The Best Bass Fishing Lakes In Maryland

Guide to fishing for smallmouth and largemouth bass in MD lakes.

Maryland is a paradise for bass fishing enthusiasts, offering ample opportunities to catch both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Largemouth bass, known for their aggressive strikes and impressive size, can be found in numerous bodies of water across the state. One of the premier destinations for largemouth bass fishing is the Potomac River, particularly in the southern region. Anglers can explore the countless coves, submerged vegetation, and rocky structures to target these coveted trophy fish. Other popular largemouth bass fishing spots include Deep Creek Lake, Liberty Reservoir, and the Upper Chesapeake Bay.

On the other hand, smallmouth bass fishing in Maryland is equally thrilling. The state boasts an array of rivers and streams that provide excellent habitats for smallmouth bass. The upper reaches of the Potomac River, the Susquehanna River, and the Patapsco River are renowned for their smallmouth bass populations. Anglers can navigate through rocky sections, submerged boulders, and swift currents to entice these spirited fighters. Smallmouth bass are known for their acrobatic leaps and relentless fights, making them a favorite among anglers seeking a challenging and exhilarating fishing experience.

The best time to target both largemouth and smallmouth bass in Maryland is during the spring and fall seasons. In the spring, as the water temperatures rise, bass become more active, feeding voraciously after the winter months. During this time, they move closer to the shallows, making them more accessible to anglers. In the fall, as the temperatures cool down, bass feed heavily to prepare for winter, making it another prime time to catch trophy-sized fish. However, it's worth noting that bass fishing in Maryland can be enjoyable throughout the year, with opportunities available during summer and winter as well.

Bass Fishing Lakes In Maryland

You are sure to find bass in all types of water across the state of Maryland. Visit the Bass Knowledge Center for valuable information about bass and bass fishing. Private and public ponds, rivers, small lakes, state park lagoons may contain bass. However, the most consistent stringers of bass continue to come from major lakes like Deep Creek Lake, Jennings Randolph Lake, Lake Habeeb, Liberty Lake, Little Seneca Lake, Loch Raven Reservoir, Prettyboy Reservoir, Rocky Gorge Reservoir, St. Mary's Lake, Triadelphia Reservoir and Youghiogheny River Reservoir.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Top 5 Bass Fishing Lures For Maryland

When bass are shallow, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and stickbaits are the most productive. As they move deeper, worms and jigs are among the top producers.

The Maryland state record largemouth bass was caught from a Huntingtown private pond, and the MD state record smallmouth came from .

Maryland State Record Bass

The state record largemouth bass was caught from a private pond.

The state record smallmouth bass came from Liberty Reservoir.

Chris Baker, 15 years old with a 7.5 lb largemouth bass from a farm pond.

Bass are one of the most sought after of all the game fish. Its appeal spans cultures, age groups and genders to tap on the heart strings of anglers everywhere. We offer information about bass fishing on your favorite bass lake in MD. Understanding the seasonal movements of smallmouth bass and largemouth bass is key to locating them on local lakes in the Old Line State.

Bass fishing basics video.

Catch big bass!

Bass fishing information by state.