CHARLOTTE HALL, Md. — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources stocked 800 rainbow trout at Wheatley Lake inside Gilbert Run Park on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, bringing fresh fishing opportunities to one of Charles County’s most popular parks.
The stocking is part of Maryland’s annual spring Put and Take program, which places adult hatchery trout in designated waters for harvest ahead of the busy spring fishing season.
Wheatley Lake, the park’s 60-acre freshwater lake, is home to bass, bluegill, trout and catfish and features multiple fishing piers throughout the property.
Additional Southern Maryland waters stocked Feb. 18 include Myrtle Grove Pond in the La Plata area, which received 800 rainbow trout, and Hughesville Pond, which received 300 rainbow and golden trout, according to the department’s stocking map.
Anglers 16 and older must have a valid Maryland fishing license. A trout stamp is required to keep trout.
See the 2026 Spring Monthly Trout Stocking Schedule Here.
More Than Fishing At Gilbert Run Park
Located about eight miles east of La Plata on Route 6, Gilbert Run Park offers a variety of outdoor recreation options beyond angling.
A 2-mile wooded trail loops around the lake and includes a boardwalk section suitable for hikers of all skill levels. The trail is dog-friendly and provides scenic lake views.
Families can enjoy a large playground overlooking the water, picnic tables and grills located throughout the park and a sanded volleyball court.
A boat ramp provides lake access for vessels with electric motors only. During the operating season, visitors can rent pedal boats, row boats, canoes and kayaks to explore the lake.
The park also features several pavilions available for rental, accommodating gatherings from 50 to 400 people.
During the off-season, vehicle access past the main gate is closed; however, the Brookside Pavilion parking lot remains open to allow walk-in access.
Boat Rental Pricing At Gilbert Run Park
Visitors looking to get out on Wheatley Lake can rent a variety of watercraft during the operating season.
- Row boats cost $6 per hour, $4 for a half hour or $20 for a full day.
- Paddle boats range from $8 to $10 per hour and $6 to $7 for a half hour.
- Canoes are $8 per hour or $6 for a half hour.
- Kayak rentals are priced at $10 per hour for a single-person kayak, $12 per hour for a two-person kayak and $14 per hour for a single-person fishing kayak.
Boat rentals are available seasonally and provide an affordable way for families and anglers to explore the park’s 60-acre lake.
Seasonal Hours And Entry Fees
A $5 per vehicle entry fee applies April 1 through Sept. 30 on weekends and holidays. Gilbert Run Park operates on seasonal hours:
- March: Weekends only, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- April 1 through Aug. 31:
- Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- September: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- October: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- November: Weekends only, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- After the third weekend of November through February: The park is closed to vehicle access past the main gate; however, the Brookside Pavilion parking lot remains open through the end of March.
For more information about park amenities, seasonal hours and pavilion rentals, visit the Charles County Government website or call 301-932-1083.
Gilbert Run Park
13140 Charles St
Charlotte Hall, MD 20622
(301) 932-1083
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As if we don’t pay enough taxes, Governor Spend Moore raised senior fishing licenses and trout stamps from $5 to $32 per year this year. That’s what he thinks about seniors and retirees.