The Fishing Bay WMA is managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Division to conserve wildlife and provide for wildlife-dependent recreation. Funds used to manage the area are derived from the sale of hunting licenses and equipment and are dedicated to wildlife purposes only. The result has been the restoration and conservation of a nearly pristine salt marsh habitat that supports wildlife species characteristic of the lower Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay.
At the border between land and water is a special place where two ecosystems collide to produce magical results. This is the salt marsh, once the disdain of humans, but now recognized for its incredible productivity and critical role in maintaining the health of the Chesapeake Bay. Here wildlife flourishes. It is not the place for someone in a hurry or anxious to get to the next destination. The marsh's special qualities are only appreciated with time, patience and a willingness to meander.
Plants are the sustaining force of the marsh. They hold together the jelly-like soils of the marsh and provide the basis for an intricate food web. Without these plants, the marsh and the life it supports would not exist.
Grass-like bulrushes and cordgrass dominate the marsh plant community and are readily visible along the Fishing Bay water trails. Though they vary in height and form, they all have one thing in common - they are able to withstand the salty conditions common to tidal areas in this part of the Bay. The paddler can easily see that even small changes in elevation and soil moisture can result in different plant communities in this fragile ecosystem.
Birds are the most visible of Fishing Bay's wildlife. Bald eagles and ospreys fish the open waters while ducks and geese enjoy the lush wetland plants. Make sure you bring your binoculars and field guide to identify the many birds you are likely to see and hear!
Herons, Egrets and Ibises
From the huge great blue heron to the diminutive green heron, these long-legged waders are characteristic of the marsh. The largest member of the tribe, the great blue heron, is common year-round, but its wariness makes a close view difficult. Often it will flush up ahead, staying tantalizingly out of reach. Although primarily a fish-eater (like all the birds in this group), it has been known to catch rodents and rails during the harder times of winter. In summer, look for the smaller green heron as it suddenly appears crossing the river or darting into the marsh. The all-white plumaged egrets, including the larger, and more hardy great egret and the smaller snowy, can be seen. Egrets can be found in the Fishing Bay marshes in summer as they travel from their breeding colonies on islands in the Chesapeake Bay.
Raptors
The marsh supports large populations of marsh mice. In turn, this attracts many birds of prey, or raptors. For example, rough-legged hawks and short-eared owls that nest in the high arctic tundra, winter in the Fishing Bay marshes. Keep a look out for hawks throughout the day, and for owls at dawn, dusk and night. Year-round, barn owls feed on the same rodents, but this very nocturnal species is unlikely to be seen.
Perhaps the most characteristic raptor of the marsh is the northern harrier, formerly known as the marsh hawk. This graceful bird of prey flies back and forth, low over the marsh on slightly up-bowed wings, hoping to surprise a mouse or small bird. The males are a pearly gray above and white below, with a white rump patch. The females and young share the white rump, but otherwise are tawny brown. Fishing Bay is one of the few areas in Maryland where harriers breed.
At various points along Island Creek you will see large boxes erected in the marsh by Maryland DNR's Wildlife and Heritage Division for use by nesting barn owls. Department of Natural Resources biologists check these boxes annually and monitor their use by owls and other species. The number of young are counted, hatching dates estimated and bird's legs banded for future identification before being carefully returned to the box. From 1989 to 2000, over 1,000 barn owls were banded via this nesting box project.
Rails
The ultimate inhabitant of the marsh, rails are rarely seen. Rather, these short-winged cousins to the crane are usually recorded only by their loud calls. Most active at dawn and dusk during the summer breeding season, the marsh comes alive with the squawks of at least four species - clapper, king, Virginia and black.
Although the Virginia is the most commonly observed rail, Fishing Bay is famous for its population of tiny, mouse-sized black rails. Search the salt-meadow hay along Island Creek, and listen for the repetitive song of the male. Its song, kee-kee-do, kee-kee-do, can often be heard from late April through June between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. Birders throughout the United States visit Fishing Bay's marshes along Elliott's Island Road to record a black rail for their "life list." Black rails are an endangered species, so please be careful not to disturb them.
Waterfowl
Collectively, Fishing Bay WMA and adjacent Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge support one of the most diverse waterfowl populations in Maryland. Most visible to the paddler will be Canada geese and puddle ducks such as black ducks, mallards, green-winged and blue-winged teal, widgeon, gadwalls, pintails, wood ducks and shovelers. Paddlers venturing out onto Fishing Bay itself may see divers like canvasbacks, scaup, goldeneyes and buffleheads. Even oldsquaws and scoters, ducks typically restricted to large open water habitats, can occasionally be seen in Fishing Bay.
Fishing Bay is not just a home for birds, the waters of the Transquaking River and Island Creek support good fish populations too. Bring your rod and reel to try your luck. Those fishing should expect to catch a variety of estuarine and freshwater species such as: largemouth bass, striped bass (rockfish), white perch, yellow perch, black crappie, catfish, carp and pumpkinseed sunfish. Be sure to have a Maryland Chesapeake Bay Sport Fishing License in possession while fishing.
