Outings
Scroll down to view and sign up for our upcoming outings.
We are seeking sponsors for outings large and small to fish at locations throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, and beyond. Are you interested in hosting a trip? Sign up here!
Catoctin Creek Cleanup
Come join us for our annual cleanup effort of our home waters. Let’s spend two hours hunting for those little trash treasures. Please bring work gloves and boots and we will provide the bags and donuts/bagels. Also, when we are done, feel free to head to the creek for a little fishing fun. Watch the weather and bring rain gear if needed.
Monocacy River Outing
Please note the time of this outing has changed from the morning to the evening. Monocacy River Float Trip. Come join Karen Baker and others as well search for smallmouth (and others) on the fly. Beginning at the Mouth of the Monocacy boat ramp, we will kayak/canoe upriver of the Monocacy (Monocacy Aqueduct Boat Ramp). Arrive on time as we will need some time to stage vehicles at the put in and take out parking sites.
PVFF Annual Picnic
Holy hot dogs (and hamburgers) it’s almost time for the picnic.
When: June 9
Where: Catoctin Nature Center, 2929 Sumantown Rd, Middletown.
Fishing contest starts at 4:00. This year it is how many fish you can catch, species doesn’t matter, use as many flies as you want. Just on the water at 4:00 and off by 6:00. The winner will need to explain publicly how he/she did it.
The Skills contest starts at 5:00. This year will be casting accuracy – and yeah, we’re gonna make it hard. Bring your own rig if you want, we will have loaners available.
Dinner at 6:00. Hamburgers, hot dogs, condiments, and drinks are furnished. If you can, bring chips, sides, or desserts (damn they were good last year). But you’re not required to bring anything.
At dinner we will do the liars contest again. (Should be considered a skill for fishermen anyway.) Entertaining lies are encouraged – give it some thought.
Trophies to the winners!
Fly Tying Event at Attaboy Brewery
Join us for a laid back evening of fly tying, good vibes, and great company. Whether you’ve never tied a fly in your life or you are a seasoned pro, this is a night for everyone. New to fly tying? We have you covered - an instructor will walk you through a beginner- friendly pattern. We will provide materials so you can tie an amazing fly pattern. If you have any fly pattern requests, let us know and we will try and accommodate you. Experienced fly tyers please bring your own vice and materials and tie whatever you like and hopefully share your skills with others. If you are not interested in tying, feel free to come hang out with your fellow club members. A traditional Mexican Food Truck will be on site to satisfy your culinary needs. This is a great opportunity to come and unwind and maybe leave with your new favorite fly. See you there. Please reach out to outings@pvff-frederick.groups.io to let us know if you plan to attend so we make sure we have sufficient materials. Your hosts will be Rick Basely and Alina Voey.
PVFF Casting Clinic
Want to Improve Your Cast? Don’t Miss our May Casting Clinic! Improving your casting techniques can help you catch more fish. While we can’t guarantee you’ll cast like a pro after our upcoming casting clinic, we can guarantee you’ll walk away with improved skills that will help you make better casts on the stream. Instructors are anticipated to be Bill Ruland, Scott Allen, and Andy Manley.
Here’s a list of the what you can improve on:
Distance
Double haul
Specialty casts
Beginner improvement
Accuracy
Drift
Tighten the loops
Joan Wulff exercise
Northern Frederick County Creek Fishing Outing
Tired of all the snow and cold? Do you have cabin fever? Let’s cast off the winter blues and hit the Catoctin area creeks before spring stocking. Big and Little Hunting, Fishing and Little Fishing and Owens Creeks. Food and drink to follow. Limit of 16 participants. Registration deadline Is March 5, 2026 to allow time proper planning time. Recommended flies and equipment information will be provided to participants prior to the event.
Spring Fly Tying Event
Let's get together and fill those boxes for spring! Join us for a fun day of food, friendship, and fly tying. There will be something for tyers of all levels, from those who have never tied a fly, to members with many years of tying experience. Come along, learn something new, and enjoy a day of fly tying with your fellow PVFF anglers. Coffee in the morning to get you going, and a pizza lunch to keep you fueled for the afternoon.
