(Photo courtesy of cseeman on Flickr)
Fishing is a year-round event at Deep Creek Lake. The area is surrounded by the large lake which is one of few places in Maryland for great ice fishing during the winter or (if you can’t stand the cold) some game fishing during the warmer months. As mentioned on several
message boards, this 2008/2009 ice fishing seemed to be yet another excellent season for fishing on the lake.
The fish are swimming year round in Deep Creek Lake and ready for you to grab your gear and get out there. If you have not yet been fishing at DCL, there are many species that inhabit the lake. The fish found here range from Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout to Common Carp, Walleyes and Deep Creek’s largest fish, Northern Pike!

Have fish been eluding you throughout the year? Fish Deep Creek offers suggestions for each season (except Winter). They have a wide array of suggested baits and lures to get a day of successful fishing. For neat little table, you can check it out here.
Did you watch the 2009 Bassmaster classic? Sure, Deep Creek is not suitable for a tournament of that size, but if you’re more into the competition of fishing, Deep Creek Lake has a fishing tournament sometime around June every year.
Even if you’re not a serious fisher, Deep Creek is open for fishing throughout the year catering to people of all levels of experience. If you don’t want to worry about renting a boat and don’t own fishing equipment, Fishing Deep Creek Lake offers day and half day fishing trips for you and your buddies and also offers family fishing tours. If you’re looking to get out on the water and learn how to fish, this a great option!
If you’re just looking for a boat to rent, DCL has plenty of resources around the lake:
Bills Marine (Main) – 301-387-5536
20721 Garrett Hwy, Deep Creek Lake, Oakland, MD 21550
Bills Marine (North) – 301-387-5677
1876 Deep Creek Road, McHenry MD 21550
Silver Tree Marine – 301-387-5855
567 Glendale Road, Oakland, MD 21550
Crystal Waters – 301-387-5515
PO Box 70, McHenry, MD 21541 (crystalwaters@iceweb.net)
Deep Creek Lake Boat Rentals – 301-387-9130
2030 Deep Creek Drive, McHenry
Deep Creek Marina – 301-387-6977
1077 Deep Creek Dr. McHenry
For seasonal information on fishing conditions, check out Fish Deep Creek’s fishing report.
Lastly, if you’re looking for some bait or a fishing shop check these stores out:
Bill’s Outdoor Center
20768 Route 219 (Garrett Highway)
301-387-3474
Deep Creek Outfitters
32 Outfitters WayMcHenry, Maryland 21541
(301) 387-2200