Fishing at Deep Creek Lake

By cdunavent on July 15, 2016

Constructed to power a small hydroelectric plant, Deep Creek Lake instead became a popular year round vacation destination for visitors from all over the region. While the lake does provide water that is used to generate electricity, the state of Maryland manages it so that the lake maintains a water level suitable for fishing, boating and other recreational activities.

The lake supports a wide array of fish species including crappie, bluegill, bass, trout, pike walleye and perch. And while it’s regularly stocked, yellow perch, walleye, bass and trout are the most abundant species.

If you are fishing from the shoreline, you must stay clear of private boat docks. For those fishing from a boat, you can access the entire lake except for a small buoyed area. Keep in mind, however, that you cannot beach a boat unless it is an emergency.

In order to fish in Deep Creek Lake — or in any Maryland waters — you must obtain a fishing license. If you are fishing with a guide, you may not have to worry about a license since most fishing guides secure the license for you. If you are fishing independently, however, you must get a fishing license for the State of Maryland before you can cast your line into the water. Children 16 years and under don’t require a license to fish in Maryland, but anyone over 16 will need one to legally fish in Deep Creek Lake. Fishing licenses are available at various department and outdoor stores in the State of Maryland. Alternatively, he can purchase the license directly from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

For those novice anglers without much experience, consider taking advantage of the services offered from the various fishing guides in the area. Fishing guides are experts in the industry and can teach you invaluable skills that you can use to catch more fish. Furthermore, the local fishing guides now the ins and outs of Deep Creek Lake, which means they can take you straight to the ideal fishing spots on the lake. The guides at Deep Creek are available for a full day, partial day or multi-day outings.

You can spot just about any type of boat on Deep Creek Lake including personal water-crafts, kayaks and sailboats. The local marinas offer boats to rent while you visit the area. The rental prices vary on the size and type of boat you are renting. If you’re bringing your own boat, you can rent one of the many docks to park your marine vehicle when not in use. There are also two handicap accessible fishing docks at the lake’s boating facility.

The Deep Creek Lake boat launching facility is open throughout the year, except for when ice conditions or winter weather forces it to close. There may be a service charge to use the ramp. The Maryland Department of Resources recommends purchasing a Maryland State Park Passport. This passport — available to both residents and non-residents of Maryland — grants unlimited day use entry to all state parks, unlimited boat launching and a discount on boat rentals and concession items.

For more information about Deep Creek Lake, contact the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce or the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Comments

1. 

   Sandi Maier
   August 4, 2017

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   If you are from PA and have a PA fishing license and only visiting Deep Creek for 4 days is there a temporary license that you could purchase for a lesser amount? How much is a fishing license?
   • 

     TheR1dge
     August 7, 2017

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     yes short term fishing license are available in Maryland and refer them to http://dnr.maryland.gov/Pages/service_fishing_license.aspx

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