Ice Fishing in Maine

When Maine’s lakes freeze solid, thousands of ice shanties dot the frozen surfaces. Ice fishing combines angling, winter camping, and social gathering into a uniquely Maine winter tradition. From solo anglers sitting on buckets to groups in heated bobhouses, ice fishing offers winter fishing opportunities from December through March.

Top Ice Fishing Lakes

Sebago Lake

Maine’s second-largest lake produces excellent ice fishing for salmon and lake trout. The deep, cold water supports healthy populations of both species.

Access points include Raymond, Windham, and Naples. The lake is large enough that ice thickness varies by location. Check local reports before venturing far from shore.

Sebago sees heavy ice fishing pressure, but the fish population supports it. Target deeper water for lake trout, transitional depths for salmon.

The lake usually achieves safe ice by mid-January. Early season before crowds arrive often produces best fishing. Late season sees shanty villages on the ice.

Moosehead Lake

Maine’s largest lake offers 75,000 acres of ice fishing potential. Lake trout, salmon, brook trout, and smelt all inhabit these cold waters.

The lake’s size and exposed location create dangerous conditions. Strong winds cause ice heaving and open cracks. Local knowledge is essential.

Rockwood and Greenville provide access. Guide services operate out of both towns, offering a safer way to fish this massive water body.

When conditions cooperate, Moosehead produces trophy lake trout. Fish over 10 pounds are caught regularly. The scenery alone makes the trip worthwhile.

Rangeley Lake

The Rangeley Lakes Region is legendary ice fishing territory. Rangeley Lake itself, along with Mooselookmeguntic, Aziscohos, and Richardson Lakes, all produce quality fishing.

Salmon and brook trout are primary targets. Lake trout inhabit deeper waters. These cold, clear lakes maintain excellent fish populations.

The region’s elevation means reliable ice by New Year’s. The season often extends into April. Mountain scenery surrounds you while fishing.

Multiple access points exist. The small communities welcome ice anglers with services, rentals, and local expertise.

China Lake

This Kennebec County lake produces some of Maine’s best ice fishing for variety. Brook trout, lake trout, salmon, brown trout, white perch, pickerel, and bass all swim here.

The lake is accessible from Augusta in 30 minutes, making it popular with central Maine anglers. Multiple access points spread pressure.

Depths vary from shallow bays to 85-foot holes. This variety allows targeting different species based on preferences. Perch fishing is especially good and great for families.

China Lake freezes reliably each winter. The fishery is actively managed with stocking programs maintaining populations.

Other Productive Waters

Thompson Lake in Oxford County produces trophy salmon. Cobbosseecontee Lake near Augusta has excellent variety. Long Lake in Naples sees heavy pressure but still produces. Belgrade Lakes offer multiple options in close proximity. Grand Lake Stream is legendary but requires commitment to reach.

Target Species

Lake Trout (Togue)

Maine’s native char, locally called togue, live in deep, cold lakes. They’re the primary target for many ice anglers.

Lake trout sit deep, often 30-60 feet down. Use jigging rods with heavy line to reach bottom. Live smelt are the traditional bait. Artificial lures work too - white tube jigs and spoons produce.

Togue fight hard and grow large. Fish over 20 pounds exist in top lakes, though 2-8 pounds is typical. The flesh is oily and excellent smoked.

Landlocked Salmon

Maine’s landlocked salmon are prized for their fight and table quality. These silvery fish cruise mid-depths hunting smelt.

Target 15-30 feet of water over deeper holes. Salmon move throughout the day chasing baitfish. Smelt, shiners, or artificial lures all work.

Three to five pounds is average, with larger fish possible. Salmon fight harder than lake trout, often making runs that test your line.

Brook Trout

Native brookies live in many Maine lakes. They’re beautiful fish with excellent flavor. Most run small, 8-12 inches, but some waters produce larger specimens.

Brook trout often sit shallower than salmon or lakers. Target 10-25 feet. Small jigs tipped with worms or salmon eggs work well.

These are not difficult to catch but fun to pursue. Kids especially enjoy the action brook trout provide.

