Whatever your level of experience, fishing spots around the state offer the peace, quiet, and time in nature that those who love casting a line out on the water seek.

01 Sebago Lake | Cumberland County

Maine’s deepest lake is one of the original homes of the landlocked salmon, but beneath the surface are also quality-sized togue, smallmouth and largemouth bass, whitefish, cusk, and smelt. In the summer the lake has numerous access points and calmer waters in inlets and near islands. In the winter, ice shacks are spread across the frozen surface and in February is the annual Ice Fishing Derby.

02 Mount Desert Island | Hancock County

There are numerous lakes and ponds to explore on Mount Desert Island. Most of the area’s waterways restrict horsepower of motorboats, so waters are calm and relaxing. In the late summer months trout and salmon can be caught deep down in the cooler lake waters. On Eagle Lake, Echo Lake, and Long Pond fish for landlocked salmon and brook trout. On Hodgdon Pond brown trout, chain pickerel, smallmouth bass, white and yellow perch, and sunfish are frequent catches.

03 Grand Lake Stream | Washington County

Grand Lake Stream, located in Washington County, has one of Maine’s top five salmon rivers. The waterway is also a well-known fly- fishing destination. The waters in this region are ripe with brook trout, togue, salmon, and smallmouth bass. The fishing is plentiful, and a number of knowledgeable guides are available through the Grand Lake Stream Guides Association. The family-friendly area has hiking trails, canoe and boating trips, a downtown village, and a sandy public beach.

04 Megunticook Lake | Waldo and Knox Counties

Located in Waldo and Knox counties, Megunticook Lake is a scenic location for fishing with numerous coves to explore. From the water are soaring views of Camden Hills State Park with peaks that reach 1,300 feet high. The lake is accessible via boat ramps off route 52 and 105. Anglers can catch landlocked salmon, brown and rainbow trout, and smallmouth and largemouth bass. Barrett’s Cove is nearby for camping and picnicking, and come mid-summer the water temperatures rise for easy swimming.

5 Jackman-Moose River | Somerset County

In the remote fishing spot in the Jackman- Moose River Region there are numerous ponds, rivers, and streams that cannot be accessed by a car. Typically the season starts when the ice is out and the waters are again rushing. In this area, lure brook and lake trout, landlocked salmon, splake, and cusk. Moose River is also a great spot for a weekend canoe trip that can take you over Big Wood Pond, Attean Pond, and Holeb Pond.

06 Mattawamkeag | Penobscot County

Along the Mattawamkeag River is the Mattawamkeag Wilderness Park where there are over 50 campsites and 11 Adirondack shelters. The river, which is an eastern branch of the Penobscot River, is great fishing for bass, salmon, and trout. In the area are miles of trails as well sites such as the Lower and Upper Gordon Falls and Sleugundy Heater Gorge.

07 Rangeley | Franklin County

Rangeley Lake and Mooselookmeguntic Lake have landlocked salmon and brook trout as well as bass, perch, and togue. Along the southern shore of Rangeley Lake is a state park that is family friendly with a sandy beach for those who want to swim closer to the shore as well as a boat launch for those looking to find a spot further out in the lake.

08 Belgrade | Kennebec County

The Belgrade Lakes are a chain of seven lakes and ponds that have a variety of fishing opportunities, inlcuding chances for trophy- sized catches. Long Pond, while narrow, is 100 feet deep in places and is known for its northern pike, brown trout, bass, and if you’re fortunate, you can catch a landlocked salmon. Great Pond, the largest of the lakes, has bass and white perch. Many of the lakes and ponds are open for ice fishing in the wintertime.

09 MooseheadLake | Maine Highlands Region

Maine’s largest lake has a history of servicing anglers. In the late-nineteenth century, after the Aroostook Railroad came through the area, a number of steamboats and several elaborate sporting camps were built to shelter recreational fishermen and vacationing family members. Today the remote region has an abundant supply of wild lake trout and still many guides, sporting camps, and campsites.