Maryland
Potomac River at Point of Rocks
Location Snapshot
Potomac River at Point of Rocks is a broad central Maryland mainstem reach of the Potomac above the tidal river. Smallmouth bass is the principal supported target.
Current River Rating
Excellent · 93
Conditions look favorable based on the available readings.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Medium confidence
Should I Go?
Go
Recommended Window
Wednesday, 5:00 PM–8:00 PM
Why
- Air temperature is comfortable for fishing.
- Light to moderate wind should make casting and boat control easier.
Favorable Factors
- Recent precipitation has been light.
Timing Evidence
Window confidence: Medium
Current Readings
- Flow
- 4550 CFS
- Gage Height
- 2.38 ft
- Water Temperature
- 59.4 °F
- Observation Time
- Oct 20, 2026, 8:55 AM
Live monitoring update is delayed. Showing the latest available reading. · USGS station 01638500 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
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Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
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Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Clear
Temperature
45°F
Feels like
37°F
Wind
9 mph NW
Wind gust
14 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 20, 2026, 5:30 AM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.00 in
Last 48 hours
0.00 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Tue 7 AM
Clear
Temp 44°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 8 mph
Tue 11 AM
Clear
Temp 61°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 6 mph
Tue 3 PM
Clear
Temp 69°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 10 mph
Tue 7 PM
Clear
Temp 59°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 7 mph
Tue 11 PM
Clear
Temp 51°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 2 mph
Wed 3 AM
Clear
Temp 46°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 3 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Clear
High 69°F / Low 44°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 17 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Overcast
High 65°F / Low 41°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 18 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Overcast
High 67°F / Low 41°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 17 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Clear
High 62°F / Low 42°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 17 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
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Fishing Overview
Wild smallmouth bass are in the Potomac River at Point of Rocks.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Potomac River.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Target species
Smallmouth Bass
Micropterus dolomieu
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- unknown
- Confidence
- High confidence
Source: Maryland DNR
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Wild
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Natural flow
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Boat fishing
- Shore fishing
- Spinning
Official sources
Hatch Match
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Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Frederick, Maryland
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
County
Frederick
Management Category
Warmwater river
Regulation Scope
Potomac River at Point of Rocks gauge reach.
Regulation Summary
Maryland DNR freshwater regulations apply on this upper Potomac reach. Interstate / border-water considerations may apply. Confirm current seasons, methods, and limits before fishing.
Target Species
Smallmouth Bass
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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