Northwest MD fishing

[Danno Mattice]

looking for fishing areas for all seasons in my area. I live in sykesville and hate driving long distances to get to fishing destinations. when i come off the water, i am normally beat down cause i dont know when to quit. just one more bite, ooooh that spot looks good. this is all shore fishing. but now that i have a kayak, standing on shore doesnt sound so appealing to me. so i am looking for places that dont close, allow kayak year round, possibly no fee?, enjoyable fishing. as we are in the winter months, of course, would be something located close and active. i live right on the liberty res....unsure bout getting on there, but believe that something as small as a kayak still needs a permit or liscense for the boat to be in the water?

also, anyone in here from around my area that might be interested in getting out on the water in those places would be awesome. then i wouldnt have to fish alone and learn at the same time. this is all new to me for an older fisherman.....

thanks guys.....Danno

[Danno Mattice]

oh and maybe what to fish for in those areas too....i know its asking a lot, but i cant wait to get out on the water.....Danno

[Turtle135]

Liberty Reservoir requires a permit and has that City of Baltimore Restriction as below:

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries...ibertyres.html

Restrictions - A seasonal permit issued by the City of Baltimore Reservoir Natural Resources Office is required prior to launching a boat in Liberty Reservoir. Due to the potential for zebra mussel infestations, boaters on Liberty, Loch Raven, and Prettyboy Reservoirs must sign an affidavit stating their boat will be used only on these reservoirs.

What do you consider "long distances"? I have a suggestion but it is 50 minutes away from Sykesville.

[Danno Mattice]

50 minutes is not too far....how much is the pass for the reservoirs, the liberty is my front yard, through the woods....and how hard to get these season passes? i think i saw something on registration page. zebra mussels part I DID read. would hate to find others going to other great places and cant go cause of the clause. time to buy a second kayak, maybe? hmmmm. Danno

[DanMarino]

You can get a free permit from the Columbia Association to fish the lakes in Columbia Maryland.
I believe Centennial Lake is open year/around, but you have to pay a daily fee at a box at the ramp.
The Potomac River is free and you can launch from many access points along the C&O canal. But be careful in the winter and be sure to check the river stage levels before you go. Unless you are familiar with the river section, it's safer for you to stick to small lakes and ponds in the winter time.

[bignose]

Piney Run Lake isn't far from you. Lake Roland north of Baltimore is very kayak friendly. (Bass, sunfish, carp)
Not that much further away are the Belle Grove ponds of the lower Patapsco (crappies, bass, perch), and even the Harbor Hospital ramp for the Middle Branch of the Patapsco. (White Perch, occasional Rockfish)
There is a current thread on the site about the Upper Patapsco above Daniel's Dam.
Slightly further away, but with in 50 minutes is Tridelphia Reservoir, you'll need a day permit for this.(bass, crappies, walleyes). Rocky Gorge is a little further away. They are closed until mid March.
There are numerous small ponds in the area, look at the public access areas when you get your license. There are a couple near Westminister, for example.

[Turtle135]

Clopper Lake in Seneca Creek State Park is open all year. Free entry during the offseason. Crappie and Yellow Perch will both bite in the cold water. Largemouth can be caught if you are patient in fishing for them.

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclan...ral/seneca.asp

note: the catch with Liberty is even if you have the permit you are committed to using your kayak on those 3 lakes only (you can not use your kayak in any other body of water)

[HJS]

Lot of good areas mentioned above. But we are about to get into a long streak of really cold weather. Many of the above areas will probably freeze up tight for a while. Judging from your other post it looks like you are very new to kayaking. Might be a good idea to develop your "kayak legs" during the upcoming spring when water is not quite as cold in case something were to go wrong.

[PigPen]

Just a heads up Piney run is closed to boating Nov 1 through Mar 31. Can't wait till April.