The Deep Creek Blog

Fishing Contest Winner for Week Ending May 11

The Garrett County Fishing Contest, sponsored by Deep Creek Outfitters Hardware and Bait House and the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is in full swing. There are two winners for the week ending May 11, 2013:

Crappie: 2 lbs.; 14 ½”, caught by Cody Kahn of Oakland, MD.

Walleye: 5 lbs.; 24 ¼”, caught by Jason Loutsenhizer of Murrysville, PA

Weekly winners are awarded a certificate, and certificates are also awarded for the season’s largest catches of bluegill, brown trout, chain pickerel, crappies, largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, rainbow trout, walleye and yellow perch. To enter the contest, enter your catch at Deep Creek Outfitters Hardware and Bait House at 32 Outfitters Way, McHenry, MD. 

Youth Fishing Rodeo to be Held at New Germany State Park

The annual Youth Fishing Rodeo at New Germany State Park will be held on Saturday, May 18, from 8 am to noon. All children ages 15 and under are welcome to participate, and the event is free. 

Registration will begin at 8:00 am, and the first 50 participants to register will receive a free “grab bag” stocked with a variety of fishing tackle. To encourage beginners, a limited supply of fishing equipment will be available for loan during the event. Fishing will take place from 8:00 am – 11:00 am, followed by the awards ceremony and prize drawings at 11:15 am. 

First, second, and third place prizes will be awarded for the longest fish caught in three age groups: 6 and under, 7-11 and 12-15. A variety of door prizes will also be available, courtesy of Eagle Claw Fishing Tackle, The Bassin’ Box, Wal-Mart (LaVale), and Friends of New Germany State Park. 

Additional activities will be available after the rodeo, including a Pro Cast Challenge at 11:30 am and a fish painting craft at 12:00. Those participating in the fish painting craft are encouraged to bring a white t-shirt or purchase one at the park. Food, refreshments, and gift items will also be available for purchase at the New Germany Snack Bar & Gift Shop, located inside the Lake House. 

During the Rodeo, fishing will be restricted to children 15 and under, with limited adult assistance. Boating will not be permitted. 

For more information, please call the Ranger Station at 301-895-5453 or email lmongrain@dnr.state.md.us.

Trout Stocking Set to Begin

This month, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will begin releasing  rainbow and brown trout in streams and lakes across the State. The stocking dates and locations will be dependent on stream, ground and weather conditions. By the start of summer, DNR will have released more than 330,000 trout at more than 130 areas throughout Maryland.

The daily limit is two trout with no minimum size and no closed season, except in special trout management and put-and-take areas. Put-and-take areas have a five-trout limit and specific closures depending on location. Anglers should consult the 2013 Maryland Fishing Guide for closure dates and special management area restrictions.

The stocking schedule is available online and at DNR Regional Service Centers and license vendors. DNR also offers online maps of stocked streams and daily stocking updates to help anglers find their way to the hot spots. Weekly updates are available by calling 800-688-3467 and pressing option #2.

Anglers should clean and dry their gear between streams and outings to prevent the spread of harmful invaders such as didymo and whirling disease. This can be done using dish soap or a five percent salt solution, or at a wader wash stations available at many locations where anglers wade.

Remember to take a child along. Anglers under the age of 16 do not need a license or trout stamp.

Anglers that catch and register a trout which meets or exceeds the Angler Award sizes ─ 20 inches for a rainbow and 21 inches for a brown ─ will earn a certificate, free passes to the Maryland Seafood Festival and the chance to win great prizes at the 2013 Maryland Fishing Challenge Finale in September.

DNR’s trout stocking program is funded entirely by the sale of non-tidal fishing licenses, trout stamps and Federal Sportfish Restoration Program funds which are generated by a dedicated excise tax on fishing and boating equipment.

Maryland Trout Stocking to Begin in October

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Service  is forecasting an early October start for the annual fall trout stocking program.

“Stocking dates and locations are dependent on water flow, temperatures and ground conditions at the delivery sites,” said DNR Inland Fisheries Chief Don Cosden. “Based on current conditions, we expect to begin stocking fish into popular ponds, creeks and rivers as early as the second week of October.”

