Loch Raven Reservoir is located north of Baltimore and is the largest reservoir supplying water to Baltimore City and Baltimore County. The resevoir is filled by the Big Gunpowder Falls river beginning at the dam of Prettyboy Reservoir and ending at the Loch Raven dam. The latter dam was constructed in 1914 on the site of the town of Warren, Maryland–the town was completely flooded, and the only remains left today are bungalows that were relocated to Old Bosley Road (Cassie, 2019).
One of the main attractions of the reservoir is fishing. The reservoir fish include largemouth and smallmouth bass, channel catfish, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, white perch, yellow perch, chain pickerel, trout, and northern pike among others (Department of Natural Resources, 2021). While fishing from kayaks and boats is allowed, boats which are power driven need to have a MD boat registration. Additionally, fishers (over 15) must have a MD non-tidal fishing license. The fishing center rents boats, rowboats, and kayaks.
If you don’t want to go on the reservoir, there are also many trails for hiking which have great views of the forest and wildlife in the area, including the largest island: Goose Island. Birdwatchers have a chance to see over 240 species of different birds that have been reported in the area (eBird, 2021). The best time to visit is on the weekend, because Loch Raven drive is closed to traffic between the hours of 10 am and 5 pm from the stretch of road between Providence Road and Loch Raven Drive. This is the most popular time for biking, running, and walking along the reservoir without the fear of cars.
References
- Cassie, R. Rumor or fact? A town under Loch Raven Reservoir. Baltimore Magazine. https://www.baltimoremagazine.com/section/community/warren-town-under-loch-raven-reservoir/. Published March 4, 2019.
- Freshwater Fisheries Biologists, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Fishing and Boating Services. Freshwater fishing hotspots. Department of Natural Resources. https://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/hotspots/index.aspx.
- Loch Raven Fishing Center – Baltimore County. Loch Raven Fishing Center – Baltimore County. https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/recreation/countyparks/fishingcenter/index.html. Published October 4, 2021. Accessed November 28, 2021.
- Loch Raven Reservoir Watershed – Baltimore County. https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/environment/watersheds/lrmain.html. Published April 26, 2019.
- Loch Raven Reservoir & Watershed – Ebird. eBird. https://ebird.org/hotspot/L453004. Accessed November 28, 2021.
