A magical landscape blanketed in snow, hot tubs, fire pits, and some of the best winter activities around. There is so much more to winters in Deep Creek than just skiing (although that certainly is a HUGE reason to come)! Let’s break it down:

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Wisp Resort offers a wealth of activities from adventure sports and scenic adventures to indoor amusements, youth activities, and so much more. And lucky for us, Wisp Resort calls Deep Creek Lake home!

Best known for their winter sports– like skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing,  and cross-country skiing– Wisp Resort is actually home to dozens of different adventures, all year-long, making Deep Creek a perfect adventure sports destination, whether you are renting a cabin in the winter, an amazing lakefront home in the summer, or anything in between.

Here are some of the activities you can catch us doing throughout the year:

Winter Sports

Skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, cross-country skiing… then back to Wisp Resort’s cozy indoor lodge for hot chocolate or a refreshing beer. Sounds pretty perfect, huh? Wisp Resort has a host of packages available from partial and full-day tickets to multi-day deals and season passes. After a day out on the slopes, there is nothing better than returning to our fantastic vacation rental homes, all of which has outdoor hot tubs! In particular, we LOVE our homes All Decked Out, Loch Baile, and Hunny Home for an unbeatable winter experience.

@WISPRESORT ON INSTAGRAM

@WISPRESORT ON INSTAGRAM

Ropes Course

Fly high, soar and swivel, vault and lift, and work the muscles in your mind and body at the Wisp Resort Ropes course. From zip lines and swingings to climbing apparatuses and more, Wisp has two level of ropes courses for children ages four and up, and one adult-oriented course. A great activity for the fall, spring, and summer seasons!

Mountain Coaster

This is one of our favorite activities! Available in all four seasons, this unique activity can be catered to anyone, adult or child. Billed as a “gravitional hybrid of an alpine slide and a roller coaster” this fun ride will whip you down the mountain in a thrilling ride down the scenic mountainside. If you are a more ‘slow, but steady’ type of person, just know that every cart has it’s own hand brake that you control. Or if you, like us, like to go fast… well, that’s an option, too!

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Golf

Considering the abundant beauty, gentle slopes, and wide-open fields common to Western Maryland, it is no surprise that some of the east coast’s best golf courses can be found at Wisp Resort. Fantasy Valley Golf Course and the Lodestone Golf Course are both within the Wisp Resort portfolio, with 36 holes between them. Over the years, these courses have gained numerous awards and accolades, including Lodestone being ranked as the #2 Public Golf Course in Maryland by GolfWeek Magazine (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015) as well as Golfstyles Magazine featuring Fantasy Valley as one of the “100 Must-Play Courses of the Mid-Atlantic.”

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Scenic Chairlift

If you just want to sit back and enjoy the majesty of nature in a relaxing setting, then a trip up and down the mountain via the scenic chairlift is for you. Repurposing the ski lift in the non-snowy seasons, this is a great way to enjoy the view from the top. Summer and fall are especially excellent times to enjoy use of the scenic chairlift.

Pontoon Boat Tours

If you want to get a chance to explore the lake, without the expense or responsibility of renting your own boat, you’ll definitely want to check out Wisp’s pontoon boat tours. Seating a maximum of 12 people per boat, these hour long tours include a bit of local history along with your sightseeing.

Archery & Disc Golf

Wisp Resort also offers both Archery and Disc Golf courses for a fun new adventure for the whole crew! For Disc Golf, enjoy a ride up the mountain on the chair lift to get to the family-friendly course. Rental equipment is available. For Archery, your 30-minute session includes instruction, shooting time, as well everything you will need, including the bow, arrows, and an arm guard.

 

@WISPRESORT ON INSTAGRAM

 

Got an activity in mind? Maybe several? Be sure to book your stay with Red Barn Vacations for the best lodging experience at the lake.

Search Our Homes Here. 

One of the wonderful things about a Deep Creek vacation is unique and varied they can be! Each home brings something new and unique to the table, infusing your vacation with a special quality all their own. Let’s take a look at how two of our lakefront homes compare: Bella Vista and Once in a Blue Moon!

