Family Getaways
by Mary GrovesApril Feature Article
2003As the days get longer and the temperatures start to rise, many of us are looking forward to getting outside and enjoying the spring. After one of the longest and coldest winters in recent memory, nothing could be closer to the truth. No matter where you live in Maryland, there are many places to take the family and enjoy some time fishing, hiking, biking, paddling or exploring. So, to help launch this year’s season of outdoor fun, we’ve put together a sample of places to visit and explore throughout Maryland. We’ve emphasized these areas because they are “kid friendly” which means that there’s plenty of room and opportunity for young anglers to experience the joy of fishing along with other activities that will appeal to the whole family. So, let’s get started!
Deep Creek Lake (Garrett County) - 3900 Acres. Unlike most of the other water systems in Maryland, Deep Creek Lake is part of the Mississippi River drainage and not the Chesapeake Bay watershed. It’s fishery is also unique in that Deep Creek Lake holds a diverse population of gamefish that can be enjoyed both in the warm spring and summer months and the cold days of winter. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, northern pike, walleye, crappie, yellow perch, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, brown trout and rainbow trout offer young anglers, or seasoned veterans, many opportunities to enjoy fishing from either shore or boat. Even in the heart of winter when most people put up their fishing rods for the season, die-hard anglers can find lots of fishing excitement through the ice. Walleye, yellow perch, chain pickerel, bluegill and trout are particular favorites for ice fishermen. Most of the shoreline is owned by the Department of Natural Resources and Deep Creek Lake State Park, host to the Discovery Center, is also a State owned facility that offers access to the lake. The current yellow perch, bluegill sunfish and northern pike State Record fish have all come from Deep Creek Lake. Interestingly, the current state record bluegill (3 lbs. 7 oz.) was caught by a young angler who was only 9 years old at the time. Boating, swimming and camping are all available at Deep Creek Lake Park. Several picnic areas offer excellent views of the lake with easy access to the beach and other facilities. Link to additional information about Deep Creek Lake
Lake Habeeb (Allegany County) - 250 Acres. Lake Habeeb is nestled within Rocky Gap State Park, a 3,000 acre recreational area that offers a little bit of something for everyone. Whether you prefer fishing from shore or boat, Lake Habeeb is sure to provide a fun and relaxing experience. Common fish found in the lake include largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, bluegill, brown trout and seasonally stocked rainbow trout. Fishing is permitted 24 hours a day, but gasoline motors are prohibited. Boats must also use navigational lights after sunset. Hiking trails provide access to much of the shoreline and there’s plenty of room for novice fishermen to practice casting. Along with an excellent opportunity to enjoy the mountains and great fishing too, Rocky Gap offers camping, hiking, swimming, and is also home to the Rocky Gap Lodge and Golf Course. Link to additional information about Rocky Gap State Park
Greenbrier Lake (Washington County)- 42 Acres. Greenbrier Lake is located within Greenbrier State Park and is another fine example of a multi-use park. Access to the lake is easy and there is plenty of shoreline area for fishing with lots of room for casting. Largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, crappie and stocked rainbow trout provide a fine variety of gamefish. Greenbrier also has other activities for the family to enjoy such as camping, swimming, paddling, picnic areas and a playground. The Appalachian Trail is nearby for those who are interested in taking a long hike or bicycle trip. A Visitor Center by the lake provides information on other attractions near the park as well. Pets are prohibited. Link to additional information about Greenbrier Lake
Cunningham Falls State Park Lake (Frederick County)- 42 Acres. Located north of Frederick in the Catoctin Mountains, Cunningham Falls is just a short distance from both the Baltimore and Washington metropolitan areas and makes a nice day-trip from either area. One of the main attractions of Cunningham Falls State Park is a 78 foot waterfall that can be reached via a short hike from the William Houck area of the park. Hunting Creek Lake has a fishing pier where largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, redear, channel catfish, and rainbow trout can be found. The rainbow trout are stocked seasonally as part of our “put and take” trout program and offers a great opportunity for young children to catch fish. Fishing at Cunningham Falls State Park, however, is not just limited to the lake. Two trout streams run though the park creating more opportunities for a diverse angling experience. Big Hunting Creek is a catch and release trout stream and is restricted to artificial fly-fishing only. Little Hunting Creek, in the Manor area, is also a catch and release trout stream but both flies and artificial lures may be used. The use of spinning gear in this area makes it easier for young anglers to still catch trout but be able to enjoy the experience of fishing in a stream environment. Camping, picnicking, swimming, boating (gas motors prohibited) and playground facilities are also available in the park. Nearby attractions: Catoctin Zoo, Gettysburg, Catoctin Furnace, Catoctin Mountain National Park. Link to additional information about Cunningham Falls State Park
