The 11 Best Fishing Lakes in Maine

Discover the best fishing lakes in Maine and experience the beauty of the Maine outdoors. From the crystal-clear waters of Androscoggin Lake to the serene atmosphere of Rangeley Lake, you’ll find some of the best fishing spots in the state. Learn about the best fishing lakes in Maine and plan your next outdoor adventure.

1. Mooselookmeguntic Lake

Mooselookmeguntic Lake is the 5th largest lake in Maine, located in Franklin County and is a part of Maine’s Belgrade Lakes Region.

Types of Fish: Salmon, smallmouth bass, lake trout, landlocked salmon, perch, whitefish, yellow perch and smelt
Types of Fishing: Spinning, fly fishing, ice fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, most marinas and local bait shops have fishing equipment and supplies for rent
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, several companies offer guided fishing tours on Mooselookmeguntic Lake
Closest Hotels: The Cliffs Resort, The Milford Inn, The Cabin at Mooselookmeguntic
Nearest Fishing Store: River’s Edge Bait & Tackle, approximately 25 minutes away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Fishing licenses and permits required for anyone over 16, bag and possession limits apply
Amenities of the Lake: Boat and Canoe rental, boat launches, fishing docks, picnic areas, and camping spots
Nearest Gas Station: Irving Big Stop, approximately 25 minutes away

2. Square Lake

Square Lake is located in Penobscot County and is one of the most popular fishing locations in Maine.

Types of Fish: Brook trout, smallmouth bass, lake trout, landlocked salmon, whitefish and smelt
Types of Fishing: Spinning, fly fishing, ice fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, most marinas and local bait shops have fishing equipment and supplies for rent
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, several companies offer guided fishing tours on Square Lake
Closest Hotels: The Fairfield Inn & Suites, Millinocket Hotel & Suites, and The Grand Lake Inn
Nearest Fishing Store: Maine Guide Outfitters, approximately 15 minutes away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Fishing licenses and permits required for anyone over 16, bag and possession limits apply
Amenities of the Lake: Boat rental, boat launches, fishing docks, picnic areas, and camping spots
Nearest Gas Station: Irving Big Stop, approximately 20 minutes away

3. Rangeley Lake

Rangeley Lake is located in the County of Franklin and is known as one of the best lakes for fishing in Maine.

Types of Fish: Trout, bass, landlocked salmon, togue, whitefish, smelts and white perch
Types of Fishing: Spinning, fly fishing, ice fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, most marinas and local bait shops have fishing equipment and supplies for rent
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, several companies offer guided fishing tours on Rangeley Lake
Closest Hotels: The Rangeley Inn and Log Cabin, The Grand Lake Lodge, and The Highlander Motel
Nearest Fishing Store: Bass Pro Shops, approximately 40 minutes away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Fishing licenses and permits required for anyone over 16, bag and possession limits apply
Amenities of the Lake: Boat and Canoe rental, boat launches, fishing docks, picnic areas, and camping spots
Nearest Gas Station: Irving Big Stop, approximately 45 minutes away

4. Richardson Lake

Richardson Lake is situated in Franklin County and is a top destination for fishing in Maine.

Types of Fish: Trout, bass, landlocked salmon, togue, whitefish, smelts and white perch
Types of Fishing: Spinning, fly fishing, ice fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, most marinas and local bait shops have fishing equipment and supplies for rent
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, several companies offer guided fishing tours on Richardson Lake
Closest Hotels: The Rangeley Inn and Log Cabin, The Grand Lake Lodge, and The Highlander Motel
Nearest Fishing Store: The Rangeley Outlet, approximately 10 minutes away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Fishing licenses and permits required for anyone over 16, bag and possession limits apply
Amenities of the Lake: Boat and Canoe rental, boat launches, fishing docks, picnic areas, and camping spots
Nearest Gas Station: Irving Big Stop, approximately 40 minutes away

5. South Pond

South Pond is a small body of water located in Oxford County and is considered to be one of the best fishing spots in the state.

Types of Fish: Brook trout, pike, smallmouth bass, white perch and smelt
Types of Fishing: Spinning, fly fishing, ice fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, most marinas and local bait shops have fishing equipment and supplies for rent
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, several companies offer guided fishing tours on South Pond
Closest Hotels: The Bethel Inn Resort, The Weekend House, and Maine Stay Inn & Cottages
Nearest Fishing Store: Gametime Bait & Tackle, approximately 25 minutes away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Fishing licenses and permits required for anyone over 16, bag and possession limits apply
Amenities of the Lake: Boat and Canoe rental, boat launches, fishing docks, picnic areas, and camping spots
Nearest Gas Station: Irving Big Stop, approximately 15 minutes away

6. Sebago Lake

Sebago Lake is located in the southwestern part of the state and is the second largest lake in Maine.

