Waterbody · Maryland
Deep Creek Lake Fishing Regulations 2026
Deep Creek Lake fishing regulations in 2026: top targets are bass, trout, walleye. 406 current rules across 14 species from DNR.
Rules (406)
DNR regulates 406 rules across 14 species at this water.
Brook Trout
Deep Creek LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
You must immediately release any brook trout.
Youghiogheny River, Garrett County— Mainstem Beginning At The Red Post Approximately 100 Yards Upstream Of The Deep Creek Lake Tailrace And Extending Downstream 4 Miles To The Sang Run Bridge.Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
You must immediately release any brook trout.
Accident PondCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
All Nontidal WatersCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
You must immediately release any brook trout.
All Nontidal Waters East Of Interstate 81Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
You may not possess brook trout in this area. You must immediately release any brook trout.
All Nontidal Waters East Of Interstate 81.Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
You must immediately release any brook trout.
Allen’s PondClosed
- Status
- Closed
all brook trout must be immediately released
Antietam Creek—Mainstem From Upstream Boundary Of Devil’s Backbone Park To The Mouth Of Beaver CreekClosed
- Status
- Closed
all brook trout must be immediately released
Battie Mixon PondsCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Bear Creek—Mainstem From The Corner Of Fish Hatchery Road And Rabbit Hollow Road Downstream To The Confluence With The Youghiogheny River At FriendsvilleCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Beaver Creek—From The Upstream Side Of The Bridge At The I-70 West On-Ramp Downstream To Black Rock Creek; And From The Downstream Side Of The Bridge At U.s. Route 40 Downstream To The Confluence With Antietam CreekClosed
- Status
- Closed
all brook trout must be immediately released
Beaverdam Creek—In Salisbury From Schumaker Dam Downstream To The Bridge Crossing At Memorial Plaza RoadClosed
- Status
- Closed
all brook trout must be immediately released
Big Elk Creek—Mainstem From The Bridge At Md Route 277 Upstream To The Pennsylvania State LineCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Blairs Valley LakeClosed
- Status
- Closed
all brook trout must be immediately released
Broadford LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Bynum PondClosed
- Status
- Closed
all brook trout must be immediately released
Calvert Cliffs PondCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Carroll Creek, Frederick CountyClosed
- Status
- Closed
no brook trout allowed
Centennial LakeClosed
- Status
- Closed
all brook trout must be immediately released
Cosca LakeClosed
- Status
- Closed
all brook trout must be immediately released
Cotton Cove Pond In Glendening Recreational Complex At FrostburgCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Cunningham Falls LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Dans Mountain PondCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Deer Creek—Mainstem From 1 Mile South Of Rocks State Park Upstream To The Bridge At Md Route 23Closed
- Status
- Closed
all brook trout must be immediately released
Evitts Creek PondsCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Evitts Creek—Mainstem Upstream Of Interstate Route 68Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Farm Museum PondCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Fifteen Mile Creek WatershedCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Fishing Creek—Mainstem Upstream Of Fishing Creek Reservoir Including Steep CreekCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Flintstone Creek WatershedCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Frank Bentz PondCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Friends Creek WatershedCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Georges Creek—Mainstem From The Upper Boundary Of Town Park In Westernport Upstream To Neff RunCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Great Seneca Creek—From Md Route 28 Upstream To Md Route 355Closed
- Status
- Closed
all brook trout must be immediately released
Greenbelt LakeClosed
- Status
- Closed
all brook trout must be immediately released
Greenbrier LakeClosed
- Status
- Closed
all brook trout must be immediately released
Gunpowder Falls—Mainstem From The Red Post Located 1.6 Miles Downstream Of Corbett Road Downstream To The Hiker/Biker Bridge Located Approximately One Mile Downstream Of Phoenix Road; And From Cromwell Bridge Downstream To The Interstate Rt. 95 BridgeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Gwynn Oak Park PondCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Gwynns Falls—Mainstem Below Md Route 140Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Hamburg PondCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Herrington Creek—MainstemCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Herrington LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Howards PondCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Hughesville PondCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Hutchins PondCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Indian Springs PondClosed
- Status
- Closed
all brook trout must be immediately released
Israel CreekClosed
- Status
- Closed
all brook trout must be immediately released
Izaak Walton PondClosed
- Status
- Closed
all brook trout must be immediately released
Jennings Randolph LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Jennings Run—Mainstem Downstream Of The Confluence Of North Jennings RunCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Lake ArtemesiaClosed
- Status
- Closed
all brook trout must be immediately released
Lake ElkhornClosed
- Status
- Closed
all brook trout must be immediately released
Lake Habeeb (Rocky Gap Lake)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Lake NeedwoodCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Laurel LakesClosed
