North Branch Potomac River
The North Branch Potomac River is a river in Mineral County, West Virginia, that is used for trout fishing and paddling between Barnum, Keyser and Ridgeley. It suits anglers and paddlers who want to plan a float by trail section. The one thing to know: on the Allegany County Fairgrounds to Ridgeley float, you must take out at the Ridgeley boat access because a waterfall lies below it. The sources reviewed do not publish a live flow reading or a fixed trout stocking calendar for the North Branch Potomac River.
Should you go to North Branch Potomac River today?
Good day to go
- Light wind, up to 5 mph.
- Dry daytime forecast.
- Tue 20Light wind, up to 7 mph
- Wed 21Light wind, up to 3 mph
- Thu 22Light wind, up to 8 mph
- Fri 23Light wind, up to 7 mph
- Sat 24Cool for the water, up to 59°F
Weather at North Branch Potomac River, today
| Time | Sky | Temp | Wind | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 am | Sunny | 34°F | NW 2 mph | 0% |
| 10 am | Sunny | 50°F | NW 1 mph | 0% |
| 12 pm | Sunny | 62°F | E 2 mph | 0% |
| 2 pm | Sunny | 66°F | NE 3 mph | 0% |
| 4 pm | Sunny | 66°F | NE 5 mph | 0% |
| 6 pm | Clear | 62°F | N 3 mph | 0% |
Daylight
| Sunrise | 7:29 am |
|---|---|
| Sunset | 6:31 pm |
| Question visitors ask | North Branch Potomac river flow and trout stocking schedule? |
|---|---|
| County | Mineral County |
| Official site | www.govisitmineralwv.com |
How do you get to the Barnum Whitewater Area on the North Branch Potomac River?
The Barnum Whitewater Area boat access ramp is the start of the Barnum to Keyser float on the North Branch Potomac River. The Mineral County trail guide gives driving directions from Interstate 68 at Cumberland, Maryland, and from Interstate 81 by way of US Route 50 West at Winchester, Virginia. From Route 42 West, the guide says to go to Elk Garden, then take Route 46 East to the Barnum Whitewater Area Road, with Jennings Randolph Lake on your left.
The guide says to follow Barnum Road about 2.5 miles to the parking area. The distances in the guide are approximate.
Which float sections does the North Branch Potomac River have?
The Mineral County trail guide lists five river trails on the North Branch Potomac River. Barnum to Keyser starts at the Barnum Whitewater Area boat access ramp and passes Bloomington, Luke, Westernport and McCole before it reaches Keyser. Boat accesses in Luke and McCole let you stop early or shorten the trip. Keyser to Black Oak Bottom ends at the Black Oak Bottom boat access in Rawlings, Maryland.
Keyser to Black Oak Bottom to Allegany County Fairgrounds is the longest float the guide describes, and trip times vary with water depth. The Fairgrounds to Ridgeley and Ridgeley to Wiley Ford sections are covered in the next question.
Do you have to take out before the waterfall on the North Branch Potomac River?
On the North Branch Potomac River, the Allegany County Fairgrounds to Ridgeley float must end at the Ridgeley boat access. The trail guide says the boat launch is above the waterfall, and paddlers cannot kayak or float over the falls.
The guide says the Ridgeley to Wiley Ford trail starts in Ridgeley past the Blue Bridge and past the waterfall, where it is safe to paddle again.
When does the North Branch Potomac River get stocked with trout?
The West Virginia DNR fish stocking page says daily stocking schedules are not released by any WVDNR office or hatchery before a stocking event. Stockings are posted by the end of each business day on the page and on the hotline at 304-558-3399. The page says stocking schedules are in the Fishing Regulations Summary, and missed stockings due to weather are made up with extra runs or added fish.
The text of the page as reviewed does not list North Branch Potomac River stocking dates, so check the page before you go.
What is the water quality history of the North Branch Potomac River?
The North Branch Potomac River had highly acidic water in the past because of waste from coal mining and paper production in the region. In 1969, one measuring station recorded a pH of 2.3, and the acidity regularly killed wildlife across a 60 to 80 kilometer span. The Bloomington Dam, built in 1981, allowed flow control based on water density and helped reduce the acidity.
In 1990, Maryland installed lime dosers to add alkaline lime at problem spots. According to the Wikipedia article, which cites a 2010 report, fish can survive in the river again.
North Branch Potomac River: questions visitors ask
What is the North Branch Potomac River flow today?
The sources reviewed for the North Branch Potomac River do not give a live flow reading or a gauge. The Mineral County trail guide says trip times vary based on water depth, so check conditions before you go.
When is the North Branch Potomac River trout stocking schedule posted?
The West Virginia DNR posts North Branch Potomac River stockings by the end of each business day on its stocking page and on the hotline at 304-558-3399. Daily schedules are not released before a stocking event.
Is there a fee to fish or float the North Branch Potomac River?
The sources reviewed for the North Branch Potomac River do not state an admission fee or a fishing license rule. Check with the West Virginia DNR before you go.
When are the whitewater releases on the North Branch Potomac River?
The Mineral County trail guide says the Barnum to Keyser route is the same trail used during the various whitewater releases in the spring and summer months. The guide does not list release dates, so check before you go.
How long is the North Branch Potomac River?
The North Branch Potomac River is 101.27 miles long, according to the Wikipedia article. It flows 27 miles from the Fairfax Stone to the man-made Jennings Randolph Lake, then continues downstream toward Keyser and Cumberland.
Is there a trail along the North Branch Potomac River for hiking or biking?
The Barnum Whitewater Area Rail Trail is a 4.1 mile hiking and biking trail that runs along the North Branch Potomac River. The Mineral County trail guide provides a Google Earth link for the route.
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