Reel It In

Five Great DMV Fishing Spots for Families

By Claire Darcy

Every year more than 50 million Americans will go saltwater or freshwater fishing, and the sport is gaining in popularity as more families see the mental and physical benefits of fishing.

Charlie Ebersberger, owner of Anglers Sports Center, one of the area’s largest outfitters for fishing and boating, has seen a noted increase in interest. “We’ve seen at least a 30-percent increase in interest from beginner anglers and families that want to teach their kids to fish,” Ebersberger says.

These five fishing spots boast natural beauty, tranquility and the possibility of a big catch.

LOCH RAVEN RESERVOIR

12101 Dulaney Valley Road, Phoenix 410-887-7692

This 2,400-acre reserve just outside of Towson is teeming with large and smallmouth bass, bluegill, white perch, crappie, pickerel, walleye, catfish, yellow perch and northern pike. At the fully equipped fishing center, anglers can rent rods, tackle, kayaks and more.

Centennial Lake

10000 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City

410-313-7303

This 50-acre impoundment of the Little Patuxent River is popular with families due to its accessibility, variety of fish, and amenities at Centennial Park. The lake has largemouth bass, tiger muskie, panfish, channel catfish, and rainbow trout, and is regularly stocked each season from area hatcheries. Centennial Lake also hosts summer programs including ‘learn to fish’ workshops for kids and adults, fishing tournaments, and a popular ‘Nite Bites’ fishing program in the summer that allows anglers to fish up until 11 p.m.

WYE MILLS LAKE

14214 Old Wye Mills Road, Wye Mills 410-820-1668

Just fifteen miles from the Bay Bridge, this 50-acre lake in Wye Mills is one of the largest freshwater ponds on the Eastern Shore. Established in colonial times in order to divert water for power at a grain mill, the lake’s bucolic setting and nearby attractions like the historic Wye Mill, make this a great destination for families. With largemouth bass, bluegill, white and black crappie, pumpkinseed sunfish, brown bullhead catfish, common carp, yellow perch, gizzard shad, and golden shiners, anglers can catch a variety of fish all year long.

WATERWORKS PARK

260 Defense Highway, Annapolis 410-263-7958

Just a mile from the Annapolis

Mall on Defense Highway, Waterworks Park is one of the area’s best-kept secrets and a great spot for beginner anglers. The three freshwater fishing ponds are stocked with bass, and are catch and release only. A permit, which can be purchased through the Annapolis Department of Parks and Recreation, is required for entrance to the park, and anglers must bring their own rods and tackle. A nature-lover’s paradise, visitors regularly spot beavers, heron and other wildlife near the ponds and the 600 acres of biking and hiking trails make it a great choice for families looking for a tranquil escape.

KINGS LANDING PARK

3255 Kings Landing Road, Huntingtown 410-535-2661

With a two-hundred-foot fishing pier that stretches into the Patuxent River, Kings Landing Park in Calvert County is a picturesque spot to cast for bass, catfish, chain pickerel and bluefish. A former YMCA camp, Kings Landing has amenities like canoe and kayak access, a boardwalk that meanders through marshland, hiking trails through meadows and forests, and full picnic facilities.

FOR TIPS AND FISHING REPORTS, CHECK OUT THESE SOURCES:

Maryland Department of Natural Resources 410-260-8367

Find information on state fishing laws, purchase permits or research state parks with fishing options.

Individuals under the age of 16 are not required to obtain a license to sport fish/crab. Adults need one. Find all the details at dnr.maryland.gov.