The Deep Creek Blog

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.

Ice Fishing on Deep Creek Lake

Interested in ice fishing on Deep Creek Lake?  Here's a great article from Maryland Life Magazine. 

DNR to Host Savage River Brook Trout Open House

The Maryland DNR Fisheries Service will host an open house, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on February 4, to present the results from the brook trout population study in the Savage River watershed.Field research by scientists at DNR and the University of Maryland’s Center for Environmental Studies (UMCES) Appalachian Lab has shown declining trends in Savage River brook trout populations.

Dr. Robert Hilderbrand of UMCES and DNR Fisheries biologists will be on-hand to share the results and discuss the current status of Savage River trout populations. Visitors will be able to ask questions and offer their thoughts.The open house will take place at Allegany Community College’s Continuing Education Building, located at 12401 Willowbrook Road in Cumberland. Visitors are encouraged to stop by at their convenience─ it should not take more than a half hour to observe and process the information. Interested citizens may also view the information and offer comments online at dnr.Maryland.gov/fisheries.

51st Annual Garrett County Fishing Contest Winners

The annual winners of the Garrett County Fishing Contest, sponsored by Deep Creek Outfitters Hardware and Bait House and the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce are:

Bluegill: 1lb. 1oz., 11 inches, caught by Anthony Raynor of Glen Arm, MD

Brown Trout:  3 lbs., 20 inches, caught by Sean Larrimore of Pikesville, MD

Chain Pickerel:  5 lbs., 27 inches, caught by Chris Guthrie of Oakland, MD

Crappie:  1 lb. 8 ozs., 14 inches, caught by Nathan McClellan of Riverdale, MD

Largemouth Bass:  5 lbs. 4 ozs., 19 inches, caught by Franklin Cogley of Oakland, MD

Northern Pike:  7 lbs. 8 ozs., 32 inches, caught by Mary Ann Krewson of Kennett Square, PA

Rainbow Trout:  2 lbs. 12 ozs., 19 inches, caught by Joseph Burt of Oakland, MD

Smallmouth Bass:  2 lbs. 3 ozs., 16 ½ inches, caught by Ryan Roszell of Oakland, MD

Walleye:  4 lbs., 23-3/4 inches, caught by David Berry of McHenry, MD

Walleye:  4 lbs., 23 inches, caught by Justin Loutsenhizer of Murrysville, PA

Yellow Perch:  1 lb. 4 ozs., 14 inches, caught by Jeffrey Loutsenhizer of Murrysville, PA

Yellow Perch:  1 lb. 4 ozs., 13 ½ inches, caught by Tommy Korman of Glenwood, MD


The winners are awarded plaques 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 contest has concluded for this year, the fishing is still good, so, happy fishing, and we’ll all look forward to next year’s contest season.

Photograph courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Fall Fishing on Deep Creek Lake

Alan Klotz, Fisheries Biologist, reports that fall fishing is strong on Deep Creek Lake.

DNR To Begin Stocking Trout for Fall Fishing Season

The Maryland DNR will stock more than 27,000 trout into freshwaters across the State this month.

“Stocking dates and locations are dependent on water flow and temperatures. Based on current conditions, we anticipate stocking to proceed in many places beginning the second week of October,” said Don Cosden, DNR’s inland fisheries director. “All of the fish will be released by the first of November.”

DNR will stock 24,500 rainbow and golden trout weighing an average of one pound each,1,500 brown trout averaging one pound each and 300 rainbow and golden trout between 2 to 3 pounds each. The Freshwater Institute, a research facility in West Virginia, is donating approximately 1,000 additional rainbow trout to this effort.

In most years, fall water temperatures allow trout stocking to occur in larger waterways, ponds and lakes such as the North Branch of the Potomac, Bear Creek, Town Creek, Blairs Valley Lake, Antietam Creek, Beaver Creek, Cunningham Falls Lake, Rainbow Lake, Greenbrier Lake, Morgan Run, Patapsco River, Big Gunpowder Falls, Great Seneca Creek, Wheatley Lake, Lake Artemesia, Greenbelt Lake, Big Elk Creek, Deer Creek and Tuckahoe.

“Recent rains from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee have provided consecutive boosts in water flow,” said Cosden. “As the streams clear up, there will be excellent fishing conditions for early fall trout anglers.”

