Fishing at Deep Creek Lake is popular among both locals and tourists and is available during all four seasons of the year. There are a variety of fish stocked in the lake including, Trout, Bass, Yellow Perch, and Walleye. Popular fishing access spots are along the northern end of the lake, areas by boat, or other public access points. You can even go on a guided fishing tour, offered by some of our local fishing shops. Here are some guidelines for your next fishing trip, whether you're adventuring out to fish on your own, or going with a local guide.
Fishing at Deep Creek Lake
Things to Know
To fish on the waters of Deep Creek Lake, a fishing license is required. Fishing licenses can be purchased either online before your trip, or you can buy one from one of our local vendors after you arrive. Anyone under the age of 16 is not required to buy a fishing license.
There are free fishing days in Maryland where no fishing license is required. These dates are the first two Saturdays in June, and the 4th of July.
Some types of fish in the lake are catch and release only and cannot be kept. Make sure you research local fishing regulations or check with DNR to be aware of what species of fish fall under this category.
Fishing Tips
If you forgot something for your trip to Deep Creek, or you need to stock up, there are local fishing shops that sell different kinds of live bait and artificial lures. The best live bait to use is typically shiners, crawfish, and nightcrawlers. Popular lures used in the area include topwater lures, jigs, and spinners.
The best time to fish is early in the morning or in the evening.
The weather in Deep Creek has been known to quickly change. So, make sure you bring along basic items like extra clothing, rain gear, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, water, and snacks. Being prepared for the day can make your fishing trip more fun.
There are other great fishing spots in Garrett County, outside of the Deep Creek area. Check out some of these hotspots!
For a full list of Garrett County freshwater fisheries, visit the Maryland DNR website.
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