 

Bella Vista: The Central Lake Home

What it Offers: Bella Vista is located smack dab in the heart of Deep Creek Lake! If you are looking for a summer vacation full of all your favorite things (Great dining! Lake views! Mini Golf and More!) then this is the house for you.

Within Walking Distance You’ll Find: The Lakeside Creamery– only one other home separates you and the best ice cream at the lake. You can also walk to the Arrowhead Market, Uno’s Pizzeria and the Honi Honi Bar.

Best For: Groups that like to get out and explore the lake!

You’ll Be Surprised to Hear: Even with the home’s fantastic central location, the back deck and lakefront patio both feel surprisingly quiet!

See More: www.redbarnvacations.com/bella-vista

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Once in a Blue Moon: Lake Home with Golf Access

What it Offers: A stunning and comfortable home with killer outdoor amenities, like large level lakefront lot, lake-facing fire pit, and private dock slip. This amazing home checks off a lot of boxes!

Within Walking Distance: The Waterfront Greens community golf course! To use this free par-3 community golf course, just pack your own clubs and walk on down! No Tee-times required– just head over and enjoy.

Best For: Family and friends groups that love spending time outside– especially for friends who love to golf together!

You’ll Be Surprised to Hear: The Waterfront Greens community has tons of great community amenities other than just the golf course. Enjoy the catch and release fishing pond, community tennis courts, and sledding hill in the winter.

See More: www.redbarnvacations.com/blue-moon

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No matter what home you chose, you are assured of a wonderful vacation and time well spent in the company of those you love. Those are the indelible qualities of every DCL vacation; no matter the season, no matter the home. 

 

Guests often ask us a rather pivotal question: “What should I do while in Deep Creek?” To help answer that question, we’ve put together a hour-by-hour itinerary of some of our favorite things you can do in a single day.

One Day in Deep Creek 

9am: Wake up and take coffee out on the deck or dock. There is nothing better than slowly greeting the day from the comfort of your rental home. Whether you are perched high above the trees, overlooking the lake far below, like at Peregrine’s Perch, lakeside on the dock, like at UnWined, or cozy under the trees, like at Wispy on the Rocks. Deep Creek is full of charming perches from which to greet the day. Don’t rush this step.

Coffee from here, perhaps? (www.redbarnvacations.com/)

10am: Let’s crack some eggs for a big breakfast at home. All our rental homes come with fully stocked kitchens, some with double appliances, and large dining room tables. This is the perfect opportunity to gather everyone near for a bountiful morning spread. Don’t feel like cooking? Contact us before your stay and we can share the fabulous pre-fixed breakfast options available for delivery from a private catering chef.

There’s room for the whole crew at UnWined! (www.redbarnvacations.com/)

11am: Hit the road! If you are a two-coffee person, like some of us at Red Barn Vacations, we recommend swinging by Canoe on the Run in McHenry or Trader’s Coffee House in Oakland for a cup of something delicious from these quick and charming local cafes. Once you are good and awake, head out to one of the area’s many amazing hikes. For new-comers to the area, you’ve got to hit Swallow Falls State Park to see Maryland’s largest waterfall in a picture-perfect setting. For others, we’d recommend the Snaggy Mountain Rock Maze. This uniqued spot is lightly trafficked, but full of towering boulders that form a unique, natural maze. Kids and adults love it!

Photo curtesy of Snaggy Mountain’s ‘Only in Your State Feature’ : (https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/)

 

1pm: Grab lunch! Some of our new favorite local places include the Vagabond Taproom, for lite fare along with an excellent selection of beer, or the Cassleman Cafe for sandwiches, salads, and yummy desserts.

2pm: From there, head to the Silver Tree Marine in central Deep Creek Lake to rent kayaks of Stand-Up Paddleboards by the hour. This marina has a great location for exploring the lake.

