The Deep Creek Blog

DNR Announces 2010 Trout Stocking Schedule for Spring Season

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will begin stocking approximately 326,000 rainbow and brown trout into freshwaters across the state for spring trout fishing enthusiasts in early February depending on the weather, stream and ground conditions.

The stocking schedule table is now online (www.dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/) and will also be available at DNR Regional Service Centers and license vendors by late January.

DNR’s Fisheries Service encourages anglers to check out the Google Map of stocked streams to get directions and more info on trout fishing locations. Stockings listed on the schedule as pre-season usually start in the eastern part of the State in early February followed by western region stocking as things warm up. Watch our Web site or call 1-800-688-3467 for updates.

DNR’s Fisheries Service also reminds anglers to clean and dry their gear between streams and outings in order to protect our fish populations and keep their habitat healthy. The recent discovery of the invasive algae didymo, which can make it difficult to fish while choking off key food sources for trout, on the lower Savage River illustrates how easily troublesome organisms can be moved between watersheds. The continued presence of didymo in the Gunpowder Falls catch and return area and the presence of whirling disease in trout in the Barnum area of the North Branch of the Potomac River make it imperative that we be more diligent than ever.

A good scrubbing with dish soap or a 5 percent salt solution is an easy way to prevent the spread of these invaders. DNR asks anglers to use the convenient wader wash stations recently installed at several key wild trout areas including the Gunpowder River, Savage River, the North Branch of the Potomac (Barnum area), and Big Hunting Creek.

Free Fishing Days in Maryland 2010

Mark your calendar for these free fishing days in Maryland. 

June    5,  2010

June   12,  2010

July 4,  2010

No license is required to fish in any of Maryland’s fresh waters on these days.

Invasive Algae Found in Savage River

Didymo found below Savage River Reservoir

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced today that didymo, an invasive non-native algae has been found in the Savage River below Savage River Reservoir. DNA tests by fisheries managers earlier this year indicated the likely presence of this troublesome organism, but the findings could not be confirmed until DNR Fisheries staff found a small mass of the material in late November near the Allegany footbridge.

“The confirmation of didymo in the Savage is troubling,” said DNR Inland Fisheries Director Don Cosden. “We are concerned about potential impacts to native brook trout populations here and upstream of the Reservoir as well. We are also concerned that the algae could spread to the North Branch of the Potomac River below the Jennings Randolph Reservoir, a prime trout fishing habitat.”

Didymo is an algae diatom that sometimes forms dense mats. It is not a threat to human health but it can cover the stream bottom and suffocate beneficial organisms. It can also create difficult fishing conditions, fouling lines and terminal tackle. The mats may persist even after the algae dies, causing habitat damage for an extended period of time. Didymo, also called “rock snot”, looks slimy, but feels like wet wool or cotton, and can be white, brown or yellow.

Didymo first turned up in Maryland in 2008 in Gunpowder Falls below Prettyboy Reservoir. Subsequent monthly DNR surveys in the Gunpowder watershed have shown that densities peak in late winter, particularly in the Falls Road area. It is too early to tell how didymo may impact aquatic insects and other important organisms in the food web.

Didymo has been spreading rapidly into clean cold streams along the Eastern Seaboard for the past few years. These streams are prime habitats for trout and the organisms that support them.

Didymo’s appearance in popular trout fishing areas indicates that it is being spread by anglers. Felt-sole boots used by anglers are understood to be a major contributor. DNR is encouraging anglers to replace their old felt-soled boots with the new sticky rubber-soled models, which are much easier to clean and disinfect.

Anglers and outdoor enthusiasts can help prevent the spread of this and other unwanted aquatic invaders by thoroughly cleaning and drying all gear that has been in the stream. Scrub away all dirt and debris before leaving the area. DNR has set up wader wash stations at some key access areas where anglers can disinfect boots in a 5 percent salt solution as they leave the stream. DNR also recommends washing with a salt solution or with common dish detergent when you return home to avoid carrying didymo to your next fishing destination.

For additional information and updates please go to dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/recreational/indexinland  or dnr.state.md.us/invasives.

Angler's Legacy "Thankful for Fishing" Holiday Promotion Kick Off

Those who "Take the Pledge" and promise to introduce newcomers to boating & fishing will be eligible to win $50 gift cards daily courtesy of Dick's Sporting Goods

Dick's Sporting Goods is helping kick off a holiday-inspired Anglers' Legacy Pledge drive, the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) announced. Outdoor enthusiasts are Take the Pledge & be eligible to win a $50 Dick's gift card!being encouraged to take the Anglers' Legacy Pledge – a promise to introduce someone new to the sport – for the Thanksgiving holiday. Those who take the Pledge at AnglersLegacy.org now through November 21, 2009 are eligible to win daily $50 gift cards, courtesy of Dick's Sporting Goods.