DNR expects to stock about 26,000 one-pound rainbow and golden trout, 1,000 one-pound brown trout, and 150 two- to three-pound rainbow and golden trout throughout the State.

Staff will post stocking information on the DNR Fisheries website and on the recorded DNR Trout Hotline (800-688-3467, press 2) as the program progresses.

 

MPS Launches Operation: CAMPOUT! Program for Military Families and Wounded Warriors

The Maryland Park Service (MPS) has launched OPERATION: CAMPOUT!, a new program that provides basic camping gear, free of charge, to service members and their families in and around the State. The initiative is funded in partnership with The North Face: Explore Your Parks, a program that encourages families to get outdoors and enjoy state parks across the country.

OPERATION: CAMPOUT! is currently offered at five State parks in Maryland: Swallow Falls, New Germany, Rocky Gap, Patapsco Valley, and Pocomoke River. The program is for service members, many of whom are stationed at nearby military installations or recovering at facilities across the State or in close proximity to Maryland. Each park is equipped with gear lockers stocked with essential equipment to camp - a six-person North Face tent, camp pads, chairs, a cook stove, a lantern and roasting sticks for marshmallows or hot dogs.

MPS has been in partnership with The North Face: Explore Your Parks since the program’s launch in 2010. Explore Your Parks was created to encourage Americans to get outside and enjoy the close-to-home recreation that State Parks offer. Through options such as Activity Guides, Park Passes, and Camping programs, Explore Your Parks helps people to discover the unique sights, activities, and wildlife within their own State Parks. More information and resources are available at www.exploreyourparks.com.

Service members who would like to participate in the program can reserve their campsite (prices vary by park) and camping gear (at no charge) by contacting the park directly.  Listed below are Garrett County parks that are participating:

Swallow Falls State Park 301-387-6938
New Germany State Park 301-895-5453

 
More information on the program is available at dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/armed_forces.asp.

Fishing Contest Winners Announced for Week Ending August 18, 2012

The Garrett County Fishing Contest, sponsored by Deep Creek Outfitters Hardware and Bait House and the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, is in full swing. The winner for the week ending August 18, 2012 was a Largemouth Bass: 3 lbs.; 17”, caught by Don Martin of McHenry, MD.

Weekly winners are awarded a certificate, and certificates are also awarded for the season’s largest catches of bluegill, brown trout, chain pickerel, crappies, largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, rainbow trout, walleye and yellow perch.

To enter the contest, enter your catch at Deep Creek Outfitters Hardware and Bait House at 32 Outfitters Way, McHenry, MD.  The fishing contest runs from the first weekend in May through the first weekend in October.  

New Germany State Park Happenings This Week

Friday, July 13th:

Spooky Owl Prowl, 9:00 PM

It’s Friday, the 13th… spooky!  During this fascinating program, participants are invited to venture into the forest for a guided hike by light of the moon.  With any luck, participants will hear some of the “spooky” hoots, wails, and shrieks of owls native to the park.  Participants are encouraged to wear appropriate footwear and bring a flashlight for safety when leaving the program.  Meet at the Nature Center, next to the Lake House.

Saturday, July 14th:

Moss Graffiti, 1:00 PM

Participants are invited to join the park naturalist and discover an exciting new, environmentally-friendly form of art.  Meet at the Nature Center, next to the Lake House.

Tree Quest – Any Time

This self-guided activity challenges participants to explore the park on a quest to locate and successfully identify a series of trees, using the materials provided.  The activity is designed for families to enjoy independently, at their own pace.  Activity packets can be obtained at the Nature Center, from 10 AM – 6 PM.  

Dutch Oven Cooking, 5:30 PM

This program will provide participants with all of the ingredients needed to create an outdoor feast, including unique recipes, tips, and demonstrations.  Cost is $5 per person, which will include a free hot dog, all-u-can-eat S’mores, and a variety of sample-food items.  Children 5 & under are FREE.  Participants are encouraged to bring an appetite and meet at the Nature Center.

Campfire Program:  Appalachian Blacksmith Workshop, 7:00 PM

This workshop will feature award-winning metal sculptor and blacksmith, Kenny Braitman.  This will be the first of three workshops, in which Braitman will provide hands-on demonstrations and instruction on the unique art of sculpting metal.  Additional workshops will be held on July 21st and 28th.  Meet at the Nature Center, next to the Lake House.

