Fishing Rocky Gorge Reservoir

AKA: Howard Duckett Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Rocky Gorge Reservoir Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
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Boat Launch Ramps
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Rocky Gorge Reservoir, MD

Popular Fish Species Rocky Gorge Reservoir, MD

Howard Duckett Reservoir Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Rocky Gorge Reservoir continues to offer good fishing for largemouth bass. Lately bass fishing here for bass has continued to impress bass fishing enthusiasts. Some big bass roam Rocky Gorge Reservoir, thanks to excellent fisheries management by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, as well as the availability of extensive cover for both baitfish and bass. When the bite is good, bass typically move shallow and are quite aggressive. If you find them shallow and they are not tempted to bite, slow down and use smaller, lighter baits. Fishing for largemouth bass is good virtually any time they are shallow - in spring, mornings in summer, and during warm Fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good weapons. In winter, spend your time fishing Rocky Gorge Reservoir on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Smallmouth bass also reside here in good numbers.

Howard Duckett Reservoir Popular Fish - Northern Pike

Northern Pike Fishing

Thriving in the cool waters of Rocky Gorge Reservoir, northern pike are a very popular target for local anglers. This year they are being caught in good quantity and some mighty big sizes. April and May are the best months of the year for northern pike fishing here. Summer is spotty but pike can be caught all summer long. Fall can also be good sometimes stretching into October. Large, flashy lures that mimic the bait they prey upon are great lures for northerns. Effective lures include spoons, spinners, and crankbaits, particularly those with bright colors or metallic finishes to attract the pike's attention. Additionally, big flies, soft plastic swimbaits and jerkbaits can be successful, especially when retrieved erratically to mimic wounded prey. Trolling along weed edges can often entice strikes.

Howard Duckett Reservoir Popular Fish - Yellow Perch

Yellow Perch Fishing

Rocky Gorge Reservoir continues to have a very healthy population of yellow perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. Yellow perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake as well. 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.

Rocky Gorge Reservoir Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, white crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, brook trout, bluegill, muskie and northern pike at Rocky Gorge Reservoir in Maryland.

Rocky Gorge Reservoir is a 770-acre lake in the central part of the state. It is home to bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, trout, sunfish, pike and muskie.

One can canoe, kayak, row or paddle along about 30 miles of shoreline. The most popular fish species are walleye, bass and trout, but there are plenty of the others to make a trip worth while. Supplies, bait, tackle, lodging and restaurants are at, or nearby, the lake. Other services are some distance away, so come prepared.

Primary fish species residing in Rocky Gorge Reservoir

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Rocky Gorge Reservoir Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES - 2
Campgrounds: NO
RV Hookups: NO
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Browns Bridge Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off Browns Bridge Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Supplee Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Supplee Lane, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.