Wheaton Regional Park was established in 1960 and includes 536 acres of land. A unique recreational feature is the miniature train as well as an adventure playground designed specifically to accommodate disabled individuals. All of the other normal amenities – playground, restrooms, and picnic areas – exist here as well. With all of the kid-related activities… why not add fishing to the mix, as the Maryland DNR dumps a respectable number of trout into this 5-acre pond each spring?
Pine Lake tends to become overgrown with aquatic vegetation after the weather warms up, particularly on the western side. In early 2011, the Department of Parks rehabilitated the lake to improve fish habitat, and, hopefully, this will reduce the incidence of underwater vegetation. During trout season, it is not a significant issue as a result of the cold weather. Most of the lake’s shoreline is forested, with the road on top of the dam at the northern end providing the most universal access. The shoreline adjacent to the dam is also the deepest (up to 8 feet) and will experience the least aquatic growth. Although there are 11 miles of trails in the park, you do not have to walk on all of them to get to the pond. It is an easy, short walk along a gravel trail.
In addition to trout stocked in season, the pond features the normal assortment of largemouth bass and other warm-water fish. The lake achieved a brief moment of notoriety in April 2004 when Terry Wintermoyer hauled out a 19-inch northern snakehead. The DNR drained the lake, and there have been no reports of this species since. The Regional Park does not allow boats on the pond.
Getting There:
From I-495, take exit 31 onto MD 97/Georgia Avenue heading north. Turn right onto Arcola Avenue. Turn left onto Orebaugh Avenue. Follow the road to the parking lot at the north end of Wheaton Regional Park. To park at the other side, continue on MD 97 and turn right on Shorefield Road followed by a left onto Shorefield Court.
Wheaton Regional Park (39.053296,-77.035072)
Secrets Revealed? No.This is a very public location that is documented in the Maryland DNR stocking plan
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Unless stated otherwise, this article was authored by Steve Moore