The cautious paddler has a good chance of seeing some of the mammals that frequent the Fishing Bay marshes. Perhaps the most familiar is the white-tailed deer, common along the edges of the marsh. Less familiar is the diminutive sika deer. This small relative of the elk is native to Japan and was introduced into the marshes of Dorchester County in the early 1900s. Paddlers may be treated to the eerie, scream-line "bugle" of mating bucks starting in mid to late October.
The most visible mammals are the semi-aquatic muskrats and nutrias. Both species swim readily, usually leaving a V-shaped wake with just their heads skimming the top of the water. Nutrias are native to South America and were released into the marshes of Dorchester County in the 1930s. As with many introduced species, nutrias have reached unnaturally high populations in Dorchester County and are inflicting serious damage to marsh ecosystems due to their habit of feeding extensively on the roots of marsh plants.
On rare occasions, paddlers may chance upon a river otter, or even an otter family group. Otters are renown for their antics and may entertain the lucky paddler with their swimming skills. Though common in the Fishing Bay wetlands, otters are secretive and only rarely seen.
- View wild animals from an appropriate distance.
- Stay clear of nests, dens and rookeries.
- Do not touch or feed wild animals.
- Do not use calls or whistles, or try to rouse animals in any way.
- Limit your stay to minimize stress on the animals.
- Do not allow pets to interfere with wild animals.
- Do not surround a wild animal with a group of people.
The marshes surrounding Fishing Bay are the largest in Maryland and are dynamic, ever-changing habitats. Factors such as erosion, sea level rise and land subsidence all interact to change the shape of the landscape. Historically, wildfires were one of the many natural factors influencing the marsh ecosystem. Whether ignited by Native Americans to make it easier to hunt game and trap, or lightening, fire occurred with some regularity. After exhaustive research, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff at neighboring Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge have agreed to keep fire as part of the ecology of the Fishing Bay marshes through the use of carefully controlled burns. Paddlers need to be on the lookout for marsh fires during the months of January through early March.
Visitors in early spring may see vast areas of burned marsh and the vigorous, bright green growth that follows this natural phenomenon. This is a good time to paddle the Fishing Bay trail as many of the wildlife species present flock to the recently burned areas and are more readily seen.
The Department of Natural Resources has partnership agreements with several outfitters who provide complete equipment rental and/or guide services. Contact the Department of Natural Resources Nature Tourism Program for more information at 410-260-8186, or visit the Nature Tourism Program on the web at www.dnr.state.md.us/outdooradventures. Also, information may be obtained from the Dorchester County Department of Tourism at 410-228-1000 or on the web at www.tourdorchester.org
Camping is available in Fishing Bay for education groups and Nause-Waiwash tribe members only. Contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources wildlife office at 410-376-3236 for information and a permit. Overnight accommodations are available nearby, including a private campground, hotel and bed and breakfast lodging. Contact the Dorchester County Department of Tourism at 410-228-1000, visit them on the website at www.tourdorchester.org, or stop by the Visitor Center at Sailwinds Park.
Fishing Bay Wildlife Management Area is a sensitive ecosystem. Please be sure that you understand and practice the following stewardship principles of Leave No Trace:
- Plan ahead and prepare.
- Travel on durable surfaces.
- Dispose of waste properly.
- Leave what you find.
- Respect wildlife.
- Be considerate of other visitors.
For more information visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website at: www.lnt.org or contact them at 1-800-332-4100.
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
Established in 1933 as a refuge for migratory birds, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge includes more than 25,000 acres. It is composed mainly of rich tidal marsh along with freshwater ponds, mixed evergreen and deciduous forests, and managed impoundments seasonally flooded for waterfowl use. The bald eagle and endangered Delmarva fox squirrel find the woods and marsh lands a haven. For additional information contact: Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, 2145 Key Wallace Drive, Cambridge, Maryland, 21613. Tel. 410-228-2677, Fax: 410-228-3261.
LeCompte Wildlife Management Area
These 500 acres of mature oak and loblolly pine forests were set aside to provide a refuge for the native Delmarva fox squirrel, designated an endangered species in 1967. This WMA is home to numerous wildlife species, including the wild turkey. Hunting is available, including a hunting area for the physically challenged. For additional information contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources wildlife office at 410-376-3236.
Taylor's Island Wildlife Management Area
Tidal marshes with small loblolly pine and cedar forest "islands" make up these 1,100 acres along the Chesapeake Bay. Boat ramps are nearby for water access. Hunting and fishing are also available. For additional information, contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources wildlife office at 410-376-3236.
TRANSQUAKING RIVER LOOP TRAIL
Enjoy the scenery but be aware that this trail is subject to high winds and strong currents at times.
The name Transquaking is the modern English rendering of a Native American word or phrase. The original meaning is unclear because early colonists spelled it so many different ways. One possible translation is "place of white cedar swamp."
Begin at the Bestpitch boat launch and head south on the Transquaking River (away from the wooden bridge). When you reach the canal, paddle to the right. At the end of the canal, paddle to the left. Going right will take you to open waters on Fishing Bay. This loop trail will bring you to two of the largest wooded islands within Fishing Bay WMA, Guinea and Chance islands. Here is an opportunity to get out of your boat and stretch. With banks rising on average approximately six feet above the water, these islands provide a rare vista across the marsh.