- Status
- Closed
all brook trout must be immediately released
Licking Creek MainstemClosed
- Status
- Closed
all brook trout must be immediately released
Lions Park Pond, Frostburg (Area Subject To User Restrictions By The City Of Frostburg)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Little Falls—Mainstem From Wiseburg Road Upstream To Valley Mill RoadCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Little Gunpowder Falls—Mainstem From Jericho Road Upstream To Md Route 165Closed
- Status
- Closed
all brook trout must be immediately released
Little Gunpowder Falls—Mainstem From Jericho Road Upstream To Route 165Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Little Pipe CreekCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Little Youghiogheny River—Mainstem From Md Route 219 Downstream To The Youghiogheny RiverCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Lost LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Martin Luther King, Jr. Park PondCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Melwood PondClosed
- Status
- Closed
all brook trout must be immediately released
Middle Creek—Mainstem From The Md Route 17 Bridge Near The Junction Of Bittle Road Upstream To The Confluence Of Spruce RunCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Middletown PondCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Mill Run—Mainstem Downstream Of Uppermost Bridge On Mill Run RoadCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Muddy Creek—MainstemCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Myrtle Grove Wildlife Management Area—All PondsCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
New Germany LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
North Branch Potomac River Mainstem— From Allegany County Line Downstream To The Upper Potomac River Commission Wastewater Treatment Plant Discharge In WesternportCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
North Branch Potomac River Mainstem— From Jennings Randolph Lake Upstream Approximately 6 Miles To The Lower Boundary Of Potomac State Forest; From The Uppermost Boundary Of Potomac State Forest At Wallman Upstream Approximately 8.5 Miles To The Bridge At Old Wilson Road; From The Red Post Located Approximately 100 Yards Above The Upstream Concrete Abutments At Barnum, West Virginia, Downstream To The Red Post Located Below A Pool Known As Blue Hole, Approximately[1] ⁄3 Mile Upstream Of BenchCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released; Mark 1110 on the Westernport United States Geological Survey Quadrangle, and from Piney Swamp Run downstream to the Allegany County line
North Branch Potomac River Mainstem—From Allegany County Line Downstream To The Upper Potomac River Commission Wastewater Treatment Plant Discharge In WesternportClosed
- Status
- Closed
all brook trout must be immediately released
North Branch Potomac River Mainstem—From Jennings Randolph Lake Upstream Approximately 6 Miles To The Lower Boundary Of Potomac State Forest; From The Uppermost Boundary Of Potomac State Forest At Wallman Upstream Approximately 8.5 Miles To The Bridge At Old Wilson Road; From The Red Post Located Approximately 100 Yards Above The Upstream Concrete Abutments At Barnum, West Virginia, Downstream To The Red Post Located Below A Pool Known As Blue Hole, Approximately 1⁄3 Mile Upstream Of BenchClosed
- Status
- Closed
all brook trout must be immediately released; Mark 1110 on the Westernport United States Geological Survey Quadrangle, and from Piney Swamp Run downstream to the Allegany County line
North Jennings Run WatershedCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Northwest Branch Watershed—Upstream Of Md Route 410 To Norwood RoadCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Orchard PondCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Owens Creek—Mainstem From Buck Lantz Road Downstream To Roddy RoadClosed
- Status
- Closed
all brook trout must be immediately released; catch and return only from June 1 through last day of February
Patapsco River—Mainstem From The B&O Viaduct Upstream To Ilchester RoadCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Patuxent River—Mainstem From Base Of Rocky Gorge Reservoir Dam In Laurel Downstream To The Railroad CrossingClosed
- Status
- Closed
all brook trout must be immediately released
Pine LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Piney ReservoirClosed
- Status
- Closed
all brook trout must be immediately released
Piney Run ReservoirCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Piney Run—Mainstem Downstream From Arrington RoadCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Principio Creek—Mainstem Upstream Of Md Route 7Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Put-And-Take Trout Fishing AreasCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released.
Rainbow LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Robert’s Mill PondCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Savage ReservoirClosed
- Status
- Closed
all brook trout must be immediately released
Savage RiverCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
You must immediately release any brook trout.
Savage River Mainstem And Tributaries Upstream Of The Savage River Reservoir Dam, Excluding The Put-And-Take-AreasCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
You may not possess brook trout in this area. You must immediately release any brook trout.
Savage River Mainstem From The Downstream Side Of The Rt. 135 Bridge Upstream For A Distance Of Approximately 2.7 Miles To The Lower Suspension Bridge (Allegany Bridge)
- Min size
- 12"
Savage River Mainstem From The Downstream Side Of The Rt. 135 Bridge Upstream For A Distance Of Approximately 2.7 Miles To The Lower Suspension Bridge (Allegany Bridge).
- Min size
- 12"
Savage River Mainstem From The Savage River Reservoir Dam Downstream To The Lower Suspension Bridge (Allegany Bridge)
- Min size
- 12"
Savage River Mainstem From The Savage River Reservoir Dam Downstream To The Lower Suspension Bridge (Allegany Bridge).
