Fishing in North Maine Woods

Why Fish Here?

North Maine Woods offers some of the best wild brook trout fishing in the eastern United States. Hundreds of remote ponds, streams, and rivers hold native brook trout populations that have never been stocked. The Allagash Wilderness Waterway and surrounding waters also support landlocked salmon, lake trout (togue), and smallmouth bass.

Licenses & Regulations

Target Species

Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)

The star of NMW fishing. Native brook trout inhabit cold, clean streams and ponds throughout the region. Fish range from 6–12 inches in streams to 2+ pounds in larger ponds. Best fishing May through September. Fly fishing is especially productive.

Landlocked Salmon

Found in larger lakes and the Allagash system. Spring (ice-out through June) is prime time. Trolling and streamer fishing are effective methods.

Lake Trout (Togue)

Deep, cold lakes hold lake trout, especially in spring and fall when they're near the surface. Summer fishing requires deep trolling or jigging.

Best Waters by Region

• Allagash Region — Allagash Lake, Chamberlain Lake, Eagle Lake; excellent brook trout and salmon
• Ragmuff/Seboomook — Seboomook Lake, Canada Falls Lake, Penobscot River headwaters
• Telos — Telos Lake, Webster Lake, numerous remote ponds
• Caucomgomoc — Caucomgomoc Lake, Loon Lake, Black Pond
• KI Jo-Mary — Jo-Mary Lakes, Gulf Hagas brook, numerous small ponds
• AWW — The entire Allagash River system, particularly above and below Chase Rapids

Tips for Success

• Bring a selection of dry flies, nymphs, and small streamers
• Dawn and dusk are the most productive times
• Cold water inlets on warm days concentrate fish
• Practice catch-and-release to preserve the resource
• Pack a lightweight canoe or float tube for pond access
• Check specific pond/lake regulations — many have special rules
• Use barbless hooks in catch-and-release waters