Fishing
A good day of fishing is even better in DownEast Acadia.
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.
FreshWater Fishing
Explore 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.
At Green Lake or 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, like Monroe Lake in Township 43. Others are easier to find, like 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. Try Meddybemps Lake or Beech Hill Pond in Otis 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.
Be Prepared
A State of Maine fishing license 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 the Maine IF&W web page on the subject. Serious anglers should also pick up a copy of Maine’s Fishing Regulations.
Planning Tools
To help you plan your trip we provide 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.
