Located in Baltimore County
Physical/ Habitat Description - The North Branch of the Patapsco River is the primary tributary that feeds the reservoir. Other tributaries include Beaver Run, Keyer's Run, Prugh Run, Morgan Run, Locust Run, and Cooks Branch. Reservoir length is 18 km with a shoreline length at full pool of 131 km. The average depth is 59 ft with a maximum depth of 144 ft.
Fish Species - The reservoir is managed for warm, cool, and cold-water fish species. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, along with bluegill, crappie, and white perch are the most popular warm-water fish. White crappie and the bass often reach trophy size. White perch still average about 10 inches despite being very plentiful in the reservoir.
Striped bass were stocked between 1981 and 1984. They have been reproducing naturally since 1986 so expect to catch a variety of sizes, with some of the stocked fish now in the 40-pound range. This reservoir also supports a fine walleye fishery, sustained by good natural reproduction. A 12-pound walleye was surveyed recently.
Restrictions - Boat propulsion is limited to rowing, paddling, or battery-powered motors. A seasonal permit issued by the City of Baltimore Reservoir Natural Resources Office is required prior to launching a boat in Liberty Reservoir. Shoreline fishing is permitted.
To help control the spread of invasive species, including zebra mussels, boaters on Liberty, Loch Raven, and Prettyboy Reservoirs must sign an affidavit stating their boat will be used only on these reservoirs.
History - This 1,225 hectare (3,100 acre) impoundment was completed on July 8, 1954. It was constructed by the City of Baltimore for use as a public water supply. The dam crest is at an elevation of 126 m above sea level, and water overflowed the crest for the first time on February 6, 1956.
Contact Us - Boat permits and rules for Liberty Reservoir are handled by Baltimore City Department of Public Works. If you have questions about access or to obtain a boating permit application for Liberty and Prettyboy Reservoirs please visit:
publicworks.baltimorecity.gov/reservoirs, or call 410-795-6150
For the Reservoir Natural Resources Section, call 410-795-6151.
