We Are On Lake Time!
Deep Creek Lake, Maryland is the largest man made lake in the state of Maryland. Wouldn’t you know that all lakes in Maryland are man made so that makes this one the largest in the state period! The lake covers approximately 3,900 acres and has 69 miles of shoreline. Because the climate is akin to the famous lake in between Nevada and California, it is often referred to as “Lake Tahoe of the East” and is one of the premiere four season attractions in the mid-Atlantic!
Deep Creek Lake has some of the clearest water of any lake in the Eastern United States because it is fed by natural underground springs. The average depth of Deep Creek Lake is 25 feet but the deepest point reaches 75 feet. With an elevation of 2,462 feet above sea level, outside temperatures are up to 10 degrees cooler than the nearby metropolitan areas. And with an average summer-time surface water temperature of 73 degrees, Deep Creek Lake is the perfect, refreshing vacation spot for beating the city’s heat and humidity!”
Deep Creek Lake got its start in 1925 when the Youghiogheny Hydro Electric Corporation purchased land, removed thousands of trees, relocated roads and constructed a 1,300 foot long dam to impound the flow of water of Deep Creek to create what would become Deep Creek Lake. What was thought would take at least 6 months to fill only took half that time due to heavy rains and snow melt. Originally designed as a source of power for hydroelectric generation, Deep Creek Lake quickly became a popular tourist destination for boating, fishing and water sports for residents from western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Baltimore and Washington DC. Today, over 1.3 million visitors enjoy the endless recreation opportunities offered by Deep Creek Lake each year, and now that the pandemic is behind us, that number is growing. With activities that visitors can enjoy every season, ranging from swimming, fishing, and boating in the summer, to ice fishing and ice boating, and down hill and cross-country skiing in the winter, Deep Creek Lake and its surrounding area is a true four-season resort.
Boating
Boat Renting
There are 6 marinas for personal watercraft and boat rentals in high season. Check out their websites and call them for types of rentals, pricing, policies and questions. What I will say from personal experience, you get what you pay for and arrive early for your reservation or else you will be wasting your precious lake time waiting in line!
- Bill’s Marina
- Deep Creek Lake Boat Rentals
- Deep Creek Marina
- Fun Time Watersports
- Silver Tree Marine
- The Aquatic Center
Boat Launching
Boat Safety
Mechanical issues happen to experienced and beginner boaters alike. Accidents are also common no matter how many years you have had or driven a boat. Be sure to follow the common steps when preparing to take the boat out for the day. Keeping a checklist to make sure everything is running smoothly, and safely can help prevent problems, and make your day more enjoyable.
Rules of the Water
Driving a boat on the lake is just like driving a car on the road. Make sure you “Know before you go” and that your passengers are aware of the rules before heading out on the water. Safety is key when having fun on the lake! Each state and lake can have different laws and regulations for watercraft. Deep Creek Lake has regulations on the size of boats permitted on the lake, as well as regulations for personal watercrafts (Jet Skis and Waverunners) during the summer months. Be sure to research these rules and regulations before launching or renting a boat which can be found here: https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/western/DeepCreekNRMA/Boating.aspx
Fishing
Some species of fish in the lake are catch and release only. Make sure to research local fishing regulations or check with DNR to be aware of what types of fish are in season and which are for catch and release only. Here is a link to Freshwater fishing regulations in Maryland: http://www.eregulations.com/maryland/fishing/freshwater-fishing-regulations/
A fishing license is required to fish on the waters of the lake. Fishing licenses can be purchased online before your visit, or after you arrive from one of our local vendors. Individuals under the age of 16 are not required to purchase a license. Here is a link to purchase online: https://compass.dnr.maryland.gov/
Free fishing days in Maryland, where no fishing license is required, are the first two Saturdays in June and July 4th.
Here is a link for more information on fishing in Maryland: http://www.eregulations.com/maryland/fishing/
Fishing Tips
The best time to fish is early in the morning or evening.
Be sure to bring along basic items such as extra clothing, rain gear, and comfortable shoes. Sunscreen, water, and snacks are also important for your trip. The weather can quickly change, so being prepared for the day is key enjoying your experience.
If you forgot something or need to stock up, live bait and artificial lures can be purchased locally. Some popular lures include jigs, topwater lures, and spinners. Some popular live bait to use includes shiners, crawfish, and nightcrawlers.
Deep Creek Lake is known to have some of the best freshwater fishing in Maryland, so get out and have some fun!
Ice Fishing
One of the few sites in Maryland cold enough for ice fishing, Deep Creek Lake has thick enough ice usually in January and February. You will see fishermen dotting the frozen lake’s surface, huddled over small holes drilled from ice augers. The lake offers a variety of fish in the winter; yellow perch and walleye are typically the most abundant. Other varieties you may find include northern pike, bluegill, pickerel, trout, bass, crappie and sunfish. It is best to keep your line near the lake bottom, where the water is warmest in winter and fish are more active. Here is some of the equipment that you don’t want to forget: a chair or bucket to sit on; ice shanties which are small portable shelters called that help protect you from the elements; tip-ups, which “tip” a small flag when you have a hit on your line; and a skimmer, to scoop ice chips or slush from your fishing hole.
But be warned, ice fishing can be dangerous if you don’t take the proper precaution . There are two safety rules at the top of the list: The ice needs to be at least 4 inches thick and always wear a life vest under your winter gear. Make sure to test the thickness of the ice with an ice chisel or auger before venturing out. Ice is generally the thickest and hardest where it has a clear or blue color; gray, dark, crisp or slushy areas are danger signs. Also, don’t forget to dress in plenty of layers and wear boots that are well-insulated and waterproof. Before your ice-fishing trip, familiarize yourself with Deep Creek Lake’s “Ice Dangers and Safety” guide, which is available on the state park’s website and tells you what to do in an emergency.
Aѕ you саn see thеrе is something fоr аlmоѕt everyone іn Deep Creek Lake! And being so close to Baltimore, Washington DC, Pittsburgh, and New York, you can’t go wrong!
For those anglers who enjoy the scenic beauty and peacefulness of stream fishing with spinning or fly tackle, Mad Men Lake House is the perfect base camp for your fishing adventures. Maryland has a very active trout stocking program that begins in the late winter and runs through the springtime, and the mountainous terrain of Garrett County is home to numerous trout streams. Two of the most popular are the upper Youghiogheny River, home to excellent fishing for native and stocked trout, and further east is the Savage River, which has numerous access points where fishermen and fisherwomen can ply their skill. Native to the region are the Eastern Brook Trout, and stocked fish include Brown, Golden and Rainbow Trout. Note: In addition to your regular fishing license, trout stream fishing requires a Trout Stamp, which can be purchased from the DNR when you buy your fishing license. For more info on Trout stocking and locations to fish, refer to the following link: