10 Best Fishing Campsites in North Maine Woods
North Maine Woods holds over 500 lakes and ponds with world-class brook trout fishing, many with native wild populations. These 10 campsites put you right on the best water — from fly-fishing-only ponds with arctic char to large lakes holding togue, landlocked salmon, and brook trout. All are first-come, first-served in NMW and AWW (KI Jo-Mary accepts reservations).
Allagash Lake
Allagash Wilderness Waterway • Allagash Lake
Fly-fishing-only and no motors allowed — Allagash Lake is one of the most pristine wild brook trout fisheries in the eastern United States. Native brook trout average 10–14 inches with occasional 18-inch fish. The lake is remote and accessible only by canoe with a portage from Chamberlain Lake via the Allagash Stream trail.
Spider Lake
Telos Region Campsites • Spider Lake
A remote, clear-water lake in the Telos region known for excellent wild brook trout fishing. Spider Lake offers both trolling and fly-fishing opportunities with native brookies that see relatively low pressure. Vehicle access via rough logging roads makes this feel truly backcountry.
First Musquacook Lake
Allagash Region Campsites • First Musquacook Lake
Repeatedly cited by experienced NMW visitors as having "some of the best campsites in the North Woods." First Musquacook holds lake trout (togue) and landlocked salmon in its deep, cold waters. The campsites on the lake are spacious with excellent water views.
Caucomgomoc Lake
Caucomgomoc Region Campsites • Caucomgomoc Lake
A large, deep lake holding lake trout, landlocked salmon, and brook trout — a rare combination. The campsites here are among the most scenic in NMW with sweeping water views. Caucomgomoc is less visited than Chamberlain or Chesuncook, offering better fishing pressure and more solitude.
Chamberlain Lake
Telos Region Campsites • Chamberlain Lake
One of the largest lakes in the North Maine Woods and a historic waterway from the logging era. Chamberlain holds healthy populations of lake trout and whitefish. The lake connects to Telos Lake and the Allagash Waterway, making it a natural base camp for multi-day fishing trips.
Long Pond
KI Jo-Mary • Long Pond
Easy vehicle access from the KI Jo-Mary Forest entrance makes Long Pond a popular destination with consistent brook trout fishing. The authorized campsites have full amenities including fire rings and picnic tables. A good choice for anglers who want reliable fishing without deep backcountry roads.
Eagle Lake
Allagash Wilderness Waterway • Eagle Lake
The largest lake on the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, Eagle Lake offers a diverse fishery including lake trout, brook trout, and whitefish. Multiple water-access campsites line the shore. In winter, the Eagle Lake & West Branch Railroad "ghost trains" — abandoned 1933 locomotives — are a unique landmark accessible by snowmobile.
Deboullie Pond
Ashland Region Campsites • Deboullie Pond
One of the last known habitats for arctic char in the Lower 48 states. Deboullie Pond is fly-fishing-only with special regulations. The area around Deboullie Mountain is a Maine Public Reserved Land with fire tower views. Brook trout and the rare blueback trout (arctic char) make this a bucket-list destination for serious anglers.
Chesuncook Lake
Ragmuff/Seboomook Region Campsites • Chesuncook Lake
Maine's third-largest lake with excellent landlocked salmon fishing, especially in spring and fall. Chesuncook is accessible by logging roads from the Golden Road. The village of Chesuncook — one of the most remote settlements in the eastern US — adds historical character to any fishing trip.
Umsaskis Lake
Allagash Wilderness Waterway • Umsaskis Lake
A key stop on the Allagash Wilderness Waterway canoe route, Umsaskis Lake offers excellent brook trout fishing in a truly remote setting. The ranger station here is one of the few contact points on the waterway. The surrounding Umsaskis Thoroughfare connecting to Long Lake provides outstanding fly-fishing opportunities.
Fishing License Reminder
A valid Maine fishing license is required. Resident: $26/year. Non-resident 7-day: $44. Purchase at Maine DIFW or at gateway town sporting goods stores. Always check for special regulations on individual waters.