More details on the plans for the day will be posted soon.
Big Hunting Creek Clean-up Part 2
Let’s finish what we started last month and clean up the Canyon Area of Big Hunting Creek. Cleaning up this section will be more challenging than our previous cleanup effort due to steep grades and lack of parking along side the clean-up area. Please bring waders/boots if you have them and gloves. if you have a walking stick that may be beneficial. we will provide garbage bags for debris collection. Food and drink will be provided out the trout outpost after the event.
FCC Shad Night, 2026
The Orvis Tysons Corner and Friends of Fletchers Cove (FFC) are partnering for the 2026 Shad Night to be held at the Orvis Tysons Corner store.Similar format to previous NCC-TU Shad Nights. Event begins with a social hour: Meet up with fellow anglers; visit expert tables to learn more about American and hickory shad, Fletcher's Cove, area streams, fly tying, tackle and technique; buy snacks/drinks and raffle tickets; review silent auction trips. Meet FFC Board members; talk with Campo and sponsors about Family and Youth Initiatives. FFC announcements and the featured presentation follows. Program concludes with a shad fishing panel discussion.
Lefty Kreh Birthday Celebration
On February 26, 1925, Lefty Kreh was born in Frederick, MD. He went on to become the most recognizable fisherman in the world. He revolutionized the sport both in equipment and technique and he was a member of the Potomac Valley Fly Fishers!
In October 2023, the Friends of Lefty Kreh, a group founded by PVFF, unveiled “The Lefty Sculpture” located IN Culler Lake, in Baker Park, in Downtown Frederick, created by internationally renowned artist, Toby Mendez. Since its unveiling, the Sculpture has become a local and national icon.
While February may not be the best weather for fly fishing, we’re going to get together to remember Lefty and dream of warmer weather. We are gathering by the Sculpture on Thursday, February 26 from 10 a.m. to noon, to commemorate his birthday with coffee and donuts.
Big Hunting Creek River Cleanup
Come join fellow members help clean-up one of our favorite trout streams. We will be working with the permission of the park service, and we will be provided with protective vests, heavy duty trash bags, and garbage sticks to assist in debris removal. Meeting location will be at the Joe Brooks parking lot. Ed Dizon will provide food and drink for the volunteers after the event at the trout camp.
2026 Virginia Fly Fishing & Wine Festival
The following is an excerpt from the website (https://vaflyfishingfestival.com):
The two day festival draws anglers from as far away as New York and Georgia and appeals to all ages. Listen to lectures from various experts and practice hands on skills at the two day family event. All vendors are under roof so rain or shine. More details to follow as we gauge club interest. The intent is this will be a Saturday January 10th outing.
Swap Meet!
Swap Meet!
Looking for a new to you rod? Looking to trade for a new to you pair of waders? Selling your old gear?
No sign up required for this event - this is not PVFF selling items and PVFF is not responsible for any transactions - all purchases/ trades etc are between individual parties. No commercial sales will be allowed.
Beginners Skill Workshop Topic: Knots, basic tackle and equipment
Beginners Skill Workshop Topic: Knots, tackle and equipment!
Basic knots - tie them quickly so get it right the first time! Learn some of the basic knots, tackle and equipment to have a successful day on the water
Sign up as normal - once your registration has been received, you will receive confirmation that you have a seat in the class. There will be no walk ups for this event!
You must be a member to participate in this event
Beginners Skill Workshop Topic: Presentation Casts
Beginners Skill Workshop Topic: Presentation Casts
Looking to refine your cast? Watching videos of casts and want to learn some upper level skills? Terry C will be back at the outpost on October 18, 2025 to cover 4 presentation casts: Reach mend, Wiggle cast, Slack line presentation and the Oval cast.
This will be a limited class open to 8 members and it will require registration.