 

 

4pm: Next up, we’d check out the Branch Bender Cidery in Accident (town just before you hit the lake), as well as the Deep Creek Lavender Farm, also in Accident. If you are staying at our new home, Mulligan Manor, you’ll want to grab a Tee Time at Lodestone Golf Course, which backs the home.

 

Tasting Area at Branch Bender Cidery

View of Lodestone Golf Course from Our Home, Mulligan Manor (www.redbarnvacations.com/)

 

6pm: While there are many awesome restaurants all across the lake, we are big fans of home-cooked barbecues. All our homes come with outdoor seating and outdoor grills. Take advantage of these amazing outdoor spaces before setting in for an evening of food, movie-watching, billards playing, hot tubbing and more. (Although, you may want to make a quick run out to the Lakeside Creamery for after-dinner ice cream. Just saying!)

 

Enjoy the lake from the deck at Bella Vista (www.redbarnvacations.com/)
(Bonus: Bella Vista is RIGHT NEXT DOOR to the Lakeside Creamery!)

Sounds like the perfect day to us!
Need to book a stay? Check out all our homes at www.redbarnvacations.com/search-results— and check back often! Our home inventory is growing!

Our homes are just getting better and better. We’ve got so many exciting renovations, upgrades, and revivals planned for the coming weeks. We can’t wait to share it all with you!

Here’s what we’ve got cooking:

We are so thankful for our quality-committed homeowners, dedicating to maintaining, and even improving upon, the experience in their homes. Look for updates and progress picks.

Exciting stuff!

Visiting Deep Creek Lake is not only filled with fun and exciting attractions year-round but also delicious restaurants ranging from mom and pop places to fine dining. They have something for everyone in the family. The variety is incredible and the atmosphere is even better. Here are a few of our favorite places to eat in Garrett County. 

 

Ace’s Run Restaurant & Pub

Run by the son of Helmuth “Ace” and Evelyn Heise, the original developers and owners of the Wisp Resort, Martin, has been known around the lake for his delicious cuisine and stunning lake views. The owner’s Martin and Brenda, of Brenda’s Pizzeria and Traders Coffee, change the menu seasonally to feature the freshest food available and are the very first farm-to-table restaurants, sourcing locally grown vegetables, meats, and cheeses. They offer dine-in, pickup catering, and even carry-out. 

Address: 20160 Garrett Hwy Oakland, MD 21550

Archie’s Barbeque

This family-owned and operated barbeque join proves exceptional quality service and overall experience when you visit. They have award-winning BBQ, as well as outdoor seating and a pet-friendly area. Try some of their smoked meats, brisket, or a few of their specialty sandwiches. Enjoy the smokey flavor of homemade BBQ while sitting back and relaxing while munching on great food. 

Address: 25259 Garrett Highway McHenry, Maryland 21541

Brenda’s Pizzeria

At Brenda’s Pizzeria, there is no need to decide on just one pizza, you can buy your favorite pizza by the slice. This way if there is a picky eater in the group, they can get exactly what they want without anyone having to sacrifice their favorite toppings. They also have pasta, stuffed shells, and salad. They are reasonably priced and are open every day from 11 Am to 9 pm. 

Address: 21311 Garrett Hwy Trader’s Landing at Deep Creek Lake, Oakland, MD 21550-7206

Canoe on the Run

Stop in as you are coming into or leaving town for a delicious breakfast to energize you for the day.  Choose from indoor or outdoor seating, while grabbing a delicious breakfast. They have a variety of drinks from chai latte, to coffees and hot chocolate. Enjoy the fresh and hearty wraps, sandwiches, and much more.

Address: 2622 Deep Creek Dr, McHenry, MD 21541-1422

Dutch’s at Silver Tree

At Dutch enjoy the crab cakes that are voted best on the lake.  From weddings and events to just a nice night of fine dining, Dutch’s can do it all. Enjoy the rustic, warm, inviting atmosphere as soon as you step inside.  Enjoy a nice appetizer of sea scallops, crab soup, or opt for the lobster tail as your entree. No matter what you get, you will love it, the service, and the atmosphere. Come for the Friday night buffet, or choose from their regular lunch and dinner menu.

Address: 567 Glendale Road Oakland, MD  21550
Website: https://www.restaurantji.com/md/oakland/dutchs-at-silver-tree-restaurant-/

El Canelo

Enjoy a delicious Mexican fiesta at El Canelo. Try out their homemade tacos, chimichangas, chile Rellenos or your favorite Mexican dish. The place is bright, clean and a low-key atmosphere, perfect for a family night. The menu is large and there is something for everyone here, even the pickiest of eaters. 

Address: 12680 Garrett Hwy, Oakland, MD 21550-1160

Englanders

​This beautiful antique and unique restaurant has many items on display that will catch your eye the minute you walk in. The old school soda shop offers dinner food, awesome service, and plenty of tradition. Not only will you love the food, but you will love looking at or purchasing all of the antiques you come across. They have soup, sandwiches, and breakfast foods that everyone will love. 

Address: 205 E Alder St, Oakland, MD 21550-1513+

Honi- Honi Bar

This indoor and outdoor experience is the perfect way to end a day on the lake. Sit inside or enjoy a few games of cornhole outside. Grab a bucket drink or sit down for some delicious food, no matter what you choose you will have a great experience, as well as a wonderful atmosphere. From live music to a heated deck you will love the island atmosphere this restaurant offers. 

Address: 19745 Garrett Hwy, Oakland, MD 21550-7143

Lakeside Creamery

If you’re visiting Deep Creek Lake, Lakeside Creamery is a must. This homemade ice cream shop is all about customization when it comes to creating your favorite ice cream. They have classic sugar and cake cones, as well as their fresh-made waffle cones. This lakefront view location makes it a hot commodity for those staying around the area. make sure to check out their food truck too.

Address: 20282 Garrett Highway, Oakland, MD 21550

Moonshadow

Take your skis off and unwind at the firepits of Moonshadow.  Kids receive free s’mores supplies with RFID cards from Wisp Resort. Enjoy the cozy fireplaces or head inside for a delicious meal. Choose from small plates, gluten-free options, vegan options, and much more. Moonshadow can cater to any dietary restrictions you may have and still deliver great food. Try out their Chipotle Beefalo Meatballs, or their Tuna Wonton Tacos for delicious flavor and a bit of spice. See the menu: https://www.restaurantji.com/md/mchenry/moonshadow-/

Address: 145 Bumble Bee Rd in McHenry, across from the college, McHenry, MD 21520

Mountain State Brewing Co

Enjoy woodfire pizza with a few of their local beers. This microbrewery is not only a great place for a few drinks but also delicious food and dessert. Try out their Nutella Flatbread, paired with your favorite beer. They have year-round favorites as well as all of the different seasons. The taproom and music hall offers seasonal kitchen offerings, brewery tours, and live music. Stop by for a delicious brew as well as a dynamite pizza. 

Address: 6690 Sang Run Road McHenry, MD.

Pine Lodge Steakhouse

Offering lunch, dinner, and a bar menu, Pine Lodge Steakhouse is the perfect place for a wonderful meal. Enjoy a nice New York Strip or opt for a bit of a surf and turf with filet and crab cakes. No matter what you get you will not be disappointed. Their house chefs take pride in the menu preparation for their entrees to ensure it meets their high-quality standards. Sit down in the beautiful dining room or browse around the gift shop while the chefs prepare your meal.

Address: 1520 Deep Creek Drive, McHenry, MD 21541

Trader’s Coffee House

Trader’s Coffee House is the perfect place in town for strong coffee, hot chocolate, and bagels by the dozen. Enjoy their array of sweets, carefully crafted drinks, and delicious deli sandwiches. Making a great cup of coffee is their first priority, so bring all of the coffee addicts here for a nice treat. Open daily from 7 am to 2 pm, make sure you stop by for a nice breakfast while visiting. 

Address: 21311 Garrett Hwy  Oakland, MD 21550-7206

No matter where you decide to eat during your stay in the Deep Creek Lake area it will be absolutely amazing.  At Red Barn Vacations their premium vacation rentals are centrally located making your drive to a delicious restaurant quick and easy. Whether you are going for Mexican or a pasta night, Deep Creek Lake has it all. We hope to see you soon here in Deep Creek to enjoy the delicious food, and beautiful atmosphere.

Experience the beautiful mountains of Garrett County as you climb to the top winding through Deep Creek Lake’s best hiking trails.  Between the breathtaking state parks, forests, mountains, and open-space areas hikers of all experience levels will have a wonderful time. Explore over 80 thousand acres perfect for hiking and experiencing the abundant wildlife in their natural habitat as you climb the trails. The sights you will see are unlike anywhere else in Maryland.  Here are a few of our favorite spots to go hiking in Deep Creek and a few hiking tips as well. 

Hiking Tips

Hiking in Deep Creek will offer some of the best views in Garrett County. Whether you decide to hit the trails on your own or choose to go on a guided hike, safety must come first. Especially in the Winter, many of the trails are in natural areas that can present safety hazards such as slippery trails, so make sure you bring good footwear and a friend.  Some of our must-haves in our hiking bag are but are not limited to, first aid kit, snacks and plenty of water, sunscreen, rainwear, closed-toe shoes, and insect repellent. 

Big Run State Park

Big Run is considered the trailhead for a “hikers only” trail that is around 6 miles long. The trail is known as Monroe Run.  The trail was previously used by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the early 1930s and has since become a popular trail in Deep Creek.  It is moderately difficult and the perfect way to experience nature. Be sure to wear your hiking boots as there are no bridges and several areas where you will have to cross water. However, the breathtaking views will be well worth it.

Deep Creek Lake State Park

Deep Creek Lake State Park is located at the base of Meadow Mountain and has trails perfect for any experience level. The Meadow Mountain Trails like the Indian Turnip Trail are popular among many however, one of the most popular trails is the Brant Mine Trail, and it is a half-mile long and it leads its hikers to the historic Brant Coal Mine and Homesite, or take the high road and head to the fire tower. The coal mine was used by residents for heating and blacksmithing. The Park Naturalist and volunteers will often lead hikes and point out a variety of things like bird watching, wildflowers, and foliage identification. You can also opt for a signed and interpreted trail guide that can be requested from the discovery center. 

New Germany State Park

New Germany State Park offers hikers 10 miles of trails. The trails range from easy to advanced/ difficult.  They have a circuit trail system and it is popular year-round. Throughout the different seasons, you can see and experience the change of foliage. During the spring you can see beautiful wildflowers and even wild strawberries. During the summer you can see asters, milkweed and even daisies. Once fall arrives, you can start to see sugar maple, black gum, and red maple. Once the winter comes and the snow starts to fall, the mountain biking and hiking trails are groomed for cross-country skiing. 

Potomac Garrett State Forest

Spread throughout the southern and western parts of the county, this state forest has over 18,00 acres of land to hike. The western edge offers Swallow Falls State Park and Herrington Manor State Park.  The two parks are connected by a 5.5-mile easy trail. This beginner trail was formerly a logging road in the 1800s.  One of the more popular trails in Swallow Falls is the Canyon Trail and follows alongside the Youghiogheny River.  You will see many picturesque photo opportunities with 4 waterfalls, and 10 miles of trails located in the Herrington Manor that are perfect for those wanting to explore the forest and wetlands. 

Savage River State Forest

The Savage River State Forest is made up of 54 thousand acres running along the Savage River and the reservoir. It offers miles of rugged trails and is Maryland’s largest state forest. The long winding trails are perfect for those who enjoy a backpacking adventure with wonderful photo opportunities. A crowd favorite is the Big Savage Trail, a 17-mile long path that runs by the ridge of Big Savage Mountain. You can travel through the oak and hickory, right before reaching the beautiful view at High Rock. You will need to stop by forest headquarters to pick up a trail map and a backcountry permit. 

 

No matter what trail you decide to explore, you will have a great time. At Red Barn Vacations, we offer premium-style vacation rentals that can accommodate any of your needs, including room for your hiking, biking, or even kayak gear. Choose from a variety of lakefront homes. We offer rentals in a variety of areas so you are never too far from the trails. Many trails have parking lots that are available for all day-use while you enjoy climbing the Garrett Trails. A few other trails that you may want to check out our Beckmans Trail and Muddy Creek Falls. We look forward to seeing you on the trails soon!

Deep Creek’s most popular festival, the fantastic ‘Autumn Glory’ celebration, is all set to make its return in 2021. Save the date: October 13-17th, 2021.

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Picture yourself flying down the mountain as you experience a whole new altitude in Deep Creek Lake while mountain biking. A sport commonly called freeriding is making news headlines and you can be a part of it. Deep Creek Lake in western Maryland is the perfect place for mountain biking as it features both beautiful scenery and many mountain bike trails. Wisp Resort offers an entire mountain biking season, available for anyone to use not just guests.  With several different options like classic mountain biking, road biking, and fat-tire biking, the possibilities for fun are endless. Here is everything you need to know about mountain biking in Deep Creek Lake at Wisp Resort. 

Mountain Biking

There are many hiking trails that also double as biking trails as well. At the Wisp Resort, you can weave in and out of the biking trails that are located in between and down their ski slopes. This is a great option for advanced riders or new riders, as not every trail will be downhill. However, don’t fret about getting up the mountain with your bike, the resort will add an attachment to the scenic chairlift ride to take your bike to the top with you. While Wisp is not the only place that is popular to mountain bike in Deep Creek. A few other popular mountain biking spots include Deep Creek Lake State Park, Garrett State Forest, and New Germany State Park. Many parks and recreation areas will offer bike rentals on-site so don’t worry about bringing your own equipment, as well as on-site restrooms. 

Road Biking

Whether you are training for a Triathlon or just interested in going on an afternoon stroll, road biking in Deep Creek Lake is a great way to explore the town. Home to the Savageman Triathlon and the Garrett County Gran Fondo, bikers and athletes from all over the nation travel to Deep Creek Lake to bike these terrains.  The high elevation has proven to be some of the toughest climbs around. If you want to try out some of the trails that the triathlon uses, you can follow the trail maps with routes from previous races. It is important that cyclists are careful as the roads can be slick right after they sweep them.

Fat-Tire Biking

While Deep Creek Lake gets a good amount of snow, that doesn’t mean that biking is no longer an option.  Fat-tire biking, or bikes with oversized tires designed for low ground pressure to allow riding on soft, unstable terrain is the perfect option for those looking to continue biking in the winter. You can go down trails, mountains and even ride on a regular flat surface, making the bike suitable for all seasons. 

Wisp Mountain Biking Information

Wisp Resort has the Fork Run Recreation Area that offers over 8 miles of single-track trail and logging roads that wind in and around the large deciduous forest in the 550 protected areas. There are maps available with where the trails are located, including the trailhead, what type of trail it is, as well as how long the ride will be. This makes it easy to see if you are going through climbing areas, gravel roads, loops, and ledges.  Some of our favorite trails include: High Roller, Easy Does It, Monkey Shine, Squirrel Cage, and the new jump line in the Edgewood freeride park.

There are several different packages you can purchase to ensure getting the most out of your time. They offer a trail and a lift ticket pass in all day, half day, and seasonal options. They also have bike rentals- mountain bikes or freeride bike rentals. Both bike rental includes trail and lift passes, a full face helmet and protective gear. 

Wisp Resort offers bike repair and other services to those using its trail system, so no need to worry when heading to the bike park. It is important to obey all rules and regulations that Wisp enforces. The rules are as followed: ride in control and within your ability level, be aware of people, hikers, and other objects around you, stay on designated trails,  obey all signs, only ride trails during daylight and when the weather permits, stop and yield when crossing a road, make sure your bike is in proper working order. 

