Deep Creek Lake Boating Regulations

Deep Creek Lake Fishing Guide

Deep Creek Lake fishing is a popular spring activity. As the snow melts and the weather warms up, this is a great way to get out and enjoy the outdoors. Because it requires no experience, anyone can have fun casting a line surrounded by spectacular scenery.

Deep Creek Lake Fishing License

Anyone over the age of 16 must have a valid Maryland license. You can purchase one online through the Department of Natural Resources. Local sports shops also sell them. If you are only in the area for a short time, you can buy a three or seven day license. The DNR also offers “free” fishing days when no freshwater fishing license is required. They are the first two Saturdays in June and July 4.

Places to Go Fish

Broadford Lake – This 140 acre lake is located in Oakland. Fish species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass and panfish. Because fishing from the shoreline is easy, this is a good spot to take the kids.

Deep Creek Lake – Offers 67 miles of shoreline and over 3900 acres. Fish species: bass, trout, Walleye and panfish. If you don’t have a boat, you can fish from your dock or at Deep Creek Lake State Park.

-Some of the best fishing is April through June is when most fish are in 1 – 2 feet of water to spawn.

-You will have the best luck early in the morning or evening.

-Fish around stumps, large rocks and grass beds.

Continue reading Deep Creek Lake Fishing Guide

Deep Creek Lake Dock Removal Deadline

Taylor-Made Vacations and Sales

Do you know the Dock Removal Deadline here at Deep Creek Lake? The great dock removal exodus has begun over the last month here at Deep Creek Lake. The water level has been dropped for the final time and most remaining docks are high and dry on the shores of the lake. You can hear the kaa-chink of crews who are working at a blazing pace trying to remove the docks before the end of the month. Remember the docks have to be removed before December 1^st each year.

Here’s a link of the subject for your information. LINK… 03 Uses Permitted with a Buffer Strip Use Permit. G. From December 1 through April 1, all docks, boating and swimming structures, and mooring buoys shall be removed from the lake, and shall be secured to or removed from the buffer strip. Vehicles may be driven on the buffer strip to comply with this section.

10 Deep Creek Lake Boating Facts

Vessels must be 26 feet or less in length, except pontoon boats which may be no greater than 30 feet.
Personal Watercraft are restricted from use between 11 AM and 4 PM on the Saturday, Sunday, and holiday of Memorial Day Weekend and Saturdays, Sundays, and State Holidays from July 1st through Labor Day.
Personal Watercraft shall not be operated in excess of six knots with 100’ of another vessel, the shore, a bridge, a dock, or person in the water.
Personal Watercraft operators must be 16 years of age and possess a boating safety certificate.
Personal Watercraft operators and passengers must wear an approved personal flotation device.
Vessels shall not be operated in excess of minimum wake speed within 100’ of the shoreline, except to begin towing a skier from a pier or shore (vessel must immediately leave the 100’ area).
Proper navigation lights are required after sunset (rental boats also require navigation lights after sunset).
Vessels towing a skier must remain 100’ from all other vessels, the shore, a bridge, a dock, or person in the water. Towlines must be no longer than 75’. Additionally, an observer above 12 years of age must be on board the vessel.
Individuals being towed on any device must wear a personal flotation device.
There shall be an approved personal flotation device on board and readily accessible for each person on board a vessel. All children under age thirteen (13) on a vessel under 21’