Lake Waterford in Anne Arundel County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Set in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, this is Lake Waterford. Salt water lies 2.6 miles off. About 11 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. The closest town, Pasadena, is 0.6 miles away. The nearest city of size is Baltimore, 12 miles away. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Lake Waterford

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Reported across Anne Arundel County: striped bass, common carp, blue catfish and white perch. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. Anyone new to Lake Waterford should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 34°F in January and 77°F in July. Most months fish reasonably, given the right weather. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. Time your trip to Lake Waterford by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. There is somewhere to leave the car, half a mile off. There is a mapped landing stage half a mile away. Facilities run to toilets half a mile from the water. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Failing this one, try Fresh Pond, 4.8 miles away. Confirm before you fish Lake Waterford.