No matter what type of riding you decide to do, you will definitely have fun. You can also check out some of their other adventure sports, like the mountain coaster or snow tubing in the winter months. Deep Creek Lake has many vacation rentals available that are more than accommodating for a large group of friends or family, bikes and cargo. At Red Barn Vacations, choose from the finest properties at the lake for your next mountain biking adventure.

Just picture yourself casting out a line as the sun kisses your skin and the whole earth feels quiet and still. With its many coves and inlets, Deep Creek has more than 60 miles of shoreline and 3,800 acres perfect for fishing, as well as the nearby Youghiogheny River. It is a popular destination for anglers, and they come from all over to fish at Deep Creek. The lake is the perfect vacation spot for fishing year-round as the different seasons bring unique opportunities to anglers. Located in Garrett County, Deep Creek Lake is home to numerous species you can easily target and catch. Here is everything you need to know about fishing in Deep Creek Lake.

Fishing The Lake

Deep Creek Lake in western Maryland is not only the largest manmade lake in the entire state, but it is also stocked full of fish no matter the season. Some of the most common species caught in the lake are the smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, and the chain pickerel.  You can also find northern pike, bullhead catfish, bluegill, rock bass, yellow perch, rainbow trout, and brown trout.  You may even stumble upon a few pumpkinseed sunfish. 

You will find many fishermen year-round out on the lake or docks fishing, as even in the winter you can go ice fishing. Some of the fish’s favorite spots to hide are in the coves, so make sure to check a few out if you are looking for dinner. It is common to see people fly fishing, bass fishing, or even using jigs to catch catfish. You can also take advantage of the public fishing area at Deep Creek Lake State Park.

While Deep Creek Lake is the most popular to fish in, there are other, smaller lakes that you may have some luck in as well. Those lakes include Broadford Lake, Herrington Manor State Park Lake, New Germany State Park, and Jennings – Randolph Lake. Please keep in mind that boating restrictions apply to all of the area lakes, and be sure to double-check with each park for their rules and regulations.

Fishing The Rivers

Just when you thought Deep Creek couldn’t get any better you find some of the best stream and river fishing in the Mid- Atlantic region. If you are interested in fly-fishing then the coll mountain-fed streams will be your paradise. The Youghiogheny and Savage Rivers are the two largest rivers in the area and are spectacular for fishing. You can also find a few hidden gems like Bear Creek, the Casselman River, and Muddy Creek.

To access the rivers, most generally have public access spots at all major rivers that will provide parking and sometimes even facilities. With most of the attention being on Deep Creek Lake, the rivers may be a bit less crowded and more serene, if you are interested in that kind of atmosphere.

Ice Fishing

Deep Creek Lake is actually considered a hot spot for ice fishing. Since the lake generally freezes solid in late December or early January and remains frozen until the weather turns, it creates the perfect spot for those interested in ice fishing. The ice can range anywhere from 5-10 inches thick, and the best spot to ice fish is the coves during the early stages of the season and then scattered throughout the lake during the rest of the season. No matter the conditions, you will always spot a few brave souls that are willing to bear the weather to ice fish. 

Additional Fishing Information

Fishing is a wonderful way to experience Deep Creek Lake and all of the other lakes and rivers in the surrounding areas. However, it is important to know the local rules and regulations set in place by DNR. It is vital to make sure your fishing license is up to date when you venture into any water. Be sure to check out the nearest public boat docks if you plan on bringing your boat. You will want to be cautious when navigating your boat in smaller areas of the lake as some are very shallow and you don’t want to bottom out. Though if you are in a shallow area, you are in the perfect spot to go catfishing, as they live in 1-2 feet of water.

Deep Creek Lake is a great time for the whole family or even just a solo fishing trip. Red Barn Vacations has many vacation rentals that can accommodate your whole party as well as your fishing gear. You can even choose from some lakefront properties as well. To book your next perfect fishing trip check here, and start packing your gear! We hope to see you soon out on the lake.