Piney Run Reservoir (Carroll County)- 300 Acres. Carroll County Department of Parks and Recreation. Located within Piney Run Park, Piney Run Reservoir offers plenty of shore or boat fishing activity. The lake has a good and diverse population of fish which includes largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, channel catfish, yellow perch, bluegill, redear sunfish, stocked rainbow trout, and even large tiger muskie. Fishing excursions on a pontoon boat are available for a nominal fee. Floating piers and fishing platforms provide additional options for access to the water. Gasoline motors are prohibited and anglers need to take note of areas that are restricted from fishing. Although the lake may be tempting on a hot summer day, swimming is also prohibited. Piney Run is a multi-use facility with ample room for picnicking, hiking, or just relaxing. Canoes and kayaks can be rented from the park and a concession stand is also available near the ramp. Link to additional information about Piney Run Reservoir
Centennial Park (Howard County)- 50 Acres. Located near Columbia, and just a short drive from Baltimore and the Washington area, Centennial lake has it all! Howard County recreation and Parks manages the park for a diverse outdoor experience. Centennial Lake is seasonally stocked with rainbow trout, but also has largemouth bass, crappie bluegill and redear. There is ample access for shore fishing, but be aware that special regulations on largemouth bass apply. Centennial is under Trophy Management which means that you may keep 5 bass but only one can be 15 inches or greater in length, the rest have to be under 11 inches. Bass between 11 and up to 15 inches are protected and cannot be harvested. Picnicking, cooking grills (personal grills and hibachis are not allowed), playgrounds, softball/baseball fields, tennis courts, jogging trails, seasonal general store and concession stand, wildlife trails, class A boats only (16' or less) with electric motors, self-propelled boats under 14' are also allowed. Summer music programs occur on selected Wednesday nights and includes a variety of music. Link to additional information about Centennial Park
Little Seneca Lake (Montgomery County)- 505 Acres. Little Seneca Lake is located within Black Hills Regional Park, a Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission (MNCPPC; http://www.mncppc.org/) facility. The 505 acre lake is easily accessible by boat and shore, with additional fishing available on a wheelchair accessible pier. The lake offers largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill sunfish and tiger muskie, a sterile cross between northern pike and muskellunge. These large, toothy predators can really create a stir of excitement if you hook into one of them and are guaranteed to make a memorable event for any young angler that reels one in. Boats are restricted to electric motors only and must be off the water by sunset. Rowboats and canoes are available for rent and leashed pets are permitted in the park. After a little fishing excitement, visitors can enjoy a trip on the parks pontoon boat "Osprey", hike some of the miles of trails that wind through the forest, or enjoy one of the nature programs that are offered by the staff. Also available at Black hills: picnic shelters, playgrounds, volleyball courts, fitness course, nearby camping at Little Bennett Regional Park, Visitor Center, workshops, twilight concerts, and canoe/kayak classes.
Lake Needwood (Montgomery County)- 74 Acres. Located within Rock Creek Regional Park (another MNCPPC property), Lake Needwood is literally a gem in the middle of suburban Maryland. Stocked annually with rainbow trout, and sporting a good population of sunfish and largemouth bass, Lake Needwood is an excellent place to take young anglers for a fun fishing trip and all-around outdoor activities. Along with fishing, Needwood also rents pedal boats, rowboats and canoes, and has the "Needwood Queen", a flat-bottomed pontoon in which wildlife tours can be enjoyed. All boating activities are seasonal but fishing from shore is allowed year-round. A bait and tackle shop, which also sells fishing licenses, is open on a seasonal basis too. Other amenities include hiking/biking trails, playgrounds, and Meadowside Nature Center, which is only a short distance away.
Cosca Lake (Prince Georges County)- 11 Acres. Cosca Lake is part of the MNCPPC network and is located in Cosca Regional Park in Clinton Maryland. Though Cosca is small in size, it has a lot to offer when it comes to outside activities. The lake is surrounded by a trail that makes virtually the entire 11 acres accessible to fishing, and it has plenty of open space for casting practice. Nice largemouth bass and big crappie can be found in the lake, along with bluegill, redear and stocked rainbow trout. Much of the water is completely open, with very little brush to snag up lines. In the middle to late summer, though, grasses come in thick so be aware that reeling in a fish may be a little difficult during this time of year. Other amenities in the park include pedal boat rentals, some really neat playground equipment, picnic areas and shelters, nature trail, campgrounds, tennis courts and softball fields. Cosca is also the home of the Clearwater Nature Center which is a great facility geared towards environmental education. Their exhibits include fish, reptile and amphibian specimens, and a seasonal butterfly and herb garden. Clearwater also welcomes school groups and can plan special activities when requested in advance.
Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary (Prince Georges County) - As the only wildlife sanctuary operated by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Merkle is a truly unique place to fish since the ponds are located in the middle of the wintering grounds for several thousand Canada geese. There is a permit system in place for restricting the number of fishermen allowed at the ponds at the same time.
The permit is free and can be obtained at the Visitor Center. Windmill pond is better known for its nice largemouth bass, but all the ponds have a healthy population of sunfish making Merkle a great setting for teaching a youngster how to fish. One of the reasons why Merkle was included in this list was because it is a fine example of a tidal wetland area that is rich in plant and wildlife species and also provides an excellent educational experience for the entire family. Along with fishing, Visitors can bird watch, hike, bike, or explore the grounds which are managed for geese and other wildlife. The visitor center explores the surrounding habitat and houses a discovery room full of reptiles and other animals. Fishing in the fall is restricted when the geese stop over on their flight south. This is an educational event in itself and is well worth the trip when the Geese start migrating. Merkle has a four-mile Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Driving Tour (CADT) that is open to automobiles on Sundays only. The CADT is open daily from Jan. – Sept for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Contact Merkle for more information. Link to additional information about Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary
Wheatley Lake (Charles County)- 75 Acres. Wheatley Lake is centrally located within Gilbert Run Park, a 180 acre multi-use area that is managed by the Charles County government. Most of the shoreline is accessible to the fisherman and has both secluded areas away from most park activity, and open fields near the dam and playground equipment. It makes an excellent day-trip for the whole family. Wheatley Lake is one of the few areas in Maryland that does not allow for the harvest of largemouth bass but fishing for them is still allowed. Special Regulations require that all bass be release back into the water. Bass can be caught anywhere around the lake, but the upper end is pretty shallow and difficult to fish since there are many submerged stumps in the water. Wheatley also has a great bluegill and redear sunfish population with both species obtaining impressive sizes. Black crappie, channel catfish and seasonally stocked rainbow trout are also found in the lake. Nature trails, picnic areas (grills and tables), picnic pavilions, playground areas, and fishing piers are available, and rowboats, paddleboats, canoes, and aqua bikes can be rented for a fee.
Martinak State Park (Caroline County)- The main fishing feature in Martinak is the Choptank River and Watts Creek. These natural systems host a wide array of game and non-game species. Game fish that can be caught from either shore or boat are largemouth bass, striped bass, chain pickerel, crappie, catfish, yellow perch, white perch and bluegill. Martinak has a good boat launch and pier and canoes can be rented for a daily fee from April to October. The park also offers hiking, camping, picnicking and has a nature center and playground. A Chesapeake Bay Sportfishing License is required to fish the tidal portion of the Choptank River and Watts Creek. Link to additional information about Martinak State Park
Tuckahoe Lake/ Tuckahoe Creek (Caroline County)- 20+ Acres. Tuckahoe Lake is located in Tuckahoe State Park. Both the Lake and the Creek offer a variety of fishing experiences that can exercise different fishing skills and techniques. In the Lake, the largemouth bass and bluegill populations are considered good and the flooded woodland area at the upper end of the lake is really great habitat for chain pickerel. Other species found in Tuckahoe are crappie, yellow perch, and pumpkinseed. Below the spillway there is a growing fishery for hickory shad but all shad must be released back into the water since they are currently a protected species in Maryland. Hatchery raised rainbow trout are also seasonally stocked below the dam in Tuckahoe creek. A small boat launch makes the lake available to non-gasoline powered boats. Since most of the lake is flooded woodland it is perfectly suited for canoes and makes a really neat afternoon trip. Park Naturalists offers guided canoe trips on both the lake and Tuckahoe Creek. The Park has canoe, kayak and paddleboat rentals and also maintains trails for hiking and biking. Tuckahoe also has an Arboretum, two camping loops and multi-level ropes course. Link to additional information about Tuckahoe State Park
Most of these places are well suited for daytrips or low-cost weekend get-aways. Remember to always check with the park you plan to visit for current fees, hours, events, and special requirements. Some parks have a small fee for launching boats or require an additional permit to fish their waters. Also, make sure you have the proper fishing license (Freshwater, Chesapeake Bay, or trout stamp). If in doubt, contact one of the Fisheries offices listed on the Address Link below. Enjoy the warmer weather and have a great summer!
If you are interested in camping in any of the State Parks call 1-888-432-CAMP or log on to reservations.dnr.state.md.us for availability and reservations. Visit our Website at: www.dnr.state.md.us for more information.