- Min size
- 12"
Savage River—Mainstem From Savage Reservoir Upstream To Poplar LickClosed
- Status
- Closed
all brook trout must be immediately released
Schoolhouse PondClosed
- Status
- Closed
all brook trout must be immediately released
Severn Run—Mainstem Upstream Of Md Route 3Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Sharpsburg Community PondClosed
- Status
- Closed
all brook trout must be immediately released
Sideling Hill Creek WatershedCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Snowy Creek MainstemClosed
- Status
- Closed
all brook trout must be immediately released
South Branch Patapsco River—Mainstem From West Friendship Road (Howard County Side) And Main Street (Carroll County Side) At Sykesville Downstream To Its Confluence With The North Branch Patapsco RiverCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Stansbury Park PondCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Tuckahoe Creek & LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Tucker PondClosed
- Status
- Closed
all brook trout must be immediately released
Urbana LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Warfield Park PondClosed
- Status
- Closed
all brook trout must be immediately released
Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission LakesClosed
- Status
- Closed
no brook trout allowed (Youth-Only Trout Fishing Day March 21, 2026)
Westminster PondCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Wheatley LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Whiskey Springs PondCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
White Sulfur PondCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Wills Creek—Mainstem Upstream Of The Us Army Corps Of Engineers Flood Control Project At The Narrows Above CumberlandCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Woodsboro Community PondCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
all brook trout must be immediately released
Youghiogheny River—Mainstem Upstream Of The Junction Of Muddy Creek And From The Upstream Side Of The Md Route 42 Bridge Downstream 0.4 Miles To The Confluence Of Minnow Run, 50 Yards Downstream From Maple Street.Closed
- Status
- Closed
all brook trout must be immediately released
Maryland statewideClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
- Gear
- No Live Bait
To use brook trout as bait Brown and Brook Trout cannot be used as bait
Striped Bass
All AreasCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 19"
- Max size
- 24"
- Gear
- Angling Only
DEC. 6–DEC. 31 • No harvest • Circle hook rules remain the same. • Eels may not be used as bait. SEPT. 1–DEC. 5 To use more than two hooks or two sets of hooks for each rod or line. Artificial lures or plugs with multiple hooks are considered 1 set of hooks.
All Areas Closed To Striped Bass Fishing. (Chesapeake Bay And Tidal Tributaries)Closed
- Status
- Closed
- Season opens
- Aug 1
- Season closes
- Aug 31
No targeting. Attempting to catch striped bass is illegal during this time period.
All Areas Closed To Striped Bass Fishing. (Susquehanna Flats, Lower Susquehanna River, And Northeast River)Closed
- Status
- Closed
- Season opens
- Aug 1
- Season closes
- Aug 31
No targeting. Attempting to catch striped bass is illegal during this time period.
All Areas Open To Catch And Release Fishing Only. (Chesapeake Bay And Tidal Tributaries)Closed
- Status
- Closed
- Season opens
- Dec 6
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Gear
- No Live Bait
No harvest. Eels may not be used as bait.
All Areas Open To Catch And Release Fishing Only. (Susquehanna Flats, Lower Susquehanna River, And Northeast River)Closed
- Status
- Closed
- Season opens
- Dec 6
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Gear
- No Live Bait
No harvest Eels may not be used as bait.
All Areas Open. (Chesapeake Bay And Tidal Tributaries)Out of season
- Season opens
- Sep 1
- Season closes
- Dec 5
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 19"
- Max size
- 24"
All Areas Open. (Susquehanna Flats, Lower Susquehanna River, And Northeast River)Out of season
- Season opens
- Sep 1
- Season closes
- Dec 5
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 19"
- Max size
- 24"
All Nontidal Reservoirs, Lakes, And Ponds.
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day
- Min size
- 18"
- Max size
- 30"
only one of those fish may be larger than 30 inches
All State Waters (Atlantic Ocean, Coastal Bays And Their Tributaries)Open year-round
- Season opens
- Jan 1
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Slot min
- 28"
- Slot max
- 31"
- Gear
- No Live Bait
treble hooks are prohibited
Any Tidal Waters
- Gear
- Non Offset Circle Hook
When using fish, crabs, or worms as bait, or processed bait
Atlantic Ocean, Coastal Bays And Their Tributaries
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Slot min
- 28"
- Slot max
- 31"
- Gear
- Circle Hooks
Jan. 1–Dec. 31 Must always use non-offset circle hooks when using fish, crabs or worms as bait or processed baits (treble hooks are prohibited) when targeting striped bass. Jan. 1–Dec. 31
Catch And Release Only*Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Min size
- 40"
These species are only eligible for the Catch and Release Award
Chesapeake Bay
- Season opens
- 00-00
- Gear
- Spear Gun And Spear
Fishing in the Chesapeake Bay or its tidal tributaries from midnight to 5 a.m. To take or shoot striped bass with a spear gun and spear in the tidal waters of the state
Chesapeake Bay And Tidal TributariesCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 19"
- Max size
- 24"
- Gear
- No Live Bait
DEC. 6–DEC. 31 SEPT. 1–DEC. 5 Eels may not be used as bait. DEC. 6–DEC. 31
Chesapeake Bay Downstream From A Line Between Abbey Point And Worton Point To The Virginia Line Including Tangier And Pocomoke Sounds.Closed
- Status
- Closed
- Season opens
- Mar 1
- Season closes
- Apr 30
- Gear
- No Live Bait
No harvest. Eels may not be used as bait.
