Crankbaits
Rapala Shad Rap
A tight-wobbling crankbait that walleye anglers troll and cast.
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Maryland's largest freshwater lake in the western mountains.
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to Deep Creek Lake for smallmouth bass, yellow perch and walleye. The best months overall are Apr to Oct. In October, smallmouth bass, yellow perch and walleye are in season, and Ned Rig, Suspending Jerkbait and Paddle-Tail Swimbait are a good place to start. There are 12 shops within 45 miles (1 fly, 12 bait and tackle); the closest is Savage River Outfitters in Swanton, 12 mi away. Shenandoah River is 73 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.
Best Months
Apr to Oct
In October
Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Walleye
Methods
Spin, cast & bait
Season at a Glance
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What You'll Catch
Deep Creek Lake Species
Plan by Month
What to Use
Month
Fish
8 picks for October. ● means in season that month.
Suspending Jerkbait 4 to 5 in
LureHard Bait · Walleye, Smallmouth Bass · After dark.
Shop This LureNed Rig 2.5 to 3 in
LureFinesse · Smallmouth Bass
Shop This LurePaddle-Tail Swimbait 3 to 5 in
LureSoft Plastic · Walleye
Shop This LureTube Jig 3 to 4 in
LureSoft Plastic · Smallmouth Bass
Shop This LureCrappie Jig 1/32 to 1/8 oz
LureJig · Yellow Perch
Shop This LureJig and Minnow 1/8 to 3/8 oz
LureJig · Walleye
Shop This LureLive Minnows 1 to 3 in
BaitLive Bait · Walleye, Yellow Perch
Nightcrawlers Whole or half
BaitLive Bait · Yellow Perch
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Rod & Reel
Recommended Setups
Smallmouth Bass
Fly 9 ft 6 or 7 wt rod, floating line, 10 to 12 lb leader. Crayfish patterns, Clousers, and poppers.
Spin / Cast 7 ft medium spinning rod, 2500 reel, 8 lb braid to a 6 to 8 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Yellow Perch
Spin / Cast 6 ft ultralight spinning rod or ice rod, 4 lb line, perch spreader or small jig.
Walleye
Spin / Cast 6.5 ft medium-light spinning rod, 2500 reel, 10 lb braid with a 6 to 8 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Matched to These Species
Gear for Deep Creek Lake
Rigs
Mack's Lure Wedding Ring Spinner
Small spinners tipped with corn or maggots for kokanee and perch.
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Northland Baitfish-Image Spinner Harness
Crawler harnesses trolled behind bottom bouncers for summer walleye.
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St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod
A sensitive, lightweight rod for finesse plastics and jigs.
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Pflueger President Spinning Reel
Light and smooth for its price. A favorite for finesse and panfish rods.
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Frabill Rubber Mesh Landing Net
A fish-friendly rubber net that does not tangle hooks.
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Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo
Nearly unbreakable and sensitive enough for most freshwater fishing. A safe first combo.
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Shimano Sedona Spinning Reel
A smooth, durable reel in sizes for trout through inshore saltwater.
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Within 45 Miles
Shops Near Deep Creek Lake
Fly ShopBait & Tackle
The Knotty Angler Bait&Fly Shop
Confluence, Pennsylvania· 21 mi
Fly and tackle shop in Confluence, PA.
Bait & Tackle
Saylor's Fish Bait
Meyersdale, Pennsylvania· 27 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Meyersdale, PA.
Bait & Tackle
Uncle Bud's Fishing Corner
Cumberland, Maryland· 27 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Cumberland, MD.
Bait & Tackle
S & S Bait & Tackle
Chalkhill, Pennsylvania· 28 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Chalkhill, PA.
Bait & Tackle
B & L Bait N Tackle LLC
Somerset, Pennsylvania· 35 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Somerset, PA.
Bait & Tackle
B & G Bait & Sport Shop
Springfield Twp, Pennsylvania· 35 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Springfield Twp, PA.
Bait & Tackle
Academy Sports + Outdoors
Westover, West Virginia· 35 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Westover, WV.
Bait & Tackle
DICK'S Sporting Goods
Uniontown, Pennsylvania· 37 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Uniontown, PA.
Make It a Trip