Guide To The Best Places To Fish in Maryland
There are many great places to fish in The Old Line State. While there are only two lakes in the state with more than 3,000 surface acres, there is fishing water all over the state. Anglers can choose from coastal waters, rivers, streams, ponds and lakes. Here we focus on fishing opportunities at the best lakes in the state
Maryland's Top-Five, Amazing Fishing Spots
- Deep Creek Lake in northwest MD
- Liberty Reservoir in north-central MD
- Rocky Gorge Reservoir in central MD
- Youghiogheny River Lake in southwest MD
- Prettyboy Reservoir in north-central MD
These lakes are some of the larger lakes in the state, and have demonstrated over time to be among the best places to fish in Maryland. Learn more...
Most Popular Fish Species In Maryland Lakes
Anglers can fish for two species of bass, four species of trout, stripers, four species of catfish, walleye, pike, muskie and a half-dozen sunfish species. Learn more...
Best Bass Fishing Lakes In Maryland
- Deep Creek Lake in northwest MD
- Rocky Gorge Reservoir in central MD
- Youghiogheny River Lake in southwest MD
Despite the short growing season, and very cold water, both largemouth and smallmouth bass thrive here and grow to bragging size. The state record for largemouth exceeds eleven pounds, and the record smallie is over eight pounds. These three lakes are among the best places to fish for bass in the state. Learn more...
Top Places To Fish For Trout In Maryland
- Deep Creek Lake in northwest MD
- Jennings Randolph Lake in northwest MD
- Youghiogheny River Lake in southwest MD
This website focuses on lake fishing, and these are at the top of the list for overall best lakes to fish for trout in the state. For those prefer fishing in rivers and streams, there are plenty of very good choices, as well. Learn more...
Best Lakes For Striped Bass Fishing In Maryland
- Liberty Reservoir in north-central MD
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources introduced striped bass into Liberty Reservoir in the 1980's. Subsequent stockings and natural reproduction have maintained a population of stripers. Learn more...
Best Lakes To Fish For Catfish In Maryland
- Loch Raven Reservoir in northeast MD
- Little Seneca Lake in central MD
- Prettyboy Reservoir in north-central MD
Catfish fishing enthusiasts will be happy to know that blue, white, flathead and channel catfish all thrive in waters across Maryland. These are three of the top lakes in the state for catching catfish, and there is also many monster cats swimming throughout river systems in the state. Learn more...
Best Walleye Fishing Lakes In Maryland
- Deep Creek Lake in northwest MD
- Jennings Randolph Lake in northwest MD
- Youghiogheny River Lake in southwest MD
If you enjoy eating fish, walleye is among the best tasting fresh-water fishes. These lakes have proven over time to be among the best places to fish for walleye in the state. Learn more...
Enjoy these top spots to go fishing in Maryland
Find the best places to fish, by state.
MARYLAND

