Fishing Deep Creek Lake

AKA: Deep Creek Reservoir

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Popular Fish Species Deep Creek Lake, MD

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Walleye Fishing

Thanks to good fisheries management, a healthy population of walleye are now thriving in the waters of Deep Creek Lake this year. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower and closer to shore. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, staying close by schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very productive. Use GPS to locate spots you normally fish during other times of the year.

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Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Fishing for smallmouth bass is a favorite pursuit of many locals at Deep Creek Lake, as they are plentiful and easy to catch, once located. Fishing for smallmouth bass is good anytime they are shallow - in spring, during high water, mornings in summer and during warmer fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap, and around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass also reside here in fewer numbers, however they tend to run larger than smallmouth. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at ice fishing.

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Yellow Perch Fishing

Deep Creek Lake has an extremely healthy population of yellow perch. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line. They make for an excellent fish fry, are a food source for many of the larger predator fish in the lake. Because of their abundance in the lake, they are fun to catch in winter when ice fishing.

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Deep Creek Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, white crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, brown trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, yellow perch, chain pickerel and northern pike at Deep Creek Lake in Maryland.

Healthy populations of multiple fish species swim in Deep Creek Lake. In addition to the resident, self sustaining species, the lake is stocked with additional fish annually. Bass, crappie, walleye, trout, sunfish, perch and pike all share this water.

Deep Creek Lake in Maryland is a premier destination for fishing enthusiasts, offering abundant opportunities to reel in a variety of popular fish species. Anglers flock to the lake in search of trophy-sized bass, including largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. These species thrive in Deep Creek Lake's clear waters, submerged structures, and plentiful forage, providing an exciting challenge for anglers of all skill levels. Additionally, walleye, yellow perch, northern pike, and chain pickerel are also commonly caught in the lake, further adding to the diverse fishing experience.

It is considered one of the best fisheries in the state. It is also considered the top lake in the state for ice fishing. This 3,800-acre lake, in the northwest corner of the state, offers conventional boating and fishing during the warmer months, and ice fishing once safe ice is available. Over 65 miles of shoreline provide plenty of places to wet a line while fishing from the bank or from a boat. Various types of rental boats are available at the lake. There are boat launch ramps for public use, and more than a half-dozen marinas on the lake. Camping, RV parks and lodging options are available at, or nearby the lake. Local fishing guides and charter services can provide unique fishing experience for individuals or groups. Bring or rent a canoe, kayak, pleasure boat or fishing boat and enjoy this scenic, fishing paradise. Marinas, stores, restaurants, sporting goods and other amenities are all close at hand.

Overall, Deep Creek Lake in Maryland provides a well-rounded outdoor experience for fishing, boating, and camping enthusiasts alike. Whether you're seeking the thrill of landing a trophy-sized bass, indulging in water sports, or immersing yourself in the serenity of nature through camping, Deep Creek Lake offers an array of recreational activities against the backdrop of picturesque scenery.

Primary fish species residing in Deep Creek Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Deep Creek Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular pastime on the lake, with various marinas and boat rental options available. Whether you prefer cruising along the scenic shoreline or engaging in water sports such as tubing and water skiing, Deep Creek Lake provides ample space and facilities for boating enthusiasts to enjoy their time on the water.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Deep Creek Lake Boat Rentals
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
301 387 0732

FunTime Watersports
Rentals: Kayaks and pontoon boats
301 387-0725

Lake Life Boat Rentals
Rentals: Pontoon boats
301 387 0732

Silver Tree Marine
Rentals: Kayaks and pontoon boats
301 387-5855

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Deep Creek Lake Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Waterfront Way, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Marinas

Aquatic Center Marina
634 Deep Creek Dr
McHenry, MD 21541
301 387-8233

Deep Creek Marina
2010 Deep Creek Dr.
McHenry, MD 21541
301 387-6977

Fishing Guides On Deep Creek Lake

Rifle and Reel Adventures - bass

Fishing Deep Creek Lake Guide Service - bass

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a Maryland Fishing License.

For those seeking a more impressive outdoor experience, camping around Deep Creek Lake is a fantastic option. The lake features numerous campgrounds with both tent and RV sites, offering a range of amenities and access to the natural beauty of the surrounding area. Camping near Deep Creek Lake allows visitors to enjoy the tranquility of nature, breathtaking views, and the opportunity to explore the lake's shorelines or nearby hiking trails.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Deep Creek Lake State Park Campground - 301 387-5563

Double G RV Park - 301 387-5481

Bumble Bee RV Park & Campground - 301 273-4861

Deep Creek Lake MD Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Deep Creek Lake
Deep Creek Lake State Park
898 State Park Rd
Swanton, MD 21561
301 387-5563

Fishing lakes in each state.

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