Now that you have been fishing in “kid-friendly” ponds, how about trying a “kid-friendly” stream? Carroll Creek is reserved for youth and blind anglers—it is the perfect place to introduce a child with basic casting skills to stream fishing.
Approximate Boundary: 39.429536,-77.436236 to 39.416176,-77.423512 (1.2 Miles)
DNR Guidance: From a red post located 300 yards upstream of Baughmans Lane, downstream to the dam at College Avenue.
Carroll Creek is a narrow, shallow stream running over a rocky bottom, with limited accessibility in the northern reaches. The best place to approach the water is Baker Park, upstream from W College Terrace near Culler Lake. North of US 15 in the 18-acre Waterford/Rock Creek Park, the creek runs through dense thickets whose overhanging vegetation makes casting problematic. Above Shookstown Road, the terrain opens up with restored accessibility. Rather than try and beat the bush, take your children to the groomed 44 acres in Baker Park below US 15.
The open field provides broad visibility, making it easy to keep an eye on the action as your children fish. The asphalted trail parallels the creek, allowing you to move from spot to spot. The banks are low and easy to negotiate in the park. There are plenty of other recreational activities, including baseball fields and playgrounds, to round out a good family outing.
Getting There:
East: From I-70, merge onto I-270N. Take exit 14 for Rosemont Avenue. Keep left at the fork and follow the signs for Frederick/Hood College/Historic District/Visitor Center. Park anywhere along the road.
South: From Leesburg, take US 15N all the way to Frederick and merge onto I-270N. Take exit 14 for Rosemont Avenue. Keep left at the fork and follow the signs for Frederick/Hood College/Historic District/Visitor Center. Park anywhere along the road using the red covered bridge as the landmark designating the center of the stream.
Access Point:
- Shookstown Road (39.425873,-77.432211)
- Baughmans Lane (39.428058,-77.432684)
- Anywhere along W 2nd Street or from the Frederick High School on the south side of the stream
Secrets Revealed? No. This is a very public location that is documented in the Maryland DNR stocking plan
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Upper Section

Upper Section

More open in the lower section in the park

In the park
Unless stated otherwise, this article was authored by Steve Moore