"We are happy to work with Dick's to encourage boaters and anglers to introduce newcomers to the sport," said RBFF President & CEO Frank Peterson. "It's important to reflect on the reasons why we started boating and fishing, and I hope those memories inspire people this holiday to take the Anglers' Legacy Pledge. We know that our Ambassadors introduce more newcomers to the sport and make a significantly larger economic impact on the boating and fishing industry than non-Ambassadors. By mobilizing avids to teach newcomers, we will make a big impact on future participation and conservation efforts."

"Dick's Sporting Goods is proud to collaborate with current boating and fishing enthusiasts to take the Anglers' Legacy Pledge," said Dick's Community Marketing Manager Colleen Wilson. "We hope to inspire many new anglers and boaters and join us in our passion for the outdoors."

Anglers' Legacy, a program aimed at increasing first-time boating and fishing experiences, has recruited more than 185,000 Ambassadors nationwide since its inception in May 2006. Based on a recent RBFF survey, when Ambassadors introduce newcomers to the sport, they purchase an additional $168 in fishing tackle and equipment and $166 in boating supplies and accessories annually. They also purchase more than two fishing licenses which support critical fish and wildlife management efforts through the Sport Fish Restoration Program.

For Official Rules, visit AnglersLegacy.org. _______________________________________________________________________________________

DNR To Begin Stocking Trout for Fall Fishing Season

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will stock approximately 21,500 trout into freshwaters across the state during October 2009. This total includes 20,000 rainbow trout weighing .75 - 1 pounds each and 1,500 brown trout weighing 1.25 – 1.5 pounds each. To add some real excitement for fall anglers, a small number of trophy rainbow trout averaging 5 to 7 pounds will be also stocked this year.

“Streams are looking good and we will be stocking some nice fish so anglers can get out and enjoy the great fall weather,” said Assistant Fisheries Director Don Cosden. “This is a great time to take a young person fishing. The creeks are easy to wade, the water is clear enough to see the fish and our hatchery trout are usually more than willing to cooperate.”

Although stocking dates and locations are dependent on water flow and temperature, DNR generally finds conditions are right in many areas beginning the second week of October and stocking is usually complete by the end of the month. In most years, cool water allows trout stocking in Delayed Harvest Trout Fishing Areas and locations such as the North Branch Potomac, Bear Creek, Town Creek, Blairs Valley Lake, Antietam Creek, Beaver Creek, Cunningham Falls, Rainbow Lake, Greenbrier Lake, Morgan Run, Patapsco River, Gunpowder Falls, Great Seneca, Wheatley Lake, Lake Artemesia, Greenbelt Lake, Big Elk, Deer Creek and Tuckahoe. DNR expects to stock these areas and numerous others as conditions allow.

DNR reminds anglers to clean their gear between streams or outings to prevent moving around unwanted invaders like didymo and whirling disease. Anglers can wash with dish soap or a 5% salt solution or use one of the many convenient wader wash stations.

DNR’s trout stocking information telephone line, 1-800-688-3467, will be updated weekly beginning Oct. 1 so that anglers may find out if their favorite area has been stocked. Stocked areas will also be posted online at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries.

 

Trout Station Now Disease Free

The Times-News reports Bear Creek Trout Rearing Station in Accident has been declared "disease free" by the Maryland DNR. 

First Annual Deep Creek Lake State Park Volunteer's Bass Tournament

Don’t miss the First Annual Deep Creek Lake State Park Volunteer's Bass Tournament on September 6, 2009.  The event is a fundraiser for the Forest Canopy Walkway.  

The walkway project will allow visitors to the State Park a unique view of the tree tops at Deep Creek Lake.  It will span 300 feet, end at a height of 85 feet and will be partially wheelchair accessible.  This addition to the lake promises to educate the public about the importance of keeping a forested buffer around the lake to ensure the health of the watershed.  

To register, download an application at www.discoverycenterdcl.com, or pick up a packet at the Discovery Center,Deep Creek Lake State Park Headquarters orBills Outdoor Center. 
Call 301-387-7067 for more information.

Cash First Prize (dependent on number or entries)
Cash Payout through 5th place
Prizes through 10th place
Entry Fee $80.00 (deadline of September 1st $100.00 day of registration

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"Catch A Boat" - The Ultimate Online Fishing Tournament

TakeMeFishing.org presents “CATCH A BOAT” - The Ultimate Online Fishing Tournament.  Anyone over 18 can enter to win a Triumph boat and other prizes. 

