Hunting Creek Lake (Cunningham Falls State Park)

Hunting Creek Lake is the 42-acre lake at Cunningham Falls State Park, west of Thurmont in the Catoctin Mountains. It's small but deep (about 75 feet), with shallow flats at the upper end and steep rocky shores below. DNR manages it for largemouth bass and panfish and stocks adult trout in spring and fall; its surveys find abundant bass with many large fish, including trophies, and bluegill and redear sunfish of 8 to 10 inches are fairly common.

When to fish

• Spring: trout stockings continue into May, and a Fish & Hunt Maryland writer says the fishing is pleasantly uncrowded once the opening-day rush passes. Bass move up onto the flats.
• Summer: the thermocline sets up around 18 to 20 feet, so fish above it. Late-summer drawdowns can leave the ramp unusable.
• Fall: a second round of trout stocking.
• Winter: DNR says ice fishing is popular for stocked trout and panfish.

Where to fish

• The upper third: shallow, soft-bottomed flats with a winding creek channel.
• The lower two-thirds: steep rocky banks that drop fast into deep water.
• Cover: fallen trees, beaver lodges, weed beds and habitat DNR has sunk around the lake, from drain tile and Christmas trees to concrete reef balls.
• The accessible fishing pier and shoreline: good spots for trout and panfish.

How to fish it

For stocked trout, the Fish & Hunt Maryland writer finds bait usually does best on still waters like this one, with small metal spoons and spinners worth trying. For bass, work the rocky banks, fallen trees and sunken habitat.

Getting there

Take Route 77 west from Thurmont into Cunningham Falls State Park and follow signs for the lake. The park charges an entrance fee at the gate and a fee to launch; there's a paved ramp with a dock, and only electric motors are allowed. Boats can be rented in summer. In summer 2026 the park closed the lake area for several weeks after two rabid beaver attacks, one on an angler; it reopened August 24. Keep your distance from wildlife and check the park's current status before you go. You need a Maryland nontidal fishing license, plus a trout stamp if you fish for trout.