Biggest lakes in Maryland: the top 5 by size

The list

Sizes are the published surface area where one exists; the others are our own measure of the water's outline and read "about". Reservoirs shrink and grow with their level, so a dry year shows less water.

1. Raymond Pond

Raymond Pond spreads over about 5,190 acres. You will find it near Cambridge. The usual Maryland mix applies: largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish. On the 3-D map the bed has three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves: good places to start.

Raymond Pond today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

2. Deep Creek Lake

At 3,630 acres, Deep Creek Lake is a good-sized lake. Expect largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye and yellow perch. At about 75 ft deep, it stays cooler below the surface well into summer. On the 3-D map the bed has three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves: good places to start.

Deep Creek Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

3. Liberty Reservoir

Liberty Reservoir covers some 3,030 acres. The lake is about 9 miles southeast of Ellicott City. Like most lakes its size in Maryland, it should hold largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish. At about 144 ft deep, it stays cooler below the surface well into summer. On the 3-D map the bed has three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves: good places to start. Liberty Reservoir supplies drinking water to the Baltimore area and spans the Baltimore-Carroll county line.

Liberty Reservoir today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

4. Loch Raven Reservoir

At 2,400 acres, Loch Raven Reservoir is small enough to learn in a few trips. It lies within an easy drive of Towson (about 2 miles). It is the Big Gunpowder Falls behind Loch Raven Dam. Like most lakes its size in Maryland, it should hold largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish. The lake bed gives you three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves to work. Loch Raven Reservoir supplies drinking water to the Baltimore area and also offers public fishing and boating.

Loch Raven Reservoir today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

5. Prettyboy Reservoir

At 1,500 acres of water, Prettyboy Reservoir is small enough to learn in a few trips. The lake is about 4.8 miles southwest of Hampstead. Prettyboy Dam holds it on the Gunpowder Falls. Like most lakes its size in Maryland, it should hold largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish. It goes down to about 129 ft. On the 3-D map the bed has three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves: good places to start. Prettyboy Reservoir is a Baltimore City water-supply reservoir on Gunpowder Falls in Baltimore County.

Prettyboy Reservoir today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

Big water, big days

Large lakes make their own weather: a breeze that is nothing on a pond builds real waves over miles of open water. Check the wind on the lake page before you launch and keep to the lee shore when it picks up.