Sign up as normal - once your registration has been received, you will receive confirmation that you have a seat in the class. There will be no walk ups for this event!
You must be a member to participate in this event
Tree Planting
Tree planting project w/Streamlink Education
Streamlink: Plant forests to establish riparian buffer zones and educate the public about the connection between trees and streams through volunteer events
What does it look like? https://youtu.be/QRNKZy7z6nI
Tree planting – plant/ stake and shelter new trees
What to wear – weather dependent. Definitely wear boots and work gloves. Be prepared to get dirty!
Tools to bring? Shovel (round edge), pick axe, digging bar
Open to members/ family (especially kids/ grandkids) & friends – members sign up – include note of how many in your party will attend. Limited to 10 total participants - once you register, you will receive an email confirming your registration. You MUST communicate how many people will be in your party!
Albert Powell Fish Hatchery
Albert Powell Fish Hatchery
Join us at 11 am on October 9th as we are privy to the inner workings of raising trout at the Albert Powell Fish Hatchery near Hagerstown. The hatchery is located at 20901 Fish Hatchery Rd, Hagerstown, MD 21740. The tour should last about 45 minutes to an hour. Afterwards, we can go dip a fly in nearby Beaver Creek and/or go out to lunch. If you have any questions, contact Pete (Moss) D’Adamo or Kevin Haney.
Beginners Skill Workshop Topic: Bamboo Rods
If you’ve ever had a desire to learn about fly rods made from grass, i.e. bamboo fly rods, this class will provide a basic introduction to the topic. Areas to be covered include the history of the bamboo rod, their construction, care and use. We will also talk a little about vintage reels, silk lines, and what to look for and where to look when buying a bamboo rod. Casting will be the last topic covered. If you have a bamboo rod, bring it. If you don’t, we will have ones available to cast.
You must be a member to participate in this event
Potomac River Float
Potomac River Float
Float from Brunswick boat ramp to Point of Rocks Boat Ramp. Float is 5.5 miles or approximately 6 hours and shuttle takes about 15 minutes each way. Some Class 1 Rapids, lots of ledges and structure. 5 to 7 wt rods with poppers, streamers, wooly buggers, bugs etc. floating line or sinking tip. Bring flotation device, whistle, food, drink, sunscreen and cheerful disposition.
Beginners Skill Workshop Topic: Fly Casting
We are excited to announce a new venture to the club! For the last few months, the idea of setting up a reoccurring skills workshop event has been a topic of conversation. Some of the finer details are still being worked out as the topics are numerous. We want to set the date for the first workshop and are asking for your feedback – the workshop will be geared towards newcomers/ beginners but can be expanded as the need arises.
I will post this as an outing and will require sign up so we can adequately prepare materials/ instructors and the topic! Once the registration is received, I will reach back out to you with questions regarding your skillset and what you would want out of the class. Do you have something you want to discuss/ learn more about – let me know! We currently have offers to run the workshop at different locations so not only will the topic change but so will the venue.
The format will be a short intro regarding topic of the workshop ie: entry level casting, knot tying, fly choice, reading the water and then the workshop which we intend to last 15 to 30 minutes. Q&A or demonstration of the topic will follow. Once the class is complete, we can either socialize or discuss water and head out to fish.
You must be a member to participate in this event
Rockin’ the River
Rockin the river at Links Bridge Vineyards
This is a wading event followed by a river cleanup. The fishing starts at 8 AM and the river cleanup starts at 12:00 PM. There will be pizza offered by Dop Pizza and live music by “Vinyl Fever” - refreshments are offered by the venue at cost.
Recommendation is to bring work gloves and a shovel (if you can) for tires in the river.
Registration is required and is open to member and non-members. Please note how many people will be in your registration to ensure the venue has enough refreshments.
