Maine Ice Fishing
Maine's Guide to Ice Fishing

Maine offers some great lakes for beginners and casual ice-fishing enthusiasts who want easy access to both the lake and other activities and attractions. Maine also has some incredible lakes for serious, experienced anglers who are willing to snowmobile for miles in order to find the best spot. You may also want to consider the type of fish you want to catch. Salmon, northern pike, brook trout, and lake trout (also called togue) are all plentiful if you know where to look.

For beginners, we recommend Sebago Lake and Belgrade Lakes. Located within an hour of Portland, Sebago is a large lake with extremely easy access. It's a popular ice fishing destination, so it may be too crowded for more experienced enthusiasts. It's a good spot for brook trout and lake trout. The Belgrade Lakes are easily reached from Waterville and Augusta. They are best for catching northern pike.

If you're a bit more advanced, or you're looking to fish in a less populated area, check out Moosehead Lake in central Maine. You'll find plenty of salmon and lake trout. At the base of Baxter State Park is Millinocket Lake, another great place for salmon. This lake has a breathtaking view of Mount Katahdin. Farther east, near the Canadian border, are Grand and West Grand Lakes. They are recommended fishing spots for salmon and lake trout.

If want a truly rugged ice-fishing experience, visit Chamberlain and Eagle Lakes. They're the farthest north of any of the lakes we've mentioned, and they're great for brook trout and lake trout. But be warned: these lakes are part of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway and are extremely remote. You may find fish, but you won't find many stores. Bring everything you need with you.