The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Prettyboy Reservoir
Baltimore County, Maryland · 1,500 acres (2.3 sq mi)
Windy Friday (15 mph N).
About Prettyboy Reservoir
Prettyboy Reservoir is a reservoir in Baltimore County, Maryland, covering 1,500 acres. Prettyboy Dam holds it back on the Gunpowder Falls. Prettyboy Reservoir is a Baltimore City water-supply reservoir on Gunpowder Falls in Baltimore County.
From end to end it runs about 3.8 miles with roughly 23 miles of shoreline. The water sits about 510 ft above sea level. The deepest water is about 129 ft. The nearest town, Hampstead, is about 4.8 miles southwest. The closest city is Towson, about 16 miles away.
- Size
- 1,500 acres (2.3 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 129 ft
- Shoreline
- About 23 miles
- End to end
- About 3.8 miles
- Elevation
- About 510 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Prettyboy Dam, Gunpowder Falls
- County
- Baltimore County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Fair
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise
- 3:15 pm – 4:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 13 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 8 mph
- 3:15 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 13 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
Expect the usual Maryland mix for a lake this size: largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake.
- Largemouth bass
- Crappie
- Bluegill and sunfish
- Catfish
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
6 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
No clear reading right now. Narrow or small lakes often have none; the weather and bite times below still apply.
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
No clear view of the ice yet
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:49 am · sunset 4:52 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Prettyboy Reservoir
- Hampsteadabout 4.8 mi southwest
- New Freedomabout 5.6 mi north
- Manchesterabout 6.3 mi west
- Shrewsburyabout 8 mi north
- Towsonnearest city, about 16 mi southeast
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Questions about Prettyboy Reservoir
What fish are in Prettyboy Reservoir?
Lakes like Prettyboy Reservoir usually hold largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Prettyboy Reservoir?
About 129 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Prettyboy Reservoir?
1,500 acres, with about 23 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Prettyboy Reservoir?
Hampstead is about 4.8 miles southwest; New Freedom is about 5.6 miles north.
Is the water warm enough to swim in Prettyboy Reservoir?
Check the water temperature on this page before you go: under 70°F feels cold to most swimmers, and under 60°F cold-water shock is a real risk.
Prettyboy Reservoir on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