Historically, Guinea and Chance islands were sites of early Native American settlement by the Nause-Waiwash tribe, whose members still visit their ancestral home today. Exposed beach areas along the Transquaking River reveal the remains of oyster middens, where these native peoples discarded shells over hundreds of years.
Experienced paddlers may also want to explore some of the loop trail's side guts, a local term for a creek that intersects a tidal marsh. During a high tide, it may even be possible to travel through the marsh to meet the Transquaking River on the other side of the loop (see map). Be sure to study your map and watch out for confusing intersections. Continue on the main waterway and it will carry you back to the boat launch where you began your adventure.
Directions to Bestpitch boat launch: From the Bay Bridge, take U.S. Route 50 East to Cambridge. Continue east through Cambridge to the Bucktown Road exit (also airport exit), on the right. Follow Bucktown Road south, approximately six miles to Bestpitch Ferry Road. Turn left onto Bestpitch Ferry Road and continue for approximately four miles to Bestpitch. Just before crossing the bridge at the Transquaking River turn right onto the Fishing Bay WMA boat launch entrance road and follow it to the launch area.
Total paddling time: 3 hours
Length: 5 mile loop
ISLAND CREEK TRAIL
This is an out and back trail. Spend as much time as you like paddling. Enjoy the scenery but be aware that this trail is subject to high winds and strong currents at times. Check the tide charts when planning your paddle trip.
Leave the Island Creek primitive boat launch (improvements planned in the future) and head south (to the left) down Island Creek. As you paddle down the creek you will be parallel to Elliott Island Road. As you paddle through the first horseshoe bend in the creek you will pass an abandoned yellow clubhouse on the left. After you pass the house, the creek turns to the right and leads out into Fishing Bay. Once you get to the mouth of Island Creek you can stop at Great Marsh Point to stretch and enjoy the view. At this point you can paddle back up the creek and continue the trip upstream past the boat ramp, or pull out until another day.
Heading north on Island Creek (to the right), the main creek has many side guts on the right leading to numerous secluded ponds, where waterfowl and other birds are often sighted. Drift quietly into these ponds and observe wildlife feeding in the shallow, warm pockets of mud and water. Staying on the main creek channel, and to the left, will take you on a three-mile paddle, which may be shortened by back-tracking at any time.
Directions to Island Creek boat launch: From U.S. Route 50 take the Route 331 exit to Vienna, Maryland. At the stop sign, go straight across old Route 50 to the next stop sign. Turn left onto Race Street and go to the first intersection. Turn right onto Market Street. Proceed to the stop sign, go straight across, and continue on Market Street which will become Ellicott Island Road. Go approximately 12 miles and the boat launch will be on your right.
Total paddling time: variable
Length: variable
Please play safe! Be familiar with the unique hazards and challenges of paddling Fishing Bay, such as these:
- Although the tidal elevation change is only one to two feet in Fishing Bay, paddling against an incoming tide can be difficult and will slow your progress. Please check the tide schedule when planning your trip. Tide table charts are available at the Visitor Center at Sailwinds Park or on the Fisheries homepage.
- Fishing Bay is a wilderness area. Water trails are not marked. These trails are also not patrolled on a regular basis. It is easy to get confused and lost within the maze of creeks that divide the tidal marsh. Be sure that you have the navigational skills necessary to use a map and compass. Bring extra clothing and gear in case of emergencies.
- Fishing Bay WMA is a popular public hunting area. Use courtesy and common sense when encountering a hunting group.
- Certain types of mud and marsh appear as though they may be safely crossed on foot, but they can be very deceiving. Use extreme caution in these areas as you may become entrapped. If you do, lay on your back, using your elbows and hands to work your way backward to solid ground.
- A host of biting flies and mosquitoes inhabit the marsh. In warmer months, wear insect repellant and light colored clothing.
- Beware of stinging sea nettles and jellyfish in the water throughout the summer months.
For more information on preparing for and planning a paddling trip, visit the American Canoe Association's website at www.acanet.org or contact them at 7432 Alban Station Blvd., Suite B-226, Springfield, VA 22150, phone: 703-451-0141.
The Dorchester County Department of Tourism
2 Rose Hill Place
Cambridge, MD 21613
Tel. 410-228-1000, Fax: 410-221-6545
E-mail: info@tourdorchester.org
Or visit www.tourdorchester.org
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Eastern Regional Wildlife and Heritage Office
201 Baptist Street, Suite 22
Salisbury, MD 21801
Tel. 410-713-3852
Or visit www.dnr.state.md.us
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Boating Services
Tawes State Office Building
580 Taylor Ave., E-4
Annapolis, MD 21401
Tel. 410-260-8771, Fax: 410-260-8404
Or visit
www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/
The facilities and services of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources are available to all without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin or physical or mental disability. This document is available in alternative format upon request from a qualified individual with a disability. TTY# 1-800-735-2258 or 711