Maine Fishing Guides, Maine Bass Fishing

Fishing is one of Maine’s most important industries. Maine saltwater fishing is legendary, but the freshwater aspect shouldn’t be overlooked. Maine’s rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds hold a variety of freshwater gamefish that are available all year, either by traditional hook-and-line angling, flyfishing, or ice fishing. Some of the state’s most important freshwater fish species include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, landlocked salmon, brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, whitefish, and pickerel.

Largemouth bass fishing in Maine is also one of the favorites of local anglers and Maine fishing guides. Yes, there are largemouth bass in Maine! The state record was landed in Moose Pond and weighed in at 11 pounds, 10 ounces – proof that bucketmouths can get pretty big in the state. Some of the best lakes for bass in Maine include Gardner Lake, Big Lake, Meddybemps Lake, Thompson Lake, Graham Lake, Great Pond, Pushaw Lake, and Sebec Lake.

Maine Fishing, Lakes and Fishing Spots

West Grand Lake – West Grand, Grand Stream, and Big Lake are connected. West Grand Lake feeds Grand Stream, and Grand Stream feeds Big Lake. West Grand covers 14,340 acres and has some very deep areas. This is a great place to fish for landlocked salmon, lake trout, whitefish, and white perch. Smallmouth bass were introduced in the 1930s, and as a result, all three of these waters support healthy numbers of smallies.

Grand Stream – The stream is three miles long and holds smallmouth bass and landlocked salmon. It’s one of the top salmon fishing spots in Maine. Flyfishing is the only type of fishing allowed in Grand Stream. Several fishing guides specialize in fishing these waters.

Big Lake – This lake covers 10, 305 acres and provides excellent numbers of smallmouth bass. Flooded vegetation holds large numbers of yellow perch, on which the smallies feed. This lake is very well managed, and fishing guides can help you land several smallmouths an hour during peak season.

West Branch Penobscot River – If you’re targeting wild landlocked salmon, this river is one of the best places to go. Because of a bountiful food supply, the trout are both numerous and large. The river is also beautiful, with much of it flowing through undeveloped forest land.

Moosehead Lake - Maine’s largest lake – Moosehead – offers some great fishing and some gorgeous scenery. Moosehead Lake is in the Longfellow Mountains and covers an amazing 75,451 acres. The lake is home to lots of big salmon and lake trout, and the adjacent river offers some fine fishing for brook trout. In the winter, ice fishing on the lake is popular, and snowmobiles and icehouses are available for rent. You’ll find plenty of lodging and fishing guides nearby, too.

Sebago Lake – This lake provides the perfect habitat for landlocked salmon, with lots of cold water, food, and oxygen. Lake trout were introduced in the early 1970s, and they’re thriving. Fish weighing over 20 pounds are not uncommon here. Other species in the lake include both smallmouth and largemouth bass. Boat ramps, marinas, and Maine fishing guides are available.