Ask Outdoors Girl: Fishing spots that don't require much walking

Mags Lazz, a Baltimore area angler, writes: I'm planning a trip to Cumberland at end of the month. My spouse can't walk long distances. Is there a fishing spot that you can recommend that doesn't require a long walk?

Outdoors Girl sent this one to Don Cosden, who heads the state's freshwater fishing operation. He replied: Drive to Oldtown, about 15 miles down Route 51, to the Battie Mixon Fishing Hole off Greenspring Road on the old C& O Canal. This is the site of one of the oldest youth fishing rodeos in the nation and a great place to fish. Largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish and sunfish ready to attack a simple garden worm under a bobber or a carefully cast plastic worm. As the water cools this time of year, the fish tend to hold close to the bottom. So, set your bait accordingly or bring your plastic lure slowly across the bottom to get a bite. If you need equipment, a fishing license, or advice, check in at the Bassin' Box in Lavale, about five miles down Route 40 from Cumberland.

If you would prefer to fish some bigger water, Lake Habeeb at Rocky Gap State Park has numerous parking areas close to the shore. The lake has sunfish, yellow perch, bass, catfish and you might even have a shot at some of the trout that remain there from frequent stockings. If you want to keep a trout, be sure to purchase a trout stamp with your license. Bottom rigs are good here, with worms or meal worms being good bait.

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