Chesapeake Bay Downstream From A Line Drawn From The South Corner Of Hart-Miller Island Dike To The End Of Md Route 21 At Tolchester And South To The Md/Va Line, Excluding All Bays, Sounds, Tributaries, Creeks And Rivers. Except: Tangier Sound And Pocomoke Sound; Chester River And Its Tributaries Downstream Of A Line Drawn From Hail Point To Long Point To Ferry Point; Patuxent River And Its Tributaries Downstream Of A Line Drawn From Point Patience To The West Point Of Land At The Entrance Of Little Kingston Creek; Choptank River And Its Tributaries Downstream Of A Line Drawn From Holland Point To A Point Of Land At The West Entrance Of Chapel Creek; And All Potomac River Tributaries Downstream Of The Nice Memorial Bridge (U.s. 301) Are Open.
- Season opens
- May 16
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 19"
- Max size
- 24"
Chesapeake Bay From The Brewerton Channel To The Virginia Line, Excluding All Bays, Sounds, Tributaries, Creeks And Rivers, Except Tangier And Pocomoke Sounds And All Potomac River Tributaries Downstream Of The Nice Memorial Bridge (U.s. 301).Out of season
- Season opens
- May 1
- Season closes
- May 15
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 19"
- Max size
- 24"
- Gear
- No Live Bait
Eels may not be used as bait.
Chesapeake Bay Or Its Tidal Tributaries
- Gear
- Spear Gun Prohibited
To take or shoot striped bass with a spear gun and spear in the tidal waters of the state.
Chester River And Its Tributaries Downstream Of A Line Drawn From Hail Point To Long Point To Ferry Point
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 19"
- Max size
- 24"
MAY 16–MAY 31
Choptank River And Its Tributaries Downstream Of A Line Drawn From Holland Point To A Point Of Land At The West Entrance Of Chapel Creek
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 19"
- Max size
- 24"
MAY 16–MAY 31
Designated Spawning AreasClosed
- Status
- Closed
- Season opens
- Mar 1
To fish for striped bass by any means or practice catch-and-release of striped bass from March 1–May 31.
No Area Restrictions In State Waters
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 28"
- Max size
- 31"
- Gear
- Single Pointed Hooks
JAN. 1–DEC. 31 Must always use non-offset circle hooks when using fish, crabs or worms as bait or processed baits (treble hooks are prohibited) when targeting striped bass.
Nontidal (Lakes And Ponds)
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day
- Possession
- 4 fish
- Min size
- 18"
only one of which may be over 30 inches. only one of which may be over 30 inches
Patuxent River And Its Tributaries Downstream Of A Line Drawn From Point Patience To The West Point Of Land At The Entrance Of Little Kingston Creek
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 19"
- Max size
- 24"
MAY 16–MAY 31
Pocomoke Sound
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 19"
- Max size
- 24"
MAY 16–MAY 31
Potomac River Tributaries Downstream Of The Nice Memorial Bridge (U.s. 301)
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 19"
- Max size
- 24"
MAY 16–MAY 31
Susquehanna Flats, Lower Susquehanna River, And Northeast RiverCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 19"
- Max size
- 24"
- Gear
- No Live Bait
DEC. 6–DEC. 31 SEPT. 1–DEC. 5 Eels may not be used as bait. DEC. 6–DEC. 31
Susquehanna Flats, Upstream Of A Line From Sandy Point To Turkey Point And The Susquehanna River Downstream From A Line Connecting The Susquehanna State Park Boat Ramp At Lapidum (Defined By Lat. 39°35.86' N And Long. 76°07.67' W) To Twin Rocks (Defined By Lat. 39°36.17' N And Long. 76°07.56' W) To Tomes Wharf In Port Deposit (Defined By Lat. 39°36.23' N And Long. 76°06.99' W); And The Northeast River.Closed
- Status
- Closed
- Season opens
- Mar 1
- Season closes
- Mar 31
- Gear
- No Live Bait
No harvest. Eels may not be used as bait.
