Maine is legendary throughout the United States for the quality of its bass fishing. Both smallmouth and bigmouth variants are abundant in Maine’s lakes and rivers, but that’s just scratching the surface of a rich marine ecosystem that includes a variety of perch, salmon, and trout species as well. And that’s not taking into account the local lobster, which have gained recognition for their juicy flavor throughout the world. Maine offers a lot for fishing enthusiasts, but the peaceful wooded terrain that dominates so much of the countryside is alluring even without the promise of a good catch. Just be sure to check on fishing regulations and licenses before you go fishing in Maine.
Fishing Spots in Maine
Belgrade Lakes
The fact that Belgrade Lakes is only 10 miles from the capital of Augusta means that it’s convenient for city-dwellers and travelers setting up in an urban trailer park. But just because this network of seven lakes is popular, that doesn’t mean that it’s over-fished. There are a ton of good fishing spots for catching both largemouth and smallmouth bass, but you can also find northern pike and brook trout.
Cobbosseecontee Lake
The town of Winthrop is home to 10 bodies of water and some very pleasant hiking trails, but Cobbosseecontee Lake stands among the best options for fishing Maine. This is another lake renowned for its bass fishing opportunities. In fact, the size and bass population at Cobbosseecontee Lake make it a popular choice for tournaments. These waters are also home to multiple species of sunfish, trout, and perch.
Penobscot Bay
Camden is one of the biggest cities in the state, but it’s also one of the best places for saltwater fishing. Penobscot Bay, in particular, constitutes the deepest body of water within the Gulf of Maine, and there’s a rich ecosystem of marine life beneath the surface. Mackerel and striped bass can be pulled up fishing from the shore or a pier while bluefish tuna and mako sharks patrol the deeper waters.
Megunticook Lake
The coastal city of Camden naturally offers some great opportunities for saltwater fishing, but you’d be remiss to not visit Megunticook Lake. Smallmouth and bigmouth bass are stocked here along with white perch and rainbow trout. The good fishing spots for smallmouth bass are most plentiful in June.
Rangeley Lake
Geographically located among Maine’s western mountains, Rangeley Lake is on the opposite side of the state from Megunticook and Camden. Bass are available here as they are almost everywhere else, but Rangeley Lake distinguishes itself with its population of Arctic charr and landlocked salmon. Rangeley Lake is itself just one part of a larger lake and stream system with rich fishing opportunities. Fly-fishing is prevalent here, but there are also ice-fishing opportunities beginning in January.
Moosehead Lake
Moosehead Lake is the centerpiece of a region rich with ponds, streams, and lakes, and that means that there’s plenty of variety for fishing enthusiasts. Ice fishing in the winter and fly fishing in the autumn are both popular, and salmon and trout can be fished in these waters from May through October. Bass fishing is available for most of these months as well. Moosehead is actually the largest lake in Maine, and while it’s close to Bangor, it’s surrounded by several smaller but vibrant towns rather than a singular city hub.
Sebago Lake
The second-largest lake in Maine, Sebago Lake is 20 miles away from the major city of Portland. However, Sebago Lake State Park conveniently falls within the boundaries of the smaller towns of Naples and Casco. The depths of this lake make it one of the best spots for trout fishing in Maine. It’s a healthy ecosystem where it’s generally easy to catch fish in the 2- to 3-pound range, and there’s a possibility for catches weighing as much as 20 pounds.
Fishing Spots in Maine
As a coastal state that also hosts 7,000 lakes and ponds, Maine offers plentiful fishing opportunities. Wherever you go in the state, bass and trout tend to be the dominant species. The winter months open up opportunities for ice fishing in Maine. Pike are particularly abundant closer to the middle of the state. Saltwater fishing is popular, too, both in the form of shore fishing and boat fishing. Good fishing spots for bluefish, mackerel, and bass are available in shallower waters. You can venture into deeper waters in search of bluefin tuna and sharks.
Camping and Fishing in Maine
Fish can be found throughout most of the year in Maine, but the colder months create challenges for RV camping. Snowfall comes thick in January and February, so you’ll want to make sure that your RV is equipped for formidable weather conditions if you plan on doing any ice fishing.
If you’re doing some fishing and camping in Maine during the warmer months, you’ll want to prepare for the large population of mosquitoes in the state. Bug repellent spray is an absolute necessity, but you might also want to bring netted clothing that can protect you from insects. The summer months are warm but can also be wet. Pack for both the rain and the sun.
Since Maine is notable for its lakes and its fishing opportunities, its parks tend to fill to capacity quickly. You might want to make reservations for camping spots in advance, but there are plenty of RV parks to be found throughout the state. And with an ecosystem that covers everything from mountains to shores to wetlands, there’s a lot worth seeing in Maine beyond the open waters. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about fishing while RV camping.
With an RV rental, your fishing trip will be a little more comfortable! After you’ve spent a long day fishing, grill up your catch right at your campsite. Then, retire inside to enjoy all the comforts of home on board your RV. Plan your perfect fishing getaway with an RV rental from RVshare.
