It's a Fishing Day

Species

Walleye

Sander vitreus · family Percidae

Maryland's premier cool-water gamefish. Deep Creek Lake is the flagship fishery; also found in the non-tidal Potomac and the Youghiogheny River. Low-light feeder — dusk, dawn, and overcast/windy days are prime. Jigs, crankbaits, and nightcrawler harnesses are standard.

Preferred conditions

Water temp
50–72°F (ideal 62°F)
Tide
either
Moon
new
Depth
10–40 ft
Active months
Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov, Dec

Best walleye conditions today

  1. Conowingo Dam Tailrace Harford, MD · harvest closed
    74/100
  2. Deep Creek Lake Garrett, MD
    29/100
  3. Lake Anna State Park Spotsylvania, VA
    15/100
  4. Jennings Randolph Lake Garrett, MD
    0/100

Regulations by jurisdiction

Maryland (non-tidal)

non tidal

Min size
15"
Creel
5

Statewide: 15-inch minimum, 5 per day. Deep Creek Lake has an 18–21 inch protected slot (all fish in slot must be released) AND is closed March 1–April 15. Potomac River has a 20-inch protected-slot provision Jan 1–Apr 15 in some sections. Verify water-specific regulations before keeping any fish.

Source · verified 2026-04-22

Virginia (non-tidal — VDWR)

non tidal

Min size
18"
Creel
5

Non-tidal VA: 18-inch minimum (higher than MD's 15-inch), 5 per day in aggregate with saugeye. Special regulations on the flagship waters: Claytor Lake and the New River (upstream to Fries Dam) are limited to 2 per day, and no harvest of fish 19–28 inches (protected slot). Primary fisheries: New River, Claytor Lake, Smith Mountain Lake, South Holston.

Source · verified 2026-04-22