Some of these hatchery-raised trout will find new homes in streams that have seasonal restrictions on keeping trout. Please consult the 2011 Maryland Fishing Guide or visit dnr.md.gov/fisheries for regulations and places to fish.

DNR’s trout stocking information telephone line, 1-800-688-3467, will be updated weekly beginning October 1 so that anglers may find out if their favorite area has been stocked. Stocked areas will also be posted online at dnr.md.gov/fisheries once stocking is complete.

New Germany Catch!

New Germany Lake might be small, but it’s home to some really big fish. Lomand (“Ike”) Brill from Wardensville, WV caught this 38 inch tiger muskie while fishing the lake at New Germany State Park on Saturday, August 20th.  Using only an eight pound test line, he drew quite a crowd as he worked his trophy catch towards the shore.  Tiger muskies are often called “the fish of ten thousand casts” due to the challenge involved with catching one. These hybrid fish are a result of the interbreeding between a true muskellunge and a northern pike. 


 

The photo was taken by Ranger Adam Stachowiak at New Germany State Park.

Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center - August Events

Friday’s – August 5, 12, 19, 26

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!

1:00 p.m. Black Bears and You Take a hike with the Naturalist to discover the life of a Black Bear and see how it revolves around their sense of smell. Dive in, nose first and learn some interesting facts. Appropriate for all ages.

Special Night Program on August 12- 9:00 p.m. Presides Meteor Shower. Meet at the Discovery Center.

Saturday’s  August 6, 13, 20, 27

1:00-3:00 p.m. Fire tower OPEN.  Hike yourself to the fire tower and get to go inside and see the best view of the lake in Garrett County! $2.00 a person

2:00 p.m. Critter Encounter Join a naturalist as they feed the many critters in the Discovery Center such as the fish, frogs, turtles, and snakes!

11:00 a.m. Little Guard Meet at the beach and learn the skills of a lifeguard.  Kids will run a relay, practice throwing a lifesaving device, how to recognize a troubled swimmer and more.  NO swimming required. For kids age 5-7.  Cost is $5.00 and includes a T-Shirt and whistle. 1 hour

Campfire Program: Join us at the amphitheater for a variety of program topics, marshmallows and more! Individual subjects and times are listed in calendar above.

Special Guest Greg Latta will do the Campfire Program on Saturday August 13 at 7:00 p.m. at the Discovery Center in the Discovery Room.                    

Sunday’s August 7, 14, 21, 28

10:30 a.m. Aquatic Adventure Join the Naturalist down by the lake for this exciting adventure! Get in, knee deep and learn about the critters that call Deep Creek home.

1:00 p.m. Reptiles Alive! Kids of all ages! Slither your way over to the Discovery Center for an afternoon of reptiles. Hear stories, learn interesting facts, and even get the chance to see and touch resident critters!

Monday’s August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

10:00 a.m. Fishing with a Naturalist. Kids 7 and up join us on the shores of the Discovery Center for fishing basics. Poles, bait, and tackle are provided.  $4/person, adults (16 +must have a license). Pre-register as space is limited.

2:00 p.m. Brant Mine Hike Guided hike with the naturalist to the historic Brant Mine.  You will see the remnants of a coal mine that was operated in the 1920’s.  Plus, you never know what wildlife we will see on the way.

Tuesday’s August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

8:00 a.m. Let’s Go Birding   This may be early, but it is the best time to hear and spot songbirds. Join the naturalist for a walk around the park and learn how to I.D. many different species! Experienced and Beginner birders are welcomed. Bring binoculars. Meet at the Discovery Center.

1:00 p.m. Flutterby’s and Flowers. Walk around the Discovery Center with the naturalist to learn the many species of wildflowers and butterflies found in our area. Learn about the native plants these butterflies need and ways you can improve their habitat. Also, discover edible and medicinal values of the plants discussed.

Wednesday’s August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

11:00 a.m. Amphibian Adaptation Come over to the Discovery Center for a hoppin’ good time! Learn about the amphibians and how they survive in their environment. Also, join the Naturalist after the program for a craft!

