Fish Species Managed:
(Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Yellow Perch, Bluegill, Rock Bass, Crappie and stocked trout) Savage River Reservoir is known for being a great multi-species impoundment in the mountains of Western Maryland. Although probably best known for its abundant smallmouth bass and quality panfish fisheries, Savage also provides opportunities for trophy largemouth bass and walleye. Each spring the lake is stocked with rainbow trout to provide anglers with a put-and-take trout fishing opportunity.
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.
Boating/Access Restrictions:
Boating is permitted on Savage River Reservoir but is limited to the use of boats with electric motors only. Outboard motors are prohibited on Savage River Reservoir and need to be removed from your vessel prior to launching. All boating regulations required by the State of Maryland must be followed (Link). There are three public boat ramps on the reservoir where ease of access can be impacted by fluctuating water levels.
Paddle craft are welcome on the lake and Savage is very popular with canoeists and kayakers.
The entire lake is found within Savage River State Forest and Big Run State Park and is open for angling along its shoreline. Ice fishing is permitted although extreme caution should be taken, given the potential for large fluctuations in lake levels.
Physical/Habitat Description:
Savage River Reservoir is a 350 acre oligotrophic impoundment that provides multiple habitat types that can vary with changing lake levels. Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) is relatively uncommon due to large fluctuations in water levels and steep shorelines and areas with flooded willow trees can be found seasonally when the lake is at full pool. The majority of habitat consists of rock and/or wood structures and is abundant throughout most of the lake.
History:
The Savage River reservoir was constructed in 1952 for the purposes of flood control and domestic water supply for the town of Westernport, Maryland. The reservoir is managed and operated for those purposes by the Upper Potomac River Commission.
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
