Fishing Report

Click the links below for the most up-to-date fishing news and suggestions from Maine’s fisheries biologists.

Winter reminder: The December and early January Fishing Report lists several small bodies of water that typically freeze first, but it is up to you, the angler, to test for ice safety. Remember to always use extreme caution when venturing onto Maine's waterways. Accessing lakes and ponds should be avoided unless you can be certain of ice conditions by checking ice thickness.

Before stepping out, use a chisel or auger to test ice thickness in several places. Remember that ice seldom freezes uniformly and conditions are always changing and can vary from one location to the next. Ice that forms over flowing water and currents, especially near streams, bridges and culverts, can be particularly dangerous.

Before you head for a day of ice fishing, ALWAYS tell someone where you are going and when you will return. Please enjoy the Maine outdoors safely and responsibly!

Maine's fishing regions

Maine Region ASebago Lake Region

By Assistant Regional Fisheries Biologist Nick Kalejs

Places to fish in January: With the up-and-down weather we experienced in December, many anglers did not get the chance to put their ice angling gear to use. This means that numerous put-and-take trout ponds recommended for December should still have plenty of fish. Popular brook trout waters like the Otter Ponds (Standish), Worthley Pond (Poland), Parker Pond (Casco), and Knights Pond (South Berwick) are all good bets. Additionally, more lakes and ponds open for harvest in January. As the ice thickens and anglers turn to larger waters, try Bryant Pond (Woodstock) for brook trout, splake, and landlocked salmon or Upper and Middle Range Ponds (Poland) for rainbow trout, lake trout, brown trout, and brook trout.

Fishing tip: Dust off the jig rod and stay active! Jigging can be highly effective, particularly for some of the put-and-take trout spots mentioned above. Plus, the movement can help keep you warm on those blustery January days.

Reminder: With the new year comes a new lawbook. While most waters will have the same regulations as last year, be sure to check before you go. For any given water, fish populations can change over time—sometimes, the regulations need to change as well to keep up. View fishing laws online at mefishwildlife.com/fishinglaws

Have fun and stay safe.

Maine Region BBelgrade Lakes Region

From Fisheries Resource Supervisor Jason Seiders

Places to fish in January: January ice conditions can be dangerous on some of these waters. Please check the conditions before venturing out.

Swan Lake (Swanville): We recently surveyed Swan Lake and found that the salmon look wonderful. In addition to some nice salmon, anglers can expect high catch rates for lake trout. Our recent survey indicated that the lake trout population is starting to put immense pressure on the forage base (smelts), so angler harvest is encouraged to reduce competition. While you can catch lake trout on traps, jigging is incredibly effective.

Lake St. George (Liberty): We always mention Lake St. George as an ice fishing destination because it’s one of the best lakes in central Maine. Salmon over 20 inches are common and the brook trout fishing is outstanding. If you’re feeling adventurous, set one trap for salmon and then jig for brook trout near shore (This water is restricted to two lines per person). If you don’t catch a fish in a few minutes move to another hole. Using small jigs tipped with a small piece of worm will work well.

Damariscotta Lake (Jefferson): Damariscotta Lake is producing some very nice brown trout in recent years and it is one of the few midcoast waters where anglers can go after lake trout. The lake trout are stocked and they grow nicely. Damariscotta recently received a large number of retired brood lake trout – many of these fish are over 30 inches long! Damariscotta Lake is definitely worth a try for those seeking to hook into some truly huge fish this winter.

Cochnewagen Pond (Monmouth): Cochnewagen Pond continues to grow some very nice brown trout, with good numbers of fish over 18 inches. Catch rates on brook trout are always good, especially early in the season. Our recent surveys revealed a good number of large white perch which are definitely worth the trip. Cochnewagen can get busy on the weekends so don’t expect to be there by yourself.

Fishing tip: Brook trout fishing is typically most productive during the early part of the ice fishing season. If you’re targeting brook trout remember these tips to catch more fish:

  • Stay shallow (1-5 feet of water)
  • Fish over rocky or gravel bottom
  • Keep your tackle small (don’t use huge hooks)
  • Use worms or very small minnows

Reminder: Remember to check ice conditions before venturing out. No fish is worth the risk of injury or death! If you have any fish or fishing related questions, please call your nearby fisheries biologist. Good luck and stay safe!