1:00-3:00 p.m. Fire tower OPEN.  Hike yourself to the fire tower and get to go inside and see the best view of the lake in Garrett County! $2.00 a person

1:00 p.m. Wildlife Investigation This self guided program allows you to become a detective for the natural world. Open your eyes and see the clues left behind by nature. Can you tell the difference between the details and solve the puzzle? Fill out the worksheet and win a prize!

Thursday’s August 4, 11, 18, 25

10:30 a.m. Canoe with the Naturalist Visit Meadow Mt. cove and learn about the creatures of Garrett County’s wetlands. The naturalists will  cover basic canoeing skills. $10/adult; $5 for age 12 and under. Must pre-register as space is limited. Meet at the Discovery Center 2 hr.

2:00 p.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!

Friend’s Delight and Store: Don’t forget to stop by our new site the Historic Friend’s Store located on Sang Run Road.  Turn off 219 at the WISP and stay on Sang Run Road until the river and you will find us there. The store will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00p.m. Step back in time with our penny candy, crafts and demonstrations.  Cold drinks, ice cream, maple syrup, local jams and jellies.

DNR Launches Maryland Youth Fishing Club

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has opened its virtual doors to a free online fishing clubhouse for anglers between the ages of 5 and 15.

“This fishing club is a fun and helpful way to instill a sense of community and environmental stewardship in young anglers and their families,” said DNR’s Fisheries Director Tom O’Connell.

The club will allow DNR to interact with young anglers and their mentors to promote upcoming youth events across Maryland, share fishing stories on the youth angler’s log and access dependable information on how to succeed in fishing.

“We eventually hope to learn from our young anglers what works for them in developing an appreciation for the outdoors, so we may better support them in their endeavors,” said Letha Grimes, the club’s coordinator.

Membership in the Maryland Youth Fishing Club is free and subject to parental approval. New members will receive a Maryland Youth Fishing Club Patch and access to helpful information from DNR and experts from partner fishing organizations across the State.

To join the Maryland Youth Fishing Club visit dnr.maryland.gov/keepfishing.

For more information, contact Letha Grimes at lgrimes@dnr.state.md.us.

Keep up with the Maryland Fisheries Service by following @MDDNRFISH on Twitter.

Bluegill Season

I remember as a kid always catching a lot of bluegill around this time of year.  I never knew why - just that we had a blast having contests seeing who could catch the most in one day.  Now, thanks to Jim Gronaw's Tight Lines I know. 

Fisheries Service Launches Interactive State Record Timeline

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Service has created an online resource to assist anglers who dream of catching a record fish.

The State Records timeline tool allows anglers to scroll through lists of Maryland’s 90 fishing records and pinpoint the time and location of record-setting catches. Visitors to the site can also view photos of anglers with their record-setting fish.

“Two of the best bits of information in the hunt for a notable catch are the time and place that a record fish was previously caught,” said Marty Gary, assistant director of DNR’s Fisheries Service.

To get started, visit dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/records/index.asp.

To access this and a wealth of additional fishing information on the go, visit the new DNR Fisheries mobile web page at dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/mobile using an iPhone or Android device.

Keep up with the Maryland Fisheries Service by following @MDDNRFISH on Twitter.

July 4th is a Free Fishing Day in Maryland

Fishing licenses are not required to fish in Maryland on July 4th as part of the Free Fishing Day program. 

Bass Weighing Station Being Built at Deep Creek Lake

The Maryland B.A.S.S. Federation is building a weighing station at Deep Creek Lake.  The station will be dedicated on June 18. 

 

Today is a Free Fishing Day in Maryland

Today is a Free Fishing Day in Maryland.  During a free fishing day, a person may catch and possess fish in the tidal and nontidal waters of the State for recreational purposes without an angler's license, . Maryland's free fishing days are the first two Saturdays in June and July 4.

DNR Regional Service Centers Closed Tomorrow

All Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) offices will be closed on Friday May 27 as part of the State’s Furlough and Temporary Salary Reduction Plan. This includes regional service centers, which are historically busy on the Friday before Memorial Day weekend. Maryland State Parks and other public lands managed by DNR will remain staffed and open to the public.

DNR asks all boaters to plan accordingly, and register their boats early. Anglers can purchase fishing licenses online 24/7 at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/service/license.asp or over the phone at (800) 918-2870.