Sunday, July 15th:

Who Polluted the Potomac? 11:00 AM

This entertaining and interactive program will illustrate how everyone contributes to pollution, and more importantly, how everyone can be part of the solution.  Meet at the Nature Center, next to the Lake House.

Wednesday, July 18th:

Leave No Trace Hike, Games, & Crafts, 10:00 AM

Leave No Trace – Bigfoot’s been doing it for years!  This activity will feature a short hike with the park naturalist, in which participants will learn about Leave No Trace outdoor ethics.  The activity will conclude with Leave No Trace games and crafts.  Participants are encouraged to wear appropriate footwear (close-toed shoes).  Meet at the Nature Center, next to the Lake House.

Fishing Contest Winners Announced for Week Ending June 23

The Garrett County Fishing Contest, sponsored by Deep Creek Outfitters Hardware and Bait House and the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, is in full swing.  There were 4 entries (3 winners) for the week ending June 23, 2012:

Bluegill: 1 lb.; 10”, caught by Cody Davis of Sykesville, MD.

Yellow Perch: 1 lb. 1 oz.; 12 ½”, caught by William Heinie of Silver Spring, MD.

Chain Pickerel: 1 lb. 8 ozs.; 18”, caught by William Heinie of Silver Spring, MD.

 Weekly winners are awarded a certificate, and certificates are also awarded for the season’s largest catches of bluegill, brown trout, chain pickerel, crappies, largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, rainbow trout, walleye and yellow perch.  To enter the contest, enter your catch at Deep Creek Outfitters Hardware and Bait House at 32 Outfitters Way, McHenry, MD.  The fishing contest runs from the first weekend in May through the first weekend in October.   

New Germany State Park Weekend Events

Saturday, June 9th:

License-Free Fishing Day!

Saturday, June 9th, is a license-free fishing day all across Maryland!  On this day, no fishing license is required to catch and possess finfish in tidal and non-tidal waters of the State for recreational purposes.  All other fishing laws and regulations still apply.

 Katie’s 5K Race (& 1 Mile Walk/ Run), 9:00-11:30 AM

Lace up your running shoes and prepare to be inspired!  The Katie’s 5K is an annual 5km race in memory of Katie DeRosa, a local 13-year-old who was tragically struck and killed by a speeding car while training for cross-country.  Katie was an organ donor and saved the lives of 5 people.  The race takes place on trails and roadways within New Germany State Park.  Registration begins at 7:30 AM at the Lake House and the cost is $15.00 (race day entry).  Proceeds sponsor two college scholarships in Katie’s memory and other Queen City Striders activities.  For more information, visit www.qcstriders.org.      

Salamander Scurry, 3:00 PM

When was the last time you turned over a rock in search for critters?  Join the park ranger for some old-fashioned fun, and learn about some common salamanders found in the park.  Cost is $6.00 per family, which includes a free field guide.  Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather and wear adequate footwear.  Meet at the Nature Center, next to the Lake House.

Campfire Program:  Scales & Tales, 7:30 PM

Gather ‘round the campfire with Ranger Elena Bode and experience a fascinating, up-close encounter with live birds of prey.  After the program, participants can enjoy free S’mores around the campfire.  Meet at the Lake House, and bring a flashlight for your safety when leaving the program.       

Sunday, June 10th:

Tree ID Hike, 3:00 PM

Join the park naturalist on a guided one-mile hike, and learn how to identify some common trees found in the park!  Cost is $6.00 per family, which includes a free field guide.  Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather, wear adequate footwear, and bring drinking water.  Meet at the Lake House.

 

Fishing Contest For Week Ending June 2, 2012

The Garrett County Fishing Contest, sponsored by Deep Creek Outfitters Hardware and Bait House and the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is in full swing.  There was 1 winner for the week ending June 02, 2012:

 Yellow Perch: 1 lb., 1 oz.; 13 1/4”, caught by Justin Sheally of Oakland, MD.