Maine Region CGrand Lake Region

From Fisheries Resource Supervisor Gregory Burr

Places to fish in January: Many winter anglers view January 1 as the official start of the ice fishing season with the New Year’s wish that there is safe ice on the New Year’s Day. Last year safe ice came late to the Downeast region with anglers having to wait until the middle of January to fish the larger waters. Hopefully in January 2022 the lakes and ponds will button-up soon giving anglers the opportunity to start fishing early in January. Here are the waters I recommend in January: 

For large landlocked salmon anglers should fish Long Pond, Jordan Pond and Echo Lake on Mount Desert Island as well as Lower Patten Pond in Surry and Beech Hill Pond in Otis.

For good lake trout fishing anglers should concentrate on Pocumcus Lake north of West Grand Lake, West Musquash Lake in Talmadge, Eagle Lake in Bar Harbor, and Branch Lake in Ellsworth

I also highly recommend anglers fish Jones Pond in Gouldsboro and Flanders Pond in Sullivan for rainbow trout averaging from 13 to 17 inches.  Remember using worms can have some of the best results for rainbows.

For anglers wanting to fish for bass and chain pickerel in early January I recommend the following waters:  Hancock Pond in Bucksport, Hamilton’s Pond in Bar Harbor, Scammon Pond in Eastbrook and Wights Pond in Penobscot.

The early ice-in small stocked brook trout ponds I recommend are  Round Pond in Mt. Desert,  Lakewood Pond in Bar Harbor, Lovejoy Pond T 35 MD, Upper Morrison Pond in T 32 MD, Indian Lake in Whiting, Keenes Lake in Calais, Little Tunk Lake in Sullivan and Tilden Pond in T 10 SD. 

Fishing tip: Using small shiners at the stocked trout ponds mentioned above work well as does jigging with small lures such as a Swedish Pimple.

Reminder: Check the ice thickness often and be very cautious around inlets, outlets, spring holes, thoroughfares, and saddle areas between the mainland and islands.  All of which have moving water that does not freeze well.

Maine Region DRangeley Lakes Region

From Fisheries Resource Biologist Dylan Whitaker

Places to fish in January:

Beaver Pond, Township D: If you are looking for a new place to fish this season, consider Beaver Pond in Township D. Beaver Pond is a new water open to ice fishing in the Rangeley Lakes Region, it has an “A” code designation in the 2022 lawbook meaning it will be open to open water and ice fishing year round. It also has an “S-11” designation so the use of live baitfish/live smelts is permitted. Beaver Pond is located directly off Route 17 a few miles south of the Height of Lands (Map 18, Maine Delorme). This 20-acre pond is stocked every fall with 1,900-2,000 6” brook trout and should provide a fast fishing opportunity for anglers. General Law North Zone bag limits apply to this pond and fisherman can keep 5 trout over 6” in length during the ice fishing season.

Hancock Pond, Embden: Hancock Pond is a reliable ice fishing destination for those familiar with this area. There’s a newly constructed public launch off Embden Pond Road that will make access to Hancock Pond a bit easier. You can access the lake directly from the new hand carry boat launch which happens to be a short distance across from the old snowmobile access trail near the outlet dam. Hancock Pond is a great ice fishing water that provides plenty of opportunities for lake trout, landlocked salmon, brook trout, and even yellow perch.

For anglers looking for a backwoods fishing adventure give Spencer Lake in Hobbstown a shot. Spencer Lake is an 1800-acre lake with a max depth of 135 ft. Anglers typically access the lake from the Fish Pond boat launch off Spencer Lake Road and travel along the Fish Pond thoroughfare to Spencer Lake. The north end of Spencer Lake is nestled between Spencer mountain and Hedgehog Mountain which make for beautiful 360 degree picturesque views. The lake supports quality fisheries for salmon, brook trout, and lake trout. Spencer Lake also boasts an exceptional smallmouth bass fishery which is a blast for anglers looking for a hard hitting, fast action fishing adventure.

Fishing tip: Spoons, Swedish pimples, and cast masters are always a good go-to to jig off the bottom for lake trout or brook trout but don’t shy away from soft plastics you use during the open water fishing season. Often if fish aren’t biting flashy jigs, they might be more enticed by a plastic tube stirring up some rock slime. Always be sure to inspect plastic baits before using and dispose of them properly. Learn more about fishing responsibly with soft plastic lures.

Reminder: Be sure to consult your 2022 fishing lawbook on each water you plan to fish. Fishing rules can change at the beginning of the new year to best manage our inland fisheries. So be sure to review the new 2022 fishing lawbook and refresh yourself on rules and regulations for waters you frequently fish or plan to fish this year.