Monocacy Wade Trip
Start time is 7 am and we will fish until 12. 9' rods in 5-8wt depending on the size of flies being used. That being said, use what you have. Bead head buggers, poppers, divers, streamers, gurglers (sp?), etc. I am a rookie at SMB fly fishing and still learning how to catch sizeable smallmouth on the fly, like I can with a spinning rod. I'll probably be using my 8wt with a sink tip line and articulated streamers and divers. Go big or go home, right? I will be wet wading, but feel free to wear waders.
This is a great outing for beginners as there is a lot of open room and the fish (at least the sunfish) usually comply. I will be grabbing lunch afterwards for anyone interested in joining.
Outing degree of difficulty: GREEN
Monocacy Float Trip
This will be an all day float trip starting at the Buckeystown Park and ending at Park Mills. We will meet at 8:00 AM at Buckeystown Park, unload and coordinate vehicles to drive to Park Mills and bring people back to Buckeystown Park at the end. As the river has many shallow areas, you may need to drag your boat thru the shallows - be prepared!
Bring lunch/ snacks and plenty of water, insect repellant, suntan lotion and a hat
DNR requires a PFD in each boat. They also suggest a sound device like a whistle.
The Monocacy is known for small and large mouth bass, sunfish, channel catfish, redbreast sunfish, and occasionally a walleye. Enjoy nature! Watch for bald eagles, river otters and other kritters.
If you have questions, post in groups.io to start the conversation
There is no limit to the number of participants for this event - Please register!
Savage River
Registration for this outing is closed - if you have questions regarding this outing - please reach out to pvffmembership@gmail.com
Meet in Myersville and carpool and/or drive separately. Available fishing will be the Lower savage tailwaters and the upper savage tributaries. Meet at 12 for lunch (BYO). Continue to fish after lunch until we are too tired. I will probably be leaving by 5 and would be up for getting dinner with anyone left.
Upper Savage and tributaries:
• This is mainly wild brook trout waters.
• 7' to 9' rods in the 2-4 wt range, but bring what you have.
• Dry flies size 18-12: elk hair caddis, Adam's, ants.
• Nymphs: bead head prince, copper John, guides choice, perdigon, frenchy.
Lower Savage:
• Pocket water with big boulders and cross currents.
• This is wild brown and brook trout waters.
• Euro nymphing works very well here with rods in the 10-11' 3wt. Tougher with anything less than 9'. A 9' 5 or 6wt will work here too.
• All the typical dries work here in the 14-12 size.
• Heavy czech style nymphs to get them down fast. Perdigons. Frenchie, tungsten beads, etc.
• Hopper droppers - I have had good success with this in late June.
• Streamers: Jig style streamers, articulated, clousers.
Other Gear Recommendations:
• Bug spray
• Sunscreen
• Wading staff - Highly recommend for the lower Savage
• Waders and boots with studs - Wet wading can be done on the upper Savage and tributaries. Waders are recommended on the lower, because it is a tailwater release, the water temps stay around 58 degrees
• Water and food
Fishing Creek
Brook trout fishing - Rain or Shine - 7am-12pm
Host: Pete Ring
Smaller rods will be easier to use (6-1/2'-8') in the 1-4wt range. Dry flies size 16-12. Elk hair caddis, Adams, Mr Rapidan, Anything parachute.
We will meet at the Mountaindale Parking lot located at 6010 Mountaindale Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788 at 7am and fish until 12. We will gather for lunch after for all who are interested.
Monocacy River
POC: Steve Clark. Take Buckeystown Pike past Lily Pons and Hatchery Run Road, turn left on Greenfield Road. Follow the paved road and continue when it turns into a gravel road until you see my silver van parked on the side. Bring your rod waders and gear to walk the Monocacy and fish the shallows for small mouth, walleye, musky or even bluegill! It's a big area so if there are a lot of people, it means we have to spread out a little more than normal!
Catoctin Creek Cleanup and Fishing
Host: Seth Denbo
Where: PVFF’s home waters: Catoctin Creek Park and Nature Center (2929 Sumantown Rd, Middletown)
When: April 12, 2025 from 9-11am
Details: We’re going to clean up our “home waters” in the morning, followed by some fishing. More details to follow.