Fishing Youghiogheny River Lake
AKA: Yough Lake
Popular Fish Species Youghiogheny River Lake, MD

Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Smallmouth bass are the most sought-after species at Youghiogheny River Lake, with fish over 3 pounds very common. Largemouth bass also reside here in fewer numbers. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good when they move to shallow water. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around any sort of rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. Other times, focus your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish.

Walleye Fishing
Youghiogheny River Lake is home to a hearty population of walleye. Plenty of forage in the lake have them growing fat and healthy. Walleye have excellent vision in low light scenarios which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water anytime there are low light conditions. During May and June is the optimal time to catch them, while feeding in shallower water. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. Concentrate around structure like points, flats and ledges off the river channels. One of the proven methods 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.

Crappie Fishing
Crappie anglers can fish for both black crappie and white crappie at Youghiogheny River Lake. These two species tend to school separately. However, once located around cover, you may catch both species, as they often use the same cover. For best results when fishing for crappie, light line and small hooks are key, especially when fishing live or prepared baits. Crappie jigs are also productive her in a wide variety of colors. This is a good place to catch quantities of nice, fat slabs. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, yellow perch, hybrid striped bass, chain pickerel, muskie and northern pike at Youghiogheny River Lake in Maryland.
Youghiogheny River Lake Fishing Video
At over 16 miles long, Youghiogheny River Lake is a 2,800-acre lake on the PA-MD border, just a couple miles north of Friendsville, MD. Only one third of the lake is in MD, and many of the services on the lake are found in PA.
Youghiogheny River Lake, in Maryland, offers a fantastic fishing experience for anglers seeking a combination of scenic beauty and abundant fish species. The lake is known for its diverse fish population, making it a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. Anglers can target various popular fish species, including smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, catfish, and panfish. The lake's pristine waters and submerged structures provide excellent habitats for these species, ensuring an exciting and productive fishing adventure.
Overall there are 38 miles of shoreline to explore in search of bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, trout, sunfish, perch, hybrid stripers, pike and muskie. Lake levels here may fluctuate drastically for flood-control purposes. At high water levels, boat launches (in both states) and a marina (in PA) serve the lake. There are several access points in Maryland for fishing from the bank, with Mill Run Recreation Area being the easiest. Kayaks and canoes are a great way to traverse this fishery.
Youghiogheny River Lake provides a captivating setting for fishing, boating, and outdoor recreation in Maryland. With its diverse fish species, excellent boating opportunities, and nearby camping options, the lake offers a well-rounded outdoor experience. Whether you're casting a line for bass, cruising across the calm waters, or spending a night under the stars at a campground, Youghiogheny River Lake offers ample recreational opportunities for visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature and create cherished memories.
Primary fish species residing in Youghiogheny River Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Youghiogheny River Lake Amenities
Marina: YES (in PA)
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: (in PA)
RV Hookups: (in PA)
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a popular activity at Youghiogheny River Lake, allowing visitors to explore the expansive waters and enjoy the scenic surroundings. Motorized boats, such as speedboats and pontoons, are permitted on the lake, providing ample opportunities for leisurely cruising, water sports, and accessing prime fishing spots. Boaters can soak in the picturesque views, navigate the calm waters, and discover hidden coves and inlets that offer excellent angling opportunities.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Collier Hollow Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Mill Run Road, this is an earthen ramp with gravel parking.
Fishing Guides On Youghiogheny River Lake
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.
Camping is available at several campgrounds around Youghiogheny River Lake, offering visitors the chance to extend their outdoor adventure. These campgrounds provide a range of amenities, including campsites with electrical hookups, picnic areas, and facilities for a comfortable camping experience. Camping near the lake allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area, enjoy the serenity of the surroundings, and have convenient access to fishing opportunities throughout their stay.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Mill Run Recreation Area Campground - 814 395-3242
Other Campgrounds at Youghiogheny River Lake in PA.
Youghiogheny River Lake MD Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Youghiogheny River Lake
Corps: Youghiogheny River Lake
497 Flanigan Road
Confluence, PA 15424
814 395-3242
Fishing lakes in each state.
102124
Youghiogheny River Lake in Maryland.
MARYLAND


Information about fishing lakes in Maryland
Youghiogheny River Lake offers bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, trout, sunfish, perch, hybrid stripers, pike and muskie fishing in northwest MD.