Centennial Lake is only one of the features that make the 334-acre Centennial Park a spectacular place to visit. In addition to the concrete boat launch, there is a well-developed network of paths that eases access to the shoreline with a 2.6-mile paved pathway encircling the lake. If adventurous, you may rent a boat from the concession area and strike out to less-pressure water beyond casting range from the bank. However, if you bring your own boat, you must buy a daily permit at the boathouse. There is a fishing pier by the boat launch for those who prefer to fish from a stable platform.
The only obstacle to fishing from the shoreline is the prevalence of lily pads that extend 10 to 15 feet from the bank in many places. As with most impoundments, the water is deepest near the dam and shallow near the intake. In this case, the shallow end is at the west where the Centennial Branch of the Little Patuxent River enters the lake. The extreme west end of the lake is a wildlife sanctuary, and you are not allowed to fish beyond the buoys that mark the boundary. The average depth of the lake is a little over 10 feet.
Centennial Lake is an ideal family destination with beautiful pavilions perched high on the hills overlooking the lake. These, coupled with clean, crisp picnic areas make it a perfect place to spend the day.
First stocked in 1985, the intervening 26 years have seen an explosion in the fish population with fish surveys documenting bass exceeding 6.5 pounds and tiger muskies blowing past 36 inches long. A key reason for this was the enforcement of catch and return bass regulations during the early years and subsequent management decisions to facilitate growth. Currently, the DNR claims that there is an “overabundance” of bass waiting to be caught. Therefore, this is a year-round destination and not a place to visit only during the trout stocking season.
Getting There: From I-95, take exit 38 onto MD 32 W towards Columbia. Take exit 16A onto US 29 N/Columbia Pike. Take exit 21B onto MD 108 W/Old Annapolis Road. Turn right on Ten Mills Road. Take the first right to go to the boat ramp.
Access Point: Boat ramp (39.241359,-76.858649) and various other places in the park
Secrets Revealed? No. This is a very public location that is documented Maryland DNR website.
Tell a friend about this article by clicking on this link
Boat launch
Fishing pier
Shoreline towards dam
West from pier
Unless stated otherwise, this article was authored by Steve Moore