Still Pond
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Still Pond is a very popular anchorage spot in the northern Chesapeake Bay. It is an area that can accommodate many boats, but it can get very busy on summer weekends with day boaters. We have chosen to visit during the weekdays when it is a little quieter.
We had been to Still Pond in the past with some friends, but our first visit was basically a dry run to practice boating and test our anchoring skills. As it turned out, it was also the first, and only, time to be boarded by the Coast Guard. There is a USCG station at Still Pond, and since it was early in the season, we figured the Coast Guardsmen were out for a little boarding practice. It turned out to be a pleasant experience and the men were very nice as they checked over the boat. We passed the inspection and were soon on our way. We received the appropriate inspection form that cleared us for the next six months. |
There are two anchorage areas for boaters. The outside anchorage is large and extends from a small beach area out quite a distance. The further out you are, the more you will rock and roll from passing boats and ships transiting the ship channel. The inside anchorage is very secure and requires going through a narrow, but well-marked passage. Large cruising boats will need to observe caution and check depths before proceeding in. We have not anchored inside.
Our first time anchoring overnight went well, however we were a little further out than we should have been and experienced some minor waking from passing boats. We made a note to anchor further in the cove next time, which we did, and it led to a better experience. Holding can be an issue in Still Pond despite being a rather protected location. We had our worst anchor dragging experience there during a storm that came up from the southeast around 10:00pm. The effects of the storm should have been reduced with land protecting us, but it was bad enough that we stood watch for the duration of the storm. Three of four boats had anchor issues. We were blown about 150 feet before the anchor caught again. A powerboat anchored further in the cove was heading right towards us and fortunately was able to bring his anchor up and start his engines before a collision. A sailboat anchored further out was blown about a mile out into the Bay. I don't know how he didn't get caught up in all of the crab traps which surround the anchorage area and have to be avoided as you come in.
Despite these experiences, it is still a favorite anchorage. There are houses lining the northern shore and there is a small beach area suitable for water activities and pet exercise at the end of the cove. There is a small inlet to Churn Creek that is worth a dinghy ride. We have observed a number of bald eagles around Still Pond.
Our first time anchoring overnight went well, however we were a little further out than we should have been and experienced some minor waking from passing boats. We made a note to anchor further in the cove next time, which we did, and it led to a better experience. Holding can be an issue in Still Pond despite being a rather protected location. We had our worst anchor dragging experience there during a storm that came up from the southeast around 10:00pm. The effects of the storm should have been reduced with land protecting us, but it was bad enough that we stood watch for the duration of the storm. Three of four boats had anchor issues. We were blown about 150 feet before the anchor caught again. A powerboat anchored further in the cove was heading right towards us and fortunately was able to bring his anchor up and start his engines before a collision. A sailboat anchored further out was blown about a mile out into the Bay. I don't know how he didn't get caught up in all of the crab traps which surround the anchorage area and have to be avoided as you come in.
Despite these experiences, it is still a favorite anchorage. There are houses lining the northern shore and there is a small beach area suitable for water activities and pet exercise at the end of the cove. There is a small inlet to Churn Creek that is worth a dinghy ride. We have observed a number of bald eagles around Still Pond.
Access from the Bay is straight forward, however as mentioned above, you will need to keep a sharp lookout for crab traps. They can be quite thick as you enter the area. Nice summer weekend days will result in a long line of boats coming in for recreation on the water. Be ready for crowds if you go then. It is a great spot for swimming, paddle boarding or just relaxing in a floating tube.
