Jennings Randolph Lake straddles the West Virginia-Maryland border – a deep, cold 950-acre reservoir on the North Branch of the Potomac River, set in a steep mountain gorge with dramatic overlooks. Cold and clean enough to support trout alongside walleye and bass, and famous for the whitewater released below its dam, it’s one of the most scenic and unusual lakes in the eastern highlands.
This guide covers Jennings Randolph Lake: the fishing, the overlooks and whitewater, and access. It’s part of our growing West Virginia Lakes Database.
- Jennings Randolph Lake at a glance
- A cold, deep mountain lake
- Fishing Jennings Randolph Lake
- Whitewater and recreation
- Getting there and what’s nearby
- Know before you go
- Frequently asked questions
- What fish are in Jennings Randolph Lake?
- Is Jennings Randolph Lake in West Virginia or Maryland?
- Where is Jennings Randolph Lake?
Jennings Randolph Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~950 acres on the North Branch Potomac River; deep and cold
- Location: Mineral County, WV / Garrett County, MD (near Elk Garden & Keyser)
- Built: Jennings Randolph Dam, completed 1981 (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)
- Top fish: trout (incl. lake trout), walleye, largemouth & smallmouth bass, yellow perch
A cold, deep mountain lake
Sitting high in the Allegheny Mountains, Jennings Randolph is deep and cold – cold enough to support a two-story fishery, with trout in the depths and warmwater species up top. The dam was built for flood control and to improve water quality on the North Branch Potomac, once heavily affected by acid mine drainage. Scenic overlooks on both the West Virginia and Maryland sides give sweeping views down the steep, forested gorge.
Fishing Jennings Randolph Lake
The lake’s cold, clean water makes it a standout fishery:
- Trout – including lake trout and stocked trout, a rarity for a reservoir this far south.
- Walleye in the deeper water.
- Largemouth and smallmouth bass and yellow perch round out the catch.
Both West Virginia and Maryland share the lake, so check licensing and reciprocity. A boat with the ability to fish deep helps for the trout and walleye.
Whitewater and recreation
Below the dam, scheduled releases on the North Branch Potomac create popular whitewater runs for kayakers and rafters. Around the lake, the Corps provides boat ramps, the Robert W. Craig Campground (on the Maryland side) and the scenic overlooks. Boating, paddling and sightseeing in the gorge are all draws, and the area pairs well with nearby Western Maryland destinations.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Jennings Randolph Lake is on the WV-MD line near Elk Garden, about 30 minutes west of Keyser and within reach of the Western Maryland highlands. Deep Creek Lake (MD), the Potomac Highlands and the Dolly Sods area are all in the broader region.
Know before you go
- Two states: the lake is shared by West Virginia and Maryland – check licensing and reciprocity.
- Cold, deep water: a genuine trout-and-walleye lake – fish deep and dress for mountain weather.
- Best seasons: spring through fall for trout, walleye and bass; check release schedules for whitewater below the dam.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Jennings Randolph Lake?
Trout (including lake trout), walleye, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and yellow perch – a cold, deep, two-story fishery.
Is Jennings Randolph Lake in West Virginia or Maryland?
Both – it straddles the border on the North Branch Potomac River, with overlooks and access on each side.
Where is Jennings Randolph Lake?
On the WV-MD line in Mineral County, West Virginia near Elk Garden, about 30 minutes west of Keyser.
Related: explore more of the largest lakes in West Virginia, or head back to the West Virginia Lakes Database.
