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Inland Fishing, Deep Creek Lake |
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Inland Fishing, Deep Creek Lake |
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FRESHWATER
FISHING HOTSPOTS Owner
- Deep Creek Lake is owned by the State
of Maryland and managed by the Maryland Department History - Deep Creek lake was impounded on Deep Creek in the 1920's and was filled by 1929. It was constructed to power a small-scale hydroelectric plant, but later became a vacation destination with many amenities for tourism. Deep Creek Lake still provides water to generate electricity but is managed to maintain lake level for an array of recreational opportunities including boating and fishing. Deep Creek Lake State Park is located on the shore of the lake and offers fishing piers, a swim area and beach, boat ramp, picnicking, covered pavilions, and camping opportunities. Physical/
Habitat Description - Deep Creek Lake
is unique in that it lies within the Ohio River Drainage west of the
eastern continental divide. Ultimately it's waters flow to the Gulf
of Mexico via the Mississippi River. Deep Creek Lake is Maryland's
largest impoundment at 3900 acres at a full pool Fish
Species - Deep Creek Lake supports
a wide variety of desirable gamefish species. It may be best known
for it's bass fishery. Although
smallmouth
bass are the most common species,
largemouth bass generally anchor the catches of winning anglers
during the frequent bass fishing tournaments. The quality of the bass
fishery and the fact that gas powered boats are permitted on Deep
Creek Lake makes it a popular site for bass fishing tournaments.
Walleye
are also common but always require dedication on the angler's part
to locate and catch. A close relative to the walleye, the
yellow
perch, is also abundant in Deep Creek Lake and attracts a lot
of attention from fishermen, particularly through the ice in winter.
Although northern pike
are not common, they create a specialized trophy fishery for those
anglers who target the species.
Chain
Restrictions - See the current Maryland Freshwater Sportfishing Guide for fishing regulations. Virtually the entire shoreline of Deep Creek Lake is owned by MDNR and access for fishing is permitted. Shoreline anglers must avoid private boat docks. With the exception of a small buoyed area at the lake outlet structure, boat fishermen can access the entire lake. However, beaching a boat is not permitted except in emergency situations. Directions - From I-68, take Exit #14 (US 219) S for 14 mi. to McHenry and beyond. 10 mi. NE of Oakland Contact Us - Comments and questions regarding fishing in Deep Creek Lake can be directed to: Maryland
Department of Natural Resources |
of
Natural Resources (MDNR).
elevation
of 2462'. The lake is 13 miles long with 69 miles of shoreline and
drains a watershed of 140,000 acres. Maximum depth is about 75' near
the dam breast area with an average depth of about 25'. It's supports
a variety of fish habitat from steep rocky shorelines near the dam
breast to silt bottomed shallow coves in the southern end. Deeper
areas of the lake maintain cold water for trout year-round. Submerged
stumps and the many floating docks along the shoreline provide excellent
cover for both largemouth and smallmouth bass as well as sunfish species.
