A man fishing in a lake surrounded by green trees, with blue mountains and a partly cloudy sky in the background, and colorful wildflowers in the foreground.

Fishing the Belgrade Lakes

Warm water angling at its best

The Belgrade Lakes Region in Maine is a warm water angler’s paradise, home to trophy-size bass, plentiful pike, and scenic waterways.

Why Fishing Here Is So Special

The Belgrade Lakes chain featuring Great Pond, Long Pond, North Pond, East Pond, Salmon Lake, and Messalonskee Lake offers diverse habitats for warm-water species. Weed beds, rocky points, and deep channels provide ideal conditions for bass, pike, perch, and sunfish. The chain’s interconnected waterways allow for multi-lake fishing days, while the scenic backdrop of Maine’s rolling hills and small-town charm make each outing memorable. Find a local Maine guide who can make your fishing experience memorable.

Local Tips

  • Early mornings and late evenings are prime times for topwater bass action.

  • Weed edges and submerged rock piles hold the biggest fish so use weedless rigs to avoid snags.

  • Northern pike are most active in spring and fall; try large spinnerbaits and spoons.

  • Many access points have boat launches. Great Pond and Messalonskee are popular starting spots

Best Times to Fish

  • Spring (May–June): Excellent for both bass and pike as they move into shallows to spawn.

  • Summer (July–August): Early mornings and evenings offer the best bite; midday is perfect for family fun on the water.

  • Fall (September–October): Cooling water triggers feeding frenzies, making it one of the most productive times for big fish

A person fishing on a boat during sunset on a calm lake.

Where to Stay

Where to Eat

  • Day’s Store – Grab-and-go sandwiches, snacks, and fishing supplies.

  • Sunset Grille – Lakeside dining with casual fare and live music.