Northampton Lake in Prince George's County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  This water sits in Prince George's County, Maryland. The coast is 11 miles away. It covers about 23 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. Largo is the closest town at 1 mile. Washington is the closest city, 12 miles away. A border sits close enough to be relevant to the paperwork. It gives up fish to patience rather than to gear.

• Where to Fish on Northampton Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. Records held for Prince George's County cover blue catfish, bluegill and tessellated darter. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. Take Northampton Lake a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July near 77°F and January near 33°F on the long-run figures. The calendar is generous: something works in nearly every month. Some winters give nothing at all, so plan for open water. Spring and autumn carry the year; summer squeezes it into the ends of the day. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Northampton Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  No public source sets out the position on this bank. You can park half a mile away and walk in from there. Facilities include toilets around half a mile from here. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Some stretches are reserved and marked as such on the ground. The nearest alternative is Allen Pond, 4.5 miles out. Rules at Northampton Lake are worth checking on the day.