Fishing in Maryland is a fun outdoor adventure for just about anyone. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or are new to the sport, the Free State has terrific opportunities for all ages and skill levels. Maryland has more than 500 public water sites offering ocean, bay, and freshwater fishing. To ensure your angling adventure runs smoothly, you should have a valid Maryland fishing license if you’re over the age of 16.
Fishing Spots in Maryland
Here are some of the best fishing spots in Maryland. You can fish for a variety of species, and you’ll enjoy Maryland’s landscape and scenery while you’re out.
Youghiogheny River Reservoir
The Youghiogheny River Reservoir is a 2,800-acre man-made reservoir with 38 miles of shoreline. It straddles the Maryland-Pennsylvania border, and the town of Friendsville is about 20 minutes away. The fish habitat is excellent, with submerged timber, rocky shorelines, boat docks, and shallow weed beds. Nevertheless, water levels fluctuate, especially during fall. Walleye, smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish, sunfish, muskie, hybrid stripers, and chain pickerel are some of the species that thrive in this 16-mile lake.
Yough Lake Campground in Pennsylvania has full hookups, lakefront sites, showers, a dump station, and more. Ohiopyle State Park is also just a short drive away and has campgrounds with electric hookups and a dump station.
Deep Creek Lake
With over 3,800 acres and 60 miles of shoreline, Deep Creek Lake is one of Maryland’s best fishing spots. Situated 10 miles northeast of Oakland in Garret County, this lake is home to numerous fish species such as bass, crappie, walleye, catfish, chain pickerel, trout, and sunfish. You can camp at Deep Creek Lake State Park, where there are electric hookups, a dump station, and showers.
Liberty Reservoir
Located near Marriottsville, Liberty Reservoir is another excellent spot for fishing in Maryland. This 3,100-acre reservoir is home to perch, walleye, bluegill, crappie, and various types of bass. Boating is limited to paddling, rowing, or battery-powered motors, making the reservoir an ideal destination for canoers and kayakers. Liberty Reservoir has over 80 miles of shoreline and several access points where you can fish from the bank. Besides fishing, you can go birdwatching, hiking, and take nature photography. If you enjoy camping, you’ll find two campsites nearby.
Potomac River
The Potomac River runs 405 miles from its source in the Appalachian Mountains and feeds the Chesapeake Bay. The town of Potomac is about 10 minutes away. This tidal river offers the best fishing on the Atlantic Coast. Here, you can land numerous types of fish species such as yellow perch, largemouth bass, striped bass, white perch, chain pickerel, bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, blue catfish, and carp.
Centennial Lake
Centennial Lake is another excellent fishing spot in Maryland. Nestled between Columbia, Ellicott City, and Clarksville, Centennial Lake is a 50-acre man-made reservoir ideal for shore fishing. You can get plenty of rainbow trout and largemouth bass while also having the chance to land channel catfish, tiger musky, pumpkinseed sunfish, and bluegill. There is a wildlife sanctuary at the west edge of the lake, so you cannot fish beyond the markers that show the boundary.
Patapsco River
The Patapsco River provides good opportunities for fishing, and it’s ideal for wading. It runs through central Maryland for about 39 miles, with nearly 35 miles flowing through the Patapsco Valley State Park. The city of Baltimore is about 10 minutes away. Bluegill, largemouth bass, trout, and smallmouth are some species that flourish here. You can find lots of campgrounds in Baltimore if you want to stay nearby.
Deer Creek
When deciding where to fish in Maryland, you can’t go wrong with Deer Creek. This 52.9-mile-long river runs through the Hidden Valley Natural Area and Rocks State Park in Eden Mill and Harford County until it empties into the Susquehanna River. Deer Creek is home to rainbow trout, brown trout, and smallmouth bass. If you want to extend your stay and fill the creel, there are numerous camping opportunities nearby.
You can camp at nearby Susquehanna State Park, which has electric hookups and hot showers.
Where to Fish in Maryland
Ocean City is one of the top destinations for fishing in Maryland. Ocean City is known for white marlin fishing, but the city’s fishing charters also provide a wide array of fishing trips. From wading the shallows for flounders to the deep sea for tuna, billfish, and even sharks, the city offers fishing opportunities to all types of anglers.
Annapolis is another fantastic destination to check out on a fishing trip in Maryland. This historical town, known as the Sailing Capital of the World, is tucked in the beautiful waters of Chesapeake Bay. This city settles deep into the inlet, with access to numerous inshore fishing opportunities. Here, you can land huge striped bass all year round. Apart from the stripers, tautog, speckled trout, redfish, mackerel, croakers, and bluefish can be found.
Camping and Fishing in Maryland
Although there are numerous camping sites in Maryland, it’s helpful to make a reservation or check the campsites online to know the number and the types of sites available. Also, make sure you check the maximum length of RVs permitted. Include warm clothing and insect repellent when you pack for fishing in Maryland. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about fishing.
With an RV rental, your fishing trip will be a little more comfortable! After you’ve spent a long day fishing, grill up your catch right at your campsite. Then, retire inside to enjoy all the comforts of home on board your RV. Plan your perfect fishing getaway with an RV rental from RVshare.
