The lake is another project we can thank the Civilian Conservation Corps for creating in the 1930s. They dammed up Herrington Creek to create the lake. It sits inside the 365-acre Herrington Manor State Park and fishing is only one of the many activities available. There is a beach for swimming, picnic areas, and hiking trails, as well as tennis, volleyball, and furnished log cabins the State rents out to visitors who prefer a roof thicker than tent canvas.
The best way to fish in this lake is by boat. The concession stand rents canoes and kayaks during daylight hours between 10 AM and 5 PM – electric motors only. The deepest part of the lake and the fishing pier is between the boat launch and the dam. At its southern extremity, the channel of Herrington Creek cuts its way across the muddy bottom. The channel is skewed to the north side of the lake and not fishable from the shore.
North: From I-68, take exit 4 onto MD 42. Follow MD 42W to the intersection with Blooming Rose Road and turn left to go back underneath the interstate. Turn left on White Rock Road. Turn right onto Cranesville Road. Cranesville Road becomes Herrington ManorRoad. Turn right at the entrance to the State Park. Stay to the right to get the boat launch and the area near the dam.
Getting There:
South: From Oakland, turn west on E Center Street. Follow it through the intersection with N Bradley Lane onto Bradley Lane to turn right on Liberty Street. Head west on Liberty Street across the river and into the park. The name of the road changes to Herrington Manor Road. Turn left to enter the park on Herrington Manor Lake Road. Stay to the right to get the boat launch and the area near the dam.
Access Point:
· North end of the lake near the dam (39.457568,-79.451872)
· Parking area adjacent to the boat launch (39.454971,-79.453657)
Secrets Revealed? No. This is a very public location that is documented in the Maryland DNR stocking plan
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Boat launch
Beach area
Looking west
East to dam
Unless stated otherwise, this article was authored by Steve Moore