Tangier Sound
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 19"
- Max size
- 24"
MAY 16–MAY 31
Tidal Tributaries Of The Chesapeake BayClosed
- Status
- Closed
May not be used to take striped bass
Maryland statewideOut of season
- Season opens
- Apr 1
- Season closes
- May 31
Largemouth Bass
Chesapeake BayClosed
- Status
- Closed
May not be used to take largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, all shark species, snapping turtles and any threatened or endangered species
Johnson Pond, Wicomico County
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Slot min
- 11"
- Slot max
- 15"
may be 15 inches or longer
Johnson Pond, Wicomico County.
- Daily bag
- 1 fish
- Min size
- 15"
- Slot min
- 11"
- Slot max
- 15"
Only one bass in possession may be 15 inches or longer. No bass in possession can measure between 11 and 15 inches long.
Leonard Mill Pond, Wicomico County
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Slot min
- 11"
- Slot max
- 15"
may be 15 inches or longer
Leonard Mill Pond, Wicomico County.
- Daily bag
- 1 fish
- Min size
- 15"
- Slot min
- 11"
- Slot max
- 15"
Only one bass in possession may be 15 inches or longer. No bass in possession can measure between 11 and 15 inches long.
Little Seneca Lake, Montgomery County
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Slot min
- 11"
- Slot max
- 15"
may be 15 inches or longer
Little Seneca Lake, Montgomery County.
- Daily bag
- 1 fish
- Min size
- 15"
- Slot min
- 11"
- Slot max
- 15"
Only one bass in possession may be 15 inches or longer. No bass in possession can measure between 11 and 15 inches long.
Monocacy River—From The Potomac River Upstream To Buckeystown DamCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
You must immediately release any largemouth or smallmouth bass into the water where it was caught.
Monocacy River—From The Potomac River Upstream To Buckeystown Dam.Closed
- Status
- Closed
Patapsco River—From Interstate 70 Downstream To Md Route 144 (Frederick Road)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
You must immediately release any largemouth or smallmouth bass into the water where it was caught.
Patapsco River—From Interstate 70 Downstream To Md Route 144 (Frederick Road).Closed
- Status
- Closed
Potomac River—From Dam No. 2 (Seneca Breaks) Upstream To The Mouth Of The Monocacy RiverCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
You must immediately release any largemouth or smallmouth bass into the water where it was caught.
Potomac River—From Dam No. 2 (Seneca Breaks) Upstream To The Mouth Of The Monocacy River.Closed
- Status
- Closed
St. Mary’s Lake, St. Mary’s County— Located On Md Route 5.
- Daily bag
- 1 fish
- Min size
- 15"
- Slot min
- 11"
- Slot max
- 15"
Only one bass in possession may be 15 inches or longer. No bass in possession can measure between 11 and 15 inches long.
St. Mary’s Lake, St. Mary’s County—Located On Md Route 5
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Slot min
- 11"
- Slot max
- 15"
may be 15 inches or longer
Tidal Tributaries Of The Chesapeake BayClosed
- Status
- Closed
May not be used to take largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, all shark species, snapping turtles and any threatened or endangered species
Youghiogheny River Lake (Reservoir)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Jun 13
- Season closes
- Oct 31
- Daily bag
- 6 fish/day
No Harvest (Catch and Release) all other dates; No tournaments during closure. in aggregate
Maryland statewide
- Season opens
- Jun 16
- Daily bag
- 5 fish/day
- Possession
- 10 fish
- Min size
- 12"
in aggregate or as provided for by special regulations.
Smallmouth Bass
Chesapeake BayClosed
- Status
- Closed
May not be used to take largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, all shark species, snapping turtles and any threatened or endangered species
Johnson Pond, Wicomico County
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Slot min
- 11"
- Slot max
- 15"
may be 15 inches or longer
Johnson Pond, Wicomico County.
- Daily bag
- 1 fish
- Min size
- 15"
- Slot min
- 11"
- Slot max
- 15"
Only one bass in possession may be 15 inches or longer. No bass in possession can measure between 11 and 15 inches long.
Leonard Mill Pond, Wicomico County
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Slot min
- 11"
- Slot max
- 15"
may be 15 inches or longer
Leonard Mill Pond, Wicomico County.
- Daily bag
- 1 fish
- Min size
- 15"
- Slot min
- 11"
- Slot max
- 15"
Only one bass in possession may be 15 inches or longer. No bass in possession can measure between 11 and 15 inches long.
Little Seneca Lake, Montgomery County
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Slot min
- 11"
- Slot max
- 15"
may be 15 inches or longer
Little Seneca Lake, Montgomery County.
- Daily bag
- 1 fish
- Min size
- 15"
- Slot min
- 11"
- Slot max
- 15"
Only one bass in possession may be 15 inches or longer. No bass in possession can measure between 11 and 15 inches long.
Monocacy River—From The Potomac River Upstream To Buckeystown DamCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
You must immediately release any largemouth or smallmouth bass into the water where it was caught.
Monocacy River—From The Potomac River Upstream To Buckeystown Dam.Closed
- Status
- Closed
Patapsco River—From Interstate 70 Downstream To Md Route 144 (Frederick Road)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
You must immediately release any largemouth or smallmouth bass into the water where it was caught.
