Fishing

A good day of fishing is even better in DownEast Acadia.
Fishing in the Grand Lakes
Fishing in the Grand Lakes

Visitors to DownEast Acadia will find outstanding opportunities for freshwater and saltwater fishing. Our lakes and ponds hold many freshwater game species. Ocean species include mackerel, bluefish, and striped bass.

Enjoy a day fishing our lakes and stream.
Enjoy a day fishing our lakes and streams.

FreshWater Fishing

ExploreĀ The Grand Lakes region, an inland paradise filled with outdoor recreation opportunities attracting visitors for decades. Sitting between West Grand Lake and Big Lake in the northeastern DownEast Acadia, the small town of Grand Lake Stream is one of Maine’s premier fishing spots for land-locked salmon. Long expanses of undeveloped shoreline above the crystal-clear waters make this a peaceful experience.

AtĀ Green LakeĀ orĀ Mopang Lake, both salmon and splake (a brook trout/lake trout hybrid) abound. There are plenty of lakes and ponds easily accessible by small boat and canoe to fish for brook trout, some in remote locations, likeĀ Monroe LakeĀ in Township 43. Others are easier to find, likeĀ Long Pond in Aurora.

We have excellent opportunities to fish for premier, even trophy-worthy, smallmouth bass. Many of our smallmouth bass lakes and ponds have sporting camps and guide services readily available. TryĀ Meddybemps LakeĀ orĀ Beech Hill Pond in OtisĀ for 9 to 12 inchers. Other species to fish for include largemouth bass, chain pickerel, white and yellow perch, sunfish, and lake trout.

Saltwater Fishing

If you prefer a more salty experience, try surfcasting for striped bass or bluefish, or climb aboard a charter for the chance to reel in a feisty bluefin tuna. Charters provide just about everything you need for a great day fishing. They will take you out to the good spots, help you choose the right bait and tackle, and even help you pull your catch in. Whereas surfcasting, fishing from beaches, rocks, and piers, is an easy way for beginners and seasoned anglers to spend a day fishing.

Along the DownEast Acadia coast, strong currents can be found around river mouths, within rivers, and at the waterline, with tidal effects magnifying currents. Anglers and boaters should always exercise caution when on tidal waters.

Surfcast off the rocky shore.
Surfcast off the rocky shore.

Be Prepared

A State of Maine fishing licenseĀ is required for freshwater fishing. No license is needed for ocean fishing. The freshwater fishing season is generally April through September. For complete information on Maine fishing rules and regulations (all seasons, all kinds of water), visit theĀ Maine IF&W web pageĀ on the subject. Serious anglers should also pick up a copy ofĀ Maine’s Fishing Regulations.

Planning Tools

To help you plan your trip we provideĀ  information on drive time and distances to and around the region. Plus info on other commercial transportation options.

Once you arrive in DownEast Acadia, you will want to access local sources of visitor information, state laws, recreation rules, and road conditions.

To help you pack or plan your day, check out the current weather in the region or learn about year-round averages of temperature and precipitation.

Maine Office of Tourism, VisitMaine.com

Paid for by Maine Office of Tourism with support from our member organizations. | Ā©2023, DownEast Acadia Regional Tourism  | Design and Development: Thalo Blue Destination Marketing

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