Whether you're looking to cast off in the lake or in one our the spectacular area rivers, there are plenty of great options at Deep Creek Lake for fishing!
Casting out a line is one of the most relaxing ways to spend an afternoon or morning. From lakes to rivers, there are so many incredible places to fish in the Deep Creek Lake area! Fishing licenses are required in the state of Maryland, however, there are a few free fishing days during the summer! Licenses can be purchased at the DNR office or most local bait and tackle shops, including Deep Creek Outfitters and Bill’s Outdoor Center. They also can be purchased online at https://compass.dnr.maryland.gov/
Lakes
The largest lake in our area is Deep Creek Lake! Deep Creek offers 65+ miles of shoreline and contains 3900 acres!! Deep Creek is stocked throughout the year, and the most common fish species caught are smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye, crappie and chain pickerel. Other species in the lake include northern pike, bullhead catfish, bluegill, rock bass, yellow perch, rainbow and brown trout, and pumpkinseed sunfish! Deep Creek Lake is very popular year-round for fishing, with fishermen filling the coves on the water and the ice! There are also several fishing competitions during the summer and winter seasons!
Other Garrett County lakes include Broadford Lake, Herrington Manor State Park Lake, New Germany State Park Lake, and Jennings-Randolph Lake! Most lakes are stocked periodically and generally contain the same species with a few exceptions. Boat restrictions apply to all of our area lakes, so make sure to double check with each park or point of contact to make sure you boat is allowed in the waters and where you can put your boat in at.
Rivers
Our incredible area is not only home to lakes and mountains, but also to some of the best stream and river fishing in the Mid-Atlantic region! The cool mountain-fed streams are a fly-fisherman’s dream! The Youghiogheny and Savage Rivers are the two largest rivers in our area and wonderful for fishing! There is also many hidden gems like Bear Creek, the Cassleman River, and Muddy Creek just to name a few. One great resource for the serious or beginner fly-fisherman is Savage River Angler, LLC and other great outfitters as well. Book a trip of a lifetime and learn the magic of fly-fishing. There are generally public access spots at all major rivers that provide parking and sometimes facilities. You can also stop by the Youghiogheny Reservoir!
Ice Fishing
Did you know that Deep Creek Lake is a “hot” spot for ice fishing? The lake generally freezes solid in late December or early January and remains frozen until the weather turns. The ice can be anywhere from 5-10 inches thick! Ice fisherman can be seen fishing in the coves during the early stages of the season and then scattered throughout the lake during the rest of the season. Even in the harshest conditions, you can almost always see at least one fisherman braving the elements in search of that monster fish!
List of Lakes & Rivers
Bear Creek – Trout
Broadford Lake – 140 ac. – Crappie, Blue-gill, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Catfish
Casselman River Fishing Area – Rainbow/Brown Trout, Panfish, Smallmouth Bass
Deep Creek Lake – 3900 ac. – Bass, Trout, Walleye, Panfish, Chain Pickerel, Yellow Perch, Northern Pike, Catfish
Herrington Manor State Park – 53 ac. – Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Catfish
Jennings Randolph Lake – 952 ac. – Walleye, Bass, Trout
New Germany State Park – 13 ac. – Bass, Catfish, Bluegill, Trout
Savage River & Reservoir – Trout, Perch, Bluegill, Bass, Yellow Perch
Youghiogheny River & Reservoir- Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Chain Pickerel, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
*Remember to use extreme caution when venturing out onto the ice. Ice depth is measured by the DNR and local fishing supply companies on a weekly or daily basis. Do not go alone and safety first!
