Located in Allegany County

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Fish Species Managed: 
(Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Chain Pickerel, Yellow Perch, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Redear Sunfish, Crappie, Trout)  Lake Habeeb is a great multi-species lake that provides fishing opportunities for a variety of anglers. The lake is well known for its healthy and abundant largemouth bass population that provides some of the highest tournament catch rates in the state. A great panfish population occupies the lake with a good mix of bluegill, redear sunfish, black crappie, and yellow perch. Adult trout are stocked in the lake annually, providing anglers with a year-round recreational put and take trout fishery. When conditions allow, Lake Habeeb also provides anglers with a great ice fishing destination.

Summary of Most Recent Survey Results​

​ Special Fishing Regulations:

All gamefish and panfish are managed under statewide regulations. Click here ​for the current Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing for fishing regulations. Special Put-and-Take trout fishing regulations are enforced on Lake Habeeb with no minimum size and a creel limit of five trout per day.

Boating/Access Restrictions:
Boating is permitted on Lake Habeeb but is limited to the use of electric motors only. Paddle craft are also welcome on the lake but must be launched at one of the designated launch areas. The entire lake is open for angling except for the areas buoyed off at the three public swimming beaches. All boating regulations required by the State of Maryland must be followed (LInk). Fishing from shore is also permitted and easy shoreline access can be found by following the Lakeside Loop Trail that encompasses the lake. Fishing the lake is permitted 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week.

Physical/Habitat Description:

Lake Habeeb is a diverse 243-acre lake that is tucked within the mountains at Rocky Gap State Park. With a maximum depth of 74 feet, the lake stratifies during the summer months and the deeper zone maintains cold, oxygenated water suitable for a “two-story” fishery. A variety of habitat types can be found throughout the lake consisting of abundant aquatic vegetation, woody debris, boulders, and some man made habitat. Aquatic vegetation in the lake has been documented to depths around twenty feet providing an exceptional deep water weed edge. Freshwater Fisheries and Hatcheries Division (FFHD) biologists have also placed concrete habitat structures throughout the lake for artificial fish habitat.

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History:

Lake Habeeb (also known as Rocky Gap Lake) is located within Rocky Gap State Park in north-central Allegany county. The 243-acre lake was impounded in 1969 and opened in 1974. Lake Habeeb is located within Rocky Gap State Park and offers fishing piers, swim areas, two public boat ramps (fee required), picnicking, covered pavilions, camping, and an array of outdoor recreation opportunities. For more information on Rocky Gap State Park call 301-722-1480 or click here.

Contact Us - Comments and questions regarding fishing in Deep Creek Lake can be directed to:

Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Fishing and Boating Services
1728 King's Run Road Oakland, Maryland 21550
301-334-8218 or  customerservice.dnr@maryland.gov