Types of Fish: Smallmouth bass, lake trout, landlocked salmon, whitefish, perch and smelt
Types of Fishing: Spinning, fly fishing, ice fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, most marinas and local bait shops have fishing equipment and supplies for rent
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, several companies offer guided fishing tours on Sebago Lake
Closest Hotels: The Inn at Long Lake, The Loon Lodge, and The Sebago Lake Lodge
Nearest Fishing Store: Pine Tree Outdoor Store, approximately 25 minutes away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Fishing licenses and permits required for anyone over 16, bag and possession limits apply
Amenities of the Lake: Boat and Canoe rental, boat launches, fishing docks, picnic areas, and camping spots
Nearest Gas Station: Irving Big Stop, approximately 20 minutes away

7. East Grand Lake

East Grand Lake is situated in the northern part of the state and boasts some of the best fishing in Maine.

Types of Fish: Brook trout, smallmouth bass, lake trout, landlocked salmon, whitefish and smelt
Types of Fishing: Spinning, fly fishing, ice fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, most marinas and local bait shops have fishing equipment and supplies for rent
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, several companies offer guided fishing tours on East Grand Lake
Closest Hotels: The Grand Lake Lodge, The Coleman House Bed & Breakfast, and The East Grand Lake Inn
Nearest Fishing Store: Northern Outfitters, approximately 15 minutes away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Fishing licenses and permits required for anyone over 16, bag and possession limits apply
Amenities of the Lake: Boat rental, boat launches, fishing docks, picnic areas, and camping spots
Nearest Gas Station: Irving Big Stop, approximately 25 minutes away

8. Big Lake

Big Lake is located in the western part of Maine and is a great location for fishing.

Types of Fish: Trout, bass, landlocked salmon, togue, whitefish, smelts and white perch
Types of Fishing: Spinning, fly fishing, ice fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, most marinas and local bait shops have fishing equipment and supplies for rent
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, several companies offer guided fishing tours on Big Lake
Closest Hotels: The Grand Lake Lodge, The Coleman House Bed & Breakfast, and The East Grand Lake Inn
Nearest Fishing Store: Cabalas, approximately 40 minutes away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Fishing licenses and permits required for anyone over 16, bag and possession limits apply
Amenities of the Lake: Boat and Canoe rental, boat launches, fishing docks, picnic areas, and camping spots
Nearest Gas Station: Irving Big Stop, approximately 45 minutes away

9. Flagstaff Lake

Flagstaff Lake is situated in the western part of Maine and is a popular destination for fishing.

Types of Fish: Brook trout, pike, smallmouth bass, white perch and smelt
Types of Fishing: Spinning, fly fishing, ice fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, most marinas and local bait shops have fishing equipment and supplies for rent
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, several companies offer guided fishing tours on Flagstaff Lake
Closest Hotels: The Lodge at Flagstaff, The West Forks Inn, and The Pleasant Hill Cottages
Nearest Fishing Store: Baxter Outdoors, approximately 20 minutes away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Fishing licenses and permits required for anyone over 16, bag and possession limits apply
Amenities of the Lake: Boat and Canoe rental, boat launches, fishing docks, picnic areas, and camping spots
Nearest Gas Station: Irving Big Stop, approximately 15 minutes away

10. Pushaw Lake

Pushaw Lake is located in Penobscot County and is an excellent spot for fishing in Maine.

Types of Fish: Salmon, smallmouth bass, lake trout, landlocked salmon, perch, whitefish, yellow perch and smelt
Types of Fishing: Spinning, fly fishing, ice fishing
Fishing Equipment Rental: Yes, most marinas and local bait shops have fishing equipment and supplies for rent
Fishing Guide Service: Yes, several companies offer guided fishing tours on Pushaw Lake
Closest Hotels: The Cliffs Resort, The Milford Inn, and The Cabin at Pushaw Lake
Nearest Fishing Store: MC’s Tackle, approximately 25 minutes away
Basic Fishing Regulations: Fishing licenses and permits required for anyone over 16, bag and possession limits apply
Amenities of the Lake: Boat and Canoe rental, boat launches, fishing docks, picnic areas, and camping spots
Nearest Gas Station: Irving Big Stop, approximately 20 minutes away

Find Good Fishing Spots in Maine and Other Nearby Lakes on The Map

If you’re looking for great fishing locations in the state of Maine, then look no further! With the help of the Google map below, you can explore all the lakes and rivers Maine has to offer. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, you’re sure to find a spot to cast your line. So, take a look at the map and find your next fishing adventure!

Check the Weather Forecast for Your Next Fishing Trip to Maine

Maine is an ideal location for sport fishing all year round due to its diverse weather patterns. In the summer, temperatures can get quite high, allowing for many warm-weather species to be caught. In the winter, temperatures drop significantly, creating icy conditions which attract cold-weather species. The coastal regions of Maine experience milder temperatures throughout the year, allowing for a longer fishing season. Rainfall is common throughout the year, bringing with it increased water levels which can be beneficial for anglers.