Bass fishing in Maryland is a source of local pride among anglers. With more than 20% of the state being water, there’s plenty of fishing opportunities to keep even the most demanding visitors happy.
Where to fish for Bass in Maryland
River Fishing
The first thing that springs to mind when heading to stalk Maryland freshwater fish is the Potomac River. Fishing here is just such a scenic thing to do, considering it runs through Washington DC. Many anglers then decide it’s more convenient to do their fishing in view of sights like the Lincoln Memorial, a unique fishing locale if there ever was one. It’s not just for show, though. The local feeder creeks have dense vegetation spread out, attracting big numbers of Largemouth Bass. This applies for waters all the way down to the Route 301 bridge.
If you’re not afraid to leave the confines of DC, you’ll have a lot more options open fishing-wise. One of those is the lower reach of the Susquehanna River, below the Conowingo Dam. One of the best fishing spots in Maryland, it’s absolutely loaded with both Largemouth, Hybrid, and Smallmouth Bass.
Lake Fishing
When it comes to lake fishing in the Free State, Deep Creek Lake is where you want to be. Great for both warmwater and coldwater fishing, the local Largemouth population tends to stay in shallow areas and close to docks and piers. Smallmouth Bass, on the other hand, will stick with steep drop offs and rocky bottoms for the most part. Be sure to explore the Deep Creek Lake State Park if you find yourself in the area, it’s well-worth the time spent.
What to Bring
Do you plan on going with a licensed charter captain? In that case, just bring a valid freshwater fishing license and you’ll be good to go. For Chesapeake Bay you won’t even need that — the licensed captains there will have them already.
If you’re a fly angler, you’re probably planning on bringing your own gear. The most important thing to keep in mind is that you’ll need heavier tackle for Chesapeake Bay. We would highly recommend a 9-foot 9 wt outfit for this purpose. For flies, you’ll need something to imitate the likes of Shad, Menhaden, Eel, Herring, or Crab.
You can afford to pack lighter gear when going to rivers or lakes. A 9-foot 7 wt rig will do just fine. The flies to go with are the standard freshwater fare - wooly buggers, streamers, and crayfish flies.
When to Go
Consider avoiding the Susquehanna River area during summer due to the large concentration of saltwater during that time. Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass season usually closes from March until mid-June, but catch and release fishing is allowed at all times of the year. If you’re fine with that, can look forward to good fishing all year-long.