 Weekly winners are awarded a certificate, and certificates are also awarded for the season’s largest catches of bluegill, brown trout, chain pickerel, crappies, largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, rainbow trout, walleye and yellow perch. 

To enter the contest, enter your catch at Deep Creek Outfitters Hardware and Bait House at 32 Outfitters Way, McHenry, MD.  Our fishing contest runs from the first weekend in May through the first weekend in October.  Happy Fishing!!!

 

 

New Germany State Park to Host Youth Fishing Rodeo on May 19

New Germany State Park will feature a morning of fun and fishing at its annual Youth Fishing Rodeo on Saturday, May 19, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The event is free and open to young people ages 15 and under.

“This is a great opportunity for kids to learn and enjoy the sport of fishing in a pressure-free environment,” said Ranger Adam Stachowiak. “Plus, we have fantastic competitive prizes and door prizes this year, so everyone will have a chance to win.”

First, second and third-place prizes will be awarded for the longest fish caught in three age groups: 6 and under, 7-11 and 12-15. There will also be a variety of door prizes courtesy of Eagle Claw Fishing Tackle, The Bassin’ Box, Allegany Garrett Sportsman’s Association, Bill’s Outdoor Center, Walmart in LaVale and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources interpretive services.   

Activities after the rodeo include a Pro Cast Challenge and a fish-painting craft. Craft participants are encouraged to bring a white t-shirt or purchase one at the park. The New Germany Snack Bar & Gift Shop, located inside the Lake House, will have food, refreshments and gift items for sale.

Registration will begin at 8 a.m. and the first 50 registrants will receive a free grab-bag stocked with a variety of fishing tackle. To encourage beginners, a limited supply of equipment will be available for loan during the event. Fishing will take place from 8 to 11 a.m., followed by the awards ceremony and prize drawings. Boating is prohibited. For more information, call the Ranger Station at 301-895-5453 or email astachowiak@dnr.state.md.us.

May at The Discovery Center

Sunday, May 6

11:00 a.m. Breakfast of Creepy Crawlies! Join the Naturalist at the Discovery Center for a morning of feeding the snakes, turtles and frogs! Learn about what they eat in the wild and what helps them survive!

1:30 p.m. Swimming with fishes. Learn about the fish that live in Deep Creek Lake with the Naturalist!  Learn how fish live and look! Complete your learning with some fish prints to take home to all of your friends and family!

Friday, May 11

8:00 a.m. Birding at Sang Run You’ll learn how to bird by ear and listen for distinctive songs as we stroll through Friends Delight.  Bring binoculars and meet at the Kayak launch. Experienced and Beginner birders are welcomed!

Saturday, May 12  

What’s that habitat? Hab-a-what? Learn what a habitat is and how humans and animals share space and resources. Guests can create their own drawings to bring home for family and friends!      

1:30 a.m. Wildlife Investigation This self guided program allows you to become a detective for the nature world.  Open your eyes and see the clues left behind by nature.  Can you tell the difference between the details and solve the puzzle?

Sunday, May 13             

11:00 a.m. Inside the Shell. Meet the Naturalist at the Discovery Center for a morning full of turtles! Learn cool facts about these reptiles while watching them eat and even getting the chance to touch these critters!

1:30p.m. Aviary Encounter Come to the aviary to get up close and personal with our birds of prey. Learn some interesting facts and hear stories. Bring a camera because they will be perched for a great photo opportunity!

Friday, May 18             
8:00 a.m. Birding at Sang Run You’ll learn how to bird by ear and listen for distinctive songs as we stroll through Friends Delight.  Bring binoculars and meet at the Kayak launch. Experienced and Beginner birders are welcomed!

Saturday, May 19                           
1:30 p.m. Spring Walk in the Woods. Join the Naturalist for a hike the Snake Root Trail, approximate ½ Mille.

Sunday, May 20                           
All day Scavenger Hunt and Wildlife Investigation.

 

Saturday, May 26                           
11:00a.m. Swimming with the Fishes.

7:00 p.m. Campfire Program Come to the amphitheater for Scales and Tales Program. Get up close and personal with our birds of prey and snakes and reptiles! At the end of the presentation there will marshmallows!

Sunday, May 27             
11:00 a.m. Breakfast of Creepy Crawlies! Join the Naturalist at the Discovery Center for a morning of feeding the snakes, turtles and frogs! Learn about what they eat in the wild and what helps them survive!

1:30 p.m. Nature Games! Come to the Discovery Center to join the Naturalist for fun and active games that relates to wild animal’s survival and how they use their surroundings!

Monday, May 28                           
1:30p.m. Aviary Encounter Come to the aviary to get up close and personal with our birds of prey. Learn some interesting facts and hear stories. Bring a camera because they will be perched for a great photo opportunity!

10th Annual Ice Fishing Contest Winner Announced

The annual winner of the Garrett County Ice Fishing Contest, sponsored by Deep Creek Outfitters Hardware and Bait House and the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is Lenny Yommer from Grantsville who caught a Northern Pike, 10 lbs. 8 ozs., 34”. 

The winners are awarded certificates for the season’s largest catch of bluegill, brown trout, chain pickerel, crappies, largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, rainbow trout, walleye and yellow perch.  Though the 10th Annual ice fishing contest has concluded for the year, the 52nd Annual Fishing Contest begins on May 1st. 

 

Fishes of Western Maryland Featured Topic at AHC March Meeting

The Allegheny Highlands Conservancy (AHC) will hold a meeting on Wednesday, March 28th at  New Germany State Park.  The meeting will begin promptly at 7:00 pm with a presentation by Dr. Rich Raesly, Frostburg State University (FSU), on the “Fishes of Western Maryland”. The public is welcome to attend this free educational program.

Dr. Raesly will present an overview of the diversity of fishes in Maryland with a focus on Garrett and Allegany counties. Habitats of fishes will be described and basic life history information of common species will be discussed. The talk will conclude with an overview of the current conservation status of fishes. Rich Raesly is Chair of the Biology Department at FSU where he has taught courses in ecology, fish biology, and fisheries management since 1989.

Directions: From I-68 take exit 22 and follow signs for New Germany State Park.  Turn left into the park onto McAndrews Hill Road.  The meeting will be held in the Lake House. Parking is available in Lots # 4 or 5. There are also handicap accessible parking spaces at the Lake House. Bring a flashlight since parking lots will be dark by the end of the program.

Photo above shows Dr. Rich Raesly holding a quillback 

 

 

 

 

Mild Winter Weather Allows for Early Trout Stocking

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has begun spring stocking, releasing the first of approximately 326,000 rainbow and brown trout into freshwaters throughout the State.  For trout stocking information and updates, contact the DNR trout hotline at (800) 688-3467. The stocking schedule and maps to stocked and special trout management waters are available at dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/stocking.

Anglers may also pick up the updated (green) Spring Stocking Schedule charts at DNR Service Centers and tackle shops across the State.Some stocked streams and ponds are reserved for delayed harvest to sustain quality angling between stocking periods and through late spring.

Please note that the Put-and-Take closure dates for certain areas are incorrect in the published 2012 Maryland Fishing Guide.The correct dates are:
Closure Area 1: 10:00 p.m., March 11 to 5:30 a.m., March 31
Closure Area 2: 10:00 p.m., March 25 to 5:30 a.m., March 31
Closure Area 3: 10:00 p.m., April 15 to 5:30 a.m., April 21
Closure Area 4: 10:00 p.m., April 22 to 5:30 a.m., April 28

In order to protect our fish populations and keep their habitat healthy, DNR reminds anglers to clean and dry their gear between streams and outings. Field and laboratory research has confirmed that the felt used for waders is an ideal medium for collecting and transporting microscopic invasive species or fish disease. A good scrubbing with dish soap or a five percent salt solution is an easy way to prevent the spread of invaders such as didymo and whirling disease. Convenient wader wash stations are available at several key wild trout areas including the Gunpowder River, Savage River, the North Branch of the Potomac (Barnum area), and Big Hunting Creek. Anglers should also know that felt soles are prohibited in all Maryland waters and first offense fine is $125.00.

DNR invites everyone to follow Fisheries Service news through Facebook at facebook.com/MDDNRFisheriesService and through Twitter @MDDNRFISH.To subscribe to the DNR Fisheries email lists, visit dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/emailcontact.asp.