Fishing Jennings Randolph Lake

AKA: Jennings Randolph Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Jennings Randolph Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
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Jennings Randolph Lake, MD

Popular Fish Species Jennings Randolph Lake, MD

Jennings Randolph Lake Popular Fish - Walleye

Walleye Fishing

Thanks to a significant baitfish population, and presence of numerous small sunfish in the lake, walleye are thriving in the fertile waters of Jennings Randolph Lake this year. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower, closer to shore and begin spawning. Rock and gravel are preferred areas for the spawn. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, stay around schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. Walleye have excellent, low-light vision which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water during low light conditions. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.

Jennings Randolph Lake Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Jennings Randolph Lake also sustains a robust smallmouth bass population. Many locals enjoy smallmouth fishing, as smallies are tough fighters and very exciting to catch. Smallmouth bass fishing is good virtually anytime they are shallow. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish.

Jennings Randolph Lake Popular Fish - Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Ongoing stocking programs by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources maintains a catchable population of rainbow trout for anglers at Jennings Randolph Lake. Fish for rainbow trout here with worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic their preferred prey. While fishing from a boat is preferred, plenty of trout are caught here by anglers fishing from the bank. Additionally, floating or sinking flies, such as nymphs, streamers, or dry flies, are popular choices for fly anglers targeting rainbow trout. Trolling with lures or flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish.

Jennings Randolph Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, white crappie, walleye, saugeye, brown trout, bluegill and hybrid striped bass at Jennings Randolph Lake in Maryland.

With no horsepower limit on boat motors, Jennings Randolph Lake is a favorite of boating enthusiasts in northwest Maryland. Great bass fishing and a nice variety of other fish species, makes this a favorite of anglers and tournament fishing clubs.

This 950-acre lake has more than 15 miles of shoreline which is home to smallmouth and largemouth bass for most of the season. Well known for trophy-sized walleye, the lake also offers trout, sunfish and hybrid striped bass fishing. Two boat ramps allow for easy boating access. No rental boats are available.

Primary fish species residing in Jennings Randolph Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Jennings Randolph Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES - 2
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NO
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

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Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Jennings Randolph Lake Maryland Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Mt Zion Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.