White Perch

Abundant in many Maine lakes, white perch provide fast action. They school heavily under the ice, and when you find them, catching is easy.

Perch frequent various depths. Small jigs with bait catch them readily. They hit aggressively and provide good eating.

These are excellent fish for beginners and families. The action keeps kids engaged, and a mess of perch makes fine eating.

Chain Pickerel

These toothy predators live in warmer, weedy lakes. They’re aggressive and willing to hit large presentations.

Target shallow to mid-depth water near weed edges. Tip-ups with live bait are standard, though jigging large spoons works.

Pickerel fight well but aren’t considered top eating. Catch-and-release is common, though the Y-bone fillets are decent if you’re willing to process them.

Ice Safety

Ice thickness determines safety. Follow these minimums:

• Four inches for foot travel
• Five inches for snowmobiles and ATVs
• Eight to twelve inches for cars and light trucks

These are minimums for clear, solid ice. White or slushy ice is weaker. Spring ice deteriorates from bottom up and can be unsafe even when thick.

Check ice thickness regularly as you move. Carry ice picks on a cord around your neck. Wear a flotation suit in early or late season.

Avoid ice near river inlets and outlets. Current weakens ice. Dark spots indicate thin areas. Early season, stay near shore until ice thickens.

Springs and moving water create weak spots. Ask locals about dangerous areas. Don’t assume ice is uniform thickness across a lake.

If you break through, don’t panic. Use ice picks to pull yourself onto solid ice. Roll away from the hole to distribute weight. Get to shore and warm up immediately.

Never fish alone in questionable conditions. Tell someone your plans. Carry a cell phone in a waterproof bag, though service is limited on many remote lakes.

Essential Gear

Ice Auger

Hand augers work for a few holes in thin ice. Six-inch diameter is standard. Eight-inch holes accommodate larger fish better.

Gas augers drill holes quickly in thick ice. Four-stroke models are quieter and cleaner than two-stroke. Expect to pay several hundred dollars.

Electric augers have improved significantly. Lithium batteries provide power for dozens of holes. No fumes, less weight, quieter operation. Price is comparable to gas models.

Sharp blades are critical. Dull augers make drilling torture. Replace or sharpen blades yearly.

Ice Skimmer

A long-handled skimmer clears ice and slush from your hole. Essential piece of equipment that costs a few dollars.

Fishing Equipment

Ice fishing rods are short, 24-36 inches. Small spinning reels or inline reels work. Light line, 4-6 pound test for panfish, up to 20-pound for lake trout.

Tip-ups are spring-loaded flag devices for passive fishing. Set them with live bait and wait for flags to signal strikes.

Jigs, spoons, and ice flies are standard lures. Swedish Pimples, Kastmasters, and small tube jigs all produce. Tip jigs with bait for better results.

Live bait includes shiners, smelt, sucker meat, worms, and salmon eggs. Bait shops near popular lakes stock what’s working.

Shelter

A bucket is the minimalist option. Sit on it, store gear in it. This works for day trips in moderate weather.

Portable ice shanties provide wind protection and retain heat. Flip-over sleds transport gear and convert to shelters. Hub-style shelters offer more room.

Permanent bobhouses are wheeled or sledded onto ice and left for the season. These range from plywood boxes to elaborate shacks with bunks, stoves, and TVs.

Other Items

Ice cleats prevent falls. A sled hauls gear across ice. Warm, waterproof boots are essential. Layered clothing allows adjusting to activity and weather.

Bring hand warmers, extra gloves, and face protection for windy days. A thermos of hot coffee or cocoa is traditional.

Headlamps for early morning and evening fishing. A bucket of sand gives traction around your holes. Some anglers bring portable fish finders.

Heated Bobhouses and Rentals

Many lakes have rental bobhouses. These heated shacks come with pre-drilled holes, some gear, and protection from weather.

Sebago Lake, Moosehead, the Rangeleys, and Belgrade Lakes all have rental operations. Prices range from $50-150 per day depending on amenities.

Basic bobhouses provide heat and seating. Deluxe models include bunks, cooking facilities, and bathrooms. Some sleep 6-8 people for overnight trips.

