Guide to Fishing in Deep Creek Lake, Maryland

Deep Creek Lake, located in the mountains of Western Maryland, is Maryland’s largest lake, with 69 miles of shoreline and almost 40,000 acres of water. This man-made lake was created in the 1920s to power a small hydroelectric plant. It quickly became a four season vacation destination for boating, fishing and skiing at Wisp Resort.

One of the most popular year-round activities in Deep Creek Lake is fishing. Whether you are fishing from a boat, the shore, the ice or with one of the local guide services, there is something for everyone! Let’s explore everything you need to know with this guide to fishing in Deep Creek Lake, Maryland.

Fishing License & Regulations

Fishing License

Fishing licenses are required in Deep Creek Lake. Anyone age 16 and older is required to purchase a fishing license. Kids 15 and under can fish with out a license. Fishing licenses can be purchased online at Maryland DNR or at any of the state parks in Deep Creek.

Maryland has three free fishing days, where licenses are not required. These are the first 2 Saturdays in June and on the 4th of July.

Fishing Regulations

Certain types of fish are catch and release only, meaning you can’t keep them. Click here to explore the fishing regulations for Deep Creek Lake.

Deep Creek Lake Fish

Deep Creek Lake is home to a variety of fish including trout, large-mouth bass, small-mouth bass, walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, pickerel, crappie and sunfish. Check out the Discovery Center at Deep Creek Lake State Park to learn more about the types of fish in the lake

Best Places To Fish In Deep Creek Lake

Best Places to Fish By Boat

You can fish from anywhere on the lake by boat. The best fishing spots in Deep Creek are around the docks, under the bridges, near weed-beds, rocky spots or where trees have fallen over in the lake.

Best Places to Fish From Land

Many anglers consider Deep Creek Lake a “dock fishery” because the best place to fish by land is from a boat dock. The water under the dock should be at least 4 feet deep for fishing.

Deep Creek Lake State Park is the most popular place to fish from the shore. The State Park has 2 fishing piers located at the boat ramp. The rocky shore of Deep Creek Lake State Park is also a great spot, especially near the Discovery Center. Fishing is not permitted at the two swimming beaches in the park.

You will also find people fishing from the rocks underneath the 219 bridge on any given day. There is a small parking lot near the bridge that can be used for access.

When To Fish In Deep Creek Lake

Deep Creek Lake offers four seasons of fishing, including ice fishing in the winter. You can catch fish at any time of the day, but the best times are early in the morning (before 9 am) and in the evening (after 7pm).

Fishing Rods & Bait

Fishing Rods

Check out these top rated fishing rods and poles:

Top Rated Fishing Rod-High End

Top Rated Mid-Range Fishing Rod

Budget-Friendly Fishing Rod

Kids Fishing Rod

Fishing Rod Combo Kit with Carrier & Line

Be sure to protect your rods when traveling with these fishing rod sleeves.

Live Bait

The best bait to use for Deep Creek is live bait like minnows (shiners) and worms.

Live bait can be purchased at these local shops:

TruSouth (next to Shop N Save)

Ottobres Mercantile (corner of Glendale Rd & Toothpick Rd)

Snooper’s Heaven (downtown Oakland)

B&B Bait (bait delivery service-they bring the bait to you)

Artificial Bait & Tackle

The most commonly used artificial bait and tackle in Deep Creek are

Split Shot Weights

Small Fishing Hook (Size 6 or Size 4)
Wacky Rig O Tool (This kit comes with hooks, too)

Yamamoto Swim Senko 4″, Green Pumpkin
Split Float Fishing Bobber
Square Bill Crankbait Lure

Another alternative is a kit like this one, that also comes with a tackle box.

Several Deep Creek locals recommended using shiners as live bait, with split-shot weights and a bobber. For artificial bait, they recommended both the Wacky Rig and Square Bill Crankbait Lure.