You can choose to celebrate National Fishing Day in two ways, go to one of the following bodies of water in Maryland, cast your line, and wait patiently for a bite, or simply play Go Fish the card game, you choose. (I’ll help you out with both). For more information on where to go fishing, visit takemefishing.org
Tuckahoe Lake: Queen Anne’s county is home to this 19-acre lake, which can be a thrill to kids. Fish near stumps and roots and you will be able to find Chain Pickerel, a fascinating predator fish. There are free family activities at the lake during the summer and features a recycled tire playground and nature trail to hike. At Tuckahoe Lake you can find Bass, Bluegill, White and Black Crappie, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, perch and more.
Deep Creek Lake: Deep creek is the largest freshwater lake in Maryland and offers 3,800 acres of area to fish. Make a trip to fish in the summer or ice fish in the winter. This may be more than just a day trip, but is an easy excuse to get your family on a mini vacation. Deep Creek Lake is in Garrett County and is a home to a large number of species to catch.
Centennial Lake: Centennial Lake is a man-made reservoir in Howard County. There is a place to launch your boat and a fishing pier as well. The lake is composed of Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout as well as Tiger Musky, Channel Catfish, Bluegill, and Pumpkinseed Sunfish. Make sure to pay attention to where you are fishing. The west end of the lake is a wildlife sanctuary and you are not allowed to fish there. There are buoys marking the boundaries.
Liberty Reservoir: Venture west of Baltimore to find the 3,100-acre lake which is home to Walleye, Perch, and many different types of Bass including Striper. Liberty Reservoir has more than 80 miles of shoreline and access points for fishing from the bank. Liberty Reservoir is also open for hiking, bird watching, nature photography, camping and more.
Gunpowder Falls: Some of the best trout fishing in the state can be found north of Baltimore City. This is the perfect place for the adventurous fly-fishing angler but there is strict catch and release regulation as well only allowing artificial fliers and lures.
Kinder Farm Park: Find sunfish, Brown Bullhead, Chain Pickerel, and more in two ponds available for catch-and-release fishing at Kinder Farm Park: Cattail Pond and Bunks Pond. There is plenty of shade around the ponds and is a great place to bring the kids to fish; when they are done and you want more, there is a playground and working farm with animals to keep them busy.
Lake Artemesia Natural Area: A 38-acre lake in Prince George’s County can give you a two in one trip: fishing and bird watching. This lake has trout, bass, blue gill and other fish which you can catch and take with you.
Lost Lake: Lost Lake is located in Patapsco State Park in Baltimore County and is great for a starting kids fishing spot. It is shaded and close to the park and full of Trout, largemouth bass, bluegills, and more. If you are lucky, you will even find a few scarce bullheads. The lake is close to a paved trail that leads to a swinging bridge and playground.
Go Fish: And finally, as promised, here is a link to the rules of Go Fish