Fishing Fun: 8 Maryland State Parks to Reel in the Big One

With more than 3,100 miles of shoreline that includes numerous lakes, rivers, reservoirs and ocean settings, Maryland is a fantastic destination for fishing enthusiasts. From freshwater lakes to brackish and saltwater fishing, Maryland offers diverse angling opportunities.

Whether you’re headed to the Eastern Shore, Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay or the mountain lakes of Western Maryland, here’s a guide to some of the best Old Line State parks where you can cast a line and enjoy a productive day fishing from a boat, dock or private boat lift for rent. 

1. Deep Creek Lake State Park

Deep Creek Lake is Maryland’s largest freshwater lake, with 65 miles of shoreline spanning 3,900 acres. Deep Creek Lake State Park offers a mix of deep and shallow waters that create habitats for various fish species. In the spring and fall, try fishing for bass and walleye along the rocky shores. During winter, ice fishing for yellow perch and bluegill is popular. Rent a boat or launch your own at the public ramp or private boat slip rental. There are also several accessible fishing piers and shore fishing spots.

• Water: Freshwater
• Key Species: Walleye, large and smallmouth bass, yellow perch, northern pike, trout
• Fishing Type: Boat, shore, fly

2. Gunpowder Falls State Park

Gunpowder Falls State Park, near Baltimore and Harford Counties, features the scenic Gunpowder River, which is known for its excellent trout fishing. The catch-and-release area of the river, particularly in the Hereford Area, is one of Maryland’s premier fly-fishing spots. This cold-water section is regularly stocked with brown and rainbow trout, making it ideal for novice and experienced fly anglers. Head to the catch-and-release, artificial-lure-only section for the best trout fishing experience.

• Water: River and estuary
• Key Species: Brown and rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, catfish, sunfish
• Fishing Type: Fly, shore, boat

3. Patapsco Valley State Park

The Patapsco River winds through the expansive Patapsco Valley State Park, offering a variety of fishing environments from deep pools to fast-moving riffles. Situated near Howard and Baltimore Counties, Patapsco Valley is great for bass and catfish, especially during summer. In spring, the river is stocked with trout, providing exciting fishing opportunities when cruising out from marinas or private boat docks for rent. Try fishing near Daniels Dam or along the Avalon area for easy access and productive fishing spots.

• Water: Freshwater river
• Key Species: Smallmouth bass, catfish, sunfish, trout
• Fishing Type: Fly, boat, shore

4. Point Lookout State Park

Located in St. Mary’s County, Point Lookout State Park sits at the southern tip of Maryland, where the Potomac River meets the Chesapeake Bay. This unique location offers brackish water fishing with both saltwater and freshwater species. It’s a hotspot for rockfish, especially during the spring and fall migration. The fishing pier provides easy access, and surf fishing along the shore is also popular. Try night fishing from the pier or a private boat slip rental for striped bass, especially during summer.

• Water: Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River
• Key Species: Striped bass (rockfish), bluefish, white perch, croaker, flounder
• Fishing Type: Surf, shore and boat

5. Susquehanna State Park

The Susquehanna River is known for its powerful flow and diverse fish population. Susquehanna State Park in Havre de Grace offers excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for smallmouth bass and catfish. The spring shad run is a favorite for many anglers, as the river becomes filled with American and hickory shad. The area near the Conowingo Dam is a prime spot for fishing, especially during the spring shad run.

• Water: Freshwater river
• Key Species: Smallmouth bass, catfish, striped bass, shad
• Fishing Type: Fly, shore, boat

6. Elk Neck State Park

Elk Neck State Park, in Cecil County, features a beautiful peninsula between the Chesapeake Bay and Elk River, providing various fishing habitats. Anglers can fish from the shoreline or use the boat ramp to access deeper waters. The fishing pier is popular for families, as kids can catch sunfish and perch. The Turkey Point area is excellent for rockfish in late spring and early fall.

• Water: Saltwater in the Chesapeake Bay and freshwater in the Elk River
• Key Species: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, perch, catfish, rockfish
• Fishing Type: Boat and pier

7. Tuckahoe State Park

Tuckahoe State Park, in Caroline County, is centered around the scenic Tuckahoe Creek and a 60-acre lake. The lake is a peaceful spot for kayak fishing and offers abundant largemouth bass and bluegill. Chain pickerel are also common, especially around submerged vegetation. Rent a kayak or canoe from the park office for a quiet fishing experience on the lake.

• Water: Freshwater 
• Key Species: Largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, chain pickerel, catfish
• Fishing Type: Kayak, boat, shore

8. Rocky Gap State Park

In Flintstone in Allegany County, Rocky Gap State Park features the pristine Lake Habeeb, known for its clear, blue waters. The lake is stocked with trout and supports a healthy population of bass and catfish. The fishing pier and multiple shoreline spots offer easy access, while boat rentals and private boat docks for rent allow anglers to reach deeper parts of the lake. 

• Water: Freshwater 
• Key Species: Trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish
• Fishing Type: Pier, shore, boat 

Maryland’s state parks offer a wide variety of fishing opportunities for every type of angler. Whether you prefer casting from a pier, wading in a river or setting out from a marina or private boat lift rental, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you. Grab your rod and reel, power up the boat and get out there on Maryland’s state park waterways.