Deep Creek Lake Walleye

Type: Nontidal
Region: Western
Location: Deep Creek Lake

Deep Creek Lake walleye anglers should expect a great season this spring with opening day � April 16th � less than one week away. The Western Region Freshwater Fisheries program staff recently surveyed Deep Creek Lake, and collected the fish at a rate of 305 walleye per hour of electrofishing. This compares to the five-year (2012-2016) mean of 202 walleye per hour of electrofishing.

Most of the walleye collected in the survey were of legal size (15 inches) and larger, with a good number of the walleyes in the 18 to 24 inch size class.

Walleye regulations include a minimum size limit of 15 inches, a five fish daily creel limit, with a 10 fish possession limit.

Minnow-type jerk baits, plastic grubs on an 1/8 ounce jig, and live minnows should catch walleyes. Fishing is best right after dusk and the shorelines along Deep Creek State Park and the Rt. 219 Bridge are good walleye fishing areas. Good luck!

Pictured is Wildlife Service's Beau Emerson with a trophy walleye collected during the annual Deep Creek Lake Survey