Guide To Walleye Fishing In Maryland

Maryland offers excellent opportunities for walleye fishing, with several lakes and rivers providing ideal habitats for this popular gamefish. Walleye, known for their delicious flavor and challenging angling, can be found in select bodies of water throughout the state.

Deep Creek Lake, located in western Maryland, is a premier destination for walleye fishing. This expansive lake is renowned for its healthy population of walleye, offering anglers a chance to reel in some impressive catches. The combination of Deep Creek Lake's structure, submerged timber, and deep water make it an ideal habitat for walleye to thrive.

The Susquehanna River, particularly in the upper reaches, is another notable walleye fishing destination in Maryland. Anglers can explore the river's rocky sections, pools, and eddies to target walleye. The Susquehanna River provides excellent walleye fishing opportunities during certain times of the year, particularly in the spring and fall when these fish are more active and feed aggressively.

When it comes to state records, Maryland boasts impressive catches. The current state record for walleye stands at over 14 pounds, a testament to the potential for landing trophy-sized walleye in the state's waters. This record inspires anglers to seek out the perfect fishing spots and challenge themselves in pursuit of the next state record catch.

Walleye fishing in Maryland combines the thrill of angling with the satisfaction of catching a prized fish that's known for its culinary appeal. Whether you're trolling on a lake or casting in a river, Maryland's walleye fishing opportunities provide anglers with exciting experiences and the chance to reel in some impressive walleye specimens.

Walleye Lakes In MD

The major lakes in Maryland with a healthy population of walleye include Deep Creek Lake, Jennings Randolph Lake, Liberty Reservoir, Loch Raven Reservoir, Rocky Gorge Reservoir and Triadelphia Reservoir.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Top lures for walleye in Maryland

Jigs with a variety of trailers and bait work well in virtually any depth water. When walleyes are shallow, spinnerbaits, small crankbaits and rip baits are the often very productive. As they move deeper, spoons are ideal for active walleye. Understanding the seasonal movements of walleyes can enhance your chances of selecting the right lures for conditions on local waters.

Maryland State Walleye, Sauger & Saugeye Records

The state record walleye was caught out of Jennings Randolph Lake.

Fishing For Walleye

This toothy fish will eat virtually anything it can catch and get in its mouth. They prefer small fish and will eat crustaceans, worms and insects. They tend to be somewhat wary and prefer the safety of deeper darker water. Trolling for walleye with deep diving crankbaits, jerkbaits, spinners and live bait provides a way to cover vast areas and locate concentrations of fish. Use of planer boards allows anglers to cover water out both sides of the boat while trolling. Try fishing for walleye from sundown to midnight, particularly during the heat of summer.

Watch this video for walleye tips and tactics.

Walleye prefer moderately deep lakes with gravel, rock or sandy bottoms. It is found primarily in cold water lakes but has proven to survive in warmer impoundments. It is prized for its great tasting filets. Click here to learn all about walleye fishing.

Maryland walleye spawn in spring and when they have the option will choose to migrate from the lake up into feeder streams to spawn. If this option is not available they seek out shallow bars or shoals with clean bottom surfaces near deep water.

Walleye Resources

In-Fisherman - Walleye
U.S. Fish & Wildlife - Walleye
The National Wildlife Federation - Walleye

Also find information about walleye, sauger or saugeye fishing in these states.