Attention Anglers!

Maryland DNR Fisheries Service describes their brook trout regulation strategy implemented in the Savage watershed in 2007 as “a proactive effort to protect and restore brook trout populations in the upper Savage River watershed”. DNR Fisheries research has shown “declines in population density and the number of larger brook trout (8”+) in streams within the watershed” and also fewer young brook trout, adults, and larger brook trout over 8”, near more easily accessed areas.

The regulations require a “zero creel limit area” for wild brook trout and require angling using only artificial flies or lures. While bait is prohibited, anglers are still permitted to harvest non-native brown trout and rainbow trout to reduce competition with the native brook trout population. A complete description of the regulations can be viewed in the Maryland Sport Fishing Guide. DNR management objectives for the regulations are four-fold: 1) restore the number of larger fish (greater than 8”) in the system for biological value; 2) protect and restore overall trout population densities; 3) reduce angler related mortality, particularly on larger fish; and 4) protect the only intact brook trout system in Maryland while still optimizing angling use. Including the no bait, artificial lure requirement in the regulation is a key to achieving these objectives, particularly for increasing the number of larger fish. The scientific literature clearly shows that bait fishing for trout results in a much higher mortality of released fish than occurs with artificial lures.

MD DNR Fisheries Service will intensively monitor wild brook trout in the Savage watershed over the next five years to measure the effects and benefits of the new regulations. You can show your support for DNR’s progressive measures to conserve and protect our priceless wild brook trout heritage in the Savage River watershed. Please sign our on-line petition today and help ensure the future of wild brook trout in one of the last remaining, intact stream systems anywhere. Thank you.

Sign the Petition!
This petition is sponsored by the Youghiogheny Chapter of Trout Unlimited