Key Species: lake trout, landlocked salmon, smallmouth bass, white perch, pickerel, cusk, brook trout possible
Best Way to Fish: boat, canoe
Best Time to Fish: May through September
MAG: 32, A-1
Description: This deep, easily accessible, 6,803-acre lake is best fished by boat. Some bank fishing is possible at nearby Peaks-Kenny State Park, but as with most of Maine’s large lakes, it is generally impractical and usually not very productive. The daily limit on landlocked salmon is one fish. Peaks-Kenny State Park offers lakeside camping amid great scenery. This park is never crowded, and in September it may be nearly deserted. Motels and other lodgings are available in Greenville.
Fishing index: Although this site is noted for excellent lake trout and landlocked salmon fishing, it does not receive undue fishing pressure. Traditional early-season landlocked salmon fishing methods work well here, and May is a top month for landlocks. Using a fly rod and sinking fly line, troll with tandem streamer flies, live smelt, Mooselook Wobblers, or Flash Kings. Work the shoreline areas around South Cove Point, Deer Point, Green Point, and Jordan Island at the west end of the lake.
In summer, deep-trolling for lake trout is productive at either end of the lake, where depths range from 70 to 155 feet. However, you will have difficulty trolling effectively in depths of more than 100 feet. Use live smelt fished with a downrigger, or lead-core line and lake trolls. Troll as slowly as possible.
Smallmouth bass fishing and white perch fishing remain good from June through September. South Cove Point, just off Peaks-Kenny State Park, is good for both species. For smallmouth bass, use Mepps spinners, small Dardevles, lead-head jigs trimmed with bucktail, or lead-head jigs with soft, plastic bodies; curlytail bodies are especially effective. For white perch, fish in about 20 feet of water, using worms, night crawlers, or small plastic-bodied jigs.
Directions: From Dover-Foxcroft, head north on Maine Route 153, also known as the Greeleys Landing Road. This road terminates at the state boat ramp, at the eastern end of the lake.
For more information: Contact the Maine Guide Fly Shop and Guide Service.
