Bass Fishing In Maryland

Guide to fishing for smallmouth and largemouth bass in MD lakes.

By Rick Seaman

Maryland Bass Fishing

Bass fishing in Maryland is a beloved pursuit, cherished by anglers of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. Few experiences rival the thrill of hooking into a largemouth or smallmouth bass, making it a timeless pastime that transcends cultural boundaries. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice angler eager to learn the ropes, mastering the art of bass fishing can be immensely rewarding. That's why this page is dedicated to offering invaluable insights and tips on bass fishing, providing a comprehensive guide on everything from bass fishing techniques to essential bass-catching strategies. Whether you're seeking advice on selecting the perfect lure or honing your casting skills, we're here to equip you with the knowledge and expertise needed to excel on the water. Dive into our wealth of information to discover the secrets of successful bass fishing and unlock the full potential of your angling endeavors.

Bass fishing basics video.

Bass Fishing In The State

Largemouth Bass Fishing In Maryland

Largemouth bass are the most abundant, and most pursued bass in Maryland. They are available in most warm-water lakes in the state, they tend to thrive in most water conditions and grow to bragging size in relative short order. Often called big mouth bass, or wide mouth bass, they are savvy predators that feed on most things that live in their territory. Bass in the 5 to 10-pound range are common in Maryland. The state record largemouth bass is over 11 pounds.

Finding & Catching Bigmouth Bass

Anglers can target big mouth bass in various lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. Spring and early summer are typically the best seasons for targeting largemouth bass as they are more active and feeding in the shallows near shoreline cover. Start with topwater baits, as they cover the water most efficiently. Reaction baits like crankbaits and spinnerbaits are the next choice. For finicky bass, plastic worms and jigs may entice a bite as you can move them very slowly around cover. In the heat of summer and the cold of winter bass move to deeper water, usually following the baitfish. Jigs, drop shot rigs and spoons are a good approach for bass holding in deep water. Vary your retrieve speed and action to find what the bass like today!

One of the premier destinations for largemouth bass fishing is the Potomac River, particularly in the southern region. Anglers can explore the countless coves, submerged vegetation, and rocky structures to target these coveted trophy fish. Other popular largemouth bass fishing spots include Deep Creek Lake, Liberty Reservoir, and the Upper Chesapeake Bay.

Smallmouth Bass Fishing In Maryland

While smallmouth bass don't grow as large as their cousin the largemouth, they make up the difference with tenacious fights. Known for long battles and spectacular jumps, smallies grow fat and strong but rarely exceed ten pounds. Their range and locations are often with or nearby the largemouths. The state record smallmouth bass is over 8 pounds.

The state boasts an array of rivers and streams that provide excellent habitats for smallmouth bass. The upper reaches of the Potomac River, the Susquehanna River, and the Patapsco River are renowned for their smallmouth bass populations. Anglers can navigate through rocky sections, submerged boulders, and swift currents to entice these spirited fighters. Smallmouth bass are known for their acrobatic leaps and relentless fights, making them a favorite among anglers seeking a challenging and exhilarating fishing experience.

The best time to target both largemouth and smallmouth bass in Maryland is during the spring and fall seasons. In the spring, as the water temperatures rise, bass become more active, feeding voraciously after the winter months. During this time, they move closer to the shallows, making them more accessible to anglers. In the fall, as the temperatures cool down, bass feed heavily to prepare for winter, making it another prime time to catch trophy-sized fish. However, it's worth noting that bass fishing in Maryland can be enjoyable throughout the year, with opportunities available during summer and winter as well.

Best Bass Fishing Lakes In Maryland

You are sure to find bass in all types of water across the state of Maryland. Visit the Bass Knowledge Center for additional, valuable information about bass and bass fishing. Private and public ponds, rivers, small lakes, state park lagoons may contain bass. However, the most consistent stringers of bass continue to come from major lakes like Deep Creek Lake, Jennings Randolph Lake, Lake Habeeb, Liberty Lake, Little Seneca Lake, Loch Raven Reservoir, Prettyboy Reservoir, Rocky Gorge Reservoir, St. Mary's Lake, Triadelphia Reservoir and Youghiogheny River Reservoir.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Top 5 bass fishing lures for Maryland this year

When bass are shallow, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and stickbaits are the most productive. As they move deeper, worms and jigs are among the top producers.

The Maryland state record largemouth bass was caught from a Huntingtown private pond, and the MD state record smallmouth came from .

Maryland State Record Bass

The state record largemouth bass was caught from a private pond.

The state record smallmouth bass came from Liberty Reservoir.

Chris Baker, 15 years old with a 7.5 lb largemouth bass from a farm pond.

Bass are one of the most sought after of all the game fish. Its appeal spans cultures, age groups and genders to tap on the heart strings of anglers everywhere. We offer information about bass fishing on your favorite bass lake in MD. Understanding the seasonal movements of smallmouth bass and largemouth bass is key to locating them on local lakes in the Old Line State.

Catch big bass!

Bass fishing information by state.

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