Lake Habeeb at Rocky Gap State Park
Photo Courtesy Rocky Gap Casino Resort
Located in Rocky Gap State Park, Lake Habeeb is surrounded by hiking trails, giving fishermen access to the lake’s 9.4 miles of shoreline. This is a great spot to put in a canoe or fishing boat to troll the lake and cast a line. The lake’s artificial fish structures have encouraged the survival of young fish species, and its diverse terrain provides an opportunity for various fishing strategies in boats or on the banks. The area is great for fishing large and smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, sunfish, and bluegill.
Best for: Families, beginners, and bass fishing.
Catch: Largemouth bass, bluegill and trout.
Travel tip: With easy shoreline access and calm waters, this is one of the best places in Mountain Maryland to introduce kids to fishing—pack a picnic and make a full day of it.
North Branch of the Potomac River
Flowing through the region, the North Branch of the Potomac River is known for its cold-water trout fishing and scenic beauty. It’s a favorite for fly anglers and those seeking a more technical experience.
Best for: Trout fishing and experience anglers
Catch: Rainbow Trout and Smallmouth Bass
Travel tip: For the best experience, explore early morning or late evening when the water is calm and trout are most active, then head into Cumberland to refuel just minutes away.
Wills Creek, Evitts Creek and Local Streams
Smaller streams like Evitts Creek provide accessible, low-pressure fishing—perfect for beginners or a spontaneous afternoon outing. These waters are often stocked seasonally—check local updates before you go.
Best for: Quick outings, beginners, and friends.
Catch: Stocked Trout including Golden and Rainbows
Travel tip: Easy access points and shorter stretches make Evitts Creek perfect for a quick cast between other adventures—pair it with a stop in Cumberland for lunch or a walk along the C&O Canal.
Battie Mixon Fishing Pond (C&O Canal National Historical Park)
Photo by Tammy Stump
The Battie Mixon Fishing Pond is a mile-long stretch of fishing inside the C&O Canal National Historical Park. Located at Canal Mile 168, the pond was constructed in 1945 by a volunteer group of Western Maryland sportsmen and was named after the Allegany County game warden that conceived the idea. The fishing hole is stocked annually by the Maryland DNR and is a great place to catch rainbow trout, largemouth bass, sunfish, and Channel catfish. There is even a section reserved just for kids, in case you bring along the family.
Best for: Families, beginner anglers, easy access.
Catch: Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Sunfish and Channel Catfish
Travel tip: A designated kids-only section makes this a perfect place to introduce young anglers to fishing—while parents enjoy the scenic canal setting and nearby trail access.
Dan’s Mountain State Park
Photo by Catherine Heffner
The park is located on a 16-mile-long mountain that takes its name from Daniel Cresap, one of the first settlers in Allegany County. Daniel was known for being adventurous, often hunting with a Delaware Native American named Nemacolin. The park serves as a seasonal recreational facility that covers 481 acres and offers a wide variety of wildlife, mountain streams, overlooks and scenic beauty, including a pond stocked annually with rainbow trout.
Best for: Scenic views, casual fishing, and quick stops.
Catch: Stocked Rainbow Trout
Travel tip: Pair your visit with a stop at the overlook—one of the best photo spots in Allegany County—before or after a relaxing afternoon of fishing.
For a full list of places to fish and where to get your bait and tackle, visit our Fish And Hunt section!
Potomac River Access Points
It is a favorite past time to grab an inner-tube, canoe, or kayak and hop on the Potomac River for a lazy float down the water. Learn about all of the access points available in Mountain Maryland.