Patapsco River—From Interstate 70 Downstream To Md Route 144 (Frederick Road).Closed
- Status
- Closed
Potomac River—From Dam No. 2 (Seneca Breaks) Upstream To The Mouth Of The Monocacy RiverCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
You must immediately release any largemouth or smallmouth bass into the water where it was caught.
Potomac River—From Dam No. 2 (Seneca Breaks) Upstream To The Mouth Of The Monocacy River.Closed
- Status
- Closed
St. Mary’s Lake, St. Mary’s County— Located On Md Route 5.
- Daily bag
- 1 fish
- Min size
- 15"
- Slot min
- 11"
- Slot max
- 15"
Only one bass in possession may be 15 inches or longer. No bass in possession can measure between 11 and 15 inches long.
St. Mary’s Lake, St. Mary’s County—Located On Md Route 5
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Slot min
- 11"
- Slot max
- 15"
may be 15 inches or longer
Tidal Tributaries Of The Chesapeake BayClosed
- Status
- Closed
May not be used to take largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, all shark species, snapping turtles and any threatened or endangered species
Youghiogheny River Lake (Reservoir)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Jun 13
- Season closes
- Oct 31
- Daily bag
- 6 fish/day
No Harvest (Catch and Release) all other dates; No tournaments during closure. in aggregate
Maryland statewide
- Season opens
- Jun 16
- Daily bag
- 5 fish/day
- Possession
- 10 fish
- Min size
- 12"
in aggregate or as provided for by special regulations.
Trout
All Nontidal Waters East Of Interstate 81.Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Gear
- Barbless
You may not possess trout while fishing in these areas. All trout must be immediately released.
Beaver Creek, Washington County—From The Confluence With Black Rock Creek Downstreamto The Downstream Side Of The U.s. Route 40 Bridge.Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Gear
- Barbless
You must immediately release any trout.
Carroll Creek, Frederick County—From The Red Post Located 300 Yards Upstream Of Baughmans Lane, Downstream To The Dam At College Avenue.
- Daily bag
- 2 fish
Creel limit: 2 trout per child younger than 16 years of age (no brook trout allowed). Individuals 16 years of age or older may not fish in these areas on this day. March 21, 2026 in all Closure 1 Areas Times: 6:30 a.m.–10 p.m.
Casselman River Mainstem, Garrett County — From A Boundary Marked By Two Red Posts On Both Stream Banks Located On The South Side Of The Interstate 68 Eastbound Bridge Downstream To The Pennsylvania State Line.Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Gear
- Barbless
From Oct. 1–June 15, you: May not possess trout in these areas. Must immediately release any trout. From Oct. 1–June 15, you: May not fish with a barbed hook in these areas.
Catoctin And Little Catoctin Creek, Frederick County—From Us Route 40 Near Its Intersection With Md Route 17 Within Doubs Meadow Park Downstream To The Lower Park Boundary Near Myersville.Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Gear
- Barbless
From Oct. 1–May 31, you: May not possess trout in these areas. Must immediately release any trout to the water from which the trout was taken. From Oct. 1–May 31, you: May not fish with a barbed hook in these areas.
Catoctin Creek, Frederick County—From The Southernmost Boundary Of Catoctin Creek Park Upstream To 200 Feet North Of The Sumantown Road Bridge.Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Gear
- Barbless
From Oct. 1–May 31, you: May not possess trout in these areas. Must immediately release any trout to the water from which the trout was taken. From Oct. 1–May 31, you: May not fish with a barbed hook in these areas.
George’s Creek, Allegany County—Within Town Park In Westernport.
- Daily bag
- 2 fish
Creel limit: 2 trout per child younger than 16 years of age (no brook trout allowed). Individuals 16 years of age or older may not fish in these areas on this day. March 21, 2026 in all Closure 1 Areas Times: 6:30 a.m.–10 p.m.
Glades Park Pond, Garrett County—On Liberty Street In Oakland.
- Daily bag
- 2 fish
Creel limit: 2 trout per child younger than 16 years of age (no brook trout allowed). Individuals 16 years of age or older may not fish in these areas on this day. March 21, 2026 in all Closure 1 Areas Times: 6:30 a.m.–10 p.m.
Gunpowder Falls, Baltimore County— Mainstem From Prettyboy Reservoir Dam Downstream To Bluemount Road.Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
You may not possess trout while fishing in these areas. All trout must be immediately released.
Little Antietam Creek, Washington County—At Keedysville, From Coffman Farms Road Downstream To Md Route 34.
- Daily bag
- 2 fish
Creel limit: 2 trout per child younger than 16 years of age (no brook trout allowed). Individuals 16 years of age or older may not fish in these areas on this day. March 21, 2026 in all Closure 1 Areas Times: 6:30 a.m.–10 p.m.
