YOUGHIOGHENY RIVER AT FRIENDSVILLE, MD

Water temperature for trout, salmon and steelhead

• Good trout temperatures. Water 58.3°F now; the highest in the last 24 hours was 59.2°F. That is under the 65°F Maryland DNR gives as preferred for trout (“Preferred temperatures, fishing is generally good”; “best chance for survival after release”). Water warms through the afternoon, so check again later in the day.

  Trout Fishing Temperature Information (Maryland Department of Natural Resources)

Species

This gauge is on our page for Youghiogheny River, but no agency page we read lists its species.

Safety

• Rising water. Rising over the last 24 hours (discharge up 10.4%). Keep your way back to the bank in sight and watch the level while you fish. “Rising” is our rule of thumb: more than 10% in discharge or 0.2 ft of gauge height in 24 hours, not a USGS or NWS class.

• Cold water. Water 58.3°F. NWS: “Cold shock can be just as severe and dangerous from water temperatures of 50-60°F (10-15°C) as it is from water at 35°F (2°C).” “Always wear a life jacket in and around the water.”

  Cold Water Hazards and Safety (National Weather Service)

• Turn Around Don't Drown. “A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult.” No flow number makes a crossing safe; if in doubt, stay out.

  Turn Around Don't Drown (National Weather Service)