With school back in session and cooler fall weather on the way, it’s a good time to plan a trip to one of several Maryland lakes that offer excellent late-season fishing for bass, panfish, stocked trout and even land-locked striped bass. A few of these lakes include Piney Run (Carroll County), Hunting Creek Lake (Frederick County), and Greenbrier Lake (Washington County). Let’s take a look at the available species and tactics for these waters.

Piney Run Lake

Lakes

Owned and operated by the Carroll County Department of Recreation and Parks, this 298-acre lake provides some very good late-fall angling for bass, panfish, stocked trout and a legitimate shot at fresh water striped bass. This year, park officials have made the decision to keep the lake open to boating anglers during the month of November for the outstanding late-fall largemouth bass bite and striped bass fishery that peaks as the waters cool.

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Only trolling motors are allowed at Piney Run and kayakers and canoeists also can take advantage of the autumn fishing and wildlife viewing at the park and lake. As a day use facility, rentals are traditionally limited after the Labor Day weekend. Park hours are from 7 AM until 30 minutes before sunset. Fall bass fishing with crank baits and plastic worms sees fish from 2 to 4 pounds and some larger specimens as well. Striped bass anglers troll large live shiners or even fish chicken livers to catch them, as well as channel catfish that are in the lake. The lake record for stripers is 36 pounds. Crappies also provide action on the deeper edges of the hydrilla during the fall season with jigs and minnows.

Contact the park at: Piney Run Park, 30 Martz Road, Sykesville, Maryland, 21784. Phone: 410-795-5165.

Hunting Creek Lake

Lakes

Nestled in the confines of Cunningham Falls State Park, near Thurmont, Maryland, is a 43-acre lake also known as Hunting Creek Lake. As an “electric only” water, this scenic lake supports a good population of bluegills, crappies and some very big red ear sunfish. Bass fishing is often overlooked by the masses at these small waterways, and impressive DNR stocking surveys have turned up great largemouth bass in the 5 to 6 pound category. Crappie fishing has seen improvement over the years and now quality fish in the 10- to 13-inch range are starting to show up.

Lakes

One aspect of interest is the fall stocking of rainbow and golden trout here, which traditionally takes place in October. Small spinners, Kast Master spoons and Power Bait options take the bulk of these put-and-take trout. There are numerous fallen trees and shoreline brush that attract both bass and panfish during this time. There is a concrete boat ramp and handicapped fishing pier at the upper end of the lake along Catoctin Hollow Road.

For more information and hours, contact: Cunningham Falls State Park, 14039 Catoctin Hollow Road, Thurmont, Maryland, 21788. Phone: 301-271-7574.

Greenbrier Lake

Lakes

Located in Greenbrier State Park, this 48-acre Washington County jewel contains a variety of panfish species as well as some very big largemouth bass that some speculate may feed on stocked trout that are planted each spring and fall at this day-use facility. Like the previously-mentioned lakes, Greenbrier sees a reduction in boating traffic after the Labor Day holiday, making it ideal for the kayaker or canoeist to enjoy both fishing and nature photography at this mountain-top lake. Additionally, stocked trout again offer the fall angling crowd a chance for some fast fishing and a tasty meal. This lake has been known for some very clear waters, so a quiet approach for all species is needed for success.

Lakes

This year, Greenbrier Lake is experiencing a drawdown of approximately 4 feet to allow repair work at the dam. However, canoes and kayaks can still be brought and launched at the lake along the beachfront shoreline and the boating ramp. Don’t let the drawdown scare you off, as fish concentrate during such times. It is also a great opportunity to view spawning areas for panfish and bass and then make a return trip when the lake is at full pool. Additionally, it is a day-use lake with a trolling motor only restriction.

For information, contact: Greenbrier State Park, 21843 National Pike, Boonsboro, Maryland, 21713-9535. Phone: 301-791-4767.

Before You Go

Call ahead to get the seasonal park hours and restrictions that may vary from one facility to another. Traditionally, central Maryland parks and lakes see a reduced number of park visitors in the fall and hence some summer services are reduced or stopped during this time. However, the fishing can be some of the very best of the year during September, October and November.

 

This post was written by Jim Gronaw

All images courtesy of the author