Little Tonoloway Creek, Washington County—Within Weidmeyer Park In Hancock.
- Daily bag
- 2 fish
Creel limit: 2 trout per child younger than 16 years of age (no brook trout allowed). Individuals 16 years of age or older may not fish in these areas on this day. March 21, 2026 in all Closure 1 Areas Times: 6:30 a.m.–10 p.m.
Middle Patuxent River, Howard County— From Us Route 29 Downstream To Murray Hill Road.Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Gear
- Barbless
From Oct. 1–May 31, you: May not possess trout in these areas. Must immediately release any trout to the water from which the trout was taken. From Oct. 1–May 31, you: May not fish with a barbed hook in these areas.
Morgan Run, Carroll County—From Bridge On London Bridges Road Upstream To Bridge On Md Route 97.Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Gear
- Barbless
You must immediately release any trout.
North Branch Of The Potomac River From The Upper Potomac River Commission Wastewater Treatment Plant Discharge At Westernport Downstream To The Route 956 Bridge At Pinto.Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
You may not possess trout while fishing in these areas. All trout must be immediately released.
North Branch Potomac River Mainstem, Garrett County—From The Lowermost Boundary Of The Potomac State Forest Near Lostland Run To The Uppermost Boundary Of The Potomac State Forest At Wallman.Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Gear
- Barbless
From Oct. 1–June 15, you: May not possess trout in these areas. Must immediately release any trout. From Oct. 1–June 15, you: May not fish with a barbed hook in these areas.
North Branch Potomac River—From An Overhead Cable And Red Bank Post Located Approximately 345 Yards Below The Jennings Randolph Reservoir Spillway Downstream Approximately One Mile To A Red Post, Located Approximately 100 Yards Above The Upstream Concrete Abutments At Barnum, West Virginia, And From A Red Post Located Below A Pool Known As Blue Hole, Approximately 1⁄3 Mile Upstream Of BenchCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
You may not possess trout while fishing in these areas. All trout must be immediately released.; Mark 1110 on the Westernport United States Geological Survey Quadrangle, downstream approximately 4 miles to the confluence of Piney Swamp Run.
Owens Creek, Frederick County—Mainstem From Buck Lantz Road Downstream To Roddy Road.Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Gear
- Barbless
From June 1–the last day of February, you: May not possess trout in these areas. Must immediately release any trout. From June 1–the last day of February, you: May not fish with a barbed hook in these areas.
Paint Branch And Tributaries, Montgomery County—Upstream Of Fairland Road.Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
You may not possess trout while fishing in these areas. All trout must be immediately released.
Parkview Pond, Garrett County—Off Hershberger Lane In Grantsville.
- Daily bag
- 2 fish
Creel limit: 2 trout per child younger than 16 years of age (no brook trout allowed). Individuals 16 years of age or older may not fish in these areas on this day. March 21, 2026 in all Closure 1 Areas Times: 6:30 a.m.–10 p.m.
Patuxent River, Montgomery And Howard Counties—From Red Bank Posts Located On Both Sides Of The River, Approximately 400 Yards Below Brighton Dam Downstream To Mink Hollow Road.Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
You may not possess trout while fishing in these areas. All trout must be immediately released.
Savage River Mainstem And Tributaries Upstream Of The Savage River Reservoir Dam, Excluding The Put-And-Take-Areas
- Gear
- No Live Bait
Specifically prohibited are the use of molded replicas of insects, earthworms, fish eggs, fish or any invertebrate or vertebrate either singly or in combination with other materials, or other lures commonly described as spinners, spoons, or plugs made of metal, plastic, wood, rubber or similar substance or a combination of these.
South Branch Patapsco River From West Friendship Rd (Howard County) And Main Street (Carroll County) Upstream Approximately 1.1 Mile To The Upper Boundary Of The Hugg Thomas Wildlife Management Area.Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Gear
- Barbless
From Oct. 1–May 31, you: May not possess trout in these areas. Must immediately release any trout to the water from which the trout was taken. From Oct. 1–May 31, you: May not fish with a barbed hook in these areas.
Town Creek Mainstem, Allegany County— Within Green Ridge State Forest, From A Red Post Located Approximately ¾ Mile Downstream Of The Upper Ford On Lower Town Creek Road, Just South Of The Wagner Road Intersection, Downstream To The Red Post Located Just Upstream Of The Lower Ford On Lower Town Creek Road (Mallory Place), And From A Red Post Located Approximately ½ Mile Downstream Of Maniford Road To A Red Post Located Approximately 1¾ Miles Downstream (Bull Ring Ranch).Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Gear
- Barbless
From Oct. 1–May 31, you: May not possess trout in these areas. Must immediately release any trout to the water from which the trout was taken. From Oct. 1–May 31, you: May not fish with a barbed hook in these areas.
