Boating and Fishing

Enjoy the beautiful Little Seneca Lake by rowboat, canoe, kayak, private boat or aboard a tour on our pontoon boat! You can also fish – and tell wild fish stories later – at this 505-acre lake hidden away in quiet Boyds, Maryland.

Boat Rentals

Guests can rent rowboats, canoes, and kayaks from May through September, weather permitting. For prices, days, hours of operation, and other information, please visit Black Hill Boats.

Private Boating

Boaters with a daily or seasonal boating permit are allowed to use their private boats on the lake from March 1 through December 15. Boats with electric motors only (no gasoline) are permitted and can be on the lake from sunrise to sunset only. Daily and Seasonal permits may be purchased online at Activemontgomery.org under Memberships. Mooring Sites for private boats are available on a first come, first served basis beginning February 15.  All boats must comply with Maryland State, U.S. Coast Guard, and M-NCPPC regulations and standards. For a complete list of regulations, please visit Black Hill Boats.

Water Trail

Explore the beauty of nature on the Black Hill Water Trail. Rent a canoe, kayak, or rowboat (or bring your own). Pick up a laminated Water Trail map and take a self-guided discovery tour of Little Seneca Lake. Click here to download our water trail map.(pdf) Open March 1 through December 15.

Lake Tours

Currently Unavailable: We are in the process of procuring a new pontoon boat an appreciate your patience.

At present our pontoon tour availability is very limited. You can submit a request at blackhillnature@montgomeryparks.org or call the Naturalist Staff at 301-528-3463.  The ADA-accessible Kingfisher can accommodate up to five people in wheelchairs.  Our current rides are 50 minutes, accommodating 20 people for a fee of $150.

Fishing

The most common fish species found in Little Seneca Lake include largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie, and tiger muskie. Trophy Bass Fishing Regulations are in effect. All Maryland State Fishing Regulations for inland waters apply, and people ages 16 and older must have a Maryland Fishing License. Fishing is permitted from the rental boats during the operational season at Little Seneca Lake, and from private boats during the private boat permit season. Year-round fishing is permitted from the shoreline.

For full details, visit Fishing in Montgomery Parks.