Clopper Lake (Seneca Creek State Park)

Clopper Lake is the 90-acre lake in Seneca Creek State Park, just west of Gaithersburg in Montgomery County. It averages 18 feet deep, with several shallow coves, lots of submerged weeds, fallen trees and beaver lodges. DNR says the lake once held lots of small bass, but its 2022 survey found healthy largemouth with a good share over 12 inches. It also has redear sunfish, bluegill, black crappie, stocked channel catfish that can get big, carp, and stocked tiger muskie that anglers report catching.

When to fish

• Spring: bass are catch and release only during the statewide spring closure; crappie and sunfish are active.
• Summer and early fall: dense weeds (mostly spiny naiad) fill much of the lake, so fish the edges and coves.
• May through September: the boat center rents boats.

Where to fish

• Fallen trees and beaver lodges: DNR notes they hold crappie, sunfish, carp and bass.
• Shorelines and the outer edges of lily pads and brush: the Fish & Hunt Maryland guide's recommended targets.
• From a boat, canoe or kayak: the guide says it gives the best fishing; the shoreline is also open.

How to fish it

The state fly guide suggests poppers, woolly buggers and rubber-legged patterns for bass and panfish, and baitfish patterns for catfish and crappie.

Getting there

From I-270, take exit 12 to Watkins Mill Road and Clopper Road to the park entrance at 11950 Clopper Road, Gaithersburg. The park charges a daily entrance fee and closes at sunset. Launch a canoe or kayak at the soft launch by the boat center or the self-launch ramp off Seneca Creek Road. In August 2026 the park closed its Berryville Area and Route 28 river access near Darnestown after a beaver attack, so check the park's status before you go. You need a Maryland nontidal fishing license.