BOATING Regulations

1. All boats MUST comply with Maryland State and Federal requirements for recreational boats.

2. Boating is allowed beginning March 1 through November 30, each year.

3. Private Boats must be launched from the 2 available boat ramps. A boat launch fee is charged at the gatehouse. (See park entrance fees for fee schedule).

4. NO launching of private boats from December 1st through February 28th each year.

5. All boats MUST be off the lake at the posted time. Times are posted at the gatehouse, boathouse, and at each boat launch.

6. Only electric motors are allowed on the lake. Gas motors may be affixed to the boat; however, the gas motor must be off and up as far as possible out of the water.

7. All inflatable watercraft (including paddleboards) must have at least 3 separate air chambers.

8. Swimming or diving from watercraft is strictly prohibited.

9. Boats are not permitted in the Wildlife Management Area at the northern end of the lake, off White Rock Road.

10. All persons born on or after May 1, 1972, must have a Boater’s Safety Certificate to operate a motorboat.

11. A person may not operate or attempt to operate a boat while the person:

a. Is intoxicated and/or b. Is under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs

12. Any violations of these rules and regulations will be subject to eviction from the Lake and/or Park.

Canoes, sailboats, rowboats, kayaks, paddleboards (SUP), and electric-powered fishing boats may be used on the lake during the Park season. Inflatable watercraft must have at least 3 separate air chambers.  Private watercraft may be launched from March 1 through November 30. The Lake is closed to Boating from December 1 through February 28 each year. Two boat ramps are located at the main entrance. Launch fees apply to all watercraft including canoes, kayaks, paddleboards (SUP), sailboats, etc.

Any inflatable boat or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) must have three separate air chambers.

FISHING Regulations

1. Fishing is permitted from authorized boats, piers, and shorelines during the park open season during park hours (sunrise to sunset): March 1 through November 30 each year. Excluded are dam structures, the wildlife management area off White Rock Road, and any steep embankment. Written permission from landowners is needed to cross private property.

2. Fishing is permitted from the shoreline ONLY from December 1 through February 28 each year.

3. Manner of Fishing: Rod, hook, and line only.

4. Ice fishing is strictly prohibited.

5. Fishing Permits: Anyone sixteen (16) years of age or older must possess a Maryland State Fishing license, which may be purchased at most Maryland sporting goods stores or online at the State of Maryland DNR website. A Piney Run daily use pass or season pass is also required.

6. Bank fishing on approved shorelines outside the recreation area and during park hours will be permitted proving one has a daily-use permit or season pass and written permission from private landowners whose property one crosses to reach the reservoir.

RESERVOIR AND FISHERIES MANAGEMENT

1. Wildlife Management Area – off White Rock Road is protected and set aside for the propagation of fish and other wildlife. Large pipes have been sunk in this area, and in other parts of the reservoir, by State Freshwater Fisheries personnel for the propagation of Channel catfish. Catfish need some form of cover in order to carry out their spawning activities. Excellent bird-watching opportunities await at the Management Area, however, ALL observing must be done from White Rock Road.

2. Reservoir Management – The reservoir’s fish are managed through the Maryland Freshwater Fisheries Division. Management activities include stockings, natural reproduction checks, creel census, fish habitat improvement, electrofishing survey, gill net survey, water quality data collection, and spot treatment of spiny naiad and nuisance aquatic vegetation. Fisheries personnel are consulted when yearly fishing events are planned to assure the populations will be maintained.