Best Fishing Lakes In Maine

Guide to top places to fish for bass, catfish, crappie and more in ME.

China Lake, Cobbosseecontee Lake, East Grand Lake, Flagstaff Lake, Moosehead Lake, Mooselookmeguntic Lake, Rangeley Lake, Sebago Lake and Webb Lake are the most popular major lakes for fishing in Maine, offering anglers the chance to pursue a variety of fish species. Many of these lakes offer options for ice fishing.

Bass Lakes
Catfish Lakes
Crappie Lakes
Sunfish & Perch Lakes
Trout Lakes
Salmon Lakes

Maine is blessed with a diverse range of fishing lakes, offering something for every angler's preference. The state boasts both warm water and cold water lakes, each providing unique fishing opportunities and a variety of species to target. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about the best fishing lakes in the state, and the species found in each lake.

Warm water lakes in Maine are well-suited for fishing during the summer months when the water temperatures rise, and species like largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and chain pickerel become more active. Lakes such as Sebago Lake, Moosehead Lake, and Cobbosseecontee Lake are popular destinations for warm water fishing. Anglers can experience the thrill of catching feisty bass, known for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights, providing an enjoyable challenge for both beginners and experienced anglers.

On the other hand, Maine's cold water lakes are perfect for fishing during the cooler months and offer a chance to target prized species like landlocked salmon, lake trout (togue), and brook trout. Cold water lakes such as Rangeley Lake, Flagstaff Lake, and East Grand Lake are renowned for their trout and salmon fishing. Anglers can enjoy the serene beauty of these lakes while casting their lines and potentially landing trophy-sized fish.

Additionally, Maine's fishing lakes are teeming with other species like white perch, yellow perch, sunfish, and crappie, providing plenty of opportunities for panfish anglers. These lakes offer family-friendly fishing experiences, making them ideal for introducing kids to the joys of fishing.

Maine's fishing lakes offer a bounty of experiences for anglers of all skill levels and preferences, from the thrill of chasing bass in warm waters to the serenity of pursuing trout in the cold mountain lakes. Regardless of the season, anglers can find a plethora of fishing adventures throughout the state's picturesque waters. Remember to follow state fishing regulations, practice responsible fishing, and respect the natural beauty of Maine's lakes to ensure a sustainable fishing environment for future generations.

Bass Fishing Lakes

Largemouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass

Baskahegan Lake, China Lake, Cobbosseecontee Lake, Moosehead Lake, Pushaw Lake, Rangeley Lake, Schoodic Lake, Sebago Lake, Sebasticook Lake, Thompson Lake, Webb Lake and West Grand Lake are considered some of the best options for largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass. More...

Catfish Fishing Lakes

White Catfish

The Kennebec River, Damariscotta Lake, Flagstaff Lake, Graham Lake and Sebago Lake are options for some channel and blue catfish fishing. More...

Crappie Fishing Lakes

Black Crappie

Belgrade lakes chain, Cobbosseecontee Lake, Megunticook Lake, Sebago Lake and West Grand Lake are the most popular for black and white crappie. More...

Visit the Maine fishing page for links to information covering a wide variety of fish species and destinations in the state. Visit the Maine map to identify your best route to these top fishing locations.