EASTERN REGIONAL RENDEZVOUS

2025 Eastern Regional Rendezvous

April 25 – 27
Shepherdstown, WV

Lodging and dining are located on-site at the National Conservation Training Center

Talk times subject to change.

TU Regional Rendezvous are exciting weekends filled with conservation, fly fishing, and camaraderie. This is your chance to connect with TU leaders, fishing enthusiasts, and conservationists while enjoying dynamic sessions, inspiring discussions, and hands-on activities.

In 2026, we will be back to distinct Northeast and Southeast Rendezvous, so don’t miss this unique chance to connect in the Mid-Atlantic with your TU peers from across the Eastern region

DIY Fishing Guide:

There are many amazing fishing opportunities near Shepherdstown, West Virginia – whether you’re looking to target trout, smallmouth bass, or other species, there’s a fishing spot nearby! Our host site, the NCTC offers fishing right on-site on the Potomac (not for trout). Rocky Marsh Run is the closest nearby stream with (stocked) trout.

While we’ve put together this brief overview of the fishing opportunities in the area, there are many more we haven’t mentioned! Whether you’re going to one of these waterways or elsewhere, we’d highly advise consulting one of these fine local fly shops before you go. Stop in and get some flies and local knowledge:
White Fly Outfitters – Harpers Ferry, WV – www.whiteflyoutfitters.com

Fishing License Required. 

https://fishandhuntmaryland.com/articles/upper-potomac-river Visit this page to view Dam Access, a recommendation from the DNR (MD fishing license required) NCTC is a short float from Dam 4, consider floating into the meeting!

Beaver Creek – Hagerstown, MD
The Hagerstown Valley sits atop miles of underground limestone caverns which support Maryland’s largest spring creek, Beaver Creek, which rises up with cool water just below South Mountain in Washington County. The Catch and Release stretch begins below the Albert Powell Fish Hatchery and Interstate 70. This section down to Route 40 has a healthy naturally reproducing stream population of brown trout. Beaver Creek provides fly fishers with this unique, sometimes challenging opportunity to cast
for natural brown trout in a limestone stream. A word to the wise—a stealthy approach, using long leaders and fine tippets (5 X and above), and small flies can be productive. Below Route 40, the water becomes more of a freestone stream, with stocked rainbow trout. So fly fishers casting in Beaver Creek actually get two very different trout fly fishing experiences wrapped up in one stream. To get there: From Interstate 70, take the exit for Route 66/Mapleville Road south and then take the first left onto Beaver Creek Road. At the next intersection, you can turn right to get to Country Store Lane or left onto Black Rock Road to access roadside parking. The Beaver Creek Catch and Release Trout Fishing Area located between Interstate 70 and Beaver Creek Road. You can also continue down Route 66/Mapleville Road and then take a right turn onto Beaver Creek Road and another right turn onto Beaver Creek Church Road to access the Maryland Department of Natural Resources parking lot on Beaver Creek Church Road.

Big Hunting Creek – Thurmont, MD
A misnomer, Big Hunting Creek is a small freestone stream in Thurmont (east of Hagerstown). Access is quite easy, as the stream flows though Cunningham Falls State Park and Catoctin Mountain National Park. Anglers can find a variety of trout here – wild browns and brookies occupy the upper reaches, while rainbows are regularly stocked below Cunningham Falls Reservoir. Big Hunting Creek is easily accessed from Route 77 west of Thurmont. Numerous pull-offs and parking areas are available. Paths along the stream make for easy traveling to the next spot.

Antietam Creek – Sharpsburg, MD
Just across the Potomac from Shepardstown is the town of Sharpsburg, the site of the Civil War’s bloodiest day; the battle of Antietam. The creek for which the battle is named boasts some fantastic fishing opportunities. Anglers should expect a low density but high-quality rainbow and brown trout fishery from the Maryland/Pennsylvania state line to Devils Backbone County Park. Within the park, the 10 foot Devils Backbone Dam, approximately 13.5 miles upstream of the Antietam’s confluence with the Potomac River, restricts upstream movement of fish species. Put-and-Take trout fishing regulations are in effect from the upper boundary of Devils Backbone Park downstream to the mouth of Beaver Creek where stocking of adult brown and rainbow trout occurs annually during the spring and fall. All other areas of Antietam Creek are subject to a 2 trout per day creel limit. Although smallmouth bass are collected throughout the mainstem, the strongest population exists below the Devils Backbone Dam. Other gamefish species that occur in the downstream section (below the dam) are common carp, channel catfish, flathead catfish, walleye, various panfish species, and the occasional muskellunge. Apart from Devils Backbone County Park and Antietam National Battlefield, shoreline/wading fishing opportunities are limited. Much of the Antietam flows through private property, which requires landowner permission for access from the banks. The recent development of “The Antietam Creek Water Trail,” provides soft launch access at various locations throughout the creek and floating the creek has become quite popular among paddlers, tubers, and anglers. Float fishing is probably the best way to experience Antietam Creek when flows are suitable; stretches upstream of Hagerstown are quite difficult to navigate during typical summer flows. Floating from Route 34 in Sharpsburg to the Potomac River is a very popular float and a
productive stretch for smallmouth bass.

Potomac and Shenadoah Rivers – Harpers Ferry area (WV, MD, VA)
The historic town of Harpers Ferry sits at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. In addition to the town’s rich history, there are fantastic fishing opportunities all throughout the area. The Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers are full of smallmouth and largemouth bass, along with more than 40 other species of fish. Small baitfish and crawfish streamer patterns will be effective as well as topwate poppers. Be mindful of where you’re fishing – three states border these rivers, so making sure you have a valid fishing license for the state in which you’re casting your line is important! These are big rivers – if you’re looking to get the most out of your day, consider booking a float trip from a local guide. Consult your local fly shop for a guide recommendation.