Moosehead Lake

In the heart of the Maine Highlands Region, Moosehead Lake, is Maine’s largest body of water measuring 40 miles long and covering 74,890 acres. Landlocked salmon, brook trout and togue (lake trout) are most often pursued. Fish in the 1-5 pound range are common; the larger fish tend to be caught during the ice-fishing season or right after ice-out in May and continuing into early June.

For more than a century, Moosehead Lake has been a popular fishing destination due to its size and wilderness setting. This sprawling lake is literally covered with coves, inlets, points of land, islands, rock piles and deep shorelines; all the fish-holding features that anglers look for in a body of water.

With a maximum depth of 246 feet in Moosehead Lake, summertime anglers should come prepared with lead-core line or downriggers because the surface temperatures rise in mid-June. Moosehead Lake stratifies as do most deep lakes throughout the state.

Portions of the lake do have special regulations, so be sure to review the current Open Water & Ice Fishing Laws and Rules.

This region has long catered to anglers with area businesses providing services from boat rentals to fully-guided trips. Many of the historic Maine sporting camps in the area offer these services plus lodging and meals. Consider spending time with a Registered Maine Guide who can provide local insight and expertise, particularly if you are new to the area.

Greenville, at the south end of the lake, is home to the largest seaplane port in Maine. Anglers looking for a remote pond fishing experience can use Greenville as a jumping off point for outlying waters that can only be reached by floatplane. Greenville is also the largest town in the area with lodging, restaurants, outfitters, shops and more.