As you head down the hill towards the shoreline and launch ramps along Piney Run Reservoir, you will automatically be wondering “where do I want to start fishing?” Piney Run Park and the Reservoir gives you a lot of choices in terms of where to fish and what to fish for. First, where to fish. You can fly fish from the shoreline in the immediate area around the boat launch ramps as well as from the docks and fishing pier. With a boat, whether it’s your own or a rental from the Park, you can explore the entire Reservoir.  Next, what to fish for. You have your choice of  bluegill, crappie, yellow perch, channel catfish, largemouth bass, rainbow trout and striped bass. Which specific species are most available will change with the seasons, but the Reservoir has so much shoreline, underwater grass beds, lily pads and other structures, you will be wondering where to cast next!

Fees & Accessibility

There is a fee to enter the site. The park does have  wheelchair/handicap access to various docks and fishing platforms from which you can fly fish.  ADA parking spaces are available on the adjacent parking lot.

Site Location

Piney Run Reservoir, located within Carroll County’s Piney Run Park, is just north of Sykesville, Maryland.

Address

Piney Run Park, 30 Martz Road, Sykesville, Maryland

How to Get There

From Interstate 70, take the exit for Route 32 north towards Sykesville. Take a left turn onto West Friendship Road/Route 851 which turns into Spout Hill Road upon entering Sykesville. Take a left turn onto Obrecht Road, a right turn onto White Road Road and a right turn onto Martz Road which takes you into Piney Run Park.

Parking & Launching

Parking is located adjacent to the reservoir and the boat launch ramps on a paved lot. Use the concrete boat launches located directly adjacent to the parking lot.

Boat Rentals

Boats are available for rent from the boat rental facility located adjacent to the boat launch ramps. For answers to boat rental related questions please call 410-795-6385.

Where to Fish

For the best fly fishing, you will need a boat, canoe or kayak as there is limited shoreline fishing. The park does have  wheelchair/handicap access to various docks and fishing platforms from which you can fly fish. Cast towards the shorelines, targeting down trees and brush in the water, and on the outer edges of the lily pads.

What to Catch

Bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, striped bass and yellow perch

What to Fish & How

Recommend bringing 4-6 weight fly rods with floating and intermediate fly lines. For bass, crappie and panfish, recommend poppers, wooly buggers, minnow imitations and insect patterns with rubber legs. If you are targeting the stocked trout, recommend using wooly buggers and mop flies.

Fly Fishing Organizations

Connect with local fly fishing organizations to learn about mentoring opportunities and to connect with others interested in fly fishing.