“Draco Invitus” the Reluctant Dragon
In days of yore, when the waters of Deep Creek ran freely to the Youghiogheny, the fish of the area could travel far and wide – all the way to the Gulf of Mexico if they chose! When the dam was built and lake was formed, the spirits of the fish now trapped manifested in the form of a dragon who now jealously guarded his waters and the fish within. He was first glimpsed in the tintype below and legends say the you can hear him when the lake is completely still.
Fisherman from days past would refer to Deep Creek Lake as the “Reluctant Dragon” due to its resemblance of a dragon and the fact that it was reluctant to give up its fish. I think you can see the dragon if you squint, but I had a graphic designer fill in the details and then had a company that makes plush animals from pictures bring Deekie to life. There are some who have never heard the “reluctant dragon” name before, but it’s been around since at least 1992, when Tim Doolan published the most comprehensive fishing guide to the lake I’ve ever seen. “Draco Invitus” is just Latin for reluctant dragon (the benefits of a boarding school education).
Now Deekie travels with me to all of my adventures around Garrett County. Look for us on Facebook and Instagram!
