Deep Creek Lake question

[BrianinMD]

Trying to setup a camping trip for memorial day weekend at deepcreek lake in Maryland. My question for those familiar with it, I have never been there, is....

I have a 14ft jon, 25hp outboard, its has a 34in bottom. Is this okay for use in this larger lake or to big of a risk?

[basser89]

Hey Brian,

While I haven't fished there, I am 90% sure there's an unlimited horsepower rating on the lake so there's the potential for the big cruisers and all being out on the lake. If that's the case, I'd be very cautious! I've almost been thrown out of my boat at dam 4 before because of some IDIOT decided to fly past me at MACH 7. Hopefully, that's not the case out there and you get some responses from some that have experienced being out there.

[MDBassman]

Brian - If you are careful it can be done.

Memorial weekend will have a good amount of pleasure boaters out there for the first time of the year so the lake may see some boaters.  

I was there last year for the 4th of July and took my 15.5' square stern Old Town canoe.  Needless to say I stayed away from the main lake during times of high traffic.  If you launch from the state park you can find some good fishing and no wake down lake to the left or north I believe.  After the state park beach there is a bridge and on the other side is no wake and it's a good area to fish.  My buddy caught a 5-7 LM that weekend we were down there on a firetiger spinnerbait.  We also caught huge bluegill, perch, and a few smallmouth and walleye.  There is a huge selection of fish at DCL so have fun but be safe.

Also, the state park police really took care of us while we were there.  We were fishing the state park hump, which is right out from the beach very early and we got checked by him.  Everything checked out fine with our safety gear so he left us alone.  A few hours later, about 8am, some big power boats started to buzz us throwing some good wake our direction.  The state police guy pulled him over and gave him a ticket while he was no more than 100yds away from us.  We were at anchor so he need to stay away further than he was.

[egolfer]

You should really be fine.  Deep Creek is only 3500 acres so it does not hold really big boats like you find on the big lakes in the south.  Mostly you will see pontoons, water-skier boats, and jet skis.  It will be crowded that weekend for sure, but there are plently of creeks and coves for you to hide in.  

That time of year you try to find some shallow wood, stumps, laydowns, and brush hanging into the water.  If you go left from the State Park boat ramp, keep going along the shore until you go under a bridge.  That is a good area where no boat traffic will bother you  

[zelmo]

Brian, these tips are right on.  The State Park ramp is on the widest part of the lake.  On any weekend it will be getting churned up by 10 AM and you won't want to be out there with your boat.  Memorial weekend will be worse, plus that is the weekend many new boaters are out for the first or second time.  Idiots + newbies = zoo.  Work your way around to that no wake area and you will be fine.

Hey MD - I found that hump last summer and tried fishing it with no luck.  Do you target the upper part or the drop?