Reserve ahead for weekends and holidays. Rental operators provide bait, local knowledge, and safety information. This is an excellent way to experience ice fishing without equipment investment.

Many rentals are accessible by vehicle. Operators plow roads across the ice and position houses in productive areas.

Tournaments and Derbies

Ice fishing derbies happen throughout winter. These tagged-fish tournaments offer prizes for catching marked fish.

The Sebago Lake Rotary Ice Fishing Derby in February is one of Maine’s largest. Thousands of participants vie for prizes including trucks and cash.

Moosehead Lake, China Lake, and many other waters host derbies. Entry fees fund prizes and often support conservation or charitable causes.

Derbies create festival atmospheres with crowds, vendors, and social scenes. Fishing can be secondary to the party for some participants.

Tagged fish are released annually. Special prizes go to specific tags. You also typically win for largest fish in various categories.

Regulations

Maine requires fishing licenses. Resident and non-resident licenses available online or at many stores. Five-day tourist licenses are affordable options.

Keep regulations handy. Limits, size restrictions, and special rules vary by water. Some lakes are catch-and-release for certain species.

Open water and ice fishing seasons differ. Ice fishing typically opens January 1 statewide, but check specific waters.

Live bait rules restrict certain species and locations. You cannot transport live fish between waters. Check baitfish regulations.

Five lines maximum per angler. This allows multiple tip-ups plus a jigging rod.

Cleaning and Eating Your Catch

Keep fish cold on ice or snow. Clean them soon after returning home. Freeze fish in water-filled containers or vacuum seal bags.

Lake trout and salmon are oily fish excellent for smoking or grilling. Brook trout and perch are delicate white flesh perfect pan-fried.

Remove Y-bones from pickerel before cooking. Score the fillets to cut through small bones.

Ice-caught fish often taste better than summer fish. The cold water and clean diet produce excellent table quality.

Getting Started

Beginners should start with white perch or brook trout fishing. These species are abundant and relatively easy to catch. Success builds confidence.

Fish with experienced anglers if possible. Ice fishing has a learning curve, and veterans willingly share knowledge.

Rent a bobhouse for your first trips. This eliminates gear investment and provides comfort while learning.

Start with simple gear. A basic jigging rod, some lures, and live bait will catch fish. Add equipment as you determine preferences.

Focus on safety above all else. Don’t take chances with ice thickness. Dress warmer than you think necessary.

Many tackle shops near good ice fishing lakes offer guided trips. A day with a guide teaches techniques and locations worth the cost.

The Culture

Ice fishing is social. Shanty villages develop on popular lakes. Neighbors share information, coffee, and stories.

Some anglers take ice fishing seriously, seeking trophy fish and perfecting techniques. Others view it as excuse to drink beer in a shanty with friends.

Families introduce kids to ice fishing. The action keeps children engaged, and the experience creates memories.

Early morning sees serious anglers drilling holes in the dark. Midday brings the social crowd. Late afternoon sees diehards staying until last light.

Overnight trips in bobhouses are Maine winter traditions. Friends gather to fish, eat, and occasionally catch fish. The warm shanty feels cozy while wind howls outside.

Beyond the Fish

Ice fishing puts you on the winter landscape. The quiet of a frozen lake, mountain views, wildlife tracks in snow - these are as valuable as the fishing.

Eagles, otters, coyotes, and other wildlife appear on frozen lakes. The wildlife viewing alone justifies the cold.

Sunrises and sunsets over ice create memorable scenes. Photography opportunities abound for those who bring cameras.

The satisfaction of catching fish through ice in winter connects you to traditional Maine culture. This is how people survived winters, harvesting fish when farming was impossible.

Whether you’re jigging for perch with kids, targeting trophy lakers in a heated bobhouse, or walking out at dawn with minimal gear seeking salmon, ice fishing offers winter adventure. The fish are a bonus - the experience is the real catch.

When lakes freeze and shanties appear, Maine’s ice fishing season opens opportunities for winter outdoor recreation. Bundle up, drill some holes, and discover why ice fishing remains a cherished winter tradition.