Trout—Statewide
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day
in aggregate. Different rules apply for Put-and-Take Areas
Youghiogheny River Mainstem, Garrett County—Below Friendsville From A Site Located 50 Yards Downstream Of Maple Street (At The Confluence Of Minnow Run) Downstream 1.8 Miles To The Powerline Crossing Upstream Of The Youghiogheny Reservoir.Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Gear
- Barbless
From Oct. 1–June 15, you: May not possess trout in these areas. Must immediately release any trout. From Oct. 1–June 15, you: May not fish with a barbed hook in these areas.
Walleye
Deep Creek LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Apr 16
- Season closes
- Feb 28
- Min size
- 15"
- Slot min
- 18"
- Slot max
- 21"
All fish in the slot must be released.
Potomac River
- Min size
- 15"
- Max size
- 20"
from January 1–April 15 in the mainstem approximately 0.5 miles upriver from Chain Bridge to the spillway in Cumberland
Youghiogheny River Downstream Of Route 42 BridgeClosed
- Status
- Closed
- Season opens
- Apr 16
- Season closes
- Feb 28
- Daily bag
- 5 fish/day
- Possession
- 10 fish
from March 1 through April 15
Brown Trout
Beaver Creek From Albert Powell State Fish Hatchery Downstream To Confluence With Antietam CreekCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
You may not possess brown trout in this area. You must immediately release any brown trout.
Beaver Creek From Albert Powell State Fish Hatchery Downstream To Confluence With Antietam Creek.Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
You must immediately release any brown trout.
Savage River
- Daily bag
- 2 fish
- Possession
- 4 fish
- Min size
- 18"
- Gear
- Artificial Lures Only
All trout species combined—2 Daily All trout species combined—4 Possession Brown trout—18 inches You may only fish with artificial lures, including
Savage River Mainstem From The Downstream Side Of The Rt. 135 Bridge Upstream For A Distance Of Approximately 2.7 Miles To The Lower Suspension Bridge (Allegany Bridge)
- Min size
- 18"
Savage River Mainstem From The Downstream Side Of The Rt. 135 Bridge Upstream For A Distance Of Approximately 2.7 Miles To The Lower Suspension Bridge (Allegany Bridge).
- Min size
- 18"
Savage River Mainstem From The Savage River Reservoir Dam Downstream To The Lower Suspension Bridge (Allegany Bridge)
- Min size
- 18"
Savage River Mainstem From The Savage River Reservoir Dam Downstream To The Lower Suspension Bridge (Allegany Bridge).
- Min size
- 18"
All Species
Deep Creek LakeClosed
- Status
- Closed
- Season opens
- Mar 28
- Daily bag
- 5 fish/day
areas are closed to all fishing from 10 p.m. of the first date, to 6:30 a.m. of the second date, except as provided for by special regulation or where more restrictive fishing hours are posted start time is 6:30 a.m. on March 28, 2026 all other species of trout combined
Youghiogheny River, Garrett County—Mainstem Beginning At The Red Post Approximately 100 Yards Upstream Of The Deep Creek Lake Tailrace And Extending Downstream 4 Miles To The Sang Run BridgeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Gear
- Barbless
You may not possess trout while fishing in these areas. All trout must be immediately released. You may not fish with a barbed hook in these areas.
Youghiogheny River, Garrett County— Mainstem Beginning At The Red Post Approximately 100 Yards Upstream Of The Deep Creek Lake Tailrace And Extending Downstream 4 Miles To The Sang Run Bridge.
- Gear
- Artificial Only
You may only fish with artificial flies and artificial lures.
Black Sea Bass
Atlantic Ocean, Coastal Bays And TributariesOut of season
- Season opens
- Oct 10
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 15 fish
- Min size
- 13"
May 15–Sept. 30 and Oct. 10–Dec. 31 Daily—15 13 inches (excluding tail filament)
Bass
Youghiogheny River LakeCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Jun 13
- Season closes
- Oct 31
- Daily bag
- 6 fish/day
- Min size
- 12"
No Harvest (Catch and Release) all other dates; No tournaments during closure. Cannot be used as bait. in aggregate
Other Species Of Trout (All Species)
Other Trout Species (All Species)
Youghiogheny River, Garrett County— Mainstem Beginning At The Red Post Approximately 100 Yards Upstream Of The Deep Creek Lake Tailrace And Extending Downstream 4 Miles To The Sang Run Bridge.
- Daily bag
- 2 Daily
- Possession
- 4 Possession
Plus 2 more species. See the Maryland pillar page for the full list.
FAQ
Who regulates fishing on Deep Creek Lake?
DNR regulates fishing on Deep Creek Lake.
What species can I target on Deep Creek Lake?
Deep Creek Lake is best known for bass, trout, walleye. Other species are present and tracked in the rule tables below.
Where should I verify these rules?
These rules summarize DNR's published content. Always confirm with the official source before keeping a catch.
Reference only. Regulations change mid-season. Always verify with the official source before keeping a catch.