Casselman River

Owner - Most of the land bordering the Casselman River is privately owned farmland, with most landowners graciously allowing fisherman access. The Youghiogheny and Nemacolin Chapters of Trout Unlimited conduct annual stream clean-ups on the private property along the Casselman, helping to ensure continued public access. The Casselman River Bridge State Park is the only public land bordering the Delayed Harvest Area, and offers a picnic area with public rest rooms.

History - George Washington crossed the Casselman River (named after an early western Pennsylvania settler) in 1755 with General Braddock's British troops near present day Grantsville. The first Amish and Mennonite settlers in Garrett County established homesteads along the Casselman River, and horse-drawn buggies and wagons are still a common sight along the Casselman River today. Coal was discovered in the watershed during the 1800's, the subsequent acid mine drainage into the river eliminated most of it's aquatic life. Through the efforts of abandoned mine reclamation, the river has been reborn and now supports a diverse fish and macroinvertebrate community. Recreational trout management in the Casselman River was initiated in 1989 and has become one of Maryland's most popular trout fishing destinations.

Physical/ Habitat Description - The Casselman River is a fairly wide stream, and has quite a variety of habitat types. Anglers will find long productive riffle sections, deep runs, large deep holes, and even some pocket water. The streambed consists of mainly cobble-size stone, and wading is a bit easier than compared to other Western Maryland rivers. Natural flows can fluctuate especially during the spring, so please check for flow conditions. Flows less than 150 cubic foot per second (cfs) are considered good fishing flows.

Fish Species - The trout fishery in the Casselman River Delayed Harvest Trout Fishing Area is managed using adult hatchery brown and rainbow trout stocked each spring and fall. Many of these trout are truly trophy size, many of which are greater than 5 pounds! The Nemacolin Chapter of Trout Unlimited assists with float-stocking the stream, providing good fishing throughout the Delayed Harvest Trout Fishing Area.

Restrictions - The Delayed Harvest Trout Fishing Area management scheme includes a Catch and Release Season from October 1 through June 15 when anglers may use Artificial Lures or Flies Only. Anglers may harvest two trout per day from June 16 through September 30 and there are no bait or tackle restrictions. Please consult the Maryland Freshwater Sportfishing Guide for complete details.

Directions to Casselman River Delayed Harvest Area - From I-68 take Exit 19, Grantsville. Go into Grantsville and turn right on Route 40 E. Proceed about .5 mile to the Casselman River Bridge State Park on the left, or continue on Route 40 across a steel bridge and turn left onto River Road. River Road parallels the river to the PA State Line, about five miles. There are ample pull-offs along the road, and please be respectful of the private property owners that are allowing fisherman access.

• Stocked Rainbow and Brown Trout


• October 1 through June 15


• Catch and Release with Artificial Lures and Flies Only


• June 16 through September 30 no bait or tackle restrictions


• Creel Limit: Two (2) daily

Contact - Comments and questions regarding fishing in the Casselman River can be directed to:

Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Fisheries Service
1728 King's Run Road
Oakland, MD 21550
301- 334 - 8218

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