Creagerstown to Devilbiss is a 5.5 mile stretch of the river that provides a good paddle. This is a good section to fish for several species. Hit the top and bottoms of the multiple riffle areas for smallmouth bass, bluegill and warmouth are generally plentiful around the blowndown trees and stumps, and several deep sections hold channel catfish. If you're a waterfowler, this is section is also a good late season hunting area, particularly once local ponds and lakes freeze over.
Put in: Creagerstown Park is one of the better access points on the river, and it is one of the few year-round access points. As you get close, you will see the MD Route 550 bridge ahead of you. There is a small boat ramp on the right side of the river, just above the bridge. Above the boat ramp is a relatively large, gravelled parking lot with a picnic table and grill. Adjacent to the boat ramp area is a nice playground and additional tables and grills. The facilities and eas of entry to Creagerstown Park makes this one of the best spots along the river to combine a paddling trip followed by a group picnic.
Take out: The Devilbiss take out can be a little tough. The Devilbiss Road Bridge is visible from several hundred yards upstream as you round a sharp bend. There are two possible takeouts on the right bank....one above the bridge and one below the bridge. The spot above the bridge is only available at low water levels and is identified by a small gravel landing area; the path to the parking lot is short but very steep and rocky. The takeout below the bridge is gentler and more reliable, and, despite the 25 yard carry to the parking lot, it is generally your best bet. The Devilbiss Bridge site is a seasonal access point only open from mid-March to 31 October; the remainder of the year, a gate blocks access to the parking lot and extends the carrying distance to/from the water.
Put in: Creagerstown Park is one of the better access points on the river, and it is one of the few year-round access points. As you get close, you will see the MD Route 550 bridge ahead of you. There is a small boat ramp on the right side of the river, just above the bridge. Above the boat ramp is a relatively large, gravelled parking lot with a picnic table and grill. Adjacent to the boat ramp area is a nice playground and additional tables and grills. The facilities and eas of entry to Creagerstown Park makes this one of the best spots along the river to combine a paddling trip followed by a group picnic.
Take out: The Devilbiss take out can be a little tough. The Devilbiss Road Bridge is visible from several hundred yards upstream as you round a sharp bend. There are two possible takeouts on the right bank....one above the bridge and one below the bridge. The spot above the bridge is only available at low water levels and is identified by a small gravel landing area; the path to the parking lot is short but very steep and rocky. The takeout below the bridge is gentler and more reliable, and, despite the 25 yard carry to the parking lot, it is generally your best bet. The Devilbiss Bridge site is a seasonal access point only open from mid-March to 31 October; the remainder of the year, a gate blocks access to the parking lot and extends the carrying distance to/from the water.
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