Morgan Run

Morgan Run is a small, rocky trout stream in Carroll County, protected inside the 2,000-acre Morgan Run Natural Environment Area south of Westminster before it flows into Liberty Reservoir. DNR stocks it with brown and rainbow trout and manages it as catch-and-return water for artificial lures only, which leaves more good-sized trout in the stream. It was the first public land in Maryland with a fishing platform built for anglers with disabilities, upgraded in 2023 with accessible parking and in-stream habitat to hold trout nearby.

When to fish

• Fall through spring: the stream is stocked, and the catch-and-return rules keep fish in it longer than in put-and-take water.

Where to fish

• Deep pools, riffles and rock gardens: the Fish & Hunt Maryland guide says to focus on the riffles and deeper pools.
• Klees Mill Road and the Jim Bowers Road bridge: the two main access points, with trails along the stream (some steep and rocky).
• The accessible fishing platform: reached by a paved path from accessible parking.

How to fish it

The state fly guide suggests a 4 or 5 weight rod with mayfly and caddis dry flies, nymphs and small woolly buggers. Only artificial lures and flies with barbless hooks are allowed, and all trout go back.

Getting there

From I-70, take Route 97 north, then Bartholow Road and Klees Mill Road to a dirt lot by the stream; or take Route 97 to Nicodemus Road and Jim Bowers Road for roadside parking at the bridge. You need a Maryland nontidal fishing license and a trout stamp.