08/21/21 The stream is flowing at a normal level in good shape. We are getting good reports from customers when the levels are okay. There are good hatches still taking place.
08/28/21 The river is a little high at this time. We received two good reports from customers recently.
09/06/21 The river is still high, too high to fish well. It should fall back down rather fast.
09/14/21 The flows are down to 88.5 cfs which is a little above normal. There are some good hatches taking place. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past weekend.
09/23/21 The stream levels have been down some of the time but it is high again. Give it a couple of days and it should be fine.
10/02/21 Flows are at 115 cfs which is a little high but okay to wade with caution. We are getting some good reports from customers. Good fall hatches are taking place.
10/14/21 Stream levels are down but still just a little above a normal level. The water is clear and we are getting good catch reports from customers. Good hatches continue to take place.
10/24/21 The river is in good shape with good levels near normal and clear water. There are some good hatches taking place and we are getting good reports from customers on a regular basis.
11/02/21 The river is high right now but falling. We are getting good reports when the levels are okay and it should be down again very soon.
11/11/21 The stream is down to a normal level and clear. We received three good reports this past few days. There are good hatches taking place.
11/19/21 The stream is still flowing at a normal level and clear. We received three more good reports this past week. Our articulated sculpin and leech streamer patterns are working good.
11/27/21 The streams is flowing a little below normal levels but okay. We received three more good reports from customers fishing this past week.
12/07/21 The stream is still quite low but we still received two good reports from customers.
12/15/21 The stream is still low but it is having little affect on the “catching”. We received two more good reports this past week.
12/23/21 The stream is still very low. We still received one good report from a customer fishing this past week.
12/31/21 The stream levels have come up a lot but still a little below normal. You should be able to catch plenty trout. Conditions are fine.
01/08/22 The stream is in good shape. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week. Good hatches continue to take place.
01/16/22 The stream is flowing at a normal level in good shape. We received two good reports from customers this past week.
01/24/22 The stream is flowing a little below normal level in good shape. We received two more good reports from customers fishing this past week. Blood midges and winter stoneflies are hatching.
02/01/22 The stream is still a little below normal and cold. We didn’t receive any reports from anyone this past week but conditions are okay and there are good hatches.
02/09/22 The stream is flowing at a normal level and in good shape. We received two good reports from customers fishing yesterday.
02/17/22 The stream is down well below normal levels but okay. We still received two good reports from customers fishing this past week.
02/25/22 The stream is very high due to recent heavy rain. Give it a couple or more days to clear. We have been getting very good reports before the high water.
03/05/22 Stream levels are down to a normal level and the river in good shape. We received two good reports from customers fishing the past two days. Get ready for new hatches starting soon of Quill Gordons, Blue Quills, Little Black caddis and Little brown stoneflies in addition to the BWOs.
03/13/22 The weekend cold front will slow things down but by Tuesday, it should be in very good shape. New hatches could start by the weekend.
03/21/22 The stream is flowing a good bit below normal levels but okay. We continue to get good reports. Hatches of Blue Quills, little Black Caddis, Blue-winged olives, and Little Brown stoneflies are taking place.
03/29/22 The stream is still low but okay. It can be waded in most places as well as fished from a drift boat. Good hatches continue to take place.
04/06/22 The stream is a little above a normal level and mostly clear. There are good hatches of BWOs, Blue Quills, Little Black Caddis and Little Brown stoneflies taking place.
04/14/22 Hendricksons/red quills are starting to hatch in addition to the above. Stream levels are down to normal and the river in good shape.
04/22/22 The stream level is back up again but should drop down soon. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week.
04/30/22 The stream is back down below a normal level now but in okay shape. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week. Very good hatches are taking place.
05/08/22 Stream levels are very high right now due to recent heavy rain. Give it a couple of days to drop and clear. We were getting good hatches and good reports up until the high water.
05/16/22 The river is in good shape with good stream levels and clear water. Multiple hatches are taking place and we are getting some very good reports from customers.
05/24/22 Stream levels are a little above normal and the water slightly stained but falling. We have been getting good reports from customers thanks to good hatches that are taking place.
06/01/22 The stream is flowing near a normal level in good shape. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week. Good hatches continue to take place.
06/08/22 The stream is okay right now but will be on the way up high tomorrow due to heavy rain. We have been getting good reports from customers thanks to good hatches and it should be very good again in a couple of days or so.
06/15/22 The stream is just a little above normal level and falling. We have been getting some good reports from customers when the levels have been okay. This should be a good week.
06/22/22 The stream is flowing a little below normal level and clear. We are getting very good catch reports from customers fishing it. Good hatches continue to take place.
06/29/22 The stream was up most of last week but back down to a normal level today. We received two good reports from customers fishing yesterday. Match the hatch and you will do just fine.
07/06/22 Stream levels are flowing at a normal level and the water clear. We received four good reports from customers fishing this past week. Good hatches are still taking place.
07/19/22 The stream is still in okay condition and we continue to get some very good reports from customers.
07/13/22 The stream is still in good shape with good hatches taking place. It is still flowing a little below normal but okay. We received three good reports from customers this past week.
07/28/22 The stream is flowing at a normal level with clear water. We received three good reports this past week. Good hatches continue to take place and our terrestrial patterns are working.
08/03/22 The stream is down to a normal level again and mostly clear. There are good hatches taking place and you should be able to catch plenty trout
08/10/22 The stream is still very high, too high to fish well. Give it a little more time to drop and clear.
08/17/22 The stream is still a little high, okay for drift boats but would be still high for wading. It is falling so it should be in good shape soon.
08/24/22 The stream level is down to normal and the river in great shape. We received two good reports from customers fishing yesterday.
09/01/22 The stream is flowing just a tad above normal in good shape. We received three good reports from customers this past week.
09/08/22 The stream is flowing well above a normal level and stained. It should drop and clear very soon. We have been getting very good reports when the levels are okay.
09/15/22 The stream is flowing near a normal level and mostly clear. We received two good reports from customer fishing the past two days.
09/22/22 Conditions remain good. Good hatches are taking place and we keep getting some good reports from customers.
10/06/22 The stream is in good condition flowing just a little above normal level and clear. We received three good reports very recently.
10/13/22 The stream is flowing just a little above normal level in good shape. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week.
10/29/22 The stream is in good shape although a little low. Good late season hatches are taking place. We received two more good reports from customers this past week.
11/16/22 Stream levels are well up above normal levels again but should fall out fast. We have been getting good reports from customers when the levels were okay.
12/02/22 Stream levels are in good shape and the water clear. We received a good report from a customer fishing yesterday.
12/30/22 Stream levels are running below normal with the water a little warmer and clear. There are good winter hatches taking place and fish are being caught.
01/28/23 The stream is in very good shape with good normal stream levels and clear water. We should get some good reports soon. Sorry for the missed reports as I had to spend a few days in the hospital.
02/12/23 The stream is very low at this time but on the way up thanks to rain. Hopefully, it will get at a good level soon. We have been getting some very good reports from customers for the past several days.
02/23/23 The stream is in very good shape with normal stream levels and clear water. We received two good reports from customers fishing the past two days.
03/04/23 The stream is in good shape flowing just a little over a normal level and clear. There are some very good hatches taking place. We received two good reports from customers fishing recently.
03/12/23 The stream is flowing well below normal and clear. We are getting some very good reports. There are some good hatches taking place.
03/23/23 The stream is flowing just a little above normal level and in good shape. There are very good hatches taking place. We didn’t receive any reports this past week but trout could have been caught.
04/03/23 The stream level is still just a little over normal and in good shape. We received one good report from a customer fishing this past week.
04/16/23 The stream is quite low but there is still plenty water. In some areas, you will need to use caution to avoid spooking the trout. Good hatches continue to take place.
04/24/23 The stream level is still quite low. We did receive three good reports from customer fishing this past week in spite of the low water levels.
04/06/23 The stream is well above normal level. Give it a day or two and it should be okay. Good hatches continue to take place. We received two good reports earlier this past week.
05/15/23 Stream levels are still high due to recent rain. Give it some time to drop and clear. We have been getting very good catch reports from customers.
05/28/23 The stream is low and clear. You need to stay low and as hidden as possible. There are very good hatches taking place.
06/08/24 The stream is still low and clear. There are good hatches taking place. If you can stay hidden from the trout, you can catch them.
06/15/21 The stream is still low and clear. We received two good reports in spite of the low water levels, so it can be done. Stay low and as hidden from the trout as possible.
06/26/23 The stream is flowing at a very high level and highly stained. Give it some time to drop and clear. We have been getting very good reports prior to the recent heavy rain.
07/03/23 The stream is still flowing a little above normal and lightly stained. It can be fished in some places wading at this level as well as by drift boats.
