You can now order your Deep Creek Lake Fishing License online!

Or, there is a toll free number, 1-800-918-2870…which you can call 24-7.

Also, here is even more info about Deep Creek Lake Fishing from the Maryland Dept of Natural Resources.  Lastly, here is our previous article so that you really know everything there is to know about fishing at Deep Creek Lake.

(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

What kind of a trip to a lake doesn’t involve boating?  Deep Creek Lake has 69 miles of shore to explore!

We had pre-planned our boat rentals and used 2 different companies in the area, as we rented 2 different boats during the week.   We rented from Bill’s Marine and Deep Creek Marina.  It is of course well advised to book your boat rentals well ahead of time.

Our first rental was the 190 HP Ski Boat.  This is a fast boat!

Here is a picture of us backing up for 1 of at least 50 tubing trips!  We had a ton of fun exploring Deep Creek Lake for 2 days with this boat.  There are so many beautiful houses and miles of open sea, it was truly relaxing and exhilirating to power that baby up down a wide open lane.  The kids definitely love the tubing, and the adults can enjoy fishing, relaxing, or just plain checking things out as there is so much to see.

All Deep Creek Lake Boat Rentals:

Deep Creek Marina 1899 Deep Creek Drive McHenry, MD 21550 phone # 301-387-0732

Bill’s Marine Service 3 locations

High Mountain Sports 21327 Garrett Hwy Oakland, MD 21550 phone # 301-387-4199

Also, very important to know:

Operator must meet one of the following requirements:
Have been born before July 1,1972. If you are born prior to this date you do not need to have a Maryland Boaters Certificate. You just need a valid drivers license.
Have in one’s possession a Maryland Boating Certificate or a Maryland-recognized temporary Coast Gaurd Certificate.
Obtain on-site temporary Maryland Boating Education Certificate.