Youghiogheny River Reservoir, Fishing Maryland

FRESHWATER FISHING HOTSPOTS
Youghiogheny River Reservoir
Located in Garrett County

Owner - The Youghiogheny River Reservoir is owned and operated by United States Army Corps Photo of Todd Metz with a northern pike. of Engineers (ACOE) and fish populations are monitored by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC).

History - The Youghiogheny River Reservoir dam was built in 1944 for the purpose of flood control and hydroelectric power. The reservoir also provides a constant flow in the Youghiogheny River during summer months for white water rafting and canoeing enthusiasts. The 20 mile stretch of river below the reservoir provide some of the best white water rafting in the east, beginning with class I and II rapids for the first 9 miles and ending with a class III and IV section the next 7 miles. Thousands of recreational boaters, jet skis, fisherman, and campers utilize the reservoir each year.

Physical/ Habitat Description - The Youghiogheny River Reservoir is approximately 2800 acres, 16 miles long with 38 miles of shoreline. It has an average depth of 54 ft and a maximum depth of 121 ft. The reservoir straddles the Pennsylvania – Maryland border, starting just north of Friendsville MD and extending to the dam in Confluence PA. It supports a variety of fish habitats that include rocky shorelines, sunken trees and stumps, boat docks and shallow vegetated flats that provide excellent spawning habitat. Water fluctuations, depending on annual rainfall, are extreme especially in fall when it’s nearly drawn down.

Fish Species - The Youghiogheny River Reservoir supports a diverse recreational fishery. Photo of angler holding a crappie. Smallmouth bass fishing is excellent although largemouth bass are limited. The reservoir has a naturally reproducing walleye population that provoke interest from local fishing clubs which hold open tournaments throughout the year. The reservoir has the ability to produce trophy size fish such as crappie and northern pike. Other species include yellow perch, carp, bluegill, pumpkinseed, rock bass, brown bullhead, channel catfish, chain pickerel, hybrid striped bass, and alewife.

Restrictions - Fishing regulations are proposed by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and summarized in the Maryland Freshwater Sportfishing Guide, 2003. Pennsylvania and Maryland have a cooperative agreement that allows boat anglers to fish the entire lake with either fishing license. Shoreline anglers must possess the appropriate license for that state.