07/12/23 The stream is down to a normal level and mostly clear. There are multiple hatches taking place. You should be able to catch good numbers of trout.
07/19/23 The stream is flowing just a tad below normal level and clear. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week. Good hatches are taking place.
07/30/23 The stream is well above normal but falling very fast. It should be in good shape in another day. Good hatches are taking place and we were getting good reports prior to the higher water level.
08/06/23 The stream is flowing below a normal level and clear. Good hatches are coming off. We received three good reports from customers fishing it this past week.
08/17/23 The stream is still flowing below a normal level but that’s isn’t a bad thing n this case. We are still getting good catch reports from customers.
08/23/23 The stream is very low. Again, that isn’t all that bad. Trout can be caught. You just need to use caution to keep from spooking the trout.
08/29/23 Stream levels are up to a normal level and the stream in good shape. You should be able to catch good numbers of trout. Good late season hatches continue to take place.
09/06/23 The stream is well below a normal level and clear. That isn’t bad at all. It just allows for more wading water. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week.
09/13/23 The stream is flowing just a little above normal level and in good shape. Good late season hatches continue to take place.
09/20/23 The stream level is down and the river in good shape. You should be able to catch good numbers of trout.
09/27/23 The stream level is back up again. Give it a day or two to drop and clear.
10/04/23 The stream is in very good shape flowing clear at a normal level. We received a good report from a customer fishing yesterday.
10/11/23 The stream is a little below normal but that isn’t bad at all. We received two more good reports from customers fishing this past week. Good hatches continue.
10/25/23 Conditions are good. The stream level is down to normal and the water clear. We continue to get good catch reports from customers fishing it. Good late season hatches continue to take place.
11/02/23 Stream levels are below normal and good for wading.
11/11/23 Stream levels are still well below normal. That isn’t a bad thing. It lets you wade some of the stream. Good fall hatches continue to take place.
11/18/23 Good catch reports are still coming in in spite of the low water levels. Wading is possible many places. Trout still eat in low water. Good BWO and cream midge hatches are taking place.
11/26/23 The stream has been a little high but back down to a normal level. Good midge and BWO hatches are taking place.
12/05/23 The stream is flowing just a little below normal level and clear. We received two good reports from customers fishing yesterday. Our cream midges, with the larva and pupa rigged in tandem, are working good.
12/12/23 The stream is down to a normal level and the water clear. We received two good reports from customers fishing the past three days.
01/14/24 The stream level is still well above normal level but falling fast. There are are good midge hatches taking place along with Winter stoneflies. It should be in good shape very soon.
01/24/24 The stream is flowing a near a normal level and clear. Good hatches of midges and Winter stoneflies continue to come off.
02/04/24 The stream is flowing at a normal level with clear water. Good hatches continue to take place. Light Green midges and red or Blood midges are hatching as well as Winter stoneflies.
02/13/24 The stream is flowing below a normal level and clear. We are getting very good catch reports. Good hatches continue to take place.
02/25/24 The stream is flowing at a normal level with clear water. Good midge and winter stonefly hatches are taking place. Fish the winter stonefly nymphs near the bank where they crawl out of the water to hatch.
03/03/24 The stream is still in good shape flowing near a normal level and clear. Blue Quills, Blue-winged Olives, Quill Gordons, Little Black Caddis and Little Brown stoneflies should start hatching if not already.
03/09/24 The stream is high due to recent rain but falling down fast. We have been getting very food catch reports from customers when the levels are okay. Very good spring hatches are taking place.
03/16/24 The stream level is normal and the water clear. There are very good hatches taking place. The insects hatching are listed in the above March 3 report.
03/31/24 The stream is flowing at a normal level and clear. Good hatches of Blue Quills, Quill Gordons, Blue-winged Olives, Little Black Caddis and Little Brown stoneflies are taking place.
04/07/24 The stream is flowing above a normal level and stained. Give it some time to drop and clear. Good hatches are still taking place.
04/14/24 The stream is still flowing way above a normal level and stained. Give it some more time to drop and clear.
04/21/24 The stream is flowing at a normal level and clear. Good hatches are taking place including Hendricksons/Red Quills which have started hatching.
04/28/24 The stream is flowing below a normal level with clear water. Very good hatches are taking place. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week.
Email us at (sales@perfectflystore.com) with the dates you will be fishing and we will send you a list of our fly recommendations.