If you’re looking for some of the best bass fishing spots in Maine, then you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just getting started, we all know that it can be a daunting task trying to find new and exciting places to wet your line. But rest assured—we have researched the top hotspots where you are sure to have great success!
This list of amazing destinations features something perfect for any fisherman, from lakeside gems brimming with smallmouth bass to close-by rivers loaded with largemouths. So grab your tackle box and read on for our guide on Maine’s best bass fishing locations!
Best Bass Fishing Locations in Maine
Maine offers a variety of fantastic bass fishing locations, thanks to its diverse waterways and abundant fish populations. We’ve already covered Sebago Lake, Cobbosseecontee Lake, Androscoggin River, and Kezar Lake. This list’ll explore additional top-notch spots for bass fishing enthusiasts.
Penobscot River
The Penobscot River is the longest river in Maine, flowing for over 350 miles through the heart of the state. Over the years, the river has played a significant role in Maine’s history and economy, particularly for the Penobscot Nation, who have lived along its banks for thousands of years.
The river has undergone extensive restoration efforts, including the removal of several dams, which has improved fish passage and habitat. The Penobscot River now boasts a thriving bass population and offers some of the best smallmouth bass fishing in the region.
Fish species commonly found in the Penobscot River:
- Smallmouth Bass - Largemouth Bass - Atlantic Salmon - Brook Trout - Brown Trout - Northern Pike - Chain Pickerel - American Eel
China Lake
Located in Kennebec County, China Lake covers an area of 3,845 acres and features a maximum depth of 85 feet. The lake’s unique shape and numerous inlets and coves provide excellent cover for bass and other fish species. China Lake is also known for its healthy aquatic vegetation, making it an ideal largemouth bass habitat.
In addition to its fishing opportunities, China Lake offers a range of recreational activities, such as boating, swimming, and bird watching.
Fish species commonly found in China Lake:
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - Chain Pickerel - Brook Trout - Brown Trout - White Perch - Yellow Perch - Black Crappie
Damariscotta Lake
Damariscotta Lake is situated in Lincoln County and spans 4,381 acres with a maximum depth of 114 feet. The lake’s diverse structure, including rocky areas, drop-offs, and weed beds, makes it an excellent location for bass fishing. Anglers can also enjoy the beautiful scenery, with the lake surrounded by picturesque forests and rolling hills.
The lake is home to the Damariscotta Lake State Park, which offers several amenities for visitors, such as picnic areas, a sandy beach, and a boat launch.
Fish species commonly found in Damariscotta Lake:
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - Chain Pickerel - Brown Trout - Brook Trout - White Perch - Yellow Perch - Alewife
Moosehead Lake
Moosehead Lake is Maine’s largest lake, covering an impressive 74,890 acres and reaching a maximum depth of 246 feet. Located in the heart of the Maine North Woods, the lake is surrounded by vast wilderness and stunning mountain landscapes.
The lake’s crystal-clear waters and diverse underwater structure make it a prime location for smallmouth bass fishing. However, its sheer size can be daunting for first-time visitors, so hiring a local guide is highly recommended.
Fish species commonly found in Moosehead Lake:
- Smallmouth Bass - Largemouth Bass - Lake Trout - Brook Trout - Landlocked Salmon - Arctic Char - Chain Pickerel - White Perch
Belgrade Lakes
Belgrade Lakes is a chain of seven pristine lakes located in central Maine, covering a combined area of over 12,000 acres. The lakes are known for their clear water, stunning scenery, and abundant fish populations. The most popular lakes in the chain for bass fishing are Great Pond, Long Pond, and Messalonskee Lake.
Each lake offers unique fishing opportunities, with varying depths, underwater structures, and aquatic vegetation, making them ideal for both largemouth and smallmouth bass.
Fish species commonly found in Belgrade Lakes:
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - Northern Pike - Chain Pickerel - Brook Trout - Brown Trout - White Perch - Yellow Perch
Rangeley Lakes
The Rangeley Lakes region in western Maine consists of six major lakes, including Rangeley Lake, Mooselookmeguntic Lake, and Cupsuptic Lake. The area is known for its breathtaking mountain views and vast wilderness, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
These deep, cold-water lakes are primarily known for their trout and salmon populations, but they also offer excellent smallmouth bass fishing opportunities, particularly in the shallower, warmer areas near shorelines and around islands.
Fish species commonly found in Rangeley Lakes:
- Smallmouth Bass - Largemouth Bass - Brook Trout - Brown Trout - Lake Trout - Landlocked Salmon - Chain Pickerel - White Perch
Kennebec River
The Kennebec River flows for 170 miles through central Maine, providing a diverse range of fishing opportunities. The river has undergone significant restoration efforts, improving water quality and fish populations.
The section of the river between Waterville and Augusta is particularly well-known for its smallmouth bass fishing. Anglers can find numerous access points along the river, including boat launches and shoreline fishing spots.
Fish species commonly found in the Kennebec River:
- Smallmouth Bass - Largemouth Bass - Striped Bass - Atlantic Salmon - Brown Trout - Brook Trout - Chain Pickerel - American Shad
Thompson Lake
Thompson Lake is located in southwestern Maine and covers an area of 4,426 acres. It features a maximum depth of 121 feet and offers excellent water clarity. The lake’s diverse underwater structure, including rocky areas, drop-offs, and weed beds, makes it an outstanding location for bass fishing.
The lake is also known for its abundance of wildlife, including bald eagles, loons, and ospreys, making it a popular destination for nature lovers.
Fish species commonly found in Thompson Lake:
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - Chain Pickerel - Lake Trout - Brook Trout - Brown Trout - White Perch - Yellow Perch
Mousam Lake
Mousam Lake is situated in York County and spans 2,067 acres with a maximum depth of 105 feet. The lake’s shoreline is dotted with coves and inlets, providing excellent cover for largemouth and smallmouth bass. Anglers can also find plenty of submerged structures and aquatic vegetation to target bass.
The lake offers several public access points, including boat launches and fishing piers, making it easily accessible for visitors.
Fish species commonly found in Mousam Lake:
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - Chain Pickerel - Brook Trout - Brown Trout - White Perch - Yellow Perch - Black Crappie
Wilson Lake
Wilson Lake is a picturesque body of water located in Franklin County, covering an area of 560 acres and featuring a maximum depth of 130 feet. The lake is known for its clear water, scenic surroundings, and excellent fishing opportunities.
Anglers can find largemouth and smallmouth bass in Wilson Lake, with the best fishing spots near rocky points, drop-offs, and weed beds. The lake also offers a variety of other fish species for those looking to diversify their catch.
Fish species commonly found in Wilson Lake:
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - Chain Pickerel - Brook Trout - Brown Trout - White Perch - Yellow Perch - Black Crappie
If you’re looking for an epic bass-fishing adventure, you can find it in Maine. On the coast, Embden Pond and Lockwood Pond are top spots for early and late summer fishing, while Dunn Lake is a great place to head during spring or fall. Further inland, Spring River offers freshwater opportunities year-round.
These locations and the innumerable others throughout this vast state have something different to offer any inspired bass fisherman. With its abundance of lightly visited waterways, Maine is a paradise for anglers looking to catch lunker largemouths and feisty smallmouths. So don your waders and cast out off the pier; it’s time to work on your next trophy catch! To find yet more prime fishing locations in Maine, read our other articles—we promise they’ll provide an unforgettable experience!