Maine Region EMoosehead Region

From Fisheries Resource Supervisor Tim Obrey

The calendar says it’s ice fishing season, but you’ll have to pick your waters carefully for a while. There is still a lot of open water on the big lakes, so be patient and wait for some more colder weather. The smaller ponds have set up, but the ice is still a little skinny.  You can find a place to fish on the small ponds, but discretion is the better part of valor. Check the thickness of the ice as you travel, stay close to shore, and avoid areas of moving water. There’s been some activity on waters like Mountain View Pond, Sawyer Pond, and Branns Mill Pond.  These small shallow ponds are some of the first to freeze and all are stocked late in the fall, so the trout fishing can be pretty good in early January. Snow’s Pond, Harlow Pond, and Manhanock Pond are also early-season favorites.  If the trout aren’t biting, then the perch and pickerel will still provide some good action. Your best bet is crawlers or small bait for trout. Fish close to shore and around some structure like boulders. If you want to try for some tasty white perch, then small minnows or jigging is best.

 

Maine Region FPenobscot Region

From Fisheries Resource Supervisor Kevin Dunham

The arrival of a new year, and a new fishing season, brings optimism to every hardwater angler. Each January ice anglers eagerly await adequate ice conditions in anticipation of fishing their favorite spot. Though a number of waters throughout the state are open to ice fishing in December, it’s the traditional January First opening that signals the start of ice fishing for many. While ice has been slow to form on many Penobscot Region waters so far this winter, there are a few waters to keep in mind for “Opening Day.”

Hay Lake in T6 R8 WELS is stocked each fall with both landlocked salmon and brook trout. This picturesque lake located off the Grand Lake Road is overlooked by anglers driving by on their way to fish the popular and better known Grand Lake Matagamon. Generally early season ice conditions at Hay Lake are adequate to at least be able to fish off the easily accessed boat launch. Ice conditions many years allow for access to the entire lake.

Davis (Wapiti) Pond (T5 R7 WELS) has only recently been opened for ice fishing and should provide good action for brook trout, which are stocked annually. This small, 69-acre lake is a bit off the beaten path, but provides a secluded wilderness experience close to the village of Shin Pond. Getting to Davis Pond in the winter can be a little tricky, but there are a couple of snowmobile trails off the Wapiti Road which lead to access points on the lake.

Upper Pond in Lincoln is another water to fish early in January. Ice conditions are usually adequate early on and should the action be slow, there are a couple other waters in the area with a network of connecting snowmobile trails. Stocking this fall at Upper Pond included brook trout (average size – 13”) as well as a small number of retired brook trout brood fish in the 17” range.

Fishing tip: It can be worth the effort to set an ice fishing trap in-close to shore rigged with an earthworm, especially early in the season, when targeting brook trout. Trout are often cruising the shoreline looking for a quick meal and ice anglers can use that to their advantage. 

Reminder: As always remember to check ice thickness often and don’t push your luck, the fish will still be there when the ice gets thicker and it’s safe to venture further onto the lake. 

Maine Region GFish River Lakes Region

From Fisheries Resource Supervisor Frank Frost

Ice conditions vary significantly across northern Maine so anglers will need to exercise caution with the start of the ice fishing season.  Generally, the smaller shallower lakes have thicker ice than our larger water bodies. We’ve had reports of 4 inches on our larger lakes, some open water areas, and some reports of around 10 inches on smaller lakes. The most recent snowstorm made unplowed roads and trails passable by snowmobile so travel to your fishing spot should not be difficult. Below are suggestions for early season fishing spots (January) in northern Maine, sorted by species:

Togue (lake trout):  Musquacook Lakes (T12R11, T11R11), Allagash Waterway (Big Eagle and Churchill Lakes), Eagle Lake (Town of Eagle Lake)

Landlocked Atlantic salmon:  Long Lake (St. Agatha, Sinclair), Square Lake (T16R5), Eagle Lake (Town of Eagle Lake), Cross Lake (Cross Lake Twp)

Wild brook trout:  any of the above lakes

Stocked brook trout:  Mud Pond (Linneus), Nickerson Lake (New Limerick), Arnold Brook Lake (Presque Isle)

Splake:  Scopan Lake (T11R4, Masardis)

Reminder: Fisheries staff will be working on nine regional waters this coming season including six on the Allagash Waterway and surrounding area to assess fish populations and the fishing quality. We look forward to interviewing people on the ice once again and we appreciate your willingness to provide accurate information on your fishing trips. Due to the remote setting of some of our waters, we will ask for contact information for at least one person in each party. This allows us to follow up after the interview to gain valuable information about the fishery and increase the accuracy of our fisheries data.