Fun fact: Maryland has no naturally occurring lakes. But that doesn't mean you can't go fishing. The state is dotted with thousands of man-made ponds, lakes, and reservoirs where fish abound.

According to Fishmasters' "Top 30 Fishing Lakes in Maryland Ranked," six of the best spots to cast a line in the state are located right here in Montgomery County. For local anglers, that means excellent fishing is just a short drive or hike away. Below are those six lakes, along with some other local spots and a few tips for fishing in the county.

The Top 6 Lakes

1. Triadelphia Reservoir (Ranked #2)
Triadelphia Reservoir takes the highest spot for Montgomery County on the Fishmasters list, coming in at #2 overall in Maryland. The lake, which shares a border with Howard County, gets praise for its large, open waters and the variety of fish it supports. For anglers, it offers something different from the smaller lakes: more room for boating, longer stretches of shoreline, and opportunities to explore. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources notes that Triadelphia is home to bass, catfish, and bluegill, among other species. Because of its size and regional importance, anglers need to be mindful of boating permits, access restrictions, and seasonal rules. For those who want a wide-open fishing experience close to home, though, Triadelphia is hard to beat.

2. Little Seneca Lake (Ranked #8)
At #8 on the Fishmasters list, Little Seneca Lake is recognized for its clear water and excellent mix of bass, catfish, crappie, and bluegill. Located at Black Hill Regional Park near Boyds, it’s one of the county’s most versatile outdoor destinations. Montgomery Parks maintains accessible fishing piers and operates a full boat rental service during the warmer months. Private boats are also permitted with seasonal passes. Beyond fishing, Black Hill offers extensive trails, scenic overlooks, and picnic facilities, making Little Seneca Lake an ideal choice for families who want more than just time on the water.

3. Lake Needwood (Ranked #9)
Lake Needwood, ranked #9 by Fishmasters, is tucked into Rock Creek Regional Park in Derwood. It’s celebrated for its calm, scenic waters and its mix of fish species, including bass, catfish, and bluegill. Montgomery Parks allows shoreline fishing year-round and permits private boating from early spring to mid-December. Seasonal rentals make it accessible even to those without equipment. With nearby trails, picnic areas, and wide park amenities, Lake Needwood has long been a favorite for anglers and day-trippers alike. One challenge, however, is that Lake Needwood has for many years experienced periodic blooms of cyanobacteria, more commonly known as blue-green algae. These tend to occur in the warmer months, typically from late spring through early fall, and county officials issue warnings advising people not to touch the water, launch boats, or allow pets near the shoreline. While fishing is still possible, anglers are strongly encouraged to use caution and follow posted advisories.

4. Lake Frank (Ranked #17)
Coming in at #17, Lake Bernard Frank—or simply Lake Frank—offers a quieter, more secluded alternative to its sibling, Lake Needwood. Fishmasters highlights its clean waters, bass and bluegill populations, and ease of shoreline fishing. Montgomery Parks notes that it is open for year-round fishing along the banks, but boating is prohibited. Its wooded setting in Rock Creek Regional Park provides a tranquil backdrop, with loop trails and birdwatching opportunities making it just as much a hiker’s destination as it is a fishing hole. Like Lake Needwood, Lake Frank is also prone to seasonal cyanobacteria blooms.

5. Clopper Lake (Ranked #20)
Clopper Lake, listed at #20, is located within Seneca Creek State Park. Fishmasters points out its popularity and strong populations of bass, bluegill, and catfish. Covering about 90 acres, Clopper has a mix of coves, vegetation, and submerged timber that make it a productive fishing spot. A seasonal boat center rents canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats, while plenty of shoreline access is available for bank fishing. Being part of Seneca Creek State Park, it also comes with the benefit of picnic shelters, trails, and family-friendly facilities.

6. Lake Whetstone (Ranked #29)
The final Montgomery County entry on the list is Lake Whetstone, ranked #29. Though it sits lower in the statewide ranking, it remains an important local resource. Fishmasters emphasizes its accessibility and calm waters, stocked with largemouth bass, channel catfish, and panfish. Nestled in the Gaithersburg area, it is an easy choice for a few hours of fishing without leaving town. With straightforward shoreline access and a neighborhood feel, Lake Whetstone is less about grandeur and more about convenience, making it a favorite spot for nearby residents.

More Places to Fish in Montgomery County

These six lakes may be the ones that earned statewide recognition, but they’re only part of the story. Montgomery Parks reports that the county is home to four major lakes, nearly 500 miles of streams, and several ponds that support more than 70 fish species. Here are some more great fishing spots in Montgomery County:

Bohrer Park Ponds
Cabin John Creek
Christman Park Pond
Great Seneca Creek
Hawlings River
Kentlands Lakes (Inspiration/Nirvana)
Kings Local Park Pond
Lake Marion Park
Little Falls
Little Seneca Creek
MLK Jr. Park Pond
Muddy Branch
North Creek Lake Park
Northwest Branch
Pine Lake
Patuxent River State Park
Potomac River / C&O Canal
Rock Creek
Rocky Gorge (T. Howard Duckett) Reservoir
Sligo Creek
Upper Paint Branch
Watts Branch

Together, these waters offer Montgomery County anglers a mix of options, from neighborhood ponds to sprawling reservoirs to meandering streams, and make the county one of Maryland’s best places to fish.

What You Need to Fish in Montgomery County

Anyone fishing in Montgomery County waters must hold a valid Maryland fishing license, issued by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Licenses are required for residents and non-residents alike, with options for annual, short-term, and special licenses for seniors and youth. They can be purchased online through the Maryland DNR licensing portal, at authorized sporting goods stores, or at many larger retail outlets such as Walmart. In addition to the license itself, anglers should check the Montgomery Parks website for area-specific rules, including catch limits, seasonal restrictions, and boating permits, which can vary by lake or reservoir. Montgomery Parks and the DNR both recommend reviewing the Maryland Freshwater Fishing Guide each year to make sure you’re up to date before casting a line.

Rankings referenced in this article are based on the "Top 30 Fishing Lakes in Maryland" list published by Fishmasters.