What You'll Find at Truxtun Park

Truxtun Park is a 64-acre municipal park built around a freshwater pond in central Annapolis, about a mile west of the Naval Academy. The pond holds largemouth bass, channel catfish, and bluegill, making it one of the few places in the city where you can fish without driving to the Severn River or beyond. The park sits in a residential neighborhood, so parking is street-level and limited—arrive early on weekends if you want a spot close to the water.

The pond is roughly oval, shallow on the north end and deeper toward the south. Most of the shoreline is open to fishing, though a small swimming beach closes the eastern side during summer months. The water is murky year-round, which means bass rely heavily on vibration and noise rather than sight. This is good news if you fish with topwater lures or crankbaits that create disturbance.

Access is free and open dawn to dusk. There is no boat launch, so you are fishing from shore only. The park has restrooms, picnic tables, and a playground, making it a reasonable spot to bring family if you want to fish while others do other things nearby.

Key Takeaways

  • Truxtun Park pond holds largemouth bass and channel catfish year-round, accessible only by shore fishing from the walking path.
  • The north end is shallow and weedy; the south end is deeper and holds larger bass, especially in spring and fall.
  • Parking is street-level on surrounding residential blocks; arrive before 9 a.m. on weekends to find a spot within walking distance.
  • The pond is murky, so topwater lures, crankbaits, and live shiners work better than clear-water presentations.
  • A swimming beach closes part of the eastern shore from late May through early September, but the rest of the pond remains open year-round.

Where to Fish and What to Target

The north end of the pond, near the playground and picnic area, is shallow and heavily vegetated. This is prime bluegill water and a good spot for small largemouths in spring and early summer. If you are targeting panfish, work the weed edges with small spinners or live crickets. The bottom is soft and weedy, so expect to lose a few lures.

The south end, near the park's southern boundary, is the deepest part of the pond and holds the larger bass. This is where you want to be in summer when the shallows warm up and bass move to cooler water. Fish the drop-off where the bottom slopes away from shore, using crankbaits that reach 6 to 8 feet deep or Texas-rigged soft plastics.

Channel catfish are present year-round and are most active at dusk and after dark. Fish the bottom with chicken liver, cut shad, or stink bait. The south end and the western shore are your best bets for catfish, especially in late spring and summer. Catfish here run 2 to 5 pounds on average, with occasional fish pushing 8 pounds.

Seasonal Patterns and Best Times

Spring (March through May) is when largemouth bass move shallow to spawn. Fish the north end and the western shoreline with topwater lures early in the morning. Water temperatures in the 60s bring bass into 2 to 4 feet of water, and they are aggressive. Bluegill spawn at the same time, so panfish action is excellent if you want fast, easy fishing.

Summer (June through August) pushes bass deep. The pond warms to the low 80s, and the shallows become less productive. Focus on the south end and any deeper structure you can identify. Early morning and evening are critical—midday fishing is slow. The swimming beach is open during this period, so expect more foot traffic and noise on weekends.

Fall (September through November) brings a second window of excellent fishing. Water temperatures drop back into the 60s and 70s, and bass return to the shallows to feed before winter. Topwater and crankbait fishing is productive again. This is also when catfish bite most reliably during daylight hours.

Winter (December through February) is slow but not dead. Bass are lethargic and deep, but patient anglers working the south end with slow-moving soft plastics or live shiners can connect. Catfish remain active, especially on warmer days when the water temperature climbs a few degrees.

Tackle and Technique

Because the water is stained and shallow, you do not need heavy gear. A 6-foot medium-power spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound monofilament or braided line is ideal for bass. Topwater lures, 3/8- to 1/2-ounce crankbaits, and Texas-rigged 4- to 6-inch soft plastics are your core arsenal. Avoid finesse presentations—this pond rewards noise and vibration.

For catfish, a medium-heavy rod with 12- to 15-pound line and a simple slip-sinker rig works well. Use a 1/0 to 3/0 circle hook and let the catfish run a few feet before setting the hook. Circle hooks often hook themselves, so you do not need a hard hookset.

Live shiners are the most reliable bait for largemouth bass here. A 4- to 6-inch shiner on a simple slip-sinker rig or under a bobber will draw strikes from larger fish. You can catch shiners yourself in the shallows with a small cast net, or bring them from a tackle shop in Annapolis.

Parking and Access

Truxtun Park has no dedicated parking lot for fishing. You must park on the street in the surrounding residential neighborhood—typically on Truxtun Avenue, Chesapeake Avenue, or the side streets nearby. On weekdays, parking is usually available within a block or two of the pond. On weekends, especially Saturday mornings, spots fill quickly. Arrive by 8 a.m. if you want to park close.

The pond is a short walk from any street parking. A paved path circles most of the water, making access easy even if you park a few blocks away. The park is open dawn to dusk, and there is no fee. Restrooms are available near the playground and picnic area.

The address is 1610 Truxtun Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21403. If you are coming from downtown Annapolis, head west on Maryland Avenue, which becomes Truxtun Avenue. The park is on your left.

Rules and Regulations

Maryland fishing regulations apply at Truxtun Park. You need a valid Maryland fishing license to fish the pond. A non-tidal freshwater license is what you need here—it covers ponds and lakes but not tidal waters like the Severn River. You can purchase a license online through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website, at any tackle shop in Annapolis, or at Walmart.

Largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum size limit and a 5-fish daily limit. Channel catfish have no size limit and no daily limit. Bluegill and other panfish have no size limit and a 50-fish daily limit. These regulations change occasionally, so check the current rules before you fish.

No motorboats are permitted on the pond. Wading is not recommended because the bottom is soft and the water is murky. Fishing is from shore only, using the walking path that circles the pond.

Nearby Alternatives If Truxtun Doesn't Work

If Truxtun Park is crowded or the fishing is slow, the Severn River is a short drive away. The river holds striped bass, largemouth bass, and catfish, and you can fish from public boat launches or wade in certain areas. The Annapolis City Dock area also holds striped bass and is accessible by foot, though it is more crowded and better suited to sight-fishing.

Quiet Waters Park, about 15 minutes south in Davidsonville, has a larger pond with better structure and deeper water. It also has a boat launch if you want to fish from a kayak or small boat. The trade-off is that Quiet Waters charges a day-use fee and is more crowded on weekends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to fish Truxtun Park?

Yes. Maryland requires a non-tidal freshwater fishing license for any pond or lake. You can purchase one online through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, at a local tackle shop, or at Walmart. A one-day license costs less than $10.

Can I fish at night?

The park closes at dusk, so night fishing is not permitted. However, dusk and early evening are the best times to fish for catfish. Arrive an hour before sunset and fish until the park closes.

What is the best time of year to fish Truxtun Park?

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are most productive. Water temperatures are in the 60s and 70s, and bass are aggressive. Summer is slower because bass move deep, and winter is very slow.

Can I use live bait?

Yes. Live shiners, crickets, and earthworms are all legal. Live shiners are most effective for largemouth bass. You can catch your own shiners with a cast net in the shallows or bring them from a tackle shop.

Is there a boat launch at Truxtun Park?

No. The pond is shore-fishing only. There is no boat launch, and wading is not recommended because the bottom is soft and the water is murky. If you want to fish from a boat, Quiet Waters Park in Davidsonville has a launch.