National Fishing & Boating Week Celebrates 30th Anniversary With Online Movement to Get Families Outside

Here's the full press release on National Fishing & Boating Week: 

There are tens of thousands of places to fish and boat in the U.S. - and for the 30th Anniversary of National Fishing & Boating Week (June 6-14), the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) is launching an online movement that encourages kids and their families to find one. And for those who might not know a bass from a trout to even the most skilled anglers, RBFF has the ultimate online fishing and boating resource, www.TakeMeFishing.org, where site visitors can learn everything they need to know to plan a day on the water. Visitors may also be eligible to win daily prizes and a boat when they play the new interactive game, "Catch A Boat."

Since its 2005 reauthorization, RBFF has played a critical role in introducing more than 500,000 youth and newcomers to fishing and boating while raising more than $6 million for state conservation efforts. Beginning with National Fishing & Boating Week, RBFF is hoping to see families across the country get involved.

"I can give any parent three good reasons to take their kids fishing and boating this summer," said RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson. "First, new research shows fishing is the number one gateway activity to get children interested in other outdoor activities. Second, it's affordable and local at a time when many families are considering skipping their summer vacations all together. And third, when you purchase a fishing license, equipment or supplies, that money goes back to conservation projects that keep our nation's waterways clean and fish populations healthy."

To further encourage fishing and boating in 2009, RBFF has designed an interactive online game that lets www.TakeMeFishing.org visitors virtually "fish" for a chance to win a boat. Participants may be eligible to win daily prizes from one of RBFF's sponsors - Dick's Sporting Goods, Humminbird, Plano, Rapala, Simms, West Marine and Zebco - or the grand prize of a Triumph boat with an Evinrude motor and EZ Loader trailer. The "Catch A Boat" contest will go live at noon CT on June 4, 2009 and run for seven weeks through fishing and boating season. For Official Rules and eligibility information, visit www.TakeMeFishing.org.

"Catch A Boat" will be the latest in RBFF's online successes. Since re-launching www.TakeMeFishing.org in April 2008, the site has received 2.4 million unique visitors - up 129 percent from 2008 and 243 percent from 2007. RBFF has also recruited more than 6,500 anglers and boaters to join its social network, www.Fishington.com, which was launched just seven months ago.

National Fishing & Boating Week began as National Fishing Week in 1979 when industry and conservation leaders, state natural resource agencies and anglers organized a unified effort to introduce more young people to the sport and outdoor conservation. In 2001, responsibility for the week was handed off to RBFF.

For a listing of more than 12,000 places to fish and boat, local events taking place during National Fishing and Boating Week, and information about free-fishing days, visit www.TakeMeFishing.org.

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National Fishing and Boating Week

What better place to celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week, June 6th through June 14th, than at Deep Creek Lake, Maryland.  The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation encourages people to enjoy the outdoors with their children and families.   In Garrett County, take advantage of Maryland's Free Fishing Days, coming up the first two Saturdays in June. 

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49th Annual Garrett County Summer Fishing Contest

The 49th Annual Garrett County Summer fishing contest began on May 1, 2009 and will continue through October 3, 2009.  The contest is co-sponsored by Deep Creek Outfitters Hardware and Bait House and the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce.

Weekly winners are awarded certificates and plaques are awarded to the season’s largest catches.  Fish eligible for the contest are: Bluegill, Chain Pickerel, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Crappie, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Yellow Perch, Northern Pike and Walleye.  All fish must be caught in Garrett County waters and registered at Deep Creek Outfitters, 32 Outfitters Way, McHenry.

For more information, please contact Deep Creek Outfitters Hardware & Bait House at 301-387-2200.

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Fishing Rodeo At New Germany State Park

The Friends of New Germany are sponsoring a fishing rodeo for children age 15 and under at New Germany State Park this Saturday, May 16, 2009 from 8:00 am until 12:00 noon.  Contact the park office at 301-895-5453 for more information.

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Detailed Trout Stocking Information

If you're into fly fishing,  you'll likely find Md. Finds More Trout for Anglers  by Mike Sawyer in the Times-News of interest. 

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Compelling Anglers to the Casselman

Dan Neuland writes about Trophy-size trout opportunities on the Casselman in today's Frederick News-Post Online. 



Pictured above is "Trout Season" by Robert Yonke.

Johnny's Baithouse Memorabilia up for Auction

The world's largest fishing bobber and the World's Longest Rod, collectibles that used to hang in Johnny's Baithouse, are up for auction on February 7th at Gateway Gallery in Chambersburg.  It's a live auction, but online absentee bidding will also take place.   How cool would it be to have these hanging in your lake house?  Read more in Public Opinion Online.   Photo courtesy of Gateway Gallery. 

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