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
Deep Creek Lake Fish
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
When To Fish In Deep Creek Lake
Fishing Rods & Bait
Fishing Rods
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
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.
Guided Fishing Tours in Deep Creek Lake
Don Ringer with Fishing Deep Creek Lake
Other Local Places to Fish Near Deep Creek
Accident Pond
Cassleman River
Savage River
I highly recommend checking out this article from Fishtalk Magazine which contains maps of the best places to fish in Deep Creek Lake.
Cheers to making new memories-and catching